A Sustainable Holiday Gift Guide from Meg Ann Lee
Hey everyone, I am Meg Ann Lee and if you follow me on social media, you know I'm currently on a "no buy challenge". The underconsumption trend is really gaining traction online and I am here for it! So, I decided to do things a little differently this year when researching gift ideas for you and your loved ones. I've been on a mission to find eco-friendly gifting ideas this holiday season and let's face it; the last thing the planet needs is another novelty mug that ends up in a thrift store by February. I've rounded up some unique, eco-conscious gift ideas that can reduce waste, encourage recycling, and still feel as festive as a cup of hot cocoa by the fire.
Experiences Over Things
Who needs more stuff when you can give unforgettable moments? (Spoiler alert: nobody.) Here are some low-waste options that'll keep your loved ones grinning like kids on Christmas morning.
Adopt an Endangered Animal: Wrap up a plushie or a certificate, and bam, you've got the cutest eco-friendly gift. Bonus points if you're adopting a penguin-because who doesn't want a "snow buddy" for the holidays? Visit the World Wildlife Fund to symbolically adopt yours!
Name a Star: Nothing says "You're out of this world" quite like giving someone a star. Perfect for the dreamers and star gazers on your list. Now, these aren't necessarily  recorded OFFICIALLY, but you can still look up the coordinates and see it as " your star".
National Park Pass: Give the gift of nature and encourage adventure. Check out passes HERE.
Virtual Classes: From yoga to cooking, this gift says, "I believe in your hidden talents… even if you still burn toast."
Recycled and Upcycled Treasures
Let's get fancy with gifts that are literally recycled. Trash-to-treasure is the new rich-and-fabulous. If you are doing upcycled gifts, I always like to discuss it with the group; just like setting a price limit on gifts. This way all parties can participate in the same way.
Recycled Jewelry: Sparkly and sustainable? Yes, please. If you are crafty you can even source old jewelry, deconstruct and rebuild a custom necklace or charm bracelet.
Upcycled Tote Bags: Fashion meets function when old banners or sails are transformed into chic totes. Plastic bags are OUT. Let's start the trend setting up our loved ones with reusable bags they can use all year long.
Repurposed Home Decor: Think vases or bowls that you can use to hold your gifts. If it looks fancy enough for Pinterest, it's a win. You can add personalized details like ribbon and their favorite flowers or potpourri.
DIY Holiday Magic
"I made this myself" always wins hearts, even if your crafting skills peak at glitter glue.
Homemade Candles: Reuse jars or teacups to make custom candles. Bonus points for holiday scents like pine or cinnamon.
DIY Photo Album or Scrapbook: Gather recycled paper, print some photos, and boom-instant tear-jerker gift. This is an amazing gift for your family members who might be anti technology. There's just something special about holding physical pictures to spark your memories.
Plant Propagation Kit: Share plant babies in upcycled jars. Because everyone deserves a little green in their lives (especially after Wisconsin's winter).
Natural Bath Products:Â DIY bath bombs or scrubs with ingredients from your kitchen. Here's a simple recipe for a festive body scrub: Mix 1 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of coconut oil, and a teaspoon of cinnamon or vanilla extract for a holiday-scented scrub. Package it in a reusable glass jar, tie it with twine, and you've got a gift that smells as good as it feels. Think "spa day," but make it sustainable.
Waste-Free Winners
If you still need something new to give but want something practical, these gifts scream "Zero waste, zero regrets."
Stainless Steel Straws: Perfect stocking stuffers. It's like saying, "Here's a straw… but better."
Portable Utensil Set: A chic set made of bamboo or stainless steel is the ultimate gift for someone who's always on-the-go. (And maybe a little hangry.)
Digital Subscription: Give the gift of endless books, movies, or learning with a subscription to an audiobook service or streaming platform. No shipping required!
This holiday season, let's skip the clutter and gift with purpose. Who needs another cheap stocking stuffer when you can give something meaningful and  good for the planet? So grab your eco-friendly wrapping paper (or an old newspaper) and let's "sleigh" the holidays sustainably. <3