Thinkers & Makers guide to sustainable gift giving

 

We love Christmas:

The atmosphere, the time spent relaxing with loved ones, the tastes and smells that fill the kitchen, the excitement in our children’s eyes. But we want to celebrate without the shopping sprees, the stress and the mountains of waste left behind after the presents have been opened.

Now more than ever this festive time of year is an opportunity to evaluate what is important and to act based on our values. Here are a few tips for more sustainable gift giving:

  • Offer intangible gifts 

Some of the best gifts are not material at all, but unforgettable experiences! Think about what the recipient would need and value: a moment of pampering at the beauty salon, house cleaning, an evening at the Theatre or a restaurant dinner. You can also offer your own services. Babysitting, a home cooked meal or taking the dog for a walk could be much appreciated. In the current economical situation your local small service-based businesses will appreciate your support!

  • Donate your gifts

Donating to a charity can be a meaningful gift. Select the charity with the gift recipient in mind: A passionate fisherman might appreciate a donation to protect sea life, someone else might be touched by a donation to a children's charity, a mental health charity or to a charity protecting a particular animal species – whatever cause is close to their heart!

  • Handmade gifts

A pair of woolly socks, a piece of artwork, cookies, jams and other delicacies or a handmade toy could make a unique, personal Christmas present.

Are you skilled in sewing, knitting, wood work, cooking, drawing, painting or jewelry making? The internet is full of easy-to-follow tutorials for homemade gifts. Get creative!

  • Buy for a real need

There is no harm in asking what the person actually needs. This is especially easy with kids as you can ask the parents if there is a piece of clothing that would serve a real need, if they are saving for a new bicycle or if you could contribute to the child’s hobby costs.

Often when we ask this question from adults, the answer is “Oh, nothing really”. So try to listen when they talk to you about other things. Do they wish they had more time for hobbies, are they dreaming of a trip, are they moving house, expecting a child or complaining of a messy desk at their home office. Read between the lines, ask questions and find out what would be a suitable gift for them.

  • Shop sustainable brands

If you decide to buy a gift, try your best to make conscious choices and remember that less is more. Getting one, carefully thought-out gift is more valuable than filling your shopping basket with a bit of this and that. If we shower our kids with dozens of gifts, we also set their expectations for years to come. Supporting small local businesses and companies with a sustainable approach has many benefits, depending on the brand and the product:

  • You can find quality items that will last longer

  • You can reduce the environmental footprint of your Christmas shopping

  • You can contribute to fair work conditions and salaries of the people who made your Christmas gifts

  • You can find beautiful items that differ from mass-produced goods and feel more personal

  • Shop second hand

These days there are plenty of mobile apps, websites and market places, where you can make great second hand finds. For example, you can find kids clothes still with tags attached, beautiful vintage glassware, collectible books or beautiful antique pieces.

  • Organize a Secret Santa

What if you would need to buy one gift instead of five or ten? Organizing a Secret Santa among family members allows you to invest in just one quality gift and reduces the financial and shopping stress. Our head designer Katriina tells, that in her family this has been the tradition already for years. You draw a name from a hat and buy just that one gift.

  • Agree not to buy presents at all

How important the Christmas presents are for you and your family? Could you perhaps agree not to buy any presents at all – or to just buy presents for the kids – and focus on spending some quality time together and for example contributing to a shared Christmas meal instead?

  • Get creative with wrapping

Gift wrapping is usually disposable and we’ve all seen the post-Christmas waste bins that tend to be as full as our bellies after Christmas dinner. Here are a few tips for a more sustainable approach to gift wrapping:

  • Use pages of old newspapers and magazines, old maps or leftover wallpaper to wrap your gifts

  • Textiles such as scarves, pillow cases or kitchen towels make great gift wrapping and can be a part of the gift too!

  • Use recycled brown paper or scrap paper and decorate it yourself or allow your kids to draw art on it

  • Reuse old packaging material and cardboard 

  • Use colourful ribbons and yarns made of natural materials such as paper, cotton or wool or wrap your present without using tape at all! For gift wrapping without tape, check out this video

  • Cut old clothing or other textiles into ribbons or bows

  • Add a natural touch by finishing the wrapping with a dried flower, pine cone, cinnamon stick, a small branch or whatever you can find in nature near you.

  • If you buy gift wrapping paper, look for recyclable options.

We wish all of you Happy Holidays!