The holidays are a season of joy and generosity. We gather with family, share meals, exchange gifts, and create memories. But behind the sparkle and celebration, there’s something we often overlook:
The waste that comes along with holiday gifting.
From shiny wrapping paper to plastic toys to impulse “just because” purchases, many holiday traditions are built around items that are used briefly and then thrown away. And increasingly, the most overlooked source of holiday waste is returns — which are often not put back on shelves.
Most large retailers treat returns as “unsellable,” even when items are brand new. They are commonly sent straight to liquidation warehouses or landfills because it’s cheaper than processing them.
So that gift someone didn’t want?
That “just in case” purchase?
It may go straight into the trash.
This is where our choices begin to matter.
With a little intention, we can gift in a way that feels just as special—and much more aligned with our values.
Gift Wrap + Packaging: Beautiful, but Short-Lived
Holiday gift wrap is designed for a single moment—the few seconds between handing over a gift and watching someone tear it open. Many types of wrapping paper (especially glitter, foil, or laminated finishes) can’t be recycled. Plastic bows, ribbons, and fillers also end up in the trash.
So something created to look festive lasts far longer in a landfill than the joy it created.
Sustainable Wrapping Ideas
| Swap This |
For This |
| Shiny gift wrap |
Kraft or recycled paper |
| Plastic bows & ribbon |
Twine, fabric ribbon, dried orange slices |
| Store-bought name tags |
Reused paper scraps or ornaments |
| Disposable gift bags |
A cloth bag that’s part of the gift |
Tip: Saving and reusing wrapping paper is not weird — it’s wise.
Plastic Toys + Gifts for Kids
So many popular holiday gifts—especially for kids—are made from plastic and are designed around novelty. They’re exciting in the moment, but often break quickly, lose their appeal, or get outgrown fast. And because most plastic toys are difficult or impossible to recycle, they usually end up in donation bins, storage boxes, or the landfill within months.
But kids don’t need something brand new for it to feel new, magical, or special to them.
Consider “New to Them” Gifts
Children experience joy through play, imagination, and discovery — not through packaging.
Thoughtful alternatives include:
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Gently used or secondhand toys in great condition
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Pre-loved books that feel exciting and fresh
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Community toy swaps with other families
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Refurbished Tech...vintage games are cool, right? So is being kind to the planet. Consider gifting secondhand video games + consoles this year.
These gifts still feel new to a child — but extend the life of something already made, instead of adding more waste.
The Consumerism Loop
The holidays often come with pressure to buy more—more gifts, more deals, more “just in case” purchases. Flash sales and limited-time offers can make it feel urgent to grab things simply because they might make a good gift, without pausing to consider whether they’ll actually be used or appreciated. But the most meaningful gifts are rarely chosen in a hurry or out of obligation—they’re chosen with care and an understanding of the life that item will have after the wrapping comes off.
Before purchasing, try asking:
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Will this be used?
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Will it bring lasting joy?
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How long will it be useful?
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Where will it end up when it’s no longer needed?
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Does it fit the recipient’s lifestyle and values?
This simple pause turns gifting into something intentional and heartfelt—gifts that are loved, used, and appreciated instead of returned, forgotten, or thrown away. And once we start thinking about how we choose gifts, the next natural question becomes:
Where are we choosing to shop—and who are we supporting when we spend?
Support Small, Sustainable Businesses
There’s another layer here: Where we choose to spend matters.
Greedy mega-corporations rely on overconsumption, fast turnover, and waste.
Their priority is profit — not the people making the products, not the communities affected, not the planet we all live on.
When you shop from small, sustainable brands, you are:
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Supporting ethical labor rather than exploitation
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Funding materials chosen with care, not shortcuts
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Reducing waste through refillable, reusable, and natural alternatives
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Helping real people — not shareholders — keep doing better work
Your dollars become a vote for the kind of world you want to live in.
Cozy, Useful, Low-Waste Gift Ideas
These gifts don’t end up forgotten — they become part of daily living:
Zero Waste Self-Care Kit
This self-care kit makes a thoughtful gift for anyone because it’s practical, calming, and easy to use—no complicated routines or guessing required. Everything inside is natural, vegan, cruelty-free, plastic-free, and designed for everyday comfort: gentle cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing, and simple moments of pause. It works for all ages, all genders, and all skin types, making it a gift that actually gets used and appreciated long after the holidays. Instead of adding clutter, it offers care—something everyone could use a little more of.
XL Quick Dry Bath Mat
This XL Diatomaceous Bath Mat makes a great gift for anyone because it’s something they’ll use every single day—while instantly elevating their space in a clean, functional, and eco-friendly way. It keeps floors dry, prevents slips, and reduces dampness and odor, all without fabric, plastic, or constant laundering. Whether for a bathroom, kitchen, plant corner, coffee station, or pet area, it fits seamlessly into any home and any style. It’s practical, beautiful, long-lasting, and genuinely useful—making it one of those gifts that feels thoughtful, modern, and meaningful, no matter who receives it.
Zero Waste Shaving Set
This shaving kit makes a great gift for anyone because it turns a daily routine into a moment of care, while reducing plastic waste at the same time. It’s practical, beautiful, and built to last—no gimmicks, no disposables, just a smooth shave and high-quality tools that feel good to use. The solid shave bar, konjac sponge, and reusable safety razor work for all genders and all shaving areas, making it an easy, thoughtful, and universally useful gift. It’s the kind of upgrade people don’t always buy for themselves—but once they have it, they’ll never go back.
But wait, there's more! Shop All Sustainable Gift Bundles Here.
A Kinder Holiday, One Choice at a Time
Holiday gifting doesn’t have to be wasteful to be meaningful. It doesn’t need to be excessive to be generous. It can be thoughtful, useful, sustainable, and rooted in care. The best gifts are the ones that feel personal and considered—gifts that continue to be appreciated long after they’re opened, and that reflect our values as much as our affection. Because the most meaningful gifts don’t just surprise someone in the moment—they support the world we share.
