As we find ourselves closer to the busiest time of year, let’s not forget that Holidays are hotspots for overspending and excess waste. To stay on trend with previous explorations into holiday spending, environmental impact, and alternatives, let’s explore Sustainable Christmas gifts!
Now we don’t have all the answers, but we do have some great examples and sources for inspiration. During Christmas, we normalize a lot of overconsumption because we consider it good, since it’s for other people. However, not everyone wants something from a store, and sometimes a store doesn’t even have what you want! There are so many great options to explore that are sustainable but still meaningful and fulfill your desire to get loved ones something nice.
Current Christmas Trends
Before diving into sustainable Christmas gift ideas as promised, we need to consider the impact the holiday season has on both our economy and the environment. Think about how much we normalize spending and waste during this time. Most people allocate around $890 for gifts and seasonal items. Americans alone generate up to 43% more trash during Christmas. So, be more mindful of your actions during the holidays and consider where you might try something new—something more sustainable.
The Cost of Christmas
Did you know you’re estimated to spend an average of $890.49 this year on holiday gifts, decor, treats, and other seasonal items? Well, if you didn’t before, now you do. In fact, the U.S will spend between $1.01 trillion and $1.02 trillion over the 2025 winter holiday season. With a 3.7%-4.2% increase in holiday retail sales (Figure 1), a lot of consumers will be paying exorbitantly high prices this year for presents. Christmas trees alone will be 10-15% higher in price this year due to current tariffs. And that’s not the only jolly thing to see an influx in price. So start considering why you should try shopping locally, sustainability, or turning to alternative gift giving make for great options to avoid high price tags.
I know what you might be thinking. Sustainable shopping isn’t cheap. Well, in some cases, yes, that’s because of ethical sourcing, fair labor, and higher-quality or innovative materials and processes. They also last longer than traditional store-bought gifts.
These Gifts are Trash. Literally!
The average U.S household generates around 25% more waste between Thanksgiving and the New Year than at any other time of year. Resulting in 25 million tons of garbage.
About 25% of that trash is paper waste from gifts. The rest includes unwanted presents, plastic trees, food scraps, and electronic waste like batteries.
So, not only make sure to ask what your friends and family want, but make sure it’s something that they’d actually use. Some of the best gifts are more practical, experiential, etc. Nothing will benefit from ending up in the landfill; consider it carefully before buying.
Sustainable Christmas Gifts: So Many to Choose!
As discussed many times before, store-bought isn’t the only option. Especially during the Christmas season, there’s plenty of room to explore sustainable gift-giving. Assuming your friends have different interests, explore them! Try customizing gifts to each person on your list this year.
And use the fact that some don’t expect material items, try gifting an experience.
Or crochet a scarf instead of buying one from GAP. Sustainable Christmas gifts are easy to come by without having to spend the same fortune as store-bought. As long as you look in the right places, anyway. Let’s explore some different options for gift-giving this year that will make everyone feel better!
Handmade Gifts
If you don’t have the budget to spend on everyone this year, try putting some love and attention into small handmade gifts! Paint a picture of their cat or knit a beanie. With so many projects to choose from, it’s easy to make meaningful presents for everyone, no matter how unique.
Here’s just a few options:
- Handmade ornaments
- Crochet a scarf
- Handmade jewelry
- Soaps & candles
- Pottery
- Collage or paint a picture
Multiple online articles are also dedicated to listing homemade gift ideas. Here are a few we suggest:
- 101 DIY Gifts for Everyone on Your List
- Sustainable Gifting Guide
- Homemade Gifts For Everyone on Your List
So, try your hand at making a gift this year. It can even just be a stocking stuffer.
Speaking of handmade gifts, take a break and fill out this poll on which homemade gift you’d love this year!
🎄 Your Sustainable Gift Wish?
Which handmade gift would you love to receive this Christmas?
✓ Thank you for your response!
Experiences
Not everyone expects something for Christmas! Many people prefer trips, concerts, or other experiences over a material gift, unless it's a ticket for proof. If there's someone tricky who already has everything, try gifting them a trip to their favorite museum or Aquarium. Or treat them to concert tickets next time their favorite artist comes into town. Although this option could get pricey, their an excuse to spend time with someone you love and give something that has zero chance of ending up in the back of their closet.
Get Thrifty
A gift doesn't have to be something new exclusively. As trends in the second-hand market grow, it is becoming mainstream to gift second-hand! Your fashionable friend would surely love a thrift bundle or that vintage bag. And plenty of people who are moving out will need furniture soon! The second-hand market is so expansive and opens up gift-giving to a new level.
The use of many platforms such as eBay, Mercari, Poshmark, and Depop also allows a closer to retail experience without having to pay the price. With a large variety of item categories, as well as a selection itself, selling old and new products. Sites like these allow an easier option to being more conscious this year, without having to learn a whole new hobby. Save some money, feel good about the fact you're being more sustainable, and shop second-hand!
Sustainable Christmas Gifts: More ideas
Because there are so many sustainable Christmas gifts/gifting options, we can't talk about them all in too much depth. So, here are some honorable mentions:
- Plants
- Local Shopping
- Refillable/Reusable Products
- Letters
- Projects; Arts & crafts
- Shop from sustainable brands
