Sustainable Gift Guide

It’s no secret that how we celebrate holidays impacts the environment. From the food we eat to the gifts we give, our holiday traditions often come with a high environmental cost. However, people are increasingly aware of this issue and are looking for ways to celebrate more sustainably.

In the coming years, we will see even more people getting creative with their gift-giving and decorations as they seek alternatives to traditional holiday practices. Last year, searches for eco-friendly, sustainable, and biodegradable gifts on Etsy were up 48% compared to 2020.

On Pinterest, searches for sustainable gift ideas rose 33% compared to the previous year. This indicates that people are starting to change how they think about holiday celebrations and are searching for more environmentally conscious ways to celebrate.

Shopping for the nature lover in your life doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. In fact, plenty of great gift ideas will appeal to their love of the outdoors. From handy gardening tools to stylish birdhouses, this article will provide insights into some of the most sustainable and nature-friendly gifts to pass on to friends and family this year.

Why you should consider giving the gift of sustainability

Instead of buying cheesy mass-produced gifts, why not make something personal or purchase gifts from a small business or ethically forward company? Here are some reasons these sustainable gift ideas are better than cheap and overly produced products:

1. They are eco-friendly: For starters, these gifts can help reduce your carbon footprint. Sustainable gifts are often made from recycled or eco-friendly materials, requiring less energy and resources to produce.

2. They are designed to last longer: By definition, sustainable items can be used repeatedly without damaging or depleting the earth’s resources.

3. They are meaningful and thoughtful: Sustainable gifts can help to promote a more eco-conscious and considerate lifestyle.

The best types of gifts to give your eco-consious friends

If your friends love spending time outdoors, give them a gift that gives back to the environment- like reusable or sustainable goods. And for those who appreciate the finer things in life, artisanal goods made by local artisans using sustainable practices are sure to be a hit. Whatever your budget or the preferences of your nature-loving friends, there are plenty of eco-friendly gift options to choose from, including:

House plants

House plants are a great way to add some greenery to your home without having to do any gardening. House plants also help purify the air and have been known to boost your mood, making them a perfect gift for anyone who loves spending time at home.

Just be sure to do your research before picking one out, as some plants are better suited for certain climates than others. There are plenty of low-maintenance houseplants for those who don’t have a green thumb, like snake plants, rubber plants, spider plants, and succulents are all great options.

Plant stands

This holiday season, show your plant-loving friends how much you care with the gift of a beautiful plant stand. Whether you thrift it, buy it new, or repurpose and DIY something unique, a plant stand is a perfect way to show your loved ones you’re thinking of them.

Plant stands help elevate plants so they can receive the optimal amount of light and air circulation. They also help to keep plants away from pets and children, making them the perfect choice for homes with active lifestyles. So, if you’re looking for a practical and stylish gift, consider giving a plant stand this holiday season.

Homemade terrariums

Homemade terrariums are a truly thoughtful gift for someone who loves plants and nature. Terrariums are low maintenance (perfect for busy bee friends), look beautiful, and can be made with various materials. All you need is a glass container, some small rocks or gravel, charcoal (to help with drainage), potting soil, moss, and some small plants or succulents. Once you’ve assembled all of your materials, simply layer them in the jar until it’s complete, and that’s it.

An herb garden kit

If your nature-enthused friend or family member loves to cook, they’ll adore an herb garden kit. Everything they need to grow fresh basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary is included to add homegrown flavor to all their favorite dishes. And since herbs don’t require much space or maintenance, it’s perfect for even the smallest apartments or homes.

Gardening tools

No matter what time of year, nature lovers always look for ways to spruce up their gardens. That’s why gardening tools make such great gifts. A good set of gardening tools will include a trowel, a rake, and a hoe. If you really want to spoil them, throw in a pair of gloves and a cute watering can. Gardening tools are not only practical but also fun to use and are very thoughtful gifts for our passionate gardener friends.

