Buying new is neither sustainable nor economical. So let’s not.
Let’s face it, gift giving season can be very stressful. People are on different parts of their sustainability journeys and many want for things you don’t want to support anymore. So what do you do?
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Well, there are a few things you can do.
Secret Santa
You could write down everyone’s name on notes, and you will then only have to focus on providing a present for the person whose name is note you pulled.
Set a budget
If you set a budget for everyone involved, or even set the budget to zero, you make sure people won’t try to compete or make themselves look good by trying to buy the most expensive gifts.
Support small businesses
Make a list of what you want to get for your loved ones, and then go directly to a small business you know, search for one on social media or you go to Etsy and find one there. Decide on shops that create what you’re looking for, can ship and deliver before the holidays, and make sure they are as local as possible. That way you won’t put too much of a strain on the environment nor will you have to pay a fortune in shipping fees.
Make your own gifts
While I may have mixed feelings about YouTube in some areas, it is a great way to learn new things for free. You can learn how to make lovely handmade gifts for your loved ones, and often you can use things you already have at home as material.
Now I am not suggesting you write their name in macaroni or something like that. But I am suggesting that you make something personal, something handmade and something that speaks of the person you’re giving it to and your relationship.
Go thrifting
Thrift shops and second hand shops are amazing ways to find hidden gems that neither the seller nor the shops knew the actual worth of. You always hear stories of flippers who found something near free at a thrift shop or yard sale, flipped it and earned a fortune. You could do that, but without the flipping. Make a list of things to look for and then go out to find them. You can even visit thrift shops and second hand shops online, but it does take away from the experience of walking around in them. I may not be a lover of shopping, but I do like to visit shops that either sell things second and or handmade.
Gift local foods (preserved) and drinks
This one is especially nice if some of your family is coming to visit from another town or even another country. Let them enjoy some local treats and show them that you’re thinking of them.
These are only a few of the many things you can do to stay sustainable during your prep for the holidays.
What will you do to stay sustainable this gift-giving season?
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