Smart and Sustainable Holiday Shopping Tips
The holiday season takes a lot of energy to make it feel extra special, from baking little treats to decking the halls with cute decor. When your love language is gift giving, the gifting season is like your superbowl. Did you know that your favorite time of the year, is also the most wasteful time of year?. Did you know that during the holiday season, waste in the U.S. increases by 25%?* That's a staggering 25 million tons of garbage—it's hard to even wrap your head around that number! It's so important to remember to shop sustainably and intentionally. Here’s a few to get you started checking things off your holiday gift list.
Shop Secondhand
The best way to gift is to give something that already exists and can be given a second life! The best places to look are local antique, thrift, vintage and consignment stores. If you prefer shopping from the comfort of your couch, we recommend these websites and apps:
Clothing:
A Little Bit of Everything (Clothing, Furniture, Homewares, Gadgets, Sports Equipment & More):
Secondhand Designer:
Electronics:
Books:
Reconsider Wrapping
Eliminate single use items from your wrapping. Instead use recycled materials or non-traditional wrapping papers in order to eliminate single use paper. We love to use newspapers, old shipping supplies, Trader Joe’s bags, or re-using previous gift wrap.
If Shopping New - Shop Smart!
If shopping for specific items, skip the mass producers and shop small and focused. The holidays are a great time to support your small and local, female, AAPI, and black owned businesses. Check out below our vendor spotlight:
- Carolyn Suzuki is an eco-friendly, female, and AAPI owned artist and shop located in Los Angeles. We love her unique holiday cards. Giving a card is a great way to express your gratitude and love for someone in your life!
- Candle Lume is a LGBTQ+ and woman owned candle company based in Ontario. We love their espresso martini candles for your friend who loves coffee and a good time.
- A Shop of Things is a home goods company run by a team of five women in Nashville. Have a friend who just moved in to a new place? Kill two birds with one stone this holiday season with this adorable pasta shaped rug.
As you celebrate the season and give thoughtful gifts, remember that small changes can make a big difference in reducing holiday waste. By shopping sustainably and intentionally, you not only create meaningful experiences for your loved ones but also help protect the planet. Whether it’s choosing eco-friendly gifts, supporting small businesses, or wrapping presents in sustainable materials, every little choice counts. Happy holidays and happy sustainable shopping!