It's the most wonderful time of the year. The one where we slide in to cooler temperatures and celebrate the holidays with family and friends. And yes, also the season for gifts. The tradition of gift giving to celebrate goes back centuries, but what started as a way to honor and emulate religious figures has essentially been highjacked by hyper-consumerism (and maybe even some stress for those of us whose love language is not "Gift Giving").
Americans are estimated to have spent over $10 Billion (yes, that's billion with a "B") on unwanted gifts last year. An estimated 16% of people end up throwing at least one unused gift directly into the trash. Aside from the money wasted (which primarily benefits big box store corporations), the packaging, wrapping, and boxes contribute to an average of approximately a 25% increase PER household in waste production from Thanksgiving to New Years'! That's over a hundred million bags of trash in the landfill each Christmas season!
We also should consider the exposure to toxic chemicals that could potentially be hidden in inexpensive home and personal care items that are frequently gifted. Mass produced and inexpensive lotions, lip products, and candles are holiday gift giving staples that can all contain harmful, endocrine disrupting or cancer causing chemicals. I'm pretty sure none of us want to give harmful gifts, since the point of gift giving is to show we care. We just have be mindful of what we purchase!
Friends, we can (and must) do better this season!
Here are a few ideas to help you get started:
1. Prioritize experience gifts whenever possible. Treat a friend to a nice dinner or a spa experience. Gift a Good Better Best Better Up consultation to give the gift of time back as we take research and logistics of swapping to less toxic and more sustainable products off their plate. Take the grandkids to the park or a movie. Take a trip together. The real gift is time (something none of us seem to have enough of!), and shared memories with YOU.
2. Consider second hand gifts from thrift shops. Vintage t-shirts are fire with the teens. Give books or board games a second life. Vinyls are making a big comeback!
3. If buying new, consider practical and functional objects, rather than inexpensive gifts that won't last through the season. Check out our Gift Guides for Her and for Him for less toxic and more sustainable gifts they are sure to love. We have curated lists of gift ideas that minimize exposure to toxins, prioritize sustainable packaging, and support small businesses.
4. Shop local and support small businesses. Billionaires don't need your money, but your local mom and pop store sure does. Shopping local supports job creation, reduces carbon footprint (less shipping), and money spent here is much more likely to actually stay in your community.