I love everything about the holiday season including giving gifts. But the more sustainable practices I have adopted the more I question the consumerism and the massive amount of trash that comes with it. So I have pledged to only give sustainable gifts and I put 8 different gift ideas with something for everyone and different price ranges. By purchasing sustainable gifts you also support companies that take a stance to do things differently. For big changes to happen small businesses that use sustainable pratices need to be able to survive and thrive. To read more about general tips for sustainable gift giving read my article “how to not gift trash”.

1. Swell bottles

Using reusable water bottles is one of the best things you can do for your health and the planet. Swell is my favorite brand. Your friends and family members are going to love these stylish water bottles that come in the most beautiful designs. They are made of stainless steel and keep water ice-cold for 24 hours and your drinks hot for 12 hours.

2. Plaine Products

This amazing company offers personal care products that are chemical-free, non-toxic, vegan, cruelty-free, non-GMO and biodegradable. The bottles are made of aluminum that can be returned, where they will be sterilized, refilled and reused. Use my code avocado20 to get a 20% discount. For more information, read this article.

3. Enjoy Cookbook

This healthy holiday cookbook is printed on 100 % post-consumer recycled paper, 100 % chlorine free. It is made and produced in the United States. The shipping uses biodegradable material. To read more about the benefits of supporting sustainable printing methods read this article. It is the perfect present for your health-conscious food-loving friends.

4. Sustainable Dishcloths

These are the perfect mix between fun and useful. The brand Three blue birds offer all different kinds of designs. They are machine washable, last up to 9 months and are compostable! For more information check out their website. If you are in NYC, skip packaging through delivery and go to the holiday markets. They have their stands on Union Square, Bryant Park, and Columbus Circle.

5. DIY Gifts

Candles, soaps, infused olive oil, Xmas cookies, and jams are the perfect gift. Nothing says I love you more than something handcrafted or homemade. If you are a crafty person this is for you. It is a great way to incorporate a friend, family member or kids into the fun. Pinterest is a great source of inspiration when it comes to DIY items.

6. Inscape Meditation Gift Card

Who doesn’t need more relaxation in their life? Gifting activities is one of the most sustainable and fun things. My favorite new discovery in NYC is a meditation place called Inscape. This place blew my mind and your friends and family members are going to love a gift certificate for a class or two there. You can even make it a date and create memories together.

7. Beeswax Candles

Candles are such a romantic and cozy gift to give. Beeswax candles are non toxic unlike the ones made of paraffin. They can also be produced locally. Big Dipper is a great company that produces beeswax of the highest standard.  You can also buy them at your local farmers’ market.

8. Glass Meal Prep Container & Stasher Bags

Glass meal prep containers and silicone storage bags are the perfect tools for anyone that wants to engage in meal prep and cook more. It is the perfect functional present for your health-conscious friends and family members. You can gift these individually or as a set with a few of each for someone that doesn’t have any quality storage containers yet.

Bonus:

But what about wrapping paper, packaging from deliveries, etc. Here are some tips to minimize your trash:

• Stores like Package Free, for example, ship plastic-free. But if you end up ordering from Amazon check out if the items are available under the frustration-free shipping. Simply click the link and search for your item.
• Lauren Singer from trash is for tossers has a great guide to zero waste gift wrapping. Check it out, I think it looks so beautiful.
• If you are getting presents in gift bags etc., save them to reuse for next year.

Happy holidays!

~Annika