Winter has arrived quickly and quietly. The time has come – the city comes alive with twinkling lights, colourful decorations and big snow drifts. The sweet smell of freshly baked pies and hot chocolate welcomes us at home. Christmas is a festive season filled with warmth, love and the joy of giving. As the Christmas celebrations approach, it is more important to choose sustainable gifts that not only bring joy to our loved ones, but also take care of our planet.

Why choose sustainable gifts?

The process of developing sustainable gifts has a minimal negative impact on the environment, as organic or recycled materials are often used in the production process. This reduces both the need for new resources and the amount of waste, helping to conserve the resources of the planet. Eco-friendly gifts are most often available from businesses that prioritise ethical practices, ensuring fair treatment of employees and customers. By choosing a sustainable gift, you are supporting businesses that value social responsibility, encouraging society to step away from the “throwaway culture” by promoting the reuse, repair and even recycling of items. In addition, sustainable gifts are made from natural and non-toxic materials that benefit the environment as well as the health and well-being of your loved ones.

Sustainable gift ideas

• Socks

You can never have too many socks. What else can help you fight the cold better than wool socks? Wool also has excellent insulating properties, so it will keep you warm even in the coldest winter months. Compared to synthetic materials, wool has no harmful fibres, so your loved ones will enjoy the comfort of a breathable fabric.

• Candles

Treat your loved ones with candles made from natural waxes such as soy or beeswax. The wax can then be reused, for example to make trench candles for Ukrainian soldiers.

• Support local craftsmen and businesses

By choosing gifts made by local craftsmen, you will contribute directly to the local economy and support small businesses financially and motivate them to create unique products. Furthermore, supporting local craftsmen reduces the carbon footprint associated with transport.

• Gift an experience

Gifts that provide new experiences, such as tickets to a concert or a cooking class, will provide lasting memories and the joy of exploration. By choosing to gift experiences, you will contribute to quality and educational time, strengthen relationships and provide opportunities for personal growth. Consider gifting experiences rather than physical gifts to create lasting memories and bring joy to the receiver!

Choose eco-friendly wrapping

Not only does the gift have an impact on the environment, but so does its wrapping. When we unwrap Christmas presents, we usually throw away the wrapping paper too, because it has a short life – just from the moment the present is wrapped to the moment it is unwrapped. Be creative and choose alternatives such as reusable gift bags or practice the traditional Japanese Furoshiki method of using a piece of fabric to wrap the gift and also to make a ribbon or a knot. However, if you do need a wrapping material, choose something recycled, such as newspaper, biodegradable or compostable materials. When decorating the gifts, use natural materials such as dried flowers, lemons, oranges, cloves, etc.

By choosing sustainable gifts, we contribute to a positive impact on the environment and a greener lifestyle, so during this festive season, spread the joy of sustainability!

For other ways to reduce your impact on the resources of the planet, read here.