Give the Gift of Sustainability: Why Usable Items are the Perfect Holiday Presents.

It’s that time of the year again when we’re out shopping for gifts for our loved ones. We want to be excited about this holiday winter fairytale, searching for items that will bring joy and happiness to our families and friends.

In a perfect world, we’d find those perfect presents, our loved ones would keep them forever, and they would think about us every time they looked at them. They would remember the moment they unwrapped it by the Christmas tree, sitting next to the warm fireplace and each time, they would love us more and more.

But let’s face it, in real life, shopping for gifts can get overwhelming, stressful, and annoying - pick your word, or two, or more if you need to. Every year we stress out because we feel pressured to dedicate our time and spend our money on items we wouldn’t normally buy.

Don’t get me wrong, I love giving gifts. I get very excited when I find something that makes me think of someone I know. I enjoy knowing that I am buying a thing for this person and that they will happily use it. I love giving gifts that are personal and are dedicated to one special person.

But let’s be honest, it never happens when I have a list full of names and items, and even worse, I’m on a deadline. There is no charm or fun in buying stuff just because it’s Christmas. Buying just for the sake of it is wasteful. It harms the environment. During the holiday season, we buy way too many things that will end up in the trash. All these things are usually beautifully wrapped with a cute bow on top, which creates even more waste that eventually will reach landfills. We live in this world of consumption where we constantly need more. We buy more, forgetting why we want to give someone a present in the first place.

We give gifts because this is how we want to show another person that we care, that we love them, and that they are important to us. Do we really have to harm the environment to show our love and affection? Let’s make this holiday season more meaningful by giving gifts that are thoughtful, personal, and eco-friendly.

Have you ever thought about the well-being of our planet while shopping for gifts?

There are so many sustainable gift options out there that can help reduce waste and keep our planet healthy. From edibles like coffee, tea, and treats to reusable or secondhand items, eco-friendly gifts are not only practical but also thoughtful.

Personally, I love zero or low waste gifts. They're great not only for the environment but also for our mental health. For example, a reusable water bottle for a friend who is considerate about the environment or a beautiful handmade mug for a coffee lover are great gifts. But even though they’re great gifts, they come with what may be an unexpected burden, the mental load of having to manage their storage and use.

It’s not a secret that we all have too much stuff. All kinds of stuff. Many of us have started to realize that all of this stuff costs us our energy. We need to decide where to put it, how to use it, clean it, dust it, move around other things to make room for it, or just decide to throw it away. Each move and each decision takes energy that we could spend on something else. There is a reason why minimalistic and slow lifestyles have become so popular. We already know that we have enough and we don’t need more. We need less, actually. Do you want another water bottle to add to your collection or another decoration for your Christmas tree? No? So don’t push them on your loved ones either.

If you’re not sure where to start, I am here to recommend my online store and my natural soaps. My soaps are made with vegan, all-natural ingredients and come in a variety of scents. Plus, the packaging is biodegradable, so you can feel good about your purchase. I also love giving my essential oil blends because I feel like I am giving my friends time for themselves. Aromatherapy forces you to slow down, take deep breaths, or sit down and meditate by the diffuser. Essential oils have great benefits for your mental and physical health. So, why not give a gift that’s not only thoughtful but also good for the environment and your loved one’s well-being?

Need some more unique gift ideas? Why not try giving experiences instead of physical items? Cooking classes, a massage, or concert tickets are all great options that your loved ones will remember and appreciate more than a material gift. 

Whatever you choose to give this holiday season, please be considerate of the environment. Don’t buy useless, unnecessary items that nobody will ever use. Avoid plastic and wasteful packaging. And most importantly, make sure that your gift is not a burden that you bring to someone’s home.

Lastly, remember that your time and company are the most valuable presents you can give. Spending quality time with your loved ones is what the holiday season is all about. So, why not give the gift of your time and create some unforgettable memories together?