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The Best Sustainable Wrapping Paper

Unwrapping gifts is undoubtedly one of the best parts of the holiday season. Whether you're swapping secret Santas or celebrating with your kids during Hanukkah, gift wrap is what makes the giving season so special.

However, aiming for a more sustainable holiday season can complicate the subject of wrapping paper. From the waste it creates to the plastic it's made with, gift wrap is one of the least sustainable aspects of the holiday season—yet many people aren't aware of the true implications.

Read on to find out why ordinary gift wrap isn't sustainable and how to swap it for options that are more eco-friendly (without sacrificing the spirit of the season).

Why Isn't Normal Wrapping Paper Sustainable?

The obvious problem with conventional wrapping paper is that it creates a considerable amount of waste. Earth 911 estimates that 2.3 million pounds of gift wrap winds up in landfills each year. 

This is the case even when people aim to recycle their gift wrap. That's because many people assume wrapping paper can be recycled since it's a form of paper when in reality, the shine and glitter on gift wrap makes it unrecyclable. These sparkling additions may look festive, but they're made from plastics that can't be recycled.  

And when someone tosses something unrecyclable into a recycling bin? It doesn't just send the gift wrap to the landfill—it contaminates the entire batch. In other words: Wrapping paper from a single gift can send an entire truckload of recyclables straight to the landfill. Yikes.  

Another thing to consider about the glitter and shine on wrapping paper is that it results in microplastics. These tiny particles of plastic can infiltrate our waterways and threaten bird and marine life. That's also the case for bows and ribbons, which are often made from, or coated in, different types of plastic. 

Similarly, wrapping paper on a gift is often secured with plastic tape. If a type of wrapping paper is recyclable, but it has plastic tape or a shiny metallic bow attached, it will likely still wind up in landfill, even if you put it in the recycling bin. 

Lastly, conventional wrapping paper is often made from virgin paper, meaning it may have contributed to deforestation, pollution, and massive water consumption. It's especially disheartening to think we're wrapping our gifts in material that directly degrades the environment when landfills and recycling bins are full of material that could've been repurposed three times over into beautiful, sustainable gift wrap.

 The truth about conventional wrapping paper is grim, but it doesn't have to negatively impact the holiday season and the way we give gifts to loved ones. 

 In fact, there are dozens of brands focused on creating eco-friendly wrapping paper. The following seven brands boast a range of sustainability perks in their gift wrap, including cotton materials, renewable fibers, compostability, and more. We also include options for recyclable, plastic-free tape and adhesives, plus bows and other gift additions made from renewable resources.

our top picks for eco-friendly wrapping paper:

1. Wrappily

Wrappily is a company that’s deeply informed about the ills of ordinary gift wrap. That’s why all their gift wrap is made from repurposed newsprint, making it 100% compostable and recyclable. Newsprint has a robust recycling rate of 75%, and such fibers can be recycled up to seven times—the highest recyclability rate of any material in the United States! 

All these eco-friendly positives aside, their wrapping paper is adorned with cute, colorful, and creative designs, some of which are double-sided.

They also have accessories like twine made from hemp and cotton ribbon. We also love that they offer a DIY macrame gift topper. With this craft kit, you can create a macrame decal and attach it to the outside of the present for a truly unique, creative, and memorable gift.

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Of the Earth Seed Paper

2. Etsy

You already know Etsy is a haven for recyclable gifts, but did you know they have a large selection of sustainable gift wrap, too?

A search for eco-friendly wrapping paper on Etsy returns over 5,000 results, and the variety is vast.

Choose from sustainable gift wrap options like Furoshiki Japanese wrapping cloths, hand screen-printed paper made from renewable fibers, and gift wrap handmade from grass and mango leaf.

You can also find sustainable and upcycled ribbon to wrap it all together.

Be sure to check out their options for sustainable, recyclable tape, too. This one is an adhesive you can activate with water, making it totally plastic-free. As a bonus, many Etsy sellers display their ethical manufacturing and product sourcing standards.

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3. Wrappr

If you want a truly unique gift wrap idea, look no further than Furoshiki—the art of wrapping gifts with scraps of fabric.

Wrappr’s Furoshiki wrapping cloths are made from materials like organic cotton and recycled polyester and can be easily reused again and again.

These wraps are available in multiple colors and patterns in four different sizes (19.5 x 19.5 to 51.18 x 51.18 inches).

You can find multiple How-To tutorials for gift wrapping different presents with their fabric, and there's no need to buy plastic tape or extra accouterments for this already-lovely gift. The best part about Furoshiki is that it's a gift in itself. The person you're gifting it to can reuse the Furoshiki for storing special items or regifting with style.

use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC for 20% off your purchase

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4. PaperSource

Have you ever heard of stone paper?

Yup - this paper is made from stones - not trees!!

Stone wrapping paper is eco-friendly, water-resistant, and cuts like butter.

It’s also reusable making it even more plant-friendly.

PaperSource has over 20 different prints of stone paper, as well as hemp twine and plantable gift tags.

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5. Veo

Veo sells a wide range of sustainable home and lifestyle items, but their gift wrap is especially impressive.

You can find eco-friendly packing tape in cheetah print, sustainable folded gift tags, damask fabric gift wrap, and of course, recyclable wrapping paper.

The wide range of designs and materials makes it easy to personalize gifts, and we love that you can filter by different levels of sustainability in your search—including plastic-free, recycled materials, and more. 

Another reason to love Veo is their mission. Not only do they sell a wide range of zero-waste and eco-friendly materials, but they also have a blog named “Eco Inspo,” where they share tips on all things conscious (and affordable) living. It’s important to know that a company is actually practicing what they preach, and that’s never a worry with Veo. Sustainable and trustworthy? Now that’s something we can get behind!

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6. Bee’s Wrap

Food gifts are inescapable during the holidays, and whipping up a batch of homemade goodies is more sustainable than buying a plastic-laden gift on Amazon. 

