5 Amazing Ways To Gift Thoughtfully While Reducing Your Consumption
We know that reducing our consumption is key to seeing lasting sustainable change. However, you might be pressured this holiday season (or anytime you need to give a gift) to buy something new. And if you’re shopping from a sustainable brand, you might find yourself spending $$$.
This doesn’t have to be the case. There are plenty of ways to give sentimental and intentional gifts that are both susty and save some cash. But if you’re stuck trying to think of ideas, don’t worry. We’ve created a list of inexpensive secondhand, zero-waste, or low-waste gift ideas that will fulfill all your conscious gifting needs.
1. IOU Coupons
Like a gift card, you can make a personalized and intentional voucher that your recipient could use later. A great way to figure out what you should put on your coupons is to think of what their particular love languages are or what hobbies and crafts you’re good at. For example, if their love language is acts of service, you could create a “Cook a Special Dinner,” or if you’re good at crocheting, you could write “Crocheted Craft of Choice.”
2. Secondhand
As most thrifty girlies know, you can thrift nearly anything you want with enough time and patience. However, some items are easier to thrift than others, like sweaters! One year, my dad needed some cozy sweaters for work, and I was able to find him an array of knitwear (a few cashmere too!). Some other easier things to find at the thrift are scarves, beanies, and unique home decor!
3. DIY
You don’t have to be a certified crafty queen to make a DIY present (though if this is you, this is a great time to utilize those talents!). There are plenty of easy craft ideas that would make amazing gifts, such as an upcycled charm necklace, custom-painted pot, or superglue some fake flowers to a pair of heels like this. I have a growing Pinterest board of DIY ideas or things that look DIYable for other unique ideas.
4. Regift
Say it with me: There is NO SHAME in regifting
Maybe someone gifted you a new piece of clothing that doesn’t fit right, or some skincare you don’t need; instead of letting it collect dust, give it to someone who might want or need it! I think it’s silly that we live in a culture where once you are given something, it’s taboo to give it to someone else.
But if you still feel too uncomfortable to do this, just remember:
You’re breaking away from the capitalist notion that you have to buy something new in order for it to be an intentional gift
You’re reducing the amount of resources we consume and saving perfectly great things from the landfill!
5. Elfster
It may be taboo, but one of the best ways to know your gifts and money will be put to good use is to know exactly what your giftees would want! Elfster has been a site some of my friends and family members have used for years and is something I recommend to EVERYONE. Through the site, you can list links or ideas of what you want, and your loved ones can buy you those gifts anonymously. And though I just said there should be no shame in regifting, through this process, you know that your giftee got exactly what they wanted and the chances of you wasting your money are low.
Also, this is amazing for the people in your life who aren’t exactly susty, because you can gift them more sustainable alternatives. For example, my sister wanted a pair of AirPods, and her original link was from Amaz*n. So, what I ended up doing instead was buying her the exact model she wanted secondhand via Back Market (this is also a great resource if you’re looking for secondhand electronics!). She didn’t even know that they were secondhand, but she was excited to have them nonetheless.
If you’re looking for even more ideas, check out my ongoing playlist of DIY Gift Ideas on TikTok!
What are your favorite DIY gifts to give?