A bird feeder

If you’re feeling the pressure to shop for the perfect gift this year, birdhouses or bird feeders are excellent gifts for those who enjoy spending time outdoors. They are practical and beautiful additions to any patio or porch area, as they will easily attract wildlife to your gift recipient’s backyard. Not only will they enjoy watching the feathered friends that visit, but birds also help pollinate plants and control pests. It’s a gift that keeps on giving.

A compost bin

The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and food. Unfortunately, it’s also a time when a lot of perfectly good food ends up in the trash. Composting bins help promote zero waste by turning kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich compost that can be used to improve soil health.

So, by making or purchasing a composting bin, your friends and family can easily create their own compost at home. With so many different containers available in various shapes and sizes, you’ll surely find one that suits their needs.

According to a recent study, Americans traditionally waste 53% of food during the holidays. Not only does this contribute to rising methane levels in landfills, but it prevents good-condition food items from being used for other causes. That’s why giving the gift of a composting bin this season can benefit you and the gift receiver.

Solar-powered garden lights

Solar lights are perfect for any garden lover who wants to add a little light to their garden without disturbing the local wildlife. Solar-powered garden lights are gaining popularity because they are environmentally friendly and easy to install. Your friend will love seeing their garden at night without having to turn on physical lights that will cost them money on their next electric bill and attract bugs.

Reusable straws

Plastic straws are one of the biggest offenders regarding environmental pollution. They end up in our oceans and waterways, where they hurt or kill marine life. So, if you have a coffee lover or eco-friendly friend on your list, why not give the gift of reusable straws? Metal or reusable plastic straws are perfect for coffee, tea, smoothies, or juices and can be used repeatedly. They’re also great for taking on a camping trip or any other outdoor adventure. You can give them as gifts, or they’re also excellent for stocking stuffers.

A reusable water bottle

This Christmas, ditch the disposable water bottles and give your eco-friendly friends a reusable water bottle they can take on their next trip. Whether they’re a casual hiker or a hardcore adventurer, they’ll appreciate being able to drink water sustainably while enjoying the great outdoors. There are tons of different water bottles on the market, so you can find one that fits your friend’s personality perfectly.

A set of reusable shopping bags

One of the best gifts you can give this holiday season is a set of high-quality reusable shopping bags. Not only are they eco-friendly, but they’re also highly convenient. Reusable bags are an excellent gift for anyone who loves to shop, whether for groceries, thrifting, or walking through the farmer’s markets on the weekends. There are all sorts of reusable shopping bags on the market now, from ones made out of canvas to those made of recycled materials. So, if you’re looking for a gift that will help your loved one start shopping more sustainably, a set of reusable shopping bags is a perfect choice.

Anything secondhand

This holiday season, more people than ever are expected to do their shopping at secondhand stores. According to a survey by Accenture, 37% of people say they are likely to shop at secondhand stores for gifts this year. This number is even higher for younger shoppers, with 50% of those under the age of 40 saying they are likely to do so.

There are many reasons for this shift. For one, as awareness of the fashion industry’s environmental impact grows, people are increasingly looking for sustainable ways to shop. Secondhand stores provide an opportunity to extend the life of clothing and other goods, keeping them out of landfills.

When shopping secondhand, you can find unique gifts without contributing to the wastefulness of the consumer culture. And your friends and family will still be impressed with your thoughtfulness and creativity. So, this holiday season, consider shopping secondhand for all your gifting needs.

Kaiyo cares about sustainability

Kaiyo’s mission is to make great furniture accessible to everyone and sustainable for our planet. Buying well-made used furniture is better for the environment because it keeps goods out of landfills and reduces the need for new production. So far, we have saved over 4 million pounds of furniture and home goods from going to landfills.

Our website is designed to be easy for both buyers and sellers of secondhand furniture, and we offer a wide range of items from top-rated brands and designers. Whether you’re looking for a new sofa, dining table, or bedroom set, Kaiyo has a great selection of gently used pieces that will last for years.

Sustainability is the key to a bright future. That’s why our number one priority is to be as sustainable as possible in all that we do. We are always looking for ways to be more environmentally friendly. And, for every purchase made, we also plant a tree. This allows us to continue to give towards a more sustainable future.