That being said, you can take the eco-friendly nature of your gifted food item a step further with Bee’s Wrap.

Made from organic cotton, beeswax, organic plant oil, and tree resin, Bee’s Wrap replaces plastic containers that can leach chemicals into your food when heated (not to mention their eventual death in the landfill).

If you’re vegan or abstain from bee products for other reasons, Bee’s Wrap has a dedicated section with vegan food wraps. Last but not least, we just love the assorted packs available from Bee’s Wrap. These packs offer a range of sizes and patterns—perfect if you’re planning on delivering a big batch of cookies or bread to different loved ones.

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7. Noissue 

Finding eco-friendly gift wrap for your small business can be a challenge, but Noissue makes it easy.

Their selection of mailers, tissue paper, totes, tags, stickers, and more can all be customized with your own design and branding, giving your customers a sustainable way to keep you top of mind.

While their bulk gift wrap is foremost for businesses, it could also be a helpful asset for charities, schools, or events that require gifted invitations or thank yous.

All of the products at Noissue also belong to a circular framework—meaning they’re either compostable, recyclable, or reusable. Noissue emphasizes the circular economy as a core sustainability feature because it reduces the consumption of finite resources while helping businesses grow in a way that benefits both the environment and society. What’s not to love about that?

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8. 100% Recycled Craft Paper

If you are seeking to add a personal touch to your wrapping paper, consider using Kraft paper as it provides a great opportunity for customization. Plus, involving kids in the decorating process can make it a fun and engaging activity.

Triplast's Brown ECO Kraft Paper is an eco-friendly option that can be used for gift wrapping, arts and crafts, and packaging.

This Kraft paper is made from 100% recycled material, making it fully recyclable and biodegradable, thus minimizing its impact on the environment! The paper is flexible and can conform to any shape or size, with clean and crisp fold lines that prevent tearing or fraying.

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9. Printed Kraft Wrapping Paper

Here's another fantastic option for kraft wrapping paper that is already fully printed.

Although kraft paper may not be the most sustainable choice for gift wrap, it is completely recyclable unlike traditional wrapping paper, which is a big plus.

Plus, we appreciate the rustic and classic look it adds to gifts.

This wrapping paper set comes with 6 different prints and 10 feet per roll!

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Choosing More Sustainable Gift Wrap

Gifting and opening presents is an essential part of the holiday season, but ordinary wrapping paper simply doesn’t meet sustainability standards. Fortunately, these options make it possible to still participate in the giving season while doing our part for the earth, too.

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About the Author

Michelle Polizzi is an independent writer and storyteller with 7 years of experience creating content online. Her writing has appeared in leading publications like Bitch, WELL+GOOD, Insider, and Healthline, and she covers topics like sustainable living, mental health, and intersectional feminism. Currently, she's pursuing an MFA in creative writing.

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WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

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Etsy Shops Selling Sustainable Goods

Etsy has become one of the best places on the web to source handmade, local, and now sustainable goods. From shampoo bars and waste-free kits to upcycled art and apparel, Etsy provides an eco-friendly alternative to Amazon and other ecommerce giants that create more waste and cause more harm.

These days, Etsy also makes it easy for shoppers to identify and understand the different sustainability aspects of the stores they’re shopping from. Sustainability attributes are a newer, optional listing component that sellers can add to their listings. Shoppers can then search for these traits, such as “recycled” and “reusable” for example, and find products that match what they’re looking for.

Additionally, Etsy has committed to their own sustainability practices, becoming the first large ecommerce site to offset the entirety of their carbon emissions. They’ve also become partners with EcoEnclose, a company that makes it easier for sellers in the USA to use affordable, eco-friendly shipping options. That way, becoming a more sustainable seller on Etsy doesn’t cut into small business profits, and buyers can be part of the shift towards more environmentally friendly practices.

If you’re ready to support smaller businesses and make your lifestyle more sustainable in the process, get started with these 15 Etsy shops.

Our Top Picks for Sustainable Etsy Shops:

1. Me Mother Earth

Me Mother Earth is a Las Vegas-based sustainable living company that donates a portion of its proceeds back to ocean conservation.

They sell a variety of cleaning items, such as wooden and coconut scrub brushes, quick-dry diatomite soap dishes, foaming soap dispensers, dishwashing soap bars, and more.

They also have personal hygiene products like eco dental floss and bamboo toothbrushes for a more sustainable oral care routine.

Plus, you can find a homemade, nontoxic laundry stain remover stick along with other unique home essentials.

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2. Hive and Honey Farm

Hive and Honey Farm is based in Minnesota, and they make full use of their honey farm’s byproducts by making beeswax candles, lip balms, and natural wood butter, which is designed to help you clean and polish wood surfaces. This Etsy seller’s main product is a range of beeswax food wraps for keeping food fresh without the plastic.

Their bees wrap comes in a range of sizes, with starter variety packs, food storage bags, and wraps for topping glass jars and bowls. 

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3. Bunzow Glass

This Idaho-based Etsy shop was started by two former bartenders who wanted to repurpose some of the glass waste generated by the service industry. Now, they make upcycled drinkware, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and eco decor made from liquor and beer bottles.

All of the glassware they source is cut, shaped, and polished by hand. Since their company was started in 2016, they’ve diverted 10,000 bottles from their local landfill and helped buyers make more sustainable jewelry and lifestyle choices.

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4. Happy Earth Boutique

This sustainable, natural, and non-toxic boutique sells pillow sprays, potpourri, yoga mat spray, shower mats, and bath salts.

All of these scented items are made using only essential oils, with no harsh chemicals.

One of their most innovative products are their toilet fizzies, which use baking soda, citric acid, and essential oil to create a fizz when they come into contact with water, gently cleaning the toilet without using harsh ingredients.

