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As the Christmas period fast approaches, the fun but sometimes stressful task of gift giving looms over us. However, we can collectively take the edge off gift shopping for us and the planet by choosing sustainable options.

In the UK, waste produced over Christmas exceeds an estimated 3 million tonnes. At The Carbon Literacy Project, we want to help minimise the commercial pull towards overconsumption and find other avenues to show love and appreciation for those dear to us. We believe that festive cheer is best achieved through low-cost, thoughtful presents which double as climate-conscious choices. In light of this, our team has shared their favourite sustainable gift ideas.

Climate-friendly gift ideas

1. Vinted finds

This online marketplace is perfect for purchasing pre-loved gifts such as clothing and accessories at a fraction of the retail price, while giving them a new lease of life. You can even find unique handmade items on there, too.

2. Dried flowers

Next time you are given a bouquet, why not dry it and regift it? You could even pop down to a ceramic painting place and personalise a vase to go with it.

3. Useful (personalised) items

A good quality pair of socks for your friend who loves walking, to anything personalised to the recipient and their hobbies that can be used up. For example, paints, a canvas, climbing chalk, yarn or wool.

4. Homemade gifts
Allow your creativity to take over. Perhaps you could use your garden herbs to create scented soaps/ candles or even flavoured salts, butters and jams. You don’t have to be an artist or an artisan, your loved ones will appreciate the time, effort and thought put in. Bonus points: Organise a ‘making’ evening for your friends to all make gifts for their loved ones. Getting creative can be a great relaxation and bonding activity!

5. Experiences

Creating a shared experience with someone you love is a great way to create memories with them and share in their interests. Maybe you have a friend who loves charcuterie? A cheese and wine tasting evening could be ideal.

6. Buying gifts from craft fairs

A good way to shop locally, support small businesses and care for the planet too, by avoiding the excessive packaging of online deliveries. Plus, you get to see, smell and touch things yourself – and maybe even try before-you-buy!

7. Consumables

A recipe hamper is a delightful way to personalise gift giving. Add all the non-perishable items needed for a recipe you know they’ll love to a basket, along with a recipe card. You could even design the recipe cards yourself if you like getting crafty!

8. Donations

Donating on behalf of a family member or friend to a cause they care about is the perfect zero-waste way to show you love them in a way that makes a difference. Pay forward the gift of Carbon Literacy this Christmas to schools that need it. All donations made to our Christmas Challenge, which aims to bring Carbon Literacy to more classrooms, are being matched and doubled until the 9th of December. Donate here!

9. Personalised Vouchers

Instead of buying a voucher for something that a loved one may like, why not personalise one by paying off an expense that they usually make? That could be a hairdressing/ nail appointment or even a monthly subscription.

10. A helping hand

Sometimes the most valuable gift is time. Help someone out by offering their time back – maybe you could babysit, garden or cook a nice meal.

Positive Change

Over 114,000 tonnes of plastic packaging are thrown away in the UK over the holiday season. With this in mind, you may even want to get creative with gift wrapping. Use old pillow cases, tote bags, wallpaper samples, etc… anything you can find around the house.

By choosing something from the list above (or coming up with your own ideas), you are actively contributing to positive change whilst reinstating the importance of sentimental and thoughtful gift exchanging. Christmas doesn’t need to mean spending lavishly. And more often than not, it’s the cost-effective, homemade presents that leave an impact on our loved ones for years to come.