Sustainable & eco-friendly Christmas gift ideas
Christmas is fast approaching and with it the aisles in shops and supermarkets are filling with plastic packaged products of all shapes and sizes. Some fun, but wasteful products created just for the season, that will likely end up in landfill or in a drawer never to be seen again.
But, what if, this year all your gifting could be good for your loved ones and the environment? Conscious and creative present buying is possible with a little time, although I appreciate it can be a challenge. Many of us are becoming increasingly aware of the impact human consumption is having on the planet, and when it comes to sustainability, even small changes to limit waste can help make a positive impact. Whether that’s choosing to shop from small, independent businesses, wrapping your gifts in recyclable Christmas paper or choosing a gift that will last a lifetime, it all helps.
To ease the stress of buying sustainably, I’ve compiled some ideas for the environmentally conscious, slow living, nature lovers in your life who appreciate creativity and craftsmanship and have a love of nature and preserving the planet.
But firstly, here are some tips on shopping and gifting sustainably:
Look at gifts with sustainability in mind. Where was it made and where has it travelled from? Were workers given fair pay to make it? Will it last or be out of fashion quickly? What is it made from? Does the recipient really need it and is it something they will love?
Consider the brand or shop you’re buying from. What are their eco-credentials? Are their packaging and delivery practices environmentally friendly? For example, I use sustainably sourced wooden ring boxes for my bespoke wedding and engagement rings.
When buying online, try to buy from as few retailers as possible so less orders need to be delivered.
Take your own bag with you if you visit a shop in person.
Consider quality over quantity of gifts.
Wrap presents in recyclable wrapping paper or beautifully printed cloths which are now readily available and can be used year after year. Add some leaves or sprigs from trees for a touch of nature.
If you’re feeling creative, why not try making your own wrapping paper with brown paper and some festive stamps or hand drawn designs.
Ask for care instructions when you buy items so that you can pass them onto the receiver, and they can last longer.
10 sUSTAINABLE GIFT IDEAS
I hope these ideas bring you some inspiration for eco-friendly gifting, and that you find shopping consciously and mindfully both joyful and better for the planet:
Subscriptions to nature memberships/charities: Woodland Trust, National Trust, RSPB, The Wildlife Trust, People’s Trust for Endangered Species are a few to consider. You can also buy gifts for nature such as a dormouse house for a newly released couple, so they have a safe place to live.
Experiences instead of things: This is a lovely way to create memories, rather than buying something they don’t need. For example, why not gift theatre tickets, vouchers for a favourite restaurant or a pass to an art gallery or museum.
Gift cards: These are the ideal gift for someone who maybe doesn’t treat themselves often, but who would love to pick out something special for themselves that they would treasure. Click here for gift cards for my jewellery collections.
Classes or a course for a creative activity: There are some gorgeous courses to choose from, both online and in-person such as seasonal wreath making, gardening for wildlife, crochet, knitting, flower pressing, sewing, pottery or painting. Take a look at Toast, Domestika, Eventbrite, Still Flower Drawing, Create Academy and Teachable for ideas.
Treat them to a holistic treatment: For those that love a pamper or maybe have always wanted to try something like reflexology, acupuncture, or a massage, this could be the perfect gift.
Create a gift box with all their favourite food & drink: There’s a wide array of options from local farm boxes, cheese or vegan boxes, or how about homemade baked goods for an extra personal touch.
British made natural soya wax essential oil candles: These will always be appreciated through the darker months.
Make your own kits: There are some fab kits on the market that provide everything you need to make your own scarf, macramé hanging plant pot, weaving or wall art. The perfect gift for cosy creativity in the winter months.
Gardening gifts: Ideal for green fingered friends and family, or complete beginners. Why not gift a selection of seeds to be sowed to encourage bees and butterflies to a garden, or a membership to The Floral Project, a wonderful initiative that is ‘sharing the journey of sowing, growing, and giving a million flower posies all across the UK. Together.’ A great way to be part of something positive for the community, whilst learning to grow your own flowers.
A piece of seasonal nature inspired jewellery: For each piece of Alice Stewart Jewellery bought I make a charitable donation to Trees for Life, to help re-wild and support one of the world’s most precious woodland habitats, the Caledonian Forest in the Scottish Highlands. All my jewellery is handmade to order in the UK, and sent in eco-friendly packaging, I’ve included some examples from my nature inspired collections below.
BUY LESS BUY BETTER
Gifting and shopping consciously means making thoughtful choices, and sometimes buying less but better quality, in the knowledge that the gift will go on to be cherished and appreciated for many years to come. Each piece of Alice Stewart Jewellery is handmade with great attention to detail, crafted to last; a beautiful token of the natural world to be worn and cherished. Endlessly inspired by the changing seasons, I find inspiration in the most intricate details and enduring beauty of mother nature. Here are a few gift ideas from my collections if you’re looking for a special nature inspired keepsake they can treasure.
FROM LITTLE ACORNS MIGHTY OAKS GROW
As the saying goes ‘mighty oaks from little acorns grow’ the acorn is the perfect symbol for anyone embarking on a new beginning, and a wonderful memento of our own potential. It’s a beautiful reminder that we each have what it takes to start something, and that from humble beginnings great things can flourish.
lUCKY ROBIN NECKLACE
One of my favourite birds that make itself known as the winter season takes hold is the inquisitive little robin - which is why I think the lucky robin necklace, like the acorn, also holds a special connection with new beginnings.
This tiny bird is one of the only still singing to hold their territory throughout the winter, when most other birds have stopped. For such a small bird, they are one of the most bold and daring; a symbol of inner strength and a reminder that there is always courage to be found within us.
