Sustainable Gift Ideas: The Ultimate Guide

Let’s be honest, gift-giving isn’t as easy or as satisfying as it should be. Gifting a present should feel good as the giver and as the receiver, but too often this is not the case. Not only do we usually spend way too much time and money on buying gifts, but more often than not, these gifts end up getting returned, stuffed in a closet, or end up in a landfill or ocean. When we consider the reality of it all, it’s pretty wasteful in a variety of ways. And this is not sustainable for a green future. But the good thing is, we have the ability to take control and practice better gift buying methods! This article’s intention is to help you buy gifts that will truly be used, appreciated, and make a positive impact.

BEST PRACTICES FOR SUSTAINABLE GIFT BUYING

Let’s begin with a few questions to ask ourselves:

• How certain are you that the recipient of your gift will actually use it? 
• How often do you receive a gift that you truly enjoy? 
• How frustrated or stressed do you feel when trying to buy a gift for someone? 

After doing some research, I was astounded by how much money, time, and materials are wasted on gifts each year. Think about the cheap stocking stuffers and gag gifts that are one-time-use items and then tossed into our landfills. Or items like socks, sweaters, lotions, and perfumes- that you end up piling up in your closet because you have more than you can count. Let’s not forget to mention all of the bags, boxes, wrapping paper, tape, and decor used just to hand over the item. Let’s face it, gifts can create a lot of waste. But it doesn’t have to be this way. There are so many other practical and useful gifts out there to continue this thoughtful tradition. We just have to think creatively and buy with better intention! First, let’s start off with a few rules of thumb, and then we’ll get to a variety of gift ideas.

1. ASK FOR A WISHLIST

Asking someone for a wishlist is probably your best chance at picking out a great gift that will be loved. Having a list in hand will give you a few ideas to run with and save you some time. You’ll purchase more quickly, with intention, and have success. Don’t hesitate to ask for a list! 

2. GIVE EXPERIENCES

Gifting an experience can create memories, provide a new adventure, offer interesting knowledge, and much more. Having an event to look forward to and sharing time with a loved one can create exciting emotions. Continue reading below to learn about a variety of experiences that can be given as gifts.

3. SHOP SUSTAINABLY

There are many aspects to shopping sustainably. A few include choosing a local small business to support, choosing a business that implements eco-conscious methods, purchasing items made from natural materials, buying hand-made artisan goods, and choosing items that are reusable and long-lasting. There are numerous economical and environmental benefits to these practices. We have provided a wide range of sustainable brands and items for you to browse through below.

ECO-FRIENDLY GIFT IDEAS

EXPERIENCES

Gifting an experience can lead to so much excitement and fun! This is my absolute favorite thing to gift and to receive as a gift. There’s so much emotion that ties into experiences, that’s what makes it so rewarding. And for the average person, you can almost guarantee the receiver is going to find pleasure in the experience you give! There is an unlimited amount of experiences to be had, so it works for almost everyone! You just have to slightly know the person and what sort of hobbies or interests they have, and it’s pretty simple from there. Take a look at the categories and lists below. Allow your mind to expand and I am sure you’ll come up with an experience to gift to everyone you know!

Tips on Gifting Experience:

• If the experience is over your budget, make it a group gift! Have several people contribute to the expense so it is more affordable.
• If you aren’t exactly sure what date, time, location, type of class, etc., fits well with the receiver; 1. simply create a fake paper ticket that says what the experience is and for them to choose the details so you can purchase it for them, or 2. offer cash or a check for the amount in which the experience costs. Include a message in the card that explains your intention.
• Consider providing cash or a check for the person to buy their own experience. Avoid gifting Visa gift cards, they are a waste of plastic, they often get lost or stolen, and there is an activation fee that wastes your money! Stick to cash or a check.