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5. Manic Earth

Find reusable paper towels made from 100% cotton flannel in this Etsy shop based in Charleston, South Carolina.

You can buy a six-pack or a twelve-pack in a wide variety of playful designs and colors, from rainbow smiley faces and pickles to monstera leaves and sushi. These towels are absorbent and easy to wash and reuse, making them the perfect alternative to single-use paper towels that add waste to the environment—not to mention the cost savings in a product that can be used 10,000 times.

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6. Purple Turtle Co

If you’re looking for a place to buy eco-friendly gifts, Purple Turtle Co has you covered. Their Etsy store sells a range of gift sets that can help someone kickstart a more sustainable lifestyle. Their health and beauty gift set contains a bamboo toothbrush and comb, a wooden soap dish, a makeup remover pad, and other essentials. They also have plant propagation kits and grow-your-own herb boxes, in addition to candle making kits. These DIY boxes stand out because they offer instruction guides on how to get started with a new hobby and incorporate it into your daily life for lasting, mindful habit

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7. Linen by MN

Linen by MN is a handmade linen apparel company that can help you on your journey toward ditching fast fashion. This shop is committed to sustainability by using ethical production, fair trade practices, and eco-conscious sourcing. This shop also relies on locally-sourced, environmentally-friendly packaging for all their shipments. Find linen dresses, pants, tops, aprons, and more apparel, with most of their items being tailored and handmade according to your specific measurements. Choose your color, send your sizes, and wait for the perfect-fitting linen piece to arrive at your door.

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8. Naturel USA

Shop owner Melissa started Naturel USA to combat the plastic shampoo and conditioner bottles filling up landfills worldwide. This Illinois-based shop has a wide range of zero-waste shampoo bars for all kinds of needs and concerns, including dry scalp shampoo, curly or dry hair shampoo, and purple toning shampoo for highlighted hair. She also has dry shampoo, starter kits, saver trays and bags that protect the bars, along with scrub-infused soaps that are vegan, handmade and cruelty-free.

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9. Fripp Designs

This Etsy shop sells unique, hand-crafted art in the form of t-shirts, mugs, prints, and more.

Since each of their items are small batch and handmade at home, they make a great alternative to art and clothing you can buy at a major retailer.

This Georgia-based shop makes art in a blend of music, sports, aviation, and automotive themes, making it the perfect place to find gifts for car hobbyists, pilots, musicians, and so much more. 

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10. Wild Harvest Studio

This shop makes organic cotton and hemp loungewear items like tank tops, yoga pants, jumpers, and beyond.

All of Wild Harvest Studio’s clothing is handmade, small batch, and one of a kind.

These pieces are also hand dyed with nontoxic plant dyes and printed with botanical and nature-inspired patterns. Since these pieces are custom made to order, the shop owner helps reduce textile waste. Plus, the natural fibers used in all her clothes are designed to last, helping extend their life cycle and fight back against fast fashion.

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11. SimpleEcology

SimpleEcology is a sustainable lifestyle brand that helps people make easy, eco-friendly swaps.

They have a wide array of organic cotton totes, lunch bags, gift bags, aprons, and grocery bags.

Additionally, this family-run business sells reusable nut milk bags for creating your own almond milk, straining your own cheese and yogurt, or making loose leaf tea. Creating these products on your own helps reduce your consumption of single-use plastic and also saves money and resources.

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12. ArtistRitasStudio

ArtistRitasStudio is a one woman artist shop that creates hand painted, customized pet portraits on salvaged wood boards.

Simply select your desired dimensions, make your purchase, and send in a photo of your pet with any additional specifications.

Florida-based Artist Rita also creates one-of-a-kind paintings of tropical wildlife, sunsets, and other nature scenes on palette wood, providing a sustainable alternative to the plastic-filled, easy discardable art that’s often found in big box stores.

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13. Honeywild Apothecary

This natural skincare brand creates conscious, sustainable products that support people and the earth. Owners Laura and Kate have a five-acre property where they grow their own flowers and herbs and forage wild resources for their products. They also use honey and beeswax harvested on their own land in partnership with a local beekeeper. Their products include mineral sunscreen, everything balm, organic lip balm, botanical bath salts, and cold process soap—all of which are made in small batches to maintain a high level of quality. Everything they make is also free from sulfates, parabens, artificial fragrances, aluminum, and synthetic preservatives.

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14. Ocean Plastics

This brand takes one of our environment’s greatest threats—microplastics in the ocean—and turns it into beautiful jewelry and accessories. In addition to cleaning up their local Florida beaches, these Etsy shop owners are also bringing awareness to the issue of microplastics by showing just how prevalent they are. The plastic debris are set in eco resin and shipped with plastic-free packaging and seed paper that you can plant to watch wild flowers grow. Lastly, a dollar of every sale is given to the Surfrider Foundation, which helps clean up and protect oceans and beaches.

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15. Cork Culture USA

Cork Culture USA is an Etsy shop that makes wallets, purses, jewelry, bags, and accessories out of cork. As a biodegradable and recyclable material, cork comes from cork trees, whose forests sequester carbon and bolster biodiversity.

These cork goods are also a great alternative to leather, which is often tied to the environmentally degrading cattle industry, or faux leathers made from plastics. Cork Culture’s bags have a variety of colorful and interesting designs, from flowers and geometric shapes to plants and art.

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About the Author

Michelle Polizzi is an independent writer and storyteller with 7 years of experience creating content online. Her writing has appeared in leading publications like Bitch, WELL+GOOD, Insider, and Healthline, and she covers topics like sustainable living, mental health, and intersectional feminism. Currently, she's pursuing an MFA in creative writing.

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WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.

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RELATED READING YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:

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Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated, so we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only add brands & products we truly believe in. Thank you for supporting the brands who are working to make the world a better place!

