Instead of shopping on Black Friday, support Small Business Saturday.
Sure, shopping Black Friday might net you a deep discount on the latest “must have” gadget at the big box stores. I guarantee, heading out on Black Friday will put me in a black mood. Instead, check out your local small businesses or follow Small Business Saturday on Facebook for updates.
Dive in and make your own gifts.
Handmade gifts truly come from the heart. And they don’t have to be elaborate. These are easy enough that even a beginner DIYer can pull them off.
Herb infused sugars from Where the Watermelons Grow
Herb-infused sugars.
Candied orange peels.
Christmas rosemary bath salts.
Easy facial lotion bars.
A sweet little security puppy/blanket for a new baby.
Minty hot cocoa mix.
DIY glass magnets at Five Little Homesteaders
Easy, peasy, cute glass magnets.
Radiant body butter.
Vanilla or cinnamon extract.
Lavender room and linen spray.
DIY flower pot gift for kids, by kids.
Gluten free bourbon balls.
Support artisans by buying handmade gifts.
Just can’t manage to make your own gifts? Consider tracking down artisans who handcraft items. Etsy is your go-to source for online shopping, but be sure to explore unknown bastions of your city or town, too.
Jewelry from Ameya Creations.
My friend Debra makes beautiful ceramic pieces, mugs, and bowls.
I love these embossed metal pendants and pieces from Moani Jewels.
Check out Fiddlebump’s Apothecary and Two Bunny Bakery for homemade personal care products.
Ameya Creations has gorgeous handmade jewelry and batik clothing.
Scratch Mommy offers a handmade skincare line.
Give the gift of goat milk soap from House, Barn, Farm.
Sweet peasant dresses or for a little girl that you love.
Shop locally.
Do you know about the 3/50 Project? They encourage consumers to pick three local businesses that they love—three that they couldn’t do without—and spend $50 a month at those outlets. Just that little bit can make a difference.
Choose gifts that will support a greener lifestyle.
Some people just have to shop for their friends and family. Others aren’t happy with “alternative” gifts. (Have you heard of the five love languages? It’s a real thing. I know some of these people.) However, I have no problem giving gifts that might lead a person to adopt a good habit. Of course, there’s a fine line here — we’re not preaching, just introducing our loved ones to the possibilities. Is there a family treasure that you can pass on? A fun item made with reclaimed materials? You can stick to your principals and fulfill your gift giving with a little creative shopping.
Give books.
I’m an author, so “buy books” is one of my mantras. But as a book lover, I know there’s nothing better than finding a good book under the tree. They are truly the gift that keeps on giving — especially if we’re talking about non-fiction books to build a library of knowledge. Click through for my take on some of these.
Kitchen
Classic Snacks Made From Scratch
The Kitchen Counter Cooking School
Parents Need to Eat Too
The Organized Kitchen
The Muffin Tin Cookbook
Garden
The Resilient Gardener
Farm City
Solviva
Folks, This Ain’t Normal
Consider reusable gift wrap.
Snowflake bags from Oh The Things We’ll Make
Recycle t-shirts into sweet little pouches adorned with a snowflake image.
Sew reusable gift bags.
Cover a canister (such as a coffee can) with cute paper for a darling package.
Make your own gift bags from recycled newspaper.
Take a cue from nature and really wrap green.
Skip the plastic bows.
With just a bit of practice you can learn to make your own gorgeous bows out of reusable ribbon.
These snowman gift tags are a perfect way to dress up a plain package.
Tie on one (or more) tags inspired by nature. These are fabulous.
Simple jute twine, a clothespin, and a heart cutout make for darling packages.
The post {Greener} Gift Giving for the Holidays appeared first on Attainable Sustainable.