Dec 12, 20232 min read

The Sustainable Guide to Gift Giving

No matter what holiday you’re celebrating this year, if you celebrate any at all, try to think sustainably when giving gifts to your loved ones!

The World Wildlife Fund suggests considering quality over quantity to prevent giving gifts your loved ones don’t want! When shopping for gifts, spend your time picking out quality items that will last for longer. This also “reduces the chances of gifts going to waste and can be better for your wallet!” They also propose gifting experiences rather than physical gifts. These will not only bring people closer together, but will also reduce your December footprint! Buying tickets to concerts or making restaurant reservations are both good ways to make your celebrations come twice for the receiver! When buying physical gifts, however, keep in mind the materials they are made from, and try to lean towards recycled or Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified materials. FSC ensures that the products you’re buying are made with zero deforestation, fair wages and working conditions, community rights, and supports the change from preservation to conservation. In addition, buying products second-hand can save resources needed to make new items. Vintage clothes and refurbished technology make great gifts that are sustainable!

In terms of wrapping, try using as little wrapping paper as possible, and even buying gifts with little or no packaging. Try to use recycled or recyclable materials, and avoid plastic. For embellishments, avoid plastic ribbon and tapes, as well as foil-backed and glittery wrapping paper. Pick cards that can be recycled, without foil or glitter.

Tape-free wrapping techniques can also be used. Here are just a few options:

This traditional Japanese method of fabric wrapping is called furoshiki. Furoshiki is a square piece of cloth or fabric used for gift wrapping, transporting items, fashion, and home decor. The word refers both to the craft and to the cloth itself, which usually has an elegant, decorative design. Furoshiki has become increasingly popular with cultures around the world as it has transformed the art of gift-giving. Learn more about furoshiki here, or watch a quick video tutorial here.

Kraft paper is another great alternative to traditional wrapping paper. It’s cost-effective and eco-friendly, with none of the harmful glitters or foil of wrapping paper. There are also many ways to personalize and decorate kraft paper, dissimilar to what is allowed by busy patterns. Similarly, you can use brown paper bags from the grocery store to achieve similar effects. For more information about kraft paper and ideas to decorate, check out this blog post on livinglargeinasmallhouse.com.

Fabric bags are a great way to package gifts, because not only does the recipient receive a gift, but a fabric bag as well! These can include tote bags, drawstring bags, or any kind of reusable shopping bag!