How To Be An Environmentally-Conscious Gift Giver

Gift giving is one of our favorite ways of expressing love for friends and family. It's also a great opportunity to help the environment and reduce waste. You might ask, how can that be possible?

Here's how you can be an environmentally-conscious gift giver, whether you are planning for the holidays or for any occasion.

Create a list.

This makes gift giving generally easier instead of just winging it and shopping blindly. It can save you time and possibly, some cash too.

Get a sheet of paper or your phone's notepad app. List down the names of people that you will give gifts to and the kind of gift ideas that you have. It's also helpful to put dates on when you need to give or send them out.

This way, you will be more organized. You won't have to experience forgetting what to prepare nor buy. At the same time, you will avoid overbuying and ending up with things that you don't like or won't be able to use.

Check items in your house.

Are there unused items in your home that are still in top condition? You might also have gifts from last season that you haven't even used nor opened. If so, then it's time to consider recycling gifts and giving them new homes.

Maybe there's an unused scarf that has been in your closet for months that your aunt will like. It can also be your new set of bed sheets that are still wrapped. Take this as an opportunity for you to declutter and make space in your home.

One way to help you decide is to ask yourself, "Have I used this in the past 6-12 months?" If the answer is no, consider regifting. Not only do you get to make space, you also reduce waste.

Skip the wrappers.

To be environmentally-conscious also means being aware of waste that you can reduce or eliminate. Skip buying wrapping paper. It's known to be one of the biggest sources of waste especially during the holiday season.

Instead, use what you can find in your house such as newspapers and magazines. Reuse what you can, even those old ribbons and cardboard shipping boxes will do great.

If you would really like to add an extra touch to your gifts, consider buying eco-bags so that your loved ones can reuse them for other purposes.

Another idea is to beautifuly wrap them in cloth, Japanese style. This centuries-old technique is called  Furoshiki. Your gift receivers will surely love them!

Give the gift of experience and quality time.

You can give your family and friends the gift of creating new memories through experiences. Perhaps you can buy them tickets to an upcoming show or vouchers to an adventure that you know they will enjoy.

Another idea is to invite them over your place and cook for them. It's time to practice the love language of quality time! Have an intimate get-together, share stories, and share a great meal.

Craft your own gifts.

If you are the artsy or DIY type, then it's time to put your skills into use. Let's say you have great illustration skills. Check your list and see who you can do a piece of art for. If you have photography skills, you can give them a portrait session as a gift, too.

You can frame any of these afterwards and then wrap in recycled paper. There's just something about gifts that make them more special when you put your own energy and talent into it. What is more heartfelt than a gift that you personally made?

Give plants.

Give your loved ones a plant starter kit that comes with seeds and small tools. A plant is always a great addition to any home. This gift idea will surely delight both kids and adults.

Give reusable everyday items as gifts.

There are so many eco-friendly reusable items that you can choose from. As a tip, consider items that are sustainably-sourced, made from natural materials, and do not contain harmful chemicals or toxic components.

For instance, one great eco-friendly gift idea is a reusable water bottle. This can be made of stainless steel, glass, or bamboo. This not only encourages your gift receivers to stay hydrated, it also helps them cut on single-use water bottles and coffee cups.

These reusable cotton pads for face are another great gift idea. Cotton rounds or pads are something that most people use everyday for hygienic purposes.

Your loved ones will love LastRound which is made of natural fibers, and it's very soft on the skin. One pack contains 7 reusable cotton pads that comes with a bio-based case.

Ready to plan your gifts?

Being a environmentally-conscious gift giver can be very easy, and it can also make gift giving more thoughtful and heartfelt. As you help the environment by choosing eco-friendly gifts, you also inspire your loved ones to do the same.