Eco-Friendly & SUSTAINABLE CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS for a green holiday

Most families love decorating their homes for the festive season. Christmas decor usually brings extra joy and coziness, and it adds to the warm atmosphere. 

However, the majority of decorations we can find are made of plastic and colored using toxic paints, not to mention their very poor quality. 

Yes, Americans produce 25% more waste than usual between Thanksgiving and the New Year, but it does not mean we should contribute to this problem even more. 

We can decorate for Christmas and fill our homes with the spirit of the season without buying wasteful decorations that would quickly end up in a landfill. 

With its eight DIY ideas, this article will inspire you to create some sustainable Christmas decor by yourself or with your kids. You will also learn about 14 brands that sell eco-friendly decorations you can feel good about buying this festive season. 

WHAT MAKES CHRISTMAS DECOR SUSTAINABLE? 

The most sustainable Christmas decorations are the ones you already have at home. So if you already have some, reuse them year after year, and try to take good care of them. 

But if you need new decor, making it yourself with elements you can find in nature is a great option. You can also find them second-hand or purchase high-quality decorations made from sustainable materials and produced in a fair trade environment. 

WHAT MATERIALS SHOULD YOU SEARCH FOR? 

If you want to create some decorations yourself, use upcycled materials or things from your kitchen, like oranges, cranberries, and cinnamon sticks. You can also go foraging for some natural elements, like pinecones, branches, rosehips, and holly. 

But if you prefer to buy them instead, choose decor made of recycled materials or FSC-certified wood. Many sustainable decorations are also made from organic cotton, linen, vintage fabrics, or raffia.

OUR 8 FAVORITE DIY CHRISTMAS DECOR IDEAS

1. Dried Orange Garland

A dried orange garland is a must-have Christmas decoration that you will be able to hang on your tree or your mantel!  

To create one, slice a few oranges and use a towel to squeeze out as much juice as possible. Put them in the oven for two hours at 250°F, and once they are baked, leave them on a cooling rack for a few days. Use a needle and a thread to string them together.  

If you do not want a garland, you can easily use these orange slices as tree ornaments. Just create a loop with your thread so that you can hang them. 

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2. Origami Stars

This one is a cool project you can do with kids as a fun family activity: create origami stars for your Christmas tree. 

To make it as sustainable as possible, use upcycled paper like scrap paper you do not need, old magazines or maps, or even paper bags. It will give your stars a unique look! 

You will first need to cut a pentagon from a square paper. Then, follow the instructions on this website to fold the star.

In the end, insert a little string at the top so that you can hang it on the branches of your tree. 

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3. Handmade Wreath

If you love hanging a Christmas wreath on your front door for the festive season, why don’t you make one yourself? 

First, try to find some flexible branches in nature to create a wreath base. But if you cannot find any, reuse an old base or purchase one made from willow. Then, cut a few branches from your Christmas tree, layer them up and attach them to the base with wire. 

Go foraging for some natural elements from your local environment, like pinecones, holly, laurel, or rosehips, and add them to your wreath. You will end up with a beautiful, sustainable wreath! 

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4. Candle Jars

Decorate your dining table with a few candle jars in the middle.

They are incredibly easy to make, but they look really beautiful and add to the cozy atmosphere.

Reuse and upcycle a jar from the food you buy, and add a bit of salt at the bottom.

Place a tealight inside, and then, attach a few cinnamon sticks with a string or a ribbon to the outside of the jar. 

Instead of cinnamon sticks, you could also tie a little pine branch or a small piece of holly. Finally, light the candle and enjoy your lovely creation! 

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5. Cinnamon Sticks

Another very easy Christmas decoration you can create using cinnamon sticks is to turn them into tree ornaments. 

Cover the cinnamon stick with an elegant ribbon, and tie it into a bow.

You may have kept a few ribbons from last Christmas, so don’t forget to check before buying any!

And there you have a wonderful tree ornament that not only looks beautiful but also smells incredibly good! 

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6. Denim Tree Ornaments

If you have an old pair of worn-out jeans in your closet, do not get rid of it! Denim fabric is extremely durable and versatile so it would be a shame not to reuse it. 

If you can sew, use them to create small Christmas tree ornaments. Start by cutting out two little triangles from your fabric, and hand-stitch a variety of stars all over them. 

Stitch the two triangles together without forgetting to add cushion stuffing inside, or even better, some fabric from a worn-out piece of clothing to make it more sustainable. Finally, create a loop with a thread, and hang it on your tree. 

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7. Small Christmas Tree Made from Upcycled Materials

If you have a pile of old paper bags that you have somehow accumulated over the years, this DIY is for you! With a simple cereal box, a few paper bags and hot glue, you can craft a rustic-looking Christmas tree. Follow the steps explained on this website: you will need to cut a few pieces of cardboard, crimp paper strips in your fist before twisting them, and glue everything together. In the end, you will have a unique Christmas tree entirely made out of upcycled materials. It should be around 13 inches high, ideal for displaying on a mantel, a bookshelf or a dining table! 

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8. Christmas Table Centerpiece

Spruce up your dining table by adding a wonderful centerpiece that you made yourself. You can easily create one using a recycled tin can and some freshly cut branches you found in nature. 

Reuse a tin can from the food you eat, and fill it with a bit of sand and water. The wet sand will provide moisture to the fresh cuttings and will help keep everything in place. 

Then, go foraging for some evergreen branches with pinecones, and arrange them in the tin can. Dress up the can with a piece of burlap, tie it with twine or a nice ribbon, and voilà! 

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14 BRANDS CREATING ECO-FRIENDLY HOLIDAY DECORATIONS

1. Fair Trade Winds

Categories: Ornaments, Garlands, Lanterns, Candles

As a member of the Fair Trade Federation, Fair Trade Winds sells sustainable clothes and home goods that are all fairly traded and handmade. 

The brand has numerous Christmas tree ornaments, including cute animals and wooden angels.

