What are the Best Sustainable Gifting Ideas?
We’re approaching the end of 2020 a.k.a the season of festivities. And while the grand celebrations might take a back seat this year (read COVID-19), our spirits mustn’t.
A major chunk of the excitement during festivals stems from the give and take of gifts. But what can you do when gift-giving is not coherent with your sustainable lifestyle? Or when you can’t stomach the idea of the consumption hype that festivals come with?
Fortunately, gift-giving doesn’t have to cost the earth. Today, there is an array of fun sustainable gifts that you can choose from. In this article, we have shared some of the best ones!
What Makes a Gift Sustainable?
Sustainable gifts enable the giver as well as the receiver to reduce their carbon footprint. While the term is pretty broad, it generally includes gifts that fall under one or more of the following categories:
- Products made from locally sourced and/or organic raw materials.
- Products that are recyclable or compostable.
- Products that are repurposed or upcycled.
- Products that are made using sustainable processes (for instance, with the use of renewable sources of energy like solar power.)
- Products that support rural livelihoods and small eco-entrepreneurs.
- Products that are free from single-use plastic packaging.
- Products that are cruelty-free; that don’t harm animals while being produced.
What are the Best Sustainable Gifting Ideas?
The following ideas for sustainable gifting cater to different budgets, interests, and age groups. You can pick what works best for you!
Organic chutneys, jams, and teas
This is a great gifting option for foodies. There are a number of cooks that prep up delicious jams, chutneys, and more within their homes. Many of them are not only free from preservatives but are also made from ethically-sourced ingredients. You can also purchase tea or coffee from websites that empower indigenous farmers , women and/or are locally produced by communities.
Gifting Experiences
By gifting experiences and not things, once can open up to a new skill or arouse an interest too. Some ideas like yoga classes, dance or baking lessons, a cycling trip ,a heritage walk in your town , an immersive local travel experience or even a podcast subscription will indeed be remembered and cherished for many months to come.
Body Care Products
Body care products are something everybody uses. This is especially true in the case of products such as soaps, shampoos, toothbrushes and toothpastes. Low waste body care products are produced using natural, chemical-free ingredients and are mostly vegan too. Besides, a lot of them are packaged using recyclable materials such as paper or in glass.
Stationery or Grow Kits
Just like body care, stationery is an evergreen gifting item. Pencils made from newspaper, notebooks made using recycled paper, and pens made from bamboo are some great options. Plantable stationery products are also a great pick! They have seeds embedded in them and can be planted into the soil after use.
Handmade Upcycled Goodies!
Handmade presents are often cherished and valued more than any other gift. This is because they’re personalised, creative, unique, upcycled and made with love. Moreover, most handmade goodies do not involve manufacturing processes that are detrimental to the environment. And if you’re creative, you can make your own gifts as well that are low waste and low on plastic too!
Plants
The gift-buying process can get extremely stressful when you don’t know what to buy. In this case, you can play it safe by gifting loved ones plants. Not only will this beautify their home, but it will also help them breathe better! Not to forget, gardening is extremely therapeutic and will improve their mental well-being.
Buy Second-hand!
Lastly, you can purchase second-hand presents off the internet or from thrift shops. These can range from clothes to shoes to bags to books to little vintage knick-knacks.
Receiving a second-hand present can seem underwhelming at first. However, it is one of the most practical and effective ways to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Communicating this message can help erase the stigma around second-hand items, and make the gift all the more meaningful!
Our planet would be much happier if everybody bought gifts that help the environment. Moreover, sustainable gifting is a great way to steer friends and family towards adopting an eco-conscious lifestyle.
Key Takeaway: Gift-giving exacerbates consumerism, and often produces a lot of waste! This has serious repercussions for the environment. However, gifting doesn’t have to cost the earth. Today, there is no dearth of eco-friendly gift options. All you’ve got to do is explore and be creative! Be wary of how you pack your gift too…no non recyclable glossy papers and plastic tapes of course!
