Mindful Presents: A Guide to Sustainable, Eco-Friendly Holiday Gifting

Since we’re all about making quality choices that last, we invite you to try on a new mindset this season. With these ideas for mindful gifting, we can show our loved ones just how much we appreciate them—and it doesn’t have to cost the earth.

Choose experiences over clutter.

Sometimes the most meaningful presents don't come wrapped in paper. Book a cooking class, concert tickets, or a weekend getaway to create memories that last, minus the clutter. In a world where attention is currency and distractions are cheap, devoting focused quality time to a loved one might even be the best present (presence?) of all.

Offer the gift of service.

Are acts of service your love language? Create a set of personalized vouchers offering your time and skills as a gift. Whether it's vouchers for a homemade dinner, an evening of babysitting for a single mom friend, or assistance with a home improvement project, this shows that you value the recipient's time and needs.

Relive good times with a memory jar or scrapbook.

Collect and curate memories by putting together a memory jar or scrapbook for someone you love. Fill it with photographs, notes, and mementos that capture shared experiences. This gift not only reminisces about the good times, but also highlights the importance of shared moments.

Make a (digital) mixtape full of memories.

Bring back the glory days of the mixtape by making a playlist of songs that hold special meaning for your loved one. Album liner notes might be a thing of the past, but you can make your own by sharing the story behind each song or the reason why you chose them. A personalized musical journey evokes shared emotions and memories, making it a unique and meaningful gift.

Capture culinary traditions in a family recipe book.

Food has the power to nourish the spirit, bring people together, and preserve cherished family traditions. Compile a collection of your clan’s favorite recipes and create a personalized recipe book, either as a scrapbook or via a digital photo book service. Include handwritten notes, anecdotes, and tips for each dish, so anyone can make their favorite childhood comfort meal—just the way Mom, Dad, Grandma or Grandpa made it.

Start eco-friendly habits, one present at a time.

Short on time for a DIY or personalized gift? If you must shop, choose items that help your loved ones create new, eco-friendlier habits. Affordable reusable lifestyle products such as glass or stainless steel water bottles, stainless steel straws, beeswax wraps, cotton mesh produce bags, or bamboo utensil sets help reduce single-use waste. Plant-based and organic products might include organic skincare sets infused with local ingredients, soy candles, or even a subscription to a plant-based meal kit service.


By choosing sustainable, eco-friendly options, we can celebrate the spirit of the season while contributing to a healthier planet. Whether it's through handmade treasures, shared plant-based and ethically produced items, or reusable products, each conscious choice makes a difference. Happy holidays!