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From more eco-friendly stocking stuffers to conscious gift exchange goodies, read on to discover our favourite more sustainable Christmas gifts and holiday presents.
Our favourite lower-impact gift ideas for the holiday season
*in Bing Crosby’s voice* It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. It’s time to start writing your letter to Santa and going on a hunt for the perfect gifts for your loved ones. And even if you don’t celebrate Christmas, as the year winds down, it’s the perfect time to treat yourself or your those closest to you to something special.
This year, like every year, we want to encourage you to find gifts that don’t cost the Earth. Supporting more sustainable brands has never been more important, and it has also never been easier.
Workshops, classes, experiences, and support
Experiences are a great alternative to tangible objects, proven to strengthen relationships and make people happier. We especially love if these activities are promoting a shift to conscious consumerism or are supporting more sustainable options. “Experience” gifts are an increasingly popular option and a fun and creative way for friends and family to learn a new skill and bond. Not sure where to start? Why not buy a gift box which allows an individual to select one of the many experiences available?
Also have a look at creative classes and workshops such as pottery, cooking displays, fermentation classes, woodwork, jewellery making, and much more.
Pampering is another experience that is always well received and something that a lot of people never buy for themselves. Massages, bathhouses, saunas, or even an hour in a float tank can be great, innovative gifts.
You could also give someone your time and spend it in a place they love, or a handwritten voucher for something they would appreciate. Think about giving the gift of support and encouragement of someone’s passion.
For the plant-lover in your life
Did you know interacting with plants can make people happier, healthier, brighter, and calmer? This year, offer your loved ones a potted herb garden or a bright orchid that will give ongoing joy and beauty. And it will negate all those greenhouse gasses produced by some of the gifts you could’ve bought. This windowsill microgreens grow kit from eco-lifestyle retailer Flora & Fauna is a fantastic option.
Give your time
Consider giving the gift of a donation to a charitable cause, or even participating in one yourselves as an outing. There are countless charities that offer this and need some love, from farmed animal sanctuaries to domestic pet shelters to endangered species organisations.
Make your own gifts
Handmade gifts are so meaningful—there’s nothing quite like them. Creating a gift for someone means making something special, unique, and putting a piece of yourself into the gift. It could be something like an artwork, a poem, a story, a song, a knitted sweater, some DIY bath salts, candles, or even cute Christmas cookies.
Check out our favourite DIYs for some inspiration.
Give second hand items a new home
Second hand gifts should be normalised. Giving second hand items a new home by gifting them to a loved one will not only help reduce waste, but it’ll also be unique and more affordable. So this year, instead of buying new, we challenge you to go out to your local second hand shop or browse second hand platforms online to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. You never know what amazing treasures you might find.
Gifts from small and independent “Good ” and “Great” brands
If you prefer to give a more traditional and tangible gift (and know the person receiving would love that, too), then why not order them one of these lower-impact holiday gifts from “Good” and “Great” brands?
