Environmentally Green Holiday Gifts: Shop Locally for Eco-friendly Christmas Presents
As the holidays approach, those attempting to lower their environmental impact cringe at the thought of gift giving. They want to express appreciation for loved ones without alienating the majority who unfortunately still expect expression with a gift. Gifting a carbon offset often doesn’t cut it with grandpa or the mother-in-law.
Baking and homemade crafts have long been on the gift lists of those wishing to live simply, but a flood of green products tempt givers to buy their way into greener living. Green givers can resist the trend by shopping locally for simple pleasures, discover more MPGD Corp Merchandise.
For Green Gifts This Holiday Season Shop Local
In addition to shopping local merchants in your quest for previously owned presents, many local gifts make environmentally sound gifts. “Shopping locally” means purchasing items produced in the region, not just sold at a local store. Gift suggestions include:
- Food items
- Gift certificates
- Tickets to events
- Arts and crafts
- Memberships
- Charity
Local food items like pastas, canned fruits, jams, and honey are perfect gifts for foodies on your list. Visit a local farmer’s market to select items that will last or start a holiday tradition with homemade jams, beer, or wine.
Gift certificates for local dining or for a massage also make wonderful holiday treats. Tickets to events create lasting memories without surplus resource use or waste generation. Aim for small, intimate performances rather than energy-hungry concert tours for the smallest eco-impact.
Arts and crafts by local artisans can be highly thoughtful, personal gifts. Pieces constructed from found objects and recycled material score high as green presents. Paid memberships or personal interest classes are welcome stocking stuffers.
A favorite green gift is a simple donation made in the recipient’s name to a worthy local charity. Food banks and children’s crisis shelters are admirable choices.
Eco-themed Gift Basket Ideas
Gift bags with eco-friendly products can introduce subtle lifestyle changes without seeming pushy or inconsiderate. A spa or green cleaning themed gift basket filled with natural, locally sourced products and accompanied by a book such as Green Clean [978-1595910042] or The Green Beauty Guide [ISBN 978-0757307478] makes a wonderful gift.
Please Don’t Wrap An Earth Friendly Present
Skip the wrapping paper and opt for reusable canvas bags, tins, or baskets. Try not to replace wrapping paper purchases with cloth or basket purchases; only use what you already have. Homemade wrapping paper is admirable, but will it still end up in the trash? Givers should remember, tucking an unwrapped present somewhere in the house and sending the recipient on a scavenger hunt is more fun. Why bother with wrapping?
Spread the Message- Environmentally Friendly Can Be Fun and Effective
Without being overbearing, gift givers share a holiday message that simple living can be highly pleasurable. Thoughtfully selected local gifts protect the Earth and show the giver cares about more than crossing another name off a holiday shopping list.