Sustainable Gift Guide
The holidays are a magical time of year, filled with joy, togetherness, and celebration. However, they can also be one of the most wasteful seasons. From overconsumption to excessive waste, the environmental toll of the holidays is enormous. But it doesn’t have to be that way!
This holiday season, let’s focus on connection over consumption. Gifts don’t have to strain your budget, the planet, or harm animals. By shifting our focus to meaningful connections—with loved ones, mother nature, and ourselves—we can make this time of year truly special. Here are some of my favorite ways to gift consciously and celebrate sustainably:
Give Experiences Over Physical Goods
Some of the most memorable gifts aren’t tangible items - they’re experiences. Consider gifting a relaxing spa day, tickets to a concert/play/event they’d love, or a donation to a cause they’re passionate about. You could also empower a loved one by gifting classes or workshops that help them develop their passions—cooking, photography, pottery, or yoga, for instance. These not only support local communities but also encourage growth and creativity. If you want to go the extra mile, offer your time or skills: babysit for a stressed parent, help a friend with a home project, or volunteer together for a cause you both care about.
Choose Thoughtful, Purposeful Gifts
Avoid waste by choosing gifts that your loved ones will genuinely want and use. Thoughtful gifting shows you care and ensures that your present won’t end up in a landfill. A great rule of thumb: if you’re unsure, ask for a wishlist!
Opt for Handmade Treasures
There’s something extra special about a gift made by hand. Put your creativity to work with a cozy knit scarf or hat, a hand-poured candle with their favorite scents, jewelry or ornaments crafted with love, or personalized photo album filled with shared memories. Handmade gifts not only feel personal but also show the recipient you’ve invested time and effort into something unique.
Shop Secondhand
Secondhand gifts can be thoughtful, affordable, and sustainable. Browse your local thrift stores, vintage shops, or online platforms for items with character and history. From vintage books and clothing to unique home décor, secondhand finds often carry a story that makes them even more special.
Bring Life with Plants
A potted plant is a gift that keeps on giving. Whether it’s a vibrant flower, a lush houseplant, or a practical herb like basil or mint, plants bring life and beauty into any space.
Regift with Intention
There’s no shame in regifting or passing along something you already own. It could be a book you’ve read that a friend would enjoy, a piece of art that reminds you of someone special, or a gift you received that you know someone else would treasure. When done thoughtfully, regifting is a sustainable and heartfelt way to share joy.
If none of these ideas feel quite right, consider shopping small and sustainably. Supporting local artisans and eco-conscious brands ensures your gift has a positive impact. Below, I’ve linked some gift ideas from some of my favorite sustainable brands for inspiration.
Hand-poured from 100% pure beeswax sourced from small, bee-centric beekeepers.
Hand cast re-purposed military grade aluminum, including Vietnam War era bombs, plane parts, military hardware and other aluminum scrap.
Each piece gives back to support traditional Laotian artisan livelihoods, village development, community endeavors and further de-mining efforts.
Ethically sourced, natural, organic, and plant based ingredients.
Flat-woven 100% Turkish cotton, hand-loomed by local artisans in Turkey.
Made with deadstock fabric.
Hand-crafted in the hills of Italy using leftover luxury Italian leathers.
100% recycled cotton.
14kt gold plated.
Limited run batches and handcrafted under ethical conditions.