You can also find a hand-felted Nativity scene set, all kinds of colorful garlands, and a beautiful advent calendar. 

Fair Trade Winds even has some metal lanterns as well as soy wax candles with a cinnamon, clove and orange scent to add a festive atmosphere to your home.

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2. The Citizenry

Categories: Tree Skirts, Ornaments, Stockings, Candle Holders

The Citizenry’s home goods are all made with a fair trade process guaranteed by the World Fair Trade Organization. It has a few Christmas decorations that are all beautifully handcrafted by artisans from all over the world.

The brand sells a set of three ornaments made of polished brass. Ideal to elevate any tree, their geometric shapes blend minimal design with timeless style. 

The Citizenry also offers an organic cotton stocking dyed with natural indigo, as well as two tree skirts made of 100% organic cotton, or linen and cotton.  

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3. Friendsheep Wool

Categories: Ornaments, Garlands

Friendsheep Wool is on a mission to help consumers ditch single-use dryer sheets and synthetic fresheners, and offers great reusable, plastic-free alternatives - and besides their line of non-toxic fresheners, they offer holiday decos, too!

Friendsheep Wool’s garland is made of organic wool by disabled women in Nepal.

Dyed with non-toxic, azo-free dyes, its stunning colors will remind you of a starry night sky. 

You can also pick some of the brand’s ornaments to decorate your Christmas tree. If you love animals, you are lucky: it has some adorable dogs, reindeer, bears, and sheep! 

Friendsheep Wool is a member of 1% For The Planet. It also plants one tree for every item sold and offsets the carbon emissions from all the shipments throughout its supply chain.

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4. Made Trade

Categories: Stockings, Garlands, Ornaments 

Made Trade is a climate-neutral certified online store that only curates ethically made products sold by eco-conscious brands.

The store has a large selection of colorful ornaments to hang on your Christmas tree. From tiny basket ornaments where you can hide a small treasure to classic Christmas balls, Made Trade has you covered. It also sells striped stockings available in blue, white and black, all made from naturally dyed cotton.

Made Trade even has some cool garlands made using raffia and banana fiber, or organic cotton. 

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5. Ten Thousand Villages

Categories: Garlands, Ornaments, Tree Toppers, Nativity Scenes 

Ten Thousand Villages is a fair trade brand making all kinds of handcrafted products for everyday life.

It works with artisan communities from all over the world. 

The brand sells a lot of Christmas decorations, including Nativity scenes, tree ornaments, tree toppers and garlands, all made using sustainable materials.  

For instance, Ten Thousand Villages has a stunning garland made from natural palm leaf, featuring little gold and silver stars. You will also fall in love with its nativity scene hand-carved in a coconut shell by disabled people in Cambodia. 

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6. Wee Gallery

Categories: Ornaments, Advent Calendars, Stockings

Wee Gallery is the perfect sustainable shop if you are looking for toys, books and decor for children, and it donates a portion of its annual profits to fund reforestation efforts. 

The brand designs all its products in black and white, but it makes its holiday decor even more unique. You can choose between eight different stockings made from organic cotton canvas with printed animals on them. 

Wee Gallery also has two advent calendars, fun lacing ornaments, and a miniature woodland village crafted from bamboo. 

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7. Will & Atlas

Categories: Stockings, Bunting

Will & Atlas is a sustainable brand creating fair trade, artisanal home goods and accessories, including baskets, rugs and bags. 

The brand sells a handwoven cotton bunting that you can hang on the wall or your mantel during the festive season.

Featuring black or blue stripes, it will bring a whimsical touch to your space.   

Will & Atlas also creates handwoven stockings made of natural cotton.

With their neutral tones and striped detailing, they exude modern simplicity and will complement any decor in your home. 

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8. Kazi Goods

Categories: Ornaments, Garlands, Baskets 

Kazi Goods creates fair trade home goods using responsibly harvested native plant fibers and organic dyes. Its pieces are brought to life by talented artisan women in Africa. 

The company has a very large selection of Christmas tree ornaments that include animals, rainbows, and tiny baskets.

To add a pop of color to your home, you can also pick one of Kazi’s vibrant, boho-inspired garlands. 

You will love the brand’s handwoven bowls and baskets: their festive patterns make them the perfect pieces to stage gifts under your tree! 

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9. Azizi Life

Categories: Garlands, Ornaments, Wooden Decor

Azizi Life is a fair trade, non-profit organization working with Rwandan artisans to bring handcrafted home goods to the world. Each item is made using renewable, local, and natural materials. 

You can support this amazing brand by buying one of its beautiful hand-carved wooden ornaments. Its sisal tassel garlands will spice up your holiday decor, whether you choose to string them along a window or around your tree. 

Azizi Life also creates wooden Nativity scene sets and handwoven baskets that feature green, red and white tassels with gold detailing. 

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10. Anchal

Categories: Stocking, Ornaments, Tree Skirts

Anchal is a non-profit that makes colorful, fair trade home decor blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. 

The brand offers several stockings, each featuring a unique design and two playful pom poms.

Made from organic cotton or upcycled vintage fabrics, each model includes a hand-stitched signature of its maker.

Anchal also has different ornaments in the shape of stars, hearts and trees, as well as an elegant black and ivory tree skirt, made of organic cotton. This quilt-inspired skirt will take your tree decor to the next level! 

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11. Amante

Categories: Candles 

Amante is a lifestyle brand that sells all kinds of home goods, including baskets and home textiles. And to decorate for the holidays, they have wonderful candles that will add warmth and ambiance to your space. 

The company’s holiday soy candles are handmade in Chicago using 100% American-grown soy wax. They are available in a variety of scents that will make you think you are walking through a snow-covered pine forest. 

We also recommend Amante’s tapered candles, sold in many muted colors. Crafted in Maine, these candles are hand-dipped using a traditional Danish technique. 

