Shopping for a last-minute gift? This year, we are giving back to not only each other but also the environment. Surprise your loved ones with items both they and the planet will love! Here are our top eco-friendly gift giving ideas this holiday season.
Upcycled Blanket: Stay cozy and warm under fashionable, 100 percent upcycled blankets, made using repurposed fabric or yarn. These come in an array of patterns and colors, and some of the most vibrant ones are made from sources like orange squash or purple yam. Companies like Made Trade produce their very own line of upcycled blankets, handcrafted by artisans in Mexico. The blankets are woven works of art that you can showcase as a tapestry in your living room or throw on your bed for an added element of style.
Stoneware Mug: Sitting by the fireplace sipping a warm hot cocoa out of your favorite mug is a classic holiday staple. Give your loved ones the chance to enjoy this holiday treat with a handmade, durable stoneware mug! These mugs are sturdier than ceramic as they contain rich minerals from the earth, and they will last you a decade.
Plants: Live plants make a wonderful gift – they can bring years of joy and be a reminder of the giver. In addition, plants help improve air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. Here’s a guide to the best houseplants to give.
DIY Gifts: There is an array of unique, DIY gifts that you can make for your loved ones. For example, upcycled home decor, which can include a knitted blanket or bag made from recycled materials. You can also combine eco-friendly materials to make a new gift, such as potting a cactus in a stoneware pot. Lastly, baked goods are always a sweet and simple way to spread the holiday spirit. Consider using organic and locally sourced ingredients to lower your carbon footprint and transportation impacts.
An Experience: Of course, the most meaningful and personal gift you can give someone is a unique, time-shared experience. Consider going to the beach, a hike, picnic, or even staying at home and spending the day together by the warm fireplace. Any moment spent together is a gift in and of itself. Autumn Ross, Wastewater Regulatory Specialist, says, “I have been gifting my parents' experiences for the past few years, and it has been great. Last year it was a book on mushroom foraging for my dad and then we went foraging together. It was new for both of us, so it was a lot of fun.”
How will you choose to give back to both your family and the environment this holiday season? Whether it’s with a new blanket or a DIY baked good, we wish you all a safe and happy holiday!