Much as I enjoy Christmas, I am ever aware that, as well as being a time of good cheer, it is a massive consumer fest. We buy so many gifts! The problem is that the more we buy, the more energy is used to make and transport each item, there is a lot of packaging and wrapping paper, and many of the gifts will get little use and may end up in landfill. So, I thought I would look at some low waste gift ideas.
If you want to reduce the amount of waste you produce over the festive period, changing the types of gifts you give can help you to achieve your goal. Some of these low waste gift ideas have the added benefit of saving you money too. Most of us will appreciate any help we can get when it comes to sticking to our Christmas budgets.
Low waste gifts for Christmas and beyond
Buy second hand
If you read my blog regularly or watch my YouTube channel, you will know that I love buying second hand. I even managed to go a whole year during 2021 where I bought nothing new.
Charity shops are full of lightly used and even new items that will be suitable as gifts. Sometimes they even have unopened gift boxes. Using them allows you to use fewer resources whilst also supporting a good cause.
I found interesting vintage items for gift giving during my second hand year, which made for really unique and unusual presents.
Give a plant
Plants are, literally, a greener gift to give a loved one. You could buy a nice shrub or even a tree for the garden, or – and I am a big fan – purchase some house plants. Many of these help counter indoor air pollution as well as looking beautiful. They will potentially last for years.
Adopt an animal
When someone you know has everything they need, how about adopting an endangered animal on their behalf? Through organisations like WWF, you can support vital work supporting iconic species such as a penguin, an elephant or an orangutang.
The recipient will receive a welcome pack, regular updates and a certificate, as well as a cuddly toy.
Purchase a membership
We have received gift memberships in the past and got a lot of use from them. Memberships for National Trust, English Heritage and the RHS all make lovely presents, as well as supporting the work of each organisation.
You could also pay for a TV subscription service such as Netflix or Now TV.
These are great gifts for those who wouldn’t appreciate more stuff, as well as providing entertainment all year round.
Encourage new skills and hobbies
For those who enjoy learning new skills and crafts, a membership to Skillshare could be an unusual and welcome gift.
Skillshare is an online learning community with thousands of online classes and members across 150 countries, who come together to find inspiration and take the next step in their creative journey. It is a great place to get inspired and learn new things. I am currently learning how to crochet!
You can get a free Skillshare trial using my link here before committing yourself to purchasing a membership.
What low waste gifts have you considered?
June says
For years I have been telling my family not to buy me ‘stuff’. I ask only for consumables. I give them a list of all the make up and skin care I use, or they might get me vouchers (a back massage, hairdresser, nails for a special occasion, a meal out). Apart from these I’m happy with plants, flowers, chocolate .
I don’t exchange gifts with anyone else because we’ve agreed it’s too costly.
In buying gifts I stick to similar consumables unless there’s something I know they specifically want. June
shoestringjane@outlook.com says
That sounds like a sensible arrangement. I too ask for things I need a lot of the time
Sally says
I only buy for my adult children and grandchildren. Adult children get money, wine, chocolates, a bottle of gin or whisky and tin of biscuits.
Grandchildren get toys and chocolate for the younger ones. The eldest gets money and chocolate. I used to buy for 3 sisters, and 14 other cousins, nieces, nephews etc but since retiring I’ve cut back drastically as we can’t afford that any more.
Buying drinks and biscuits chocolate etc ensures it is always welcome and won’t be discarded after Xmas. Money means they can treat themselves to something they want so it works out well.