A complete guide for sustainable Christmas gifts

All our actions have an impact on the planet – even an act as loving as giving presents to someone special. This is because, depending on the type of product you choose, there are associated carbon dioxide emissions, particularly through transport, and environmental resources that are used, such as electricity and water.

The ecological footprint of a single t-shirt – the set of necessary resources to produce and distribute that specific product – amounts to around 7 kg of carbon dioxide and 2,700 liters of water. What about the wrapping paper or the packaging of your Christmas gifts – are they recyclable? The vast majority is not, since wrapping paper is frequently a mix of paper and plastic, which makes its recycling more difficult. In addition, times of celebration, such as Christmas, Easter, birthdays and many other milestones, can have greater food waste associated with them. The amount of food wasted during Christmas, for example, has a huge ecological footprint.

Offering creative and more sustainable gifts is a small gesture that can make a big difference – not only is it an opportunity to offer personalised gifts, but you’ll be putting the planet first.

Whether it is for an eco-conscious friend, a family member who loves handmade products, or someone who appreciates meaningful gifts, we have the perfect guide for you. Take the quiz below and discover some suggestions for creative and more sustainable gifts.

1. What does the person value most?
   A) Unique experiences and moments
   B) Useful and practical products
   C) Personalised or handmade gifts
2. How would you define their lifestyle?
   A) Oriented towards sustainability and protecting the planet
   B) Practical, active and social
   C) Creative and with few routines
3. Do they have specific restrictions or preferences?
   A) They are vegan, vegetarian, or have allergies or intolerances
   B) No, they can consume anything
   C) Not sure
4. How connected are they to nature?
   A) Loves nature walks, gardening and plants
   B) Likes being outdoors, but has little time to spare
   C) Has no special connection with nature, but would like to have one
5. Will the gift be for everyday use or special occasions?
   A) Daily use
   B) Something special to mark a date or moment
   C) Depends on the type of gift
6. Do they have specific hobbies or interests?
   A) Yes, for example, cooking, reading, crafting, or sports
   B) Not sure, but they enjoy practical items
   C) Always trying out new things
7. What is your budget?
   A) Up to €10
   B) Between €10 and €30
   C) Over €30

Now, check out the perfect suggestion for each combination of answers.

If you answered mostly A:

Prefer personalised gifts, made by yourself, like the suggestions on this DIY gift list. Also, value experiences, focused on practical activities or with sustainability as a focus. Some examples of gifts: vouchers for a museum, a trip to the cinema, a workshop, books, plants or aromatic herbs that you can grow at home.

If you answered mostly B:

Choose gifts that are practical and functional, but with a special touch: a decorative piece made by a craftsman, a painting by a local artist, a game to play with family or friends, kitchen utensils or other items for the home or to make everyday life easier. Calendars, bookmarks or personalised notebooks can also be good options.

If you answered mostly C:

Go for creative and original gifts that bring a sense of novelty: accessories made from recycled materials or kits for handicrafts, unusual experiences such as a trip to the spa or a journey within the country by train, tickets to concerts or festivals are examples of gifts for those who like to explore the world.

They are the right path for the future of the planet. And this is why we bring you the best tips to choose the most sustainable Christmas gifts. Here they are:

• Get to work… in the kitchen

A Christmas gift handmade by you is obviously more personal. If it is a Christmas gift for the stomach, then you already have a winning recipe. This year, think about offering sweets, jam, liqueur, cookies or bonbons cooked and prepared by you.

• Plastic? Only repurposed.

This Christmas, break out of old habits and offer repurposed plastic! What about a pair of socks made from wasted fishing nets? Or a pair of shoes that amounts to 36 plastic bottles removed from the sea? Are you thinking on a set of pocketbooks made out of advertising canvas? Besides being a different and sustainable Christmas gift, it is also a good present for the planet.

• Shop local, for your community

Buying local is a way to help the environment as it helps reduce the carbon emissions associated with the transportation of goods, for example. It is also a Christmas gift for your community because local producers – food producers, artisans, artists, or others – will also benefit from it. This year, there is another reason to buy local: the devastating impact the pandemic had on small businesses. Share happiness and sustainability through your community.

• Reusable is the way to go

You’ve almost certainly heard of reusable metal, silicone or bamboo straws. But have you ever offered them? Do you know if your friends and family already use them?

• Green, like hope

How many of your friends, family members, and co-workers live in flats without a garden or plants? To them, offer green! For example, a potted plant – with or without bloom – a mini herb garden for inside gardening, a suspended potted plant, or a mini greenhouse for the balcony. Who knows if your gift becomes the beginning of a sustainable herb garden?

• From your hands to someone’s heart

If you are an artistically gifted person, especially when it comes to arts and crafts, this is the perfect time to put your talent to good service. There is lots of “rubbish” just asking for a new life. How? A good example is making art with used coffee pods, but there’s more. Use wrapping paper from previous years. If it is not enough to cover a single present, use two (or three!) different kinds. You can also use old magazines and newspapers, and reuse boxes and packages that are lying around your place.

• Gift services and experiences

For some people, it is hard to buy gifts because they already have “everything”. In this case, buying something ends up being a waste.

• Reduce waste with digital gifts

Do you know that friend that devours scientific magazines? Yes, that one! He or she may be in need of a digital subscription to that loved magazine. And that relative that could be living in a library? You could offer an e-book, an e-reader or even a newspaper digital subscription. Sustainable gifts don’t necessarily need to be palpable.

• Give sustainable fashion

Gifting shoes made from plastic collected from the ocean, clothes made from organic, recycled materials, and local producers is a great sustainable gift idea. Another option is to explore second-hand shops, where you can find unique pieces with history looking for a new home.

• Reinvent gifts

Do you have a gift you never actually used? Pass it along to someone who will appreciate it. If you do this thoughtfully, you can cut waste and extend its lifespan.

Choosing a more sustainable gift is a way to express love while caring for the environment. Get inspired by these creative and mindful options and turn giving into a positive action for the planet. After all, the best gift creates memories, promotes positive change, and suits each person’s taste.