A Greener Holiday: Mindful Gifting for a More Sustainable Season

Americans toss 25% more trash than usual between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, according to the National Environmental Education Foundation. The holidays are often framed as a season of abundance but they’ve also become a season of excess. Before rushing to the mall for a last-minute gift (we’ve all been there), we can slow down and think intentionally about what we give. Thoughtful gifts the kind meant to be used, loved, and kept can help bring the focus back to meaning rather than waste.

Some of the most memorable gifts aren’t things at all, but experiences: concert tickets to see their favorite artist, a fun tour around your city, or museum passes for the art lovers in your life. Even a simple trip to a local flea market or thrift store can become a shared treasure hunt where they pick something they truly want. Handmade items are always a hit, and if you’re feeling stuck, just ask! It’s far more meaningful to give something someone actually wants than to take a guess, only for it to end up forgotten or tossed a few weeks later.

If you’re shopping for someone who insists they don’t want anything, or if you want to give back while gifting, consider participating in a Salvation Army Angel Tree. These trees, often found at Walmart locations, allow you to pick a tag and shop for a child or adult in need during the holidays. It’s a simple, heartfelt way to share generosity with someone who could really use it.

Sustainable gifting isn’t just about the gift itself, it’s also about the traditions surrounding it. With holiday décor trends shifting every year (“White Christmas,” “Ralph Lauren Christmas,” and so on), it’s tempting to refresh everything annually. But choosing timeless reusable decorations creates consistency and reduces waste. If you do want to lean into a theme, you can adjust the vibe with a few small, thoughtful additions instead of starting from scratch each season.

You can also borrow a page from the “project pan” movement, where people challenge themselves to use up what they already have, especially makeup, skincare, and other consumables before buying replacements. If a loved one asks what’s on your wishlist, it’s worth taking a moment to make sure you’re actually ready for something new.

Finally, consider the way you wrap your gifts. Creative, low-waste options like reused paper, brown grocery bags, fabric scraps, or even tote bags add a personal touch while keeping materials out of the trash. And if your loved one already has everything they need, a donation made in their name to a cause they care about can be one of the most meaningful gifts of all.

By being intentional, we can preserve all the warmth and generosity of the season while cutting down on waste, turning our holiday gift giving into an act of care for both people and the planet.