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12. Creative Women

Categories: Ornaments

Creative Women, a member of the Fair Trade Federation, brings together time-honored processes, talented artisan women and the finest natural fibers to design beautiful products meant to embellish our homes. 

The brand offers two beautifully crafted ornaments for your Christmas tree: Glass Bulbs & Glass Jewels. These ornaments represent hours of work and generations of glass-making heritage.

Each one is hand blown in India using traditional techniques. Find them in red and silver.

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13. Swahili African Modern

Categories: Ornaments, Figurines, Nativity Scenes

As a member of the Fair Trade Federation, Swahili African Modern works with artisans in Africa to bring you fairly traded, handcrafted baskets, decor and accessories.

The brand has an incredible selection of tree ornaments, many of which are made by refugees.

The collection consists of knitted or beaded animals, colorful dolls, geometric ornaments, and it even has a wooden Noah’s ark. 

Swahili African Modern also makes Christmas-themed figurines and Nativity sets made using unique materials like wood, soapstone, banana fiber, or papier mâché. 

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14. Village Thrive

Categories: Garlands, Ornaments 

Village Thrive sells ethically made home goods that are handcrafted by artisans in Bali, combining modern designs with traditional crafts. 

The brand offers different garlands that are very versatile and can be used for Christmas as well as other occasions, like birthdays.

Made from raffia or organic cotton, the garlands feature tassels, little rainbows, wooden beads, or pom poms. 

You can also choose Village Thrive’s beautiful macrame garland and ornaments, all handwoven by single women. The materials are all sustainably and locally sourced from the island. 

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About the Author

Eva Astoul is a French freelance writer, specializing in content related to sustainability, simple living, and a growth-focused healthy lifestyle. She runs her own blog, Green With Less, to inspire people to live a more minimalist and sustainable life.

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avoid buying stuff with these experience gift ideas

Gift giving has become a staple of the holiday season or any special celebration. As such, this practice has become somewhat unsustainable, largely due to the number of unnecessary items bought. This year, instead of buying physical gifts for others, why not give experiences? In this article, we cover a wide range of experience gift ideas so you can find an eco-friendly gift for anyone, no matter the time of year or celebration.

What Are Experience Gifts?

Experience gifts are gifts that provide experiences instead of something material. These gifts require active participation from the recipient. Experience gifts can provide inspiration, education, and fun. 

An experience gift can be anything that you can “do.” If the gift isn’t a physical object, it’s most likely an experience gift. This can look like a ticket to their favorite vacation destination, a cooking class, or membership to their favorite yoga studio. 

Why Are Experience Gifts More Sustainable?

As a society, we frequently buy things that we don’t need and are often produced in unsustainable ways. When it comes to gift giving, this can often be a wasteful practice. We tend to buy gifts for people that they didn’t ask for, aren’t needed, and oftentimes, aren’t used. 

The corporations producing our favorite gifts, like fashion, beauty, and food brands, are significant environmental polluters. Traditional brands use plastic and synthetic materials, don’t pay their workers fair wages and produce unsustainable quantities of products that often end up in the trash. 

This gets tricky because we all want to give gifts to celebrate holidays or milestones. Giving gifts to our loved ones is how many of us show we care. What we choose to give, however, can have a major environmental impact. Choosing experience gifts over material items is one of the more sustainable ways to give gifts. 

Experience gifts don’t require the production of anything new. The businesses you support for experience gifts are often smaller or local companies, artists, and teachers, and they most likely don’t produce material things.  

We can also use experience gifts to provide education or a new perspective. Experience gifts not only have a lower environmental impact, but they tend to be thoughtful and personalized, giving your loved ones something that they will truly value and use. 

Plus, experience gift ideas can help you spend quality time together. You can book an activity that can be shared with your loved one, or with their family. 

Overall, when choosing experience gifts, prioritize locally-run or led options that use sustainable business practices when relevant. 

These are Our Top 16 Sustainable Experience Gift Ideas: 

1. Get Tickets to a Show or Concert 

This is an ideal experience gift for the person in your life who loves the arts.

You can get tickets to the ballet, their favorite artist's upcoming concert, a symphony, a play, or a comedy show. 

The options are somewhat endless, with thousands of shows happening throughout the year.

This is a great gift to enjoy together and will give them something to look forward to.

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2. Book a Refundable Getaway

A refundable getaway may be the perfect gift If you’re looking for something bigger and more intimate for your partner or family member.

Choose refundable or changeable plane or train tickets and accommodation. This will make it easy to surprise your loved one without having to confirm the travel dates before booking. 

This doesn’t have to be a faraway or expensive getaway either.

You can take them camping or on a staycation if a nearby getaway is a better fit.

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3. A Guided Outdoor Adventure 

For the adrenaline lovers in your life, booking an outdoor experience is the perfect sustainable gift.

Book a guided hike, trek, or climbing experience. Schedule a boat or hot air balloon ride. 

To be as sustainable as possible, look for locally-led experiences.

You can find numerous options on platforms like Get Your Guide and Airbnb.

For bigger tours or treks, support a sustainable tour company like G Adventures. 

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4. Create Coupons for Personal Experiences

If you’re looking for budget-friendly experience gift ideas, why not make your own coupons for thoughtful things you can give them? This is a great gift idea for intimate partners, close friends, or immediate family. You could create a coupon for an at-home massage, a home-cooked meal on the night of their choice, a picnic in the park together, or even offer to do all the house chores for a few weeks. Think about your skill set, and their interests, and see what you can create.

You can design the coupon for free, and without paper, on platforms like Canva. 

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5. A Travel Gift Card

A gift card to a booking platform is a wonderful gift for the travelers in your life. If you know they like to stay at Airbnbs, or they use a specific booking site to find accommodation, get them a gift card for it. 

