With Christmas approaching, holiday shopping is in full swing and many of us are looking for meaningful ways to celebrate with our loved ones. This year, the Stark-Tuscarawas-Wayne Recycling District hopes to encourage others to opt for some sustainable gift choices and be mindful of their environmental impact during this season of giving. This sustainable gift guide is designed to help you find thoughtful, eco-friendly gifts that your loved ones will cherish.
Sustainable toys
Kids are always so excited when they tear open that wrapping paper to reveal a cool new toy- but not all toys are built the same! Some toys are easily broken and quickly disposed of, while others are made with longevity and sustainability in mind. Here are a few suggestions for toys that are made to last and from recycled or sustainable materials..
- Green Toys carries a variety of toys made completely out of recycled plastic. From trucks and planes to houses and barnyard sets, there’s a sustainable option to fit any kid’s interests.
- Bubble Tree: makes a refillable, non-toxic bubble station with a goal of reducing single use packaging. These bubbles are a gift that’ll keep on giving through the spring and summer!
- Plan Toys is a wooden toy brand with sustainability at the heart of its’ business motto. They carry a wide variety of toys made entirely of sustainable materials that are meant to promote child development.
- Earth Hero carries a large variety of sustainable options. From wooden blocks and art supplies to balance bikes and everything in between, Earth Hero is your one stop sustainable gift shop for the kiddo on your gifting list.
Up-cycle some thrifted treasure
Handmade gifts are made from the heart and are often keepsakes that are cherished for years. It’s just a bonus if those gifts can be made from some sort of upcycled materials. Here are a few ideas..
- Fill a Christmas cookie tin with homemade cookies and attach a picture of your family. This time of year, you can find a vintage christmas cookie tin at just about any thrift store for $2 or less. With a little cleaning, a vintage cookie tin full of homemade cookies with a sweet picture of your family is a great handmade and personal gift for your friends or extended family.
- Look for a serving platter at your local thrift store and turn it into a keepsake for grandparents. With some glass paint and sealant you can easily DIY a fun Christmas serving platter that’ll be cherished for years to come.
- A vintage casserole dish makes a beautiful gift when paired with some brownie mix and oven mitts, then tied together with a ribbon!
Get creative, the possibilities are endless when it comes to thrifted treasures. As a bonus, every thrift-find that is gifted receives one more life before making its way to our landfills.
Experience gifts
This year, consider giving the gift of quality time and new experiences. When it comes to experience gifts you can’t go wrong, there’s something for everyone out there. Plus, memories are about as low-waste as it gets. Here are a few ideas..
- Visit somewhere fun together. For a day trip, choose somewhere like the zoo or amusement park. If you’re going for something a little smaller scale; ice-skating, movies, indoor trampoline parks and museums are all great choices.
- Gift a membership. For a kiddo who loves to move, gift a season of dance or gymnastics lessons (with the parents’ permission, of course). For the young adult that is always trying to learn new things, consider a membership to Masterclass– an online platform with lessons from the world’s best in any subject one could be curious about.
Gifts for the Impossible-to-shop-for
Are you at a complete loss for gift ideas for someone on your list? Christmas is the perfect time to give gifts with intention! What if your gift could introduce a friend or family member to an eco-friendly swap that could help them reduce their carbon footprint for years to come? Here are a few ideas for just about any adult on your list..
- Put together a self care basket with some locally made bar soap, a bamboo soap tray, a cotton soap saver bag, maybe even a locally made soy based candle. Bar soap is a more sustainable alternative to plastic bottles or gel wash, and it is great for the skin!
- A zero waste starter kit is a great way to introduce your loved one to a variety of sustainable swaps for things that they likely already use in their day-to-day life.
- Make a basket with reusable household essentials. A gift basket like this could be made up of a variety of things such as a mesh grocery bag, reusable food wraps, a glass or stainless steel water bottle, compostable sponges, reusable/cloth paper towels, some non-toxic hand/dish soap- the possibilities are endless!
Embracing sustainable gift giving is a great way to show thoughtfulness towards your family while demonstrating a commitment to caring for our planet. By choosing eco-friendly gifts, supporting local artisans and opting for experiences over material items, we can reduce holiday waste and promote a more conscious way of celebrating. This holiday season, we challenge you to make a positive impact and inspire others to follow suit. Happy holidays!
The Recycling District assures safe and sanitary disposal of solid waste for the residents of Stark, Tuscarawas, and Wayne Counties. Their goal is to reduce reusable or renewable wastes from entering landfills within the district. The Solid Waste District accomplishes this through the development of residential and industrial programs that educate, promote, provide, implement, and improve recycling opportunities that will preserve landfill space now and into the future. Visit www.timetorecycle.org for more information.