we've probably all heard about giving experiences as zero-waste gifts. i love this idea and have employed it a lot over the past few years. as a tribe, we have experienced memorable concerts, movies, meals, ballets and even a road trip or two as spectacular gifts. back rub certificates, free hugs, and chore coupons have also been appreciated. i love these types of gifts so much, but i also like to have a few touchable gifts under our tree.
touchable gifts produce a lot of waste around the world at this and other times of the year. there are mountains of wrapping paper, boxes, bags, cards, and packaging disposed after the holidays. i always notice people's enormous garbage cans propped open by the heaping waste in the week following the day. i want to try to avoid that, so here are a few of my ideas for zero-waste gifting:
~consumables like clementines, bulk candy in a glass jar, homemade cookies (or a jarred mix made of bulk ingredients), homemade bread, ingredients for a meal, bulk soup mix, homemade pickles or jam, etc.
~a themed gift like:
--"an evening of pampering", including some homemade bath salts, a hand crocheted wash cloth, tea, and maybe a book from your own shelf
--a "coffee sampler", including small jars of few different types of coffee beans (maybe locally roasted) and labeled
~a gift to subtley encourage more zero-waste choices in someone with an interest. for example:
--a cuppow
--zero-waste shopping kit items
--zero-waste grooming kit, including bamboo toothbrush, bulk soap, homemade tooth paste, deodorant or crystal deodorant, etc.
--a cute canvas tote bag (handmade or otherwise) + a list of all its possible applications
--baggu + the hint that it fits perfectly in purse, glove compartment, or back pocket :)
~a candle
~handmade lotion scented with their favorite essential oil + recipe
~spice mixes…or tiny jars filled with a few bulk spices, labeled
~hot cocoa kit, with homemade hot cocoa mix and handmade marshmallows
~home sewn purse or pouch made from what you already have
~handknit scarf, cowl or hat
~a journal + prompts (or an all in one version of this + extra pen you have laying around, or new one without packaging- check out craft or art stores)
~a replacement (it helps to know the person quite well for this one)…something they use often or need, but is maybe not at the top of their shopping list…socks, pajama pants, slippers, everyday sweater/sweatshirt, backpack, kitchen knife, bathroom towels, etc. (may want to include a gift receipt) :)
~kitchen towel made by an independent maker (or you)
~playlist…this can be a nice on its own or as an addition to many of the above…or, like:
--bathsalts + crocheted washcloth + playlist
--songs from the year you met + a couple pictures + a candy bar you loved at the time
~new sheet music
~ or any of the ones mentioned here (plus there are many from last year's posts that you can find through the simple christmas link to the right)
giving gifts that the receiver doesn't want can also be wasteful, so it's important to remember to have the recipient in mind when choosing the gift (sounds obvious, but i think most of us have experienced that it apparently is not). :) if in doubt, i stick with food/drink which can easily be shared or passed on. and it doesn't hurt to ask what the recipient would like to receive either! :)
i'd love to hear what zero-waste gifts you are giving!
love,
jane
touchable gifts produce a lot of waste around the world at this and other times of the year. there are mountains of wrapping paper, boxes, bags, cards, and packaging disposed after the holidays. i always notice people's enormous garbage cans propped open by the heaping waste in the week following the day. i want to try to avoid that, so here are a few of my ideas for zero-waste gifting:
~consumables like clementines, bulk candy in a glass jar, homemade cookies (or a jarred mix made of bulk ingredients), homemade bread, ingredients for a meal, bulk soup mix, homemade pickles or jam, etc.
~a themed gift like:
--"an evening of pampering", including some homemade bath salts, a hand crocheted wash cloth, tea, and maybe a book from your own shelf
--a "coffee sampler", including small jars of few different types of coffee beans (maybe locally roasted) and labeled
~a gift to subtley encourage more zero-waste choices in someone with an interest. for example:
--a cuppow
--zero-waste shopping kit items
--zero-waste grooming kit, including bamboo toothbrush, bulk soap, homemade tooth paste, deodorant or crystal deodorant, etc.
--a cute canvas tote bag (handmade or otherwise) + a list of all its possible applications
--baggu + the hint that it fits perfectly in purse, glove compartment, or back pocket :)
~a candle
~handmade lotion scented with their favorite essential oil + recipe
~spice mixes…or tiny jars filled with a few bulk spices, labeled
~hot cocoa kit, with homemade hot cocoa mix and handmade marshmallows
~home sewn purse or pouch made from what you already have
~handknit scarf, cowl or hat
~a journal + prompts (or an all in one version of this + extra pen you have laying around, or new one without packaging- check out craft or art stores)
~a replacement (it helps to know the person quite well for this one)…something they use often or need, but is maybe not at the top of their shopping list…socks, pajama pants, slippers, everyday sweater/sweatshirt, backpack, kitchen knife, bathroom towels, etc. (may want to include a gift receipt) :)
~kitchen towel made by an independent maker (or you)
~playlist…this can be a nice on its own or as an addition to many of the above…or, like:
--bathsalts + crocheted washcloth + playlist
--songs from the year you met + a couple pictures + a candy bar you loved at the time
~new sheet music
~ or any of the ones mentioned here (plus there are many from last year's posts that you can find through the simple christmas link to the right)
giving gifts that the receiver doesn't want can also be wasteful, so it's important to remember to have the recipient in mind when choosing the gift (sounds obvious, but i think most of us have experienced that it apparently is not). :) if in doubt, i stick with food/drink which can easily be shared or passed on. and it doesn't hurt to ask what the recipient would like to receive either! :)
i'd love to hear what zero-waste gifts you are giving!
love,
jane
