Christmas time is on its way, and it can be really difficult to know what to get your eco-conscious buds. So I've put together a list of tips that will help make sure you get them something they'll love.
1) Shop Locally: November and December are filled with Christmas Markets and Craft
Shows that sell local and handmade products. Not only will you be supporting a small business, but these products have much lower carbon footprints than products from large corporations. I recommend the Kingston Holiday Market if you're in the area. It runs every weekend until December 22nd! If you don't have any Craft Shows near you or if you're not free to shop when they're open, take a walk downtown and look for a small business or boutique store. The best for your eco-conscious friends in Kingston is definitely Verde.
2) Give Experiences: No waste, just fun. Think concerts, cooking classes, or pottery!
The best part about giving experience gifts is you usually get to invite yourself too. These gifts also have the added benefit of becoming fun friendship memories that you'll remember forever.
3) Make Something: This one is the most time-consuming option, but it's also the most thoughtful. Making something for someone's gift shows how much you care. But I highly recommend only opting for this option if you're the crafty type. If you live in Canada, you can always use a new crochet hat or scarf. Need help making it happen, or is your eco-friend trying to learn to crochet? Wool And The Gang sell kits that walk you through it. Get 15% off here.
4) Give Reusables: If your pal is trying to live more waste-free there are a ton of essentials that really help. Ask them about their efforts and they may let you know what they wish they had. For those in Kingston, Verde has some great options.
5) Shop with social enterprises and ethical companies: Nothing your friend wants can be found through the other options? It happens. Instead, try shopping with companies that make a clear impact for the better. I'm a fan of Allbirds (sneakers), United by Blue (outdoor apparel), Reformation (women's apparel), and, of course, Patagonia (outdoor apparel - but worn almost every day? Or is that just my friends?)
6) Give oxygen - plants: Best for your friend with a green thumb, giving a plant always makes my eco-conscious pals smile. Go for something that they won't kill, like an air plant or a succulent.
7) Only give things that you know they'll want/use: I saved the most important for last. Do not buy your eco-conscious friends something they don't like. It will crush their hearts to know a perfectly good product is wasted on them and they will probably try to regift or sell it when you forget you bought it for them. When in doubt give a gift card to a place you know they like, because at least you know your gift won't go to waste. A lot of malls also have gift card recycling programs too, so once it's used up you can give it a second life!
Need some eco-friendly gift wrapping ideas? Check these out.
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