GOODS & GEAR

There are two major things I want you to think about before you purchase an item for someone:

1. Are you purchasing from a business that implements ethical and sustainable practices?

• Due to the climate crisis, many fashion brands have committed to changing their impact on the environment by using natural, non-toxic materials and by decreasing their carbon emissions, waste, and water and energy consumption.
• Some companies hold high standards when it comes to policies and practices on child labor, forced labor, worker safety, freedom of association, gender equality, and payment of a living wage.
• Specific businesses that use animal products will keep a close eye on their animal welfare policies and ensure no suffering.
• Good on You is my favorite trusted resource to find ethical and sustainable brands to shop at!
• The Environmental Working Group is another fabulous resource to find non-toxic, high-quality household products like hygiene care, beauty, and packaged foods.
• Unfortunately, most big box stores like Kohl’s, Walmart, Macy’s, and Target do NOT offer many ethical and sustainable brands. Also, inexpensive, trendy stores like Forever21, H&M, Keds, and Gymboree don’t hold high standards either. Even higher-priced stores like Lucky Brand, Eddie Bauer, and Jones New York aren’t doing good enough. I highly encourage you to do a little research on your own to understand the importance of only supporting businesses that are contributing to our sustainable and clean future. Choose the brands that are putting in more effort and care!
• Here’s a list of some of my favorite sustainable brands to support and shop with:
  • Buy Me Once, Earth Hero, and Done Good are all third-party companies that sell a variety of apparel and goods offering only ethical and sustainable brands! These online stores will make searching and shopping for eco products even easier!
  • Reformation
  • Pact
  • Tentree
  • Happy Earth Apparel
  • Nu-in
  • Worn Wear: Patagonia
  • Patagonia
  • Allbirds

2. Is the item reusable, a necessity, and/or does it aid in an experience?

• By choosing a high-quality item means it has a better chance of lasting a long time. This not only saves money but it also reduces materials that are used and wasted!
• Consider buying an item that will encourage the receiver to have an experience. For example, if you purchase a tent and sleeping bag, this will motivate your receiver to plan a camping trip. Or if you gift them a kayak or golf clubs, they will probably go more often knowing they don’t have to spend money on renting!
• We’ve grown into a consumerist society that over purchases. This has caused so many negative effects. If your receiver doesn’t “need” the good, maybe you can consider giving them something else, like an experience instead! Let’s stop adding to the wasteful slipper, scarf, and jacket collections!!! How many of these do we actually “need”?!
• Avoid cheaply made items like dollar store goods, Amazon trinkets, unreliable electronics, and make-up or nail polish sets. Don’t purchase inexpensive, chemical-filled candles, perfumes, colognes, and plug-ins. You know what I’m talking about- all of these cheap gift-sets that cover the shelves at every department store and amazon page during the holiday season. Come on ya’ll, let’s make earth-friendly purchases instead! If you’re going to buy, invest in long-term quality!!

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ADDITIONAL TIPS

I hope by now you have some ideas brewing for your next gift purchase!

As you prepare for Christmas, birthdays, or other gift-giving celebrations, consider what type of gift wrapping and packaging you will use!

• Use a reusable shopping bag to gift with instead of a typical gift bag
• Save old wrapping paper, gift bags, shipping boxes, and paper bags to reuse on gifts you need to wrap
• Use any fabric or lace that you might have lying around to create your own bows or decor
• Choose bamboo paper over plastic
• Consider browsing your local thrift store for unused cards, gift bags, and other decor

As the media continues to grow, we are being influenced and persuaded to buy, buy, buy. Unfortunately, this materialistic and consumerist society is causing much harm to the earth, affecting our health and safety. It’s time to start thinking more about the consequences we will be facing if we don’t start living with better intentions.

If we go into gift buying with this new eco-friendly perspective, I believe we can all benefit more! We can provide real quality within our gifts- whether that’s creating a new experience to be had or providing a useful good to be used in everyday life. This will help you as the gift buyer feel more confident in handing over your gift, knowing it will be used and truly loved!

Do you know anyone who struggles with gift buying? Consider sharing this article with them!

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