“Green” gift ideas

All-occasion gift ideas

Gift-giving practices are as varied as the myriad of cultures on the planet. Some are rooted in ancient traditions. Others are about a recent trend. Most are expressions of caring, connection and/or respect, often freely given without expectation of anything in return.

Give or ask for “presence” instead of “presents.” The precious gift of time never has to be dusted, recycled or regifted!

Or choose something from this list— for yourself or for your partner, family members, colleagues, friends, neighbours, your kids’ teachers, babysitters and anyone else in your life your want to acknowledge:

Non-material and/or experiential gifts

• Give outdoor experiences. Consider signing the recipient up for a nature photography class, a Parks Canada Discovery Pass or a guided snowshoe trek, paddling trip, horseback riding excursion or ski, snowboard, kayaking, sailing or surf lesson. (Or any other outside activity)! Check out Indigenous-led locally guided history, culture and ecology tours and native plant workshops too.
• Give a green service. Turn people on to green cleaning or cloth diaper services. Get them a subscription to a community shared agriculture box or introduce them to local, organic produce delivery. Treat them to an eco-friendly spa experience.
• Give zero waste/DIY goodness. Visit a local zero waste shop for gift certificates or give replenishable products in reuseable containers from a refill store. Give books or resources that support DIY hobbies and skills.
• Give skills good enough to eat. Gift tickets to a cooking, food fermenting, canning, foraging or vegetable gardening workshop. Give credits to a local farmers market (if they’re offered) or — if your recipient has never been — take them for their first time.
• Give shared experiences. Look for activities you can participate in together, like a gardening, pottery painting or beeswax candle–making class. Buy tickets to a live event, festival, concert or performance. Visit an art gallery, museum, landmark or green space. Treat the recipient to a vegetarian or farm-to-table restaurant meal.

Gifts that give back

• Give to a cause. Support charities your loved ones care about by donating in their honour. Consider animal shelters, environmental organizations (like ours!), wildlife protection agencies or social justice or community service groups.
• Put reconciliation and reparation into practice. Give gifts that support local businesses owned by historically marginalized people.
• Give cash or financial support. Give the recipient freedom to spend where they need. If you have the means, help them make a sustainable investment for their future.

Tips for buying material gifts

• Buy quality. If you’re going to buy, choose what will last. Avoid non-recyclable plastics. Look for ethically made products. Don’t get sucked into buying gift packs — they’re mostly wrapping and usually made up of stuff that didn’t sell.
• Give time, skills, talents or service. Cook a meal, bake a cake (or something else they love). Serenade them with a song, make art, write and recite a poem. Pick, arrange and deliver flowers. Offer to look after pets, teach them sewing, crocheting, knitting, quilting or other skills you have.
• Give second-hand goodness. Whatever new thing you’re shopping for probably already exists! Hunt for collectibles and vintage treasures at thrift and consignment stores, in antique shops and online marketplaces. You’ll find sporting goods, records, books, clothing items, children’s toys, artworks, decorations and housewares.
• Pass along valuables. Hand down an heirloom or collectible they love or give a small, sentimental token.
• Include a personal note or letter or record a video message. Most often it’s the thought that counts!

Make it a group thing!

The gift of community is almost always appreciated and is a great opportunity to build and nurture meaningful relationships.

• Organize a gathering or throw a party. Coordinate friends to meet in a park, host a BBQ or plan a themed event. Ever heard of a walking party?
• Pitch in! Co-ordinate with others to chip in on a more significant gift or collaborate on the ideas above.
• Set up a food circle or meal train. This is a great gift for folks who could use some support in times of need.

Remember: Be sensitive to the recipient’s comfort level if they don’t like surprises or tend toward introversion. Not everyone enjoys attention!

How and why to regift

Regifting doesn’t have to be taboo — it’s a thoughtful and resourceful way to give!

Is there something you already have that you know a particular person would love? That level of personal thought means a lot. Not everyone cares about “new,” and regifting lets you share no just an item, but your values, too.

Sometimes you receive too many of something, or it’s impossible (or a hassle) to return or exchange. Plus returning online purchases often doubles packaging and shipping, increasing waste and emissions — and many of those items end up trashed, not resold. Regifting helps avoid that cycle.

Plus it’s a great way to own less. If you’re downsizing, moving or decluttering, try spreading out all your good, reusable stuff and inviting friends to take what they like. You’ll get to enjoy the satisfaction of seeing things find new homes where they’ll be appreciated and used.

Regifting etiquette

Regift unto others as you would have them regift unto you.

1. Don’t regift broken or opened items. Donate or recycle them.
2. Personalize it. Giving a journal? Write a favourite quote or recipe inside the cover. Clothing? Alter or embellish it.
3. Optional: Be open about it.

Host a regift party!

Ever heard of a white elephant gift exchange? Put a “green” twist on this fun activity and get everyone to contribute re-gifted items!

Or, collect re-gift-ables and organize them in a drawer, box or cupboard throughout the year. Then set up a “table of goodness” where recipients can pick whatever item(s) they want from your stash.

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