5 tips to gifting consciously this holiday season

It’s a hard task to indulge in Christmas shopping whilst also being conscious about how much we consume. Not only do you have to buy gifts for family, friends and colleagues, but you also have to keep in mind the endless amounts of waste that comes with the act of gifting. As Australians, we spend a whopping $400 million every year on unwanted shopping presents, most of which end up in landfills!

That’s why we have put together our favourite tips to help you consume more consciously during this hectic holiday season.

Tip 1: Thoughtful gifting

We are all guilty of gifting the same thing over and over again, so out with the repeated gifts that don’t end up getting used and in with gifting more thoughtfully. We suggest you do some research on what you think a loved one would value and use. If you aren’t sure, purchase something that can be easily exchanged. If it’s out of your budget, it might be worthwhile gathering a group of people to contribute, after all, it will be worth it if it is something they will use. 

Tip 2: Get creative

Everyone loves something personalised and unique. Why not consider getting crafty and creating your gift? Sentimental presents could be a great option to not only save some cash but also limit the amount of waste we create. Some creative ideas could be custom artwork, poems, stories, songs, clothes or baked Christmas treats. Presents like these are ones that your loved ones will remember for life. 

Tip 3: Buy sustainable gifts 

Are you looking for great gifts that are high quality and are better for our planet? We recommend eco-friendly products such as Seed & Sprout’s dish starter pack that are palm oil free, made in Australia, ethically sourced and vegan. You can also purchase incredible eco-friendly skincare, makeup, clothes and homewares as gifts from eco shops such as Flora & Fauna. 

Tip 4: Gift an experience 

It’s not always about the material gifts, it’s also about cherishing memories. As we are nearing the end of the year, there has never been a better time to escape the crazy city life to nature. A change in scenery is the perfect gift for a loved one who might need a refresh from the busy year that it has been. Some great options could be to escape and unwind in the beauty of regional Australia with an Into the Wild Escapes Tiny House experience. Otherwise, Sal Salis is the best way to relax in an eco-luxe sanctuary in the Cape Range National Park, along the shores of the world’s most extraordinary fringing coral reefs. 

Tip 5: Choose upcycled gift wrapping

Everyone loves the novelty of unwrapping gifts. But with that comes endless wrapping materials that eventually end up in a landfill. Choose to reuse how you wrap your presents, for example, a great gift box, embossed tin, brown paper bags, newspaper and gift bags. Not only will it be a great way of upcycling stuff you already have, but it will also look super rustic. 

Whatever you do, enjoy yourself these holidays. One of the most meaningful things you can do is to look out for those people who might be on their own and spread genuine love and happiness by ensuring everyone is involved. It’s also a great opportunity to show your friends and family that everyone can make a difference, by taking small steps to make this holiday season an ethical and sustainable one.