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Low Waste Holiday Gifts: Thoughtful, Sustainable Ideas

The holidays are fast approaching, while it can be a magical time of the year it also generates incredible amounts of waste. In 2023, almost 5,000 unwanted gifts were listed on resale platform Trademe by the 27th of December.

1. Do a ‘Secret Santa’ and Give Fewer Gifts

Christmas and the holidays are high-cost, and often high-stress times. Particularly as you grow older you don’t want or need a gift from every person in your extended family.

Draw names randomly, set a budget that reflects your family and what they can afford, and focus on buying one great gift for one person, rather than an okay gift for everyone.

Last year my extended family did this, and spent $50 per person and the kids even got involved (9 and 11). They loved picking out a gift for their grandparent or sibling and didn’t feel let down by not getting a gift from everyone in the extended family.

By limiting the number of gifts, we reduce both material waste and the pressure to buy gifts that may not be meaningful, allowing us to focus on what truly matters—quality over quantity.

2. Gift an Experience

We can accumulate so much over the holidays, especially the kids and toys! Consider gifting an experience that the person can enjoy throughout the year. In the past, I gave my niece a ‘voucher’ that I would take her to Dinner and a movie of her choice, just the two of us, within the next year. I watched an animated movie and she ordered a box of popcorn the size of her head, she had a great time. Other ideas:

• Pay for a concert ticket.
• Buy a concession ticket to the local pools.
• If you know they’re travelling buy a gift card for an activity or a nice meal at their destination.
• Gift a workshop or class - from pottery to beer brewing or aerial aerobics, there are so many options!

Experiences, unlike physical gifts, typically don't come with excess packaging or contribute to the 'gift overload' many of us face during the holidays.

3. Deluxe Consumables

If you know someone who loves a pricey hand cream and has been stretching out the last little bit? A friend who has a special occasion only scotch? Someone who loves candles but struggles to justify the nicer brands?

Buying someone something they normally don’t indulge in shows you pay attention to what they love and they’ll think of you as they use them. When choosing these items, look for those with minimal or recyclable packaging, or consider selecting locally made products that support small businesses.

These are great ideas to splurge on for tip number one - doing a Secret Santa.