Whether it’s someones birthday, it’s Christmas or it’s another occasion, why not give eco-friendly alternatives to gifts? If you’re planning on having an eco-friendly Christmas this year the gifts you give will be a big part of that. For some people the most environmentally friendly option of ‘buy nothing or only what you need’ is pretty difficult to stick to, especially at Christmas. I would prefer to buy and receive no presents as I don’t need anything and I certainly don’t want things bought for me just so I have something to open. That’s not to say that I don’t like receiving gifts or that I’m not a sucker for sparkly jewellery, it’s just that I’m fed up of owning lots of ‘stuff’ which isn’t useful. I do own some things purely for decorative purposes but I just don’t want any more…
However, I know I can’t force my beliefs on my friends and family, but I can certainly ask them to think more sustainably when giving gifts.
Here’s how to have an eco-friendly Christmas – including wrapping paper, decorations, trees etc.
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Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Gifts, 10 Ideas
1. Buy nothing!
We won’t dwell on this one, suffice to say that not buying any presents is the most eco-friendly, sustainable and money saving option!
2. Regift unwanted things!
I know not everyone will like this idea, but regifting is not actually a bad thing. If you’ve received something in the past that you think would be suited to someone else far more than you why not regift it? Just make sure you don’t give it back to the person who originally gave it to you!
3. Buy experiences not things
Have your kids always wanted to go kayaking or rock climbing? Maybe there’s a West End show your other half has always wanted to see? Instead of buying things, enjoy joint experiences. Not all experiences have to cost money either. Write out promise notes that you’ll go for a day long hike with your loved one if they’ve always want to do that but you’ve kept putting it off.
4. Make each other presents
Are you good at painting, carpentry, sewing? Why not make people gifts instead of buying them. The time you spend creating something personal and unique for someone will be very much appreciated (well by most people anyway!). Try to use materials you already have around the house. It’s a good way to get rid of those bits and pieces of wood or material that you might have been storing for a rainy day.
5. Exchange wish lists
I know I keep going on about buying presents just for the sake of being able to give someone something but exchanging wish lists is actually a really good way to stop this. If your family are not up for the idea of not exchanging gifts then make sure you’re buying things that people actually need (or want). Isn’t that a much better idea? (Just have a rule that all wish list items have to be plastic free and if necessary have a price limit!)
6. Donate money to a good cause instead of buying presents
Why not donate money to a tree planting scheme or rewilding project for that member of the family who cares about these things? Years ago my Mum sponsored a goat for me for my birthday and I loved that.
7. Have a spending limit
If your family is having quite a big gathering at Christmas it could end up being expensive for everyone if you all bought each other presents… There’s always one person that you end up buying something silly for because you really have no clue what else to buy. You could reduce the amount you buy, and spend, by agreeing to take part in ‘Secret Santa’. That way each person only has to buy one present for one other person. Alternatively if you want to get gifts for everyone, make sure there’s a spending limit and only buy one gift for each family member. Reducing consumption is one of the most environmentally friendly things you can do, so if your family wants to exchange gifts this is a good compromise. And with the current cost of living crisis, it’ll save you a lot of money too.
Here are some Christmas gift ideas for under £20.
8. Avoid Plastic Toys
Not much to say on this one – but if you don’t know by now that plastic is bad… If your children are really small then go for classic wooden toys that should last for years. If your children are a little older buy them books, clothes, board games or jigsaw puzzles that aren’t made of plastic. Here are some great books for people wanting to live a more sustainable life and here are some eco-friendly toys and gifts for children.
9. Don’t buy ‘smellies’ that contain palm oil or plastic
The classic present when you have no idea what to buy a woman in your life! ‘Smellies’, or as they’re more commonly known – soaps, bath products, bath gift baskets etc. There are so many plastic free and palm oil free bath products available that this could be the year you convert family members. Buying them a beautiful eco-friendly gift set to start them on their eco-friendly ‘journey’.
There are some really lovely eco-friendly companies selling cruelty free and plastic free gift sets. Check out these fantastic plastic free gift sets; which include beauty products and much more. Alternatively go for some classic Bath and Beauty gift sets from The Body Shop.
10. Buy eco-friendly products / books to encourage a more sustainable lifestyle
There are so many eco-friendly products and books available at the moment. You could buy someone who enjoys cooking a vegan cookbook to encourage them to eat less meat, or buy one of the many books on the market about living a zero waste lifestyle. Alternatively buy them an eco-friendly starter kit or seedballs to grow their own wildflower meadow for the bees.
Eco-Friendly Gifts You Can Buy
I know there are a lot of people that struggle with the idea of not giving or receiving actual gifts. The feeling being that gift giving is traditional at Christmas and on birthdays. If you can’t convince your family to not give presents, check out some of these great eco-friendly gifts.
No matter what type of eco-friendly gift you plan on giving, make sure that everyone is on the same page. There’s nothing worse than buying someone a gift worth £300 but you receive nothing as they chose not to buy gifts this year and didn’t tell you!
Have a wonderful eco-friendly celebration, whatever it might be!
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