How to Choose Greener Christmas Gifts This Year
Christmas time again! The most wonderful time of the year. Being together, eating well, celebrating love....
But overconsumption, single-use products, microplastics, food waste: that's not necessarily a Merry Christmas. Will you participate in a planet-proof Christmas this year? To make it a little easier for you, we have some gift inspiration and a checklist with 7 do's and don'ts for sustainable Christmas shopping.
Tips for sustainable Christmas gifts
One small product can make a big impact. Take an erasable notebook from Bambook, for example: it saves 5200 liters of water per year (about 95 showers).
So don't be afraid to take your time and make the right choice when choosing a gift this holiday season.Your choice makes an impact!
Here are the 4 best tips for sustainable Christmas gifts:
- Reusable Christmas gifts
- Functional and Multi-Purpose Christmas Gifts
- DIY Christmas gifts
- Christmas Gifts that Promote Sustainable Habits
- Experiences and Memories as Gifts
1. Reusable Christmas Gifts
Picture this: A gift that keeps on giving, not just on Christmas morning, but for weeks, months, and even years to come. That's the beauty of reusable gifts. And while these may not be without fault, they definitely minimise the items that end up in landfills. Reusable gifts come in many shapes in forms, but they generally look like this:
- A reusable travel mug that can be reused endlessly and replace any paper cups;
- Aroma diffusers that replace the traditional scented candles or scented sticks;
- A reusable notebook that can be erased and reused to replace the wasteful paper versions;
- Reusable cotton pads instead of disposable makeup wipes;
- Cotton fruit nets instead of a plastic bag.
2. Functional and Multi-Purpose Christmas Gifts
Now, let's talk practicality. We all love gifts that serve a purpose, and that's where functional and multi-purpose gifts shine. These are presents that go beyond the initial "wow" moment—they're designed to be used in various ways, making them versatile (and valuable) additions to anyone's life.
Here are some examples of functional and multi-purpose gifts:
- Convertible Backpack: a stylish backpack that transforms into a tote or crossbody bag, perfect for work, travel, or leisure.
- Reusable Beeswax Wraps: eco-friendly alternatives to plastic wrap, these wraps can be used to cover food, wrap sandwiches, and more.
- Hybrid Kitchen Gadgets: clever tools that combine multiple kitchen functions, like a juicer and grater in one.
Our most popular December gifts of 2023
Choose your favorite
Bambook Calendar
Starting from €28.99
Bambook Do-Book
€29.99
Bambook Starter Kit
€67.50
Bambook Notepad
Starting from €28.99
Bambook Deskbook
€23.99
Bambook Cleaning Kit
€12.99
3. DIY Gift Christmas Ideas
Feeling crafty? If you’re able to, why not try making a gift instead of buying one? This idea can seem scary, but it’s often these gifts that are appreciated the most.
Some ideas for reusable gifts can be:
- Homemade candles;
- Homemade tote-bags;
- Clay Christmas hanging ornaments;
- Paper ornaments;
- Homemade jams, pickles, or breads.
Whatever you’re able to make or good at, why not find a way to make it a heartfelt Christmas gift that is both sentimental and sustainable?
4. Christmas Gifts that Promote Sustainable Habits
It's not just about the gift itself; it's about the habits it encourages. Consider gifts that nudge your loved ones toward eco-friendly behaviors.
Examples of Gifts That Promote Sustainable Habits:
- Reusable water bottles that reduce plastic waste
- Stylish shopping bags that eliminate disposable packaging
- Compost kits that convert kitchen waste into nutrient-rich soil.
- Sturdy reusable bread & snack containers
Many of the reusable gifts naturally promote sustainable habits, so it’s another win-win!
5. Experiences and Memories as Gifts
Sometimes, the most cherished gifts aren't physical items but experiences that create lasting memories. Shift the focus from material possessions to adventures and learning.
Ideas for Experiences and memories as gifts:
- Cooking classes;
- Outdoor adventures;
- Concert tickets
- Subscriptions to online courses.
These gifts not only create unforgettable moments but also reduce the demand for physical goods.
The Do's & Dont's
of Sustainable Christmas ShoppingThe Do's
✔️ Consider the Lifecycle: Before making a purchase, think about the lifespan of the gift. Choose items made to last, designed with quality and durability in mind.
✔️ Do Prioritize Quality Over Quantity: Rather than flooding your gift list with numerous items, opt for a few high-quality, long-lasting gifts. Thoughtful, well-crafted presents can bring greater joy while minimizing excessive consumption.
✔️ Do Support Products with Warranties: Seek out items that come with warranties or guarantees of longevity. These are often indicators of a brand's commitment to quality and their confidence in the durability of their products.
The Dont’s
❌ Don't Sacrifice Quality for Price: While budget considerations are important, avoid the trap of choosing a gift solely based on a lower price. Some lower-priced items may not meet the quality and sustainability standards you desire, so be mindful of what you’re sacrificing for price.
❌ Don't Give in to Impulse Buys: Resist the urge to make impulsive gift purchases. Take your time to research and evaluate each item's sustainability credentials. Impulse buying can lead to purchasing products that may not align with your values and could contribute to unnecessary waste.
❌ Don't Neglect the Product's Origin: Be aware of the product's origin and manufacturing processes. Items that travel long distances or are produced using unsustainable practices may have a larger environmental footprint. Opt for gifts with transparent and ethical supply chains, and especially close to home.
❌ Don't fall for greenwashing tactics: Greenwashing, (AKA, deceptive marketing) makes items seem eco-friendly and is a common pitfall when shopping for sustainable gifts. Learn to recognize and question misleading terms and labels, ensuring you make informed choices.
