Welcome to my green gift guide, your go-to inspiration for thoughtful, sustainable giving. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the pressure to buy more stuff during the holidays, you’re not alone. The truth is, meaningful gifts don’t have to come wrapped in layers of plastic or be shipped from halfway across the world. They can be simple, low-impact, and filled with intention.
This guide is all about celebrating gifts that are kind to the planet and thoughtful for the people who receive them. Whether you love DIY projects, enjoy supporting eco-friendly makers, or want to reduce waste without sacrificing joy, you’ll find plenty of ideas here. From homemade treasures to practical low-waste swaps and living, growing presents, there’s something for every kind of giver.
Let’s make gifting greener, more personal, and a whole lot more mindful.
1. Vaer upcycled sneakers // 2. La Soufflerie recycled glass // 3. Pleasant upcycled beanie // 4. Karoline Studio soy candle // 5. Imagine5 subscription // 6. Bagabu banana bag // 7. Oé wine // 8. Sustainable Badass // 9. Go Circular upcycled skincare // 10. Fair Phone headphones
1. Klean Kanteen lunchbox // 2. Hildebrandt Studio ceramics // 3. Pontes coffee // 4. Elate creme concealer // 5. Underflod knifeholder // 6. Solar power bank // 7. Hala Collective period underwear // 8. Eat Wasted pasta // 9. Tagtomat seeds // 10. Beauty Made Easy lipstick
Experience gifts I would be stoked to receive:
Gifts do not have to be physical things we wrap; they can be experienced, and honestly, these are my favourite gifts to both give and receive. I also always wish for experience gift cards and the like from people I know who will otherwise buy me fast fashion or electronics. It is a sneaky way of making sure your gift will be more sustainable, too. Here are my favourite experience gifts.
restaurant vouchers // burlesque shows // cooking class // cocktail course // yoga class // drag show // dinner party invitations // concert tickets // picnics // museum/theatre visits // hotel/spa experience // game night // fitness workshops // ceramic/painting workshops // talks/lectures // movie tickets// thrift shop shopping spree // hikes/camping trips // bowling // sewing classes
1. Ark tasting menu //2. Oh Seven Days top // 3. Interrail pass // 4. Pulito compost bucket // 5. Uhhmami boullion // 6. Aniela Parys trousers // 7. Gourmet cookbook // 8. Kintsugi kit
Second-hand gifts:
Gifts do not have to be new in order to be great, and actually, there are tons of pre-loved second-hand options when it comes to gift-giving. If you have to find a gift for someone who has a very specific wishlist, but you don’t want to buy the item from a new store because you don’t want to support the company, you can look at online second-hand marketplaces. There is also something incredibly personal about finding a retro, vintage or antique gift. An art piece, a piece of jewellery, home décor, a scarf, or an antique piece of sports gear for decoration. Finding an item that matches an interest or hobby is so personal and requires a lot less effort than you think.
Homemade gifts:
Another thing I absolutely love during gift-giving season is creating something by hand for the people I care about. A meaningful present doesn’t need to be expensive or brand-new—there are so many heartfelt ways to express love through creativity.
If you have a specific skill, like sewing, ceramics, painting, woodworking, knitting, or baking, then use it to craft something personal and unique. I’m especially drawn to watercolours, so this year I’m painting both gifts and greeting cards for friends and family.
Homemade gifts can take so many forms. For example:
- Handmade jewellery using beads, clay, or metal wire
- DIY makeup or skincare (I’ve shared some of my favourite recipes on the blog!)
- Green gifts like hand-painted planters, propagated plants, or mini herb gardens
- Edible creations such as cookie-mix jars, homemade granola, flavoured oils, jams, pickles, or fermented goodies
- Crafted textiles like knitted scarves, crocheted coasters, hand-sewn tote bags, or embroidered patches
- Woodworking projects like small shelves, cutting boards, or candle holders
- Paper arts such as origami ornaments, hand-stamped stationery, or custom calendars
- Experience vouchers, a homemade dinner, a movie night, babysitting hours, or a weekend adventure
The beauty of homemade gifts is that they carry a little bit of your time, energy, and heart. It’s a way of saying, “I thought of you while I made this”—and that’s often more meaningful than anything you can buy.