Alternatively, you can also purchase a gift card for certain airlines, train operators, or car rental companies. Just make sure you’re choosing companies you know they frequently use so that the gift card doesn’t go to waste. This way they can use the gift card when they want and will think of you on their next trip.

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6. Do a Beverage or Food Tasting

For the foodies in your life, there’s no better experience gift than food and beverage tastings. If they live locally, you can even do this together. If they don’t live locally, it’s easy to find something in their area that they can enjoy. 

Book a wine, beer, or spirit tasting for those who love to drink. You can even book something at a nearby vineyard. Alternatively, you can also find great coffee or tea tastings. When it comes to the foodies, look for a food tasting or food tour you know they’ll love. You can find numerous tastings easily on Airbnb or through a local search. 

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7. Treat Them to a Dining Experience 

This can be a fancy or cost-effective sustainable gift idea.

It’s also a fantastic way to support local businesses and enjoy some quality time.

You can make brunch reservations, or treat them to dinner at a restaurant they’ve been dying to try. 

For fine dining lovers, book a tasting menu for a memorable and tasty dining experience.

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8. Sign Up for a Class or Workshop

For the forever student, they might love a masterclass or locally led class to develop a new skill or further their education. Whether they are interested in learning how to play guitar, speak a new language, or perfecting Italian cooking, chances are there’s a class for them.

You can also choose a one-day workshop or series that’s less of a commitment. Some fun ideas could be an art class, mixology, floral arrangements, chocolate making, essential oil mixing, cooking, or gardening workshops. Browse online booking platforms or search for local teachers to find the perfect fit. 

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9. Gift a Spa Day

If your loved one is into self-care, or badly needs some rest, a trip to the spa is a great gift. You can either give them a gift card or book them a specific treatment or package. 

This could look like a massage, a facial, a wrap, or a mani-pedi if that’s more their style. Some additional rejuvenating treatments include acupuncture, cupping, float session, salt cave treatment, or a day at a bathhouse. 

To make this gift more sustainable, prioritize supporting locally owned and run spas or facilities. 

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10. Get a Park Pass

An annual or seasonal park pass is a wonderful experience gift for your outdoorsy friends. If they love to hike, gift them an annual national park pass. If they’re more into camping, maybe a camping pass would be a better fit. If they love to ski or snowboard, a season pass to their favorite mountain will always be appreciated. 

Most state or national parks have a seasonal or annual park pass you can purchase.

Find out what their favorite park is, or where they’ve been dying to visit and gift them a pass. 

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11. Give a Subscription to their Favorite Platform 

There are numerous online services these days that make amazing sustainable experience gifts. Gifting a subscription to a platform they’d love is an easy yet thoughtful gift idea. If they love a certain creator, podcast, or artist, see if they have a Patreon you can subscribe to on their behalf. If they like meditation, you can get them a subscription to meditation apps like Headspace or Insight Timer. For readers, choose a subscription to their favorite online magazine or an audiobook app like Libro. FM. If they love music and don’t have Spotify Premium, pay for their subscription for a year. If movies are more their thing, sign them up for a streaming platform. There are endless options for subscription services that fit all interests and budgets. 

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12. Sign Up for a Gym or Studio Membership

Another sustainable experience gift idea is a membership to a studio or gym of their choice. Maybe they love to boulder, go to CrossFit, do yoga, or are interested in taking dance lessons. You can purchase a membership or class package at the fitness studio or gym of their choice. 

If your loved one isn’t into a specific workout but wants to get active, sign them up for a flexible membership on platforms like ClassPass or an online studio. 

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13. Book a Cameo

Cameo is a platform that allows you to pay for personalized messages from celebrities and public figures.

If you’re looking for fun experience gift ideas, especially for kids or teens, purchasing a Cameo is a memorable one. 

Choose their favorite actor, athlete, or musician and help them craft a message your loved one will never forget. 

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14. Go to a Game 

For sports-obsessed friends and family members, an experience gift they’d probably appreciate is tickets to a sports game.

You can go together, or get them an extra ticket to bring someone of their choice.

Whether it’s football, soccer, or tennis, chances are you can find an upcoming game they’d love.

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15. Choose a Cultural Tour

A cultural tour can be an educational and memorable experience gift idea. You can find something for just about any interest, whether it’s a history, street art, architecture, or nature tour. 

Find a locally-led tour on a topic you know they’d love for a sustainable experience gift.

This is a great option if your loved one is on the road or has any upcoming travels.

You can find something in their area, no matter where they are.

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16. Gift them a Photoshoot

If your loved one has a strong online presence or likes to be in front of the camera, a photoshoot is a fun experience gift idea.

This way you can support local photographers while giving them something they can have forever. 

A wonderful place to find local photo shoots is on Airbnb experiences.

Some options include tours or cover certain locations while others can be personalized to suit your friends' interests. 

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About the Author

Alicia Briggs is a writer & editor specializing in slow travel & sustainable living. She has been a full-time traveler since 2018 and runs her own blog, Learning the Local Way, where she covers responsible travel tips and guides.

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A Guide To Sustainable DIY Holiday Gifts

Do you know how much additional waste is created between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day? In America, waste increases by approximately 25% during the holiday season producing an additional 25 million tons into landfills and that’s just one country. Aside from choosing sustainable wrapping options this holiday season, you can also help reduce consumer waste by making your own sustainable DIY holiday gifts.

Choosing DIY gifts is a great way to reduce waste because you can choose to use sustainable materials, packaging, and wrapping. You can shop thrift stores for unique glass jars for packaging, use foraged materials from your own backyard and shop for ingredients free from chemicals. Making sustainable DIY holiday gifts also allows you the opportunity to create something meaningful that your recipient won’t have already received. These gift ideas make great sustainable holiday teacher gifts, holiday party favors and would be perfect for your holiday host or hostess. 

