A Guide to Sustainable Gift Giving

When it comes to the holidays or other celebrations, it is often typical to give or exchange gifts. For the eco-conscious gift giver or gift receiver, it can be challenging to find the right gift that is something sustainable.

1.     Give activities or experiences. In my family a favourite gift that never gets old is concert tickets. Yes, my favourite concert partner is my dad, who has been taking me to concerts since I was 14, and now we still buy each other concert tickets and go together. Obviously, this isn’t possible this year, but there are still some experiences you can give, such as movie rental vouchers, subscriptions to online content, and online course or a gift cards to a restaurant or a spa treatment.

2.     Gift consumables. Instead of gifting stuff that is going to take up space forever in someone’s home, I like to give consumable items, such as edible gift baskets with jams, crackers and other treats. Other great consumables include bottles of wine, or some fancy beer, or nice eco-friendly bath products. This way the gifts doesn’t create clutter and can be enjoyed without creating any trash.

3.     Buy second hand. There is nothing bad with buying a used gift, and I will even go as far as to say regifting. However, you have to ensure that the item will be loved and used by the recipient because you often can’t exchange or return second hand items. This year I went thrifting with my mom and found her a beautiful second hand winter coat which I bought her for her birthday.

4.     Purchase sustainably and ethically made items. These are often great gift options for someone who is starting out their low waste journey. Gifting a nice reusable mug, a basket for the market, produce bags, or reusable containers. Supporting local small scale merchants is also a great way to support sustainable businesses.

5.     Lastly, but in my opinion most importantly, buy something they need! There is no point in buying sustainably made goods or consumables if they don’t end up being used. Ask people what they want. Don’t be afraid to create a wish list of a gift registry if you want to ensure you are receiving items you need and will use!