We all know that sometimes we give and receive unwanted gifts. There is a huge amount of waste produced, and it comes at an expense to our pockets and the planet.

Here are some tips on sustainable gift giving!

Regift!

We’ve all been there. The giver is well-meaning but the gift misses the mark! Here are some ideas for what you can do to stop them ending up in landfill.

In the past it has been frowned-upon to re-gift an unwanted present, but now that people are more aware of the huge problem of waste, it is becoming more acceptable.

We think it’s a great way to reduce waste. If you know the other person would really like the gift, then it’s a win for everyone and the planet too.

If you can’t think who would like it, you can always send your gift to a charity or give it away to friends and family. Much better than letting it gather dust or binning it.

Know the receiver

Giving good gifts often involves research especially if you’re not close to the person you’re buying for. If you can’t remember how old your niece or nephew is or what they’re in to, find out from their parents. Children’s interests often change quickly as they grow. If in doubt, ask for a suggestion.

If you can’t know the receiver because you’re doing Secret Santa, choose something that most people will appreciate or use, like chocolates, a mug, fancy tea/coffee, socks, a voucher, or a small charity donation.

Give money or gift cards!

Many think giving money or gift cards is unthoughtful but actually it’s less wasteful and the receiver can get something they really want. This works especially well for teenagers and children whose tastes change quickly. Many kids will appreciate having the choice.

Quality not quantity

Do they really need 5 or 15 or 25 parcels to unwrap? Do they really want that crazy Christmas scarf/t-shirt/hat/mug that will be hilarious for 10 minutes then end up with all the others in the loft or in the bin?

Choosing quality over quantity is a great way to avoid waste. Hold back and be thoughtful.

Sustainable gifting ideas

Experience gifts

Experience gifts are usually very low waste! There is a huge choice available from gifting companies or you can organise something special yourself. Book something you will both enjoy. A restaurant, a photo shoot, gig or theatre performance.

Experience gifts don’t need to be expensive. You could give a voucher for a massage, babysitting, a home-cooked meal or even car cleaning!

Eco gifts

Give plants, bulbs herbs, anything people can use for their garden.

Handmade gifts can be really special.

Make simple things like jars of ingredients with recipes, homemade candles, knitted items... there a lots of ideas on Pinterest, something for all skill levels.

Edible gifts are great and usually won’t go to waste!

Think about what it’s made of

Whilst shopping, always thing about the materials involved in the gift. Try to avoid plastics as these are harder to dispose off. Find organic, natural materials which. Search for organic food and drink or ones with certifications. Use recycled paper and FSC material.

Clothing made with recycled fabrics is a great option.

Shop Sustainable Brands

There are more and more sustainable retail brands to choose from. Include “sustainable” in your internet search and you’ll get plenty of hits. You can check their credentials by looking on their websites for certification as ethical, organic or zero waste.

Clothing from sustainable brands makes great gifts. An investment piece can last a lifetime, be beautiful and useful. Many brands have seasonal discounts or sample sales where you can get great bargains.

Shop Vintage

Charity shops can be full of giftable treasure. And there are more and more vintage shops appearing. Shopping second hand is a great way to be sustainable and gift unique and thoughtful gifts.

You can pick up fantastic clothing bargains if you take your time and look for good labels.

Vintage and charity shops are a great source of unusual and affordable homeware gifts.

Shop Local

Online shopping is easy but we think local Christmas shopping can be a lot more fun and festive! Buy from local, small businesses or get really Christmassy with a trip to a Christmas Craft Market in your town centre, school or place of worship.

Donation and adoption gifts

Give a gift of a donation to a charity that is important to the receiver. Send it on behalf of the person you’re giving the gift to and include a card explaining what you’ve done.

Adopt an animal. You could choose a local small charity that looks after animals or an international or world wide organisation.

Many charities offer lovely gifts that support the organisation. These can be really good for kids. The Worldwide Wildlife Fund is just one example.

Clever Sustainable Online Shopping

Plant trees as you shop! Well, let someone else do it for you! It’s always great to use websites like Ecosia to do your shopping online as they plant trees whilst you browse, off-setting your carbon footprint.

Sustainable gift wrapping

Furoshiki is the Japanese art of gift wrapping with fabric.

This is such a beautiful, sustainable form of gift wrap and the fabric itself can be part of the gift. You can buy a variety of patterns, prints and sizes of ready-made furoshiki wraps or make your own. There are online tutorials for easy ways to wrap specific shapes like books or wine bottles.