April 2020

It’s not always easy to find the right gift for our friends or loved ones, especially eco-friendly ones.
However, there are plenty of options and even DIY ideas for sustainable gifts.
In this manual entry, we introduce you to the basics.

PRE-CONSIDERATIONS

As a starting point, consider what the person really needs or wishes for; a more personalised gift is likelier to be used to its fullest rather than wasted. Whatever you end up giving, keep the receipt in case the receiver does want to return it.

It also helps to look at second-hand products as your first stop, as this not only avoids buying brand new and avoiding waste, but is also an opportunity to find a unique present. Try flea markets, charity shops or swapping events, or shop around the multitude of online second-hand platforms, like eBay (market place).

Otherwise, simply browse the web for sustainable sellers. Sites like Smallable, Cycle of Good, Green Giving, eTHikel, The Clean Beauty Edit, The Organic Company and Kauzana all sell their various sustainable products as the perfect gifts. Etsy is also worth looking at, for its broad choice of sustainable and often hand-made gift options.

In any case, avoid big, mass-producing retail chains!

WHAT TO GIFT?

Cosmetic → or Personal Hygiene Products →, like hand-made soaps, bamboo grooming gear, or natural toiletries.
Fashion → and accessories, whether a one-of-a-kind vintage coat, a timelessly stunning old necklace, or even bracelets made out of plastic pulled out of the ocean.
Try gifts like potted plants, plastic-free toys or ornaments for the home and family. Things like bee hotels and birdhouses are great for gardeners and the creatures that dwell amongst their plants!
When gifting food, remember to opt for Organic →, fair-trade certified produce for things like chocolate, tea and Coffee →, baked goods, etc., or look for regional wines or spirits.
If the person you’d like to give something to wants to make environmentally friendly changes themselves, they might appreciate reusable kitchen products, like metal straws, coffee filters and refillable bottles.

DIY GIFTS

Crafting your own gifts lets you make fully sustainable choices of what goes into them; plus, it makes for a truly personal present. Browse sites like Pinterest for ideas, and see if you can reuse materials you already have at home.

Our DIY Cosmetics → entry can get you started on making your own from scratch.
Make some fashion or home items if you’re handy at knitting and sewing.
For food, try gifting some tasty homemade chutneys, preserves, or baked goodies. Or, if you’re giving to people that like to cook, they might appreciate a box of regional produce.
Blogs like Live Simply, Collective Gen, Wellness Mama and Mommypotamus share creative DIY gift ideas that can inspire you.

GIFT TIME INSTEAD OF ITEMS

Alternatively, you could avoid material things entirely and spend some quality time with your donee doing something memorable together; there are lots of possibilities:

An adventurous excursion, a nature getaway or a good hike.
A concert, theatre trip or cultural day out.
A hands-on workshop, food experience or spa treatment.
Or, stay at home and cook something special, organise a party or a games night, or offer your skill and experience to help with something particular.

GIFT DONATIONS & SPONSORSHIPS

Another excellent idea would be to donate in the receiver’s name. For instance, if they’re a fan of gardening, why not donate to a charity that supports biodiversity, bee protection or bird life?
A specific sponsorship, like adopting an animal or planting several trees, could make for a great present. Have a look at Charity Navigator to find an organisation.

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GIFT WRAPPING & TAPE

Unwrapping gifts is a fun way to build suspense and surprise for the receiver, but we often forget the wastefulness behind wrapping and packaging, as they’re only used once. There are many ways to avoid such wastefulness whilst still wrapping your present.

Wrap the gift in another gift: something that is always needed, like a dishcloth, towel, apron, socks, fabric bag or scarf.
You can reuse the paper by carefully opening any wrapped gifts you receive.
Upcycle materials you already have at home or buy second-hand. For example, magazine/newspaper pages, old maps or sheet music, wallpaper, old table cloths or fabric remnants.
Opt for recycled paper when buying a roll.

Use tape made from recycled materials, ribbons or string, DIY organic homemade glue, or even folding techniques that don’t require adhesive, like the Japanese ‘Furoshiki’ method.

RECEIVING GIFTS

There are many pleasant feelings attached to receiving a present, but what do you do with the packaging, or if you feel the actual gift is something you won’t need or enjoy? There are ways to be environmentally friendly in the choices that follow these questions.

As mentioned, always unwrap gifts carefully so the wrapping paper may be reused. But if it must be discarded, make sure it’s thrown into the correct waste, according to your country/area’s disposal protocols.

Unwanted gifts should be returned, resold, regifted, shared or donated.