Top 5 Sustainable and Thrifty Christmas Gift Ideas

Sustainable and thrifty Christmas gift ideas

Well folks, there is a little less than 2 weeks to go until Christmas.   Instead of dashing from store, to store, what if you could save money and the environment with presents that not add to the landfill one day.

Sustainable, Christmas gifts are often more appreciated, anyway.  They might take a little more thought or planning, but your recipients will know that you had both them and the Earth in mind!

Here are our top 5 thrifty Christmas gift ideas:

1.  Baked goods and recipes.  Nothing says lovin’ like something from the oven!  I enjoy gifting homemade peanut butter cups, infused oils or alcohols, layered cookie mix in a cute mason jar, and classic Christmas sugar cookies decorated with icing and sprinkles.  Be sure to add a personal note with the recipe!

2.  Hand-knit caps, sweaters, mittens or blankets.  Eco-friendly yarns can be found in just about every craft or sewing store these days, as well as on-line.  I love the hand-knit blanket that my grandmother made for us years ago for Christmas.  Knit caps are cozy and warm too.  Get out your needles now and start crafting!

3.  Donate to a worthy cause in your recipient’s name.  My mother-in-law often gives sheep to us for Christmas, in the form of a donation to Heifer International.  There are more charities (and need) than ever.  Why not pick one that represents values or concerns of your gift recipient?  I’d love a donation in my name to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) since I suffer from the disease and have other loved ones with diabetes.

4.  Offer to lend a hand.  Often, the best things in life are not things, right?  Does your friend need an afternoon to run errands or get her hair cut?  Maybe she would love several hours of free babysitting.  Perhaps your aunt and uncle need help shoveling their walkway during winter.  If you have a special talent like photography, music or cooking, offer to help at the next event your neighbor is hosting.

5.  Potted plants that can be transplanted into the yard.  Indoor flowers and plants are great for interior spaces from both a décor and health standpoint.  If you choose potted plants carefully and include instructions for care, your gift recipient can have a long-lasting present that will last for years.  Even if the plant is not successfully transplanted, at least you can compost it!

Hope these sustainable and thrifty Christmas gift ideas help with your gift giving this year.  Remember, if you are going to wrap a present, be sure to use eco-friendly wrap!