Sustainable Gift Ideas

As the pressure to find the perfect gift mounts during holidays or birthdays, I invite you to explore practical, sustainable gifts. While traditional presents might seem more appealing, choosing practical, sustainable gifts not only alleviates this pressure but also takes strides in reshaping deep-rooted capitalistic values associated with gift-giving. Swap out the stocking stuffers, this guide delves into eco-friendly gifts that not only reduce waste but also introduce peers to more sustainable options.

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Beeswax Wraps: The Plastic Cling Wrap Alternative

Everyone hates plastic cling wrap – you’re lying if you don’t. Beeswax wraps are an amazing alternative. Reusable wraps soaked in beeswax, provide a natural and sustainable way to preserve food, eliminating the need for single-use plastics.

Reusable Bags: Goodbye Ziploc

A set of reusable bags makes for a practical and sustainable gift. I typically try not to have plastic in my home, especially in food storage (I’ll opt for mason jars as often as I can), but these are still much better than single-use bags.

For snacks on the go or hair ties you can never seem to locate, these items reduce the use of plastic bags and promote a zero-waste lifestyle.

Makeup Remover Pads: Gentle on Skin, Gentle on the Planet

It’s time to ditch the cotton balls and washcloths on your face. Reusable makeup removal pads are much softer and more effective, making these an easy stocking stuffer for the girlies.

Reusable Paper Towels: Sustainable Cleanup Companion

Clean up spills, clean up the planet. And everything in between, I suppose. Reusable paper towels made from absorbent fabric offer a sustainable alternative for cleaning spills and messes. They are machine washable, saving many dreaded trips to the grocery store.

Glass Travel Cups: Sip Sustainably

Second only to the beeswax wraps, these are one of my top favorites. I gifted these to my coworkers for an independent study to determine whether or not having fun cups would inspire us to make coffee at home (spoiler: it did). A lot of coffee shops will discount your coffee if you bring your cup as well!

Aside from waste of single-use cups, studies have shown that chemicals in paper coffee cups break down in your coffee, so these really are a win:win.

Wool Dryer Balls: Dryer Sheets are Lame

Laundry products have an unnecessarily high chemical content. Making the swap from dryer sheets to wool dryer balls was one of the first things I did to cut down on waste, and I recommend them to everyone. Add a couple of drops of essential oil to them every few washes.

Bambooware Glass Containers: Stylish and Sustainable Food Storage

Bamboo-based glass containers are a sustainable alternative to plastic storage containers. They are durable, eco-friendly, and perfect for storing food without harmful chemicals.

Smart Notebooks: Jotting Digitally

Let’s be honest… when was the last time you finished a paper notebook? How many do you have tucked away in your old office? With smart notebooks you can scan notes notes to the cloud, wipe pages, then reuse again and again as opposed to buying more paper notebooks or journals that aren’t needed.

Repurposing

Repurposing items offers a creative way to reduce waste. Perusing Goodwill for unique glassware, and creating homemade candles is a fun, crafty way to repurpose items. Plus, there’s the bonus of having control of what goes into candles, as opposed to the highly toxic candles available at the store. Repurposing gives you a chance to re-imagine items you may already have, or hand down items that have sentimental value to the receiver.

Embracing sustainable living goes beyond a trend; it’s a conscious choice towards a less wasteful future. By opting for practical and eco-friendly gifts, you’re promoting a lifestyle that benefits everyone in the long run. Let your gifts inspire a more sustainable way of living—one thoughtful gesture at a time.