Holidays are all about giving. Let's face it; this often means waste, particularly from wrapping paper to be used for just a few minutes to plastic-wrapped gifts ending up in the landfill. This is when one might feel like one isn't doing much for the earth. But this holiday season, why not flip the script and choose sustainable gifts? It's a good way to express your love to your friends and family—and for the environment.
Let's talk about some of the simple, eco-friendly gift ideas that will make your holiday season feel extra special, starting with something everyone needs and will totally love!
Let's talk about some of the simple, eco-friendly gift ideas that will make your holiday season feel extra special, starting with something everyone needs and will totally love!
1. Homemade Christmas Treats
Homemade gifts always have that extra personal touch, and they're a good way to avoid waste; besides, making them is super fun. You can bake a batch of cookies, prepare a jar of homemade hot cocoa mix, or even try your hand at making jam or pickles. Packaging doesn't have to be wasteful either—you can use reusable fabric, mason jars, or cute tin cans. Not only are you making something out of love for the person, but you will also be reducing packaging waste.
Homemade treat ideas:
Baked Goods: Everyone loves a homemade cookie, muffin, or batch of bread. Package up such baked goods in reusable containers, and you have something thoughtful, yet ecofriendly as your gift.
Hot Cocoa mix : This is another homemade hot cocoa mix, made by layering cocoa powder, marshmallows, and spices in a mason jar. It is a cute gift perfect for the winters.
DIY jams and preserves: Make a few jars of homemade jam, chutney, or pickles. Your friends and family will appreciate the personal touch—and it's a great way to use up seasonal fruit.
Granola or trail mix: These make for great snack gifts, especially if you’re trying to keep things simple and healthy.
Need more ideas? Here's a bunch of DIY holiday recipes from Food Network featuring their Festive Treats With 5 Ingredients or Less
2. Experience Gifts
Why give something that's going to sit on a shelf when you can give an experience they'll remember forever? Whether it is concert tickets or a cooking class, experience gifts are memorable, waste-free, and so much fun.
Something for Everyone: Whether it's a show, adventure, or spa day, there's an experience for everyone on your list.
Some idea sources for experience gifts:
Classes: Pottery or painting class perhaps? Such classes let your loved one try something new and be creative.
Concert or theater tickets: If he loves music, get him tickets for a favorite band or play that he has been itching to watch.
Escape rooms or adventure parks: These are great for friends or family members who enjoy a challenge. Book a fun activity like an escape room or spend the day at a local adventure park.
Spa day: A gift certificate to a local spa or wellness center could be the best way to help someone unplug and relax. Consider a massage, facial, or yoga class!
Cooking classes or wine tastings: Give a foodie experience by offering a cooking or baking class, or a wine-tasting adventure for your wine-loving family and friends.
Forbes listed The Best Experiential Travel And Culture Gifts this holiday season.
3. Handmade DIY Gifts and Reusable and Eco-Friendly Household Items
If you're crafty (or want to be!), DIY gifts are a fun way to add a personal touch and be eco-conscious. Use upcycled materials, natural ingredients, or things you already have at home.
Why they're great:
Reuse & Recycle: Decrease demand by reusing items that would otherwise end up in the trash.
Personal & Thoughtful: Handmade gifts show time and effort.
Homemade gift ideas
Beeswax Candles: Infuse scents and molds to create a nontoxic gift
Infused Oils or Bath Salts: Make your own spa-quality products using lavender, rosemary, or eucalyptus.
Herbal Sachets or Dried Flower Arrangements: Utilize herbs in your garden to make fragrant gifts.
Homemade Spice Blends: Great for the foodie in your life, create a custom spice blend for holiday cooking.
Practical gift, right? Think outside the box and get items that cut waste in daily life, such as reusable shopping bags or bamboo utensils.
For more suggestions, MotherEarthNews compiled the "15 Homemade Holiday Gift Ideas"
4. Thoughtful and Zero-Waste Items
Infused Oils or Bath Salts: Make your own spa-quality products using lavender, rosemary, or eucalyptus.
Herbal Sachets or Dried Flower Arrangements: Utilize herbs in your garden to make fragrant gifts.
Homemade Spice Blends: Great for the foodie in your life, create a custom spice blend for holiday cooking.
Practical gift, right? Think outside the box and get items that cut waste in daily life, such as reusable shopping bags or bamboo utensils.
For more suggestions, MotherEarthNews compiled the "15 Homemade Holiday Gift Ideas"
4. Thoughtful and Zero-Waste Items
Searching for gifts that are both eco-friendly and practical? Introducing zero-waste gifts—gifts that reduce waste, help support a greener lifestyle, and are perfect for those who care about making a difference on the planet.
One zero-waste gift that is at the same time practical and stylish? Shampoo and conditioner bars!
Here's why they're great:
Plastic-Free: Help your friends kick the plastic bottle habit and make a real difference in reducing waste.
Travel-Friendly: Compact, spill-proof, and mess-free—these bars are a must-have for anyone always on the go.
Long-Lasting: One bar lasts way longer than traditional shampoo bottles, meaning less waste and more bang for your buck.
Whether you need a fun stocking stuffer or a thoughtful Secret Santa gift, /liv/ Nature's shampoo and conditioner bars are a practical, waste-free option that’s sure to be appreciated—and used! They might not be flashy, but they’re definitely gifts that will leave a lasting impact!
Our TOP PICK for shampoo bar is the Moisture & Volume Orange Ylang Ylang Scented with Essential Oils
Why Sustainable Gifting Matters
Sustainable gifts are all about making a positive impact—not just on your loved ones, but on the planet, too. You care about the environment when you choose things like shampoo bars; this inspires others to do the same. When you choose eco-friendly gifts, you are helping reduce waste in a way that feels good.
Ready to Gift Sustainably?
Ready to Gift Sustainably?
This holiday season, keep it stylish, practical, and waste-free with shampoo and conditioner bars from /liv/ Nature. It comes in a reusable tin and is the perfect thoughtful gift that's actually good for the planet.
Start a new tradition this year. Every small, sustainable choice adds a little more magic to the holidays—and helps take care of Mother Earth.
Happy Holidays from /liv/ Nature!
