10 sustainable Christmas present ideas

Use old jam jars and stuff them full of all things sweet, whether it’s sweets or home-made jams and chutneys. Or, for a savoury tooth, pack them with spices, pretzels or nuts. Stick a bow round the jar and you’re done! Check out this chilli jam, chocolate spread or chutney recipes to get some inspiration.

Homemade face masks and scrubs are easier than you think to make at home, using basic ingredients you probably already have. Make your own natural cosmetics (there are plenty of super-easy recipes out there), find empty glass containers to store them, and share your favourite ones as a gift. Attach a note with the ingredients and recipe so they can be made again when the jar is empty!

This is a great activity to do with kids. It’s easier than you think, and you don’t need any special skills – fold some good quality paper, find some inspo on Pinterest (we won’t judge if you copy), glue some autumn leaves from your doorstep… the possibilities are endless and they’ll put a smile on your loved one’s face! Save any cards from this year and recycle them into gift cards for next year. Cut a gift card shape from the front of the card and punch a hole. You can usually get 2 –3 gift tags out of one card. You’ll be thanking yourself next year, we promise.

Pressed flower frames don’t require too much effort but make a beautiful and thoughtful gift. Have a look at this blog or this video to get the run down on how to make your own.

Whether it’s haircare, skincare or beardcare, everyone loves to be pampered. Sadly, many beauty gifts go unused each year. Avoid the waste and ask your loved ones which brands and products they like before buying them cosmetics or bath bits. Lots of people have wishlists and products they’d love to receive. If you want to go down the homemade and DIY route, you could even try making your own bath bombs, just make sure to check about allergies before gifting. This is a great activity to do with children as a gift for teachers or grandparents.

Want to cut the waste whilst gifting this year? Well, our research found that people often prefer to receive experiences over presents. Check out our vlog on zero-waste gifting to get some fab tips, from theatre tickets to massage vouchers!

Plants, plants and more plants! Why not gift someone an indoor plant this Christmas? They’ve been proven to reduce stress levels and shows that you have faith in their ability to keep something alive. Plus, they look pretty! Head to your local garden centre, supermarket or if you’re doing your shopping online, try businesses like The Stem.

Did you know you can grow new baby plants from any plant you own? Yup, it’s called ‘propagating’ and yup, it does feel like magic - nature never fails to impress! Simply cut a stalk from a plant you have (or even one out in a public park/forest) and make sure the stalk has at least one leaf, and at least one ‘node’. Cutting directly under a node is best. Then pop it in some water and within days, new roots will appear, and it’s ready to be potted in soil and the giftee can watch it grow! Here’s a video to explain exactly how to cut your plant for the best results.

Kit your friend out with a reusable cutlery set, coffee cup or water bottle? Or some funky food boxes or sandwich wraps. These gifts can also help save them money throughout the year with the majority of cafes offering a discount if you bring your own mug. It's a gift that keeps on giving. Check out our handy 6 tips to reduce single use plastic for some inspiration!

Scouting charity shops and vintage stores is a great, thrifty way to find unique gifts. There’ll be something for everyone, whether that’s a cap, some killer boots, preloved books or trinket trays and mirrors. Have a hunt and see what you can find, they’ll love the thought that goes into gift thrifting. If you’re buying for someone who loves platforms like Depop, head to their account and look at their recent likes. Surprise them with something they’ve already had their eye on.

Search for “ethical, fair trade and handmade gifts” to find one-of-a-kind presents made by people who care about sustainability and quality. Trouva is a good please to start, or look up your local makers’ market. If ordering anything online, order as much as you can in one go and choose a collection point that’s walking distance from home to reduce pressure on delivery staff and reduce the amount of air pollution from vehicles on the road. If shopping in person, why not make a hamper of local products for your loved ones? Check your maps to see which boutiques, delis and bookshops are near you. 

Get creative, experiment with making things yourself and if you’re looking to buy, look for products that are handmade, locally sourced or come from smaller, independent sellers.

Glittery wrapping paper can’t be recycled – try wrapping gifts with old newspaper, brown paper or fabric (fabric is a great one as it can be reused for other gifts or even be used as a lovely hankerchief or hair accessory).