The ultimate sustainable holiday gift guide
The holiday season is all about spending time with loved ones, celebrating, and gift-giving. Although this time of the year is filled with festive spirit, it’s also marked by excess production of wasteful goods – not a good thing for our planet. If you’re interested in contributing to a healthier, greener planet, then green gift-giving is the way to go. In this ultimate sustainable holiday gift guide, we’ll explore some eco-friendly and thoughtful gifts for everyone on your list.
The homemade gift
Get creative and make your own gifts! By putting time and effort into creating something unique, you add a personal touch that goes a long way. And if you feel like you’re not skilled enough, YouTube is the place to learn any skill through endless tutorials. Some ideas are a knitted scarf, an abstract painting, or airdry clay home décor items.
The artisanal gift
If DIY-ing is not your forte, don’t worry! Wherever you are, there are plenty of creatives making treasures by hand. You’ll find communities of artisans in ceramic workspaces or at craft markets, or do a little Instagram or TikTok search to find them online. Often, they’ll sell their art via Etsy, their own webshop, or Instagram.
The thrifted gift
Who said that second-hand gifts are a no-go? If you’ve got a knack for thrifting or a great eye for detail, you might find unique one-of-a-kind pieces at the thrift shop which you would never find at a regular retail store. Think of vintage candle holders, crystal champagne glasses, leather belts, or unique necklaces – and all of that for great prices! Find some hidden gems at the flea market at Student Experience Amsterdam Zuidas on December 8!
The gift that keeps on giving
One-time use items are so last year. Reusable items are here to stay (literally) and make great sustainable gifts. Gifting reusable items doesn’t only make you more sustainable; it also encourages the person who you’re giving it to to adopt sustainable habits. Win-win. Do they love coffee on the go? Get a reusable coffee cup. Do they write down all their notes and thoughts on paper? Get them a paper-free notebook.
The gift of experience
Instead of buying physical items, consider gifting experiences. When you buy an experience, such as a cooking class or tickets to a concert or museum, you avoid buying goods that contribute to material waste. On top of that, you’ll create lasting memories and get to spend quality time with loved ones. :)
The gift of making a difference
Want to make a difference in the world? Look into charities to donate to on behalf of your loved ones. Think about causes they may be interested in; for example, if they love dogs, maybe you could donate to a local shelter. Do some research and donate to charities that are genuine.
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