Sustainable Holiday Gift Giving

Anyone else wondering how it’s just about November? We are entering the warp-speed descent to Thanksgiving and Christmas, where it seems impossible to find time to breathe at times. Don’t get your tinsel in a tangle just yet; get ahead of the game by jump-starting your holiday gift giving. 

Let’s talk about your plan to give this holiday season. Making a plan helps you be more eco-friendly in your giving! (and save money- win/win yea!)

Make a Plan

I know you are still covered in spiderwebs and already have your eye on your holiday turkey. But getting a jump on your holiday gift giving list gives you time to find thoughtful gifts that are better for the earth. Ensure your spending supports what you care about, like supporting local businesses and brands championing sustainability. 

We’ve all been there. The last-minute mad dash to the store, spending way too much money on junk no one wants or needs just to put more gifts under the tree. GAH.

Start by asking who you need to shop for. Download this free planner I made to help you get organized. The planner allows you to list names and gift ideas, and then check them off when you are done. Use this one to manage your Hanukkah planning.

Consider Gift Alternatives

“Let’s normalize giving fruit trees, sourdough starters, and your favorite recipes written down as gifts. Give something that will continue to give for generations instead of ending up in a landfill.” 

Yes! I saw this quote, and it resonates deep within me. 

The holiday season can become clouded by more, more, and more. And these ‘things’ often don’t mean much and end up wasting away in a landfill somewhere. Setting aside time to be intentional and define how we choose to celebrate and give can do wonders for your mind and soul this season.

And no judgement. We will likely have Paw Patrol and Cars toys wrapped under the tree amongst gifts of intention and sustainability; such is life with children and toddlers. 

Another great thing about planning out holiday gift giving is you can choose the people on your list that might appreciate a gift that can’t be wrapped and put under a tree yet sparks joy for generations. As I make my list, I’m thinking of those who might appreciate a fruit tree, plant, kombucha scobie (starter kit), herb trio, or a refill candle kit. Your local nursery is a great spot for local knowledge on what types of tree/plants are best for your climate and, bonus, support local.

Make a Budget

So, I’m an economist; I can’t help but touch on how valuable a budget can be this time of year. 

Planning allows us to scope out prices to ensure your holiday gift giving is within your budget before purchasing.

It’s so easy to overspend; here is a simple recipe for making and sticking to a budget:

• Choose a total amount of money you can afford to spend
• Determine who you need to purchase for
• Look at how many gifts you need to purchase and establish how much you can afford to spend per gift
• Don’t forget to include other expenses like travel that add up this time of year

Stay Organized

Getting ahead of the game feels good; purchasing a gift and forgetting you stowed it away in a dusty attic doesn’t. 

Stay organized by finding one or two places you can keep and collect your purchases. A few places I know my family will never check are in an empty suitcase, the cleaning supply closet, and my underwear drawer.  

In an over indulgent season, it can be easy to get swept away into the hustle and bustle of it all. Share some of your favorite holiday planning tips below.

And, stay tuned for upcoming posts about some of my favorite companies and brands doing good for the earth. Some of your faves my be on the list too!