How to shop for more sustainable Christmas gifts

Without adding to your stress levels or blowing your budget

If you feel it’s time to make your Christmas shopping more sustainable, there are simple tweaks you can make that make things more eco-friendly without blowing your budget or raising your stress levels.

Photo by Agil Saputro on Unsplash

#1 Consider second-hand or vintage

Buying second-hand used to feel like a backup plan or something a bit cheap. Now it’s just normal. Plus, if you can find something unique second-hand, it’s often more special than something brand new but generic.

Some good second-hand gift ideas:

• Books in great condition

• Toys, puzzles, and board games

• Tools and gardening gear

• Bicycles and sports equipment

• Vintage homeware or ceramics

• Clothing that’s basically new

#2 Support small or local makers

Buying from local small businesses can feel more personal, reduce shipping footprints, your money stays in the local economy, and you might get something you won’t see in every other house. Think:

• Handmade ceramics

• Art prints

• Small-batch skincare or soaps

• Local food gifts (honey, sauces, spice mixes)

• NZ-made clothing or accessories

• Candles, journals, jewellery

And you get to skip the worry of shipping delays, making shopping less stressful

#3 Give consumables (gifts people will actually use)

Consumables are underrated as gifts, but choose something you know the recipient loves, and they’ll get used. Combine this with shopping from local producers (see tip above) and you’ll make it even better.

Think:

• Good-quality chocolate

• Olive oil or spices

• Coffee beans

• Wine

• Local honey

• Handmade soaps

• Candles

• Baked treats

#4 Offer experiences instead of things

Experiences tend to be memorable and create less waste. They can be big or low-key like:

• Movie tickets

• A café voucher or dinner out

• A workshop or class

• A massage or spa voucher

• A day trip

• A babysitting voucher for parents who never get a break

• A membership (zoo, gallery, museum)

• Tickets to a local show or event

#5 Think DIY or homemade

Small, simple homemade gifts can be personal without requiring a whole project plan and mood board.

Options like:

• Homemade granola, biscuits, or chutney

• Bath salts or body scrub

• A framed photo

• Something knitted or crocheted

• Infused oil, spice mixes, or cocktail syrup

• A hot chocolate pack

You could also upcycle a gift by:

• Restoring a second-hand frame

• Refinishing a small piece of furniture

• Turning vintage fabric into a tote or wrap

#6 Choose stocking fillers carefully

Stockings can get chaotic, so it helps to stick to things that are either useful or edible.

Examples:

• Seed packets

• Socks

• Notebooks and pens

• Chocolate

• Bamboo toothbrushes

• Hair ties or clips

• Lip balm

• Small puzzles or card games

Sustainable wrapping

Photo by Monika Stawowy on Unsplash

Wrapping can be fun, but it also creates a surprising amount of waste. Most glossy or glittery paper can’t be recycled, and it often ends up in the bin within minutes.

You don’t need to go full craft project to make it more sustainable! A few easy options:

• Plain kraft paper

• Tissue paper + a reusable ribbon

• Fabric wrapping - a piece of fabric, a tea towel, or a scarf can double as part of the gift.

• Reusable bags, boxes, or tins - these can also form part of the gift.

• Skip tape if you can - string or ribbon does the job.

Look for businesses that offer eco-friendly packaging options too, such as packaging that is reusable instead of disposable, made of materials like wood, metal, or fabric instead of plastic, or made from recycled material.

What’s your favourite type of sustainable gift ?