Also don’t forget to make a few extra gifts of whatever you create, this way you can avoid the need for any last minute shopping and falling into the trap of just buying anything for a last-minute gift. Don’t worry, even if you’re not super crafty, there are plenty of ways to make your own sustainable DIY holiday gifts with very minimal skill or effort.

Sustainable DIY Gifts For Personal Care Lovers

1. Bath Salts

By DIY in PDX

Typically a lot of bath kits and products come packaged in a ton of plastic, cellophane, and non-recyclable cardboard. The products themselves also usually contain a lot of artificial chemicals and dyes that are not actually good for your skin or the water supply chain. So instead, make your own bath salts infused with roses, lavender, or mint. This recipe uses only a few simple ingredients, and you can make these all up ahead of time before the holiday rush begins. 

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2. Shower Steamers

By Sustainable Cooks

If your gift recipient is more of a shower person, don’t worry; there’s a useful gift option for them too. This recipe for DIY shower steamers is a more natural, sustainable solution than traditional vapor rub and is great to gift in the winter months when colds and seasonal congestion are common. With three simple ingredients combined with the essential oils of your choice, these shower steamers would look great in a glass jar with jute twine and a personalized gift tag.

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3. Reusable Tea Bags

By Hello Sewing

Encourage your friends and family to slow down with a nice cup of tea to enjoy a quiet moment amidst the chaos of the holidays. Tea bags are filled with dozens of microplastics and nano-plastics that are harmful to our bodies and the environment. If you have a tea lover on your gift list, these reusable tea bags are so easy to make you don’t need a pattern and can even sew them by hand. This is a great way to upcycle leftover fabric from other projects, and you can gift this with some of your favorite loose-leaf tea for them to try. 

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Sustainable DIY Gifts For Homebodies

4. Pressed Flower Candlesticks

By Little Pine Learners

Candlesticks are a timeless classic in home decor, but this DIY project has been featured on all of the interior design feeds and blogs lately. Usually, decorated candlesticks are more of a splurge when bought in-store, but these are so simple to make that you will probably find yourself wanting to make these for every holiday. Using a little melted wax as your glue and sealant, you can select the flowers or botanicals used to suit each recipient's personal style and decor. If you have little ones at home, they can help forage for flowers, leaves, or greenery to use, and it is a great way to include the whole family.

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5. Stovetop Potpourri

By The Eco Hub

Give the gift of a cozy atmosphere for the holidays!

This stovetop potpourri looks great packaged in a mason jar, and all you have to do to use it is add water and simmer on the stovetop or in a crockpot.

Using natural ingredients like dried oranges and various spices and herbs, your recipient will have the heavenly smell of the holidays whenever they want.

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6. Festive Wreath

By Hearth and Vine

Nothing says decking the halls like hanging up a festive wreath indoors or outdoors. Making a festive wreath is an easy way to repurpose foraged materials into beautiful home decor. If you are not finding the natural materials you want outside, check a local garden nursery or craft store for a wreath that will be able to be reused year after year. You can create the wreath as minimal or embellished as you think your recipient would enjoy.

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7. Macrame Ornaments

By Macrame For Beginners

Pass on gifting molded plastic ornaments, and try making your own! Thanks to Macrame For Beginners, you can try 15 different holiday patterns for macrame ornaments. Traditionally, macrame uses hemp or jute cording, which is a more sustainable material for crafting. There are a lot of different techniques and patterns that are mainly just tying knots, so don’t worry if you’re not a super crafter. These ornaments look beautiful hanging on a tree, and your recipient will be able to enjoy them for years to come. 

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Sustainable DIY Gifts For The Aspiring Chef

Consumable gifts are a sustainable option because they can be used up and when made at home you can ensure the packaging is reusable or recyclable.

8. Finishing Salts

By Getty Stewart

Many gourmet recipes use finishing salts for added flavor and flair, but they’re typically expensive and not something many people keep on hand. These finishing salt recipes will last stored in a decorative glass jar and add a special touch to any recipe. You can customize the flavors to be sweet and savory or make a couple of both for a variety set. If you are in a hurry, don’t worry; there is an oven and microwave option in case you need a great gift in a hurry.

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9. Homemade Vanilla Extract

By The Daring Gourmet

Vanilla extract is an ingredient almost everyone uses in their holiday baking, so this recipe for homemade vanilla extract is sure to be a hit! Daring Gourmet is a great resource for the quality of ingredients required for the best extract and which vanilla beans produce different flavors.

This is a gift you will want to start in advance because it gets better as it ages but if you need you can always make a note with the date it can be used for optimal potency.

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10. Candied Nuts

By Sustainable Cooks

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire isn't just the opening line of a Nat King Cole classic; it's one of the many delightful seasonal flavors popular this time of year. All it takes is a little caramelized sugar, and you will have yourself a gift everyone will be begging for again and again. What's great about candied nuts is you can make this a nut variety or select your recipient's favorite and package it in a beautiful jar they can reuse after they've devoured all the candied nuts. This is a crowd favorite because it is delicious and simple to make. I always like to pair a filled jar with a thoughtful handwritten note and the recipe because, yes, they will be asking for it!

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11. Soup Mix In A Jar

By Wholefully

The holidays are always filled with cookies and decadent treats, so if you want something different, gift a ready-made soup mix! Since all the ingredients are shelf stable, your recipient can save their soup until after the holidays and think of you when they make it or have a nourishing meal ready to go during the hustle and bustle of the season. Plus, winter is prime soup season and perfect for a cold winter evening when you’re tired of holiday leftovers. 

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About the Author

Karmen Flores is a creative entrepreneur based in Michigan. Karmen shares all about plant-based and sustainable, intentional living on her blog Karmen Collective. From recommendations for all things plant-based to tips for living more sustainably, Karmen makes living with intention less intimidating and more accessible. You can connect with Karmen on Instagram @karmencollective and at www.karmencollective.com

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