Greener Giving
Giving green gifts at Christmas time doesn’t have to cost as much money as you might think. There are more ways to green up your buying than just considering the product materials and the manufacturer. Buying locally or making some of your own handmade gifts will green up your gift-giving in no time.
Homemade Gifts
Making your own gifts at home reduces packaging since there most likely won’t be much plastic used in the wrapping or ribbon and some handy items that already exist around the house like fabric, unwanted clothing, ribbon etc., will be used up…no need to make a new purchase!
Visit a local art/craft fair for locally made items. These types of events usually showcase beautiful jewelry, vases, blankets, and more. I personally am buying a couple handmade, glazed bowls and jars with lids to give some toffee candy in. These will be purchased from my neighbor; not only will she give me a good deal but I’ll be giving an original, handmade gift and something completely functional. I am also going to give some toffee candy wrapped in a kitchen towel that I will sew from some nice fabric I have. I really appreciate homemade gifts and feel they have more meaning than a purchased item.
But of course I would never turn down a new hemp messenger bag or a some organic skin care. Let’s also remember that some of us aren’t quite as clever than others and if we plan on doing any green gift-giving we know we are still going to be making some purchases. And that’s okay, just don’t go overboard with your shopping is the start to being green because we should want to also be smaller consumers.
A Green Christmas
Although kids love to have a white Christmas, they will thank you for giving green. Usually it doesn’t take much to make little ones happy and hopefully even the big kids are satisfied without extravagant things. And here’s a tip, if you are clearing out your children’s bedrooms in November to make room for the coming Christmas, then you probably shoudn’t buy much at Christmas time because they already have enough. A few good quality things can teach a child an appreciation for quality and not quantity. Then, by giving some gifts of things they need rather than what they want can foster the idea that the daily necessities are to be appreciated and not taken for granted.
If you choose to buy green gifts you will basically spend the same amount of money on a few quality toys that are made sustainable as you would have on a just a few more mainstream toy offers… but quality wood toys are incredibly better and it’s a purchase to feel good about. Once you have decided what you can cross off your list, try to choose products made in the U.S.A. There will have been less travel time to get the item to you than if it is imported.
Choosy, Choosy
Adults on your list may be a bit harder but remember that IKEA uses a lot of renewable resources and has an eco-conscious model. *IKEA also supports family, that’s a good thing for corporations to do. Of course IKEA may not have what you want so for green gift ideas and green stores to shop, check out our selection.
