We all stress over finding the perfect holiday gift. Will they like it? Is it within my price range? Choosing something someone will love is one thing, but for the ethically-conscious shopper, finding a perfect gift that is also environmentally friendly and ethically-made is a whole other challenge. Fortunately, we have some tips and tricks to make shopping sustainably this holiday season a bit easier!
- Choose what matters to you. What values are most important to you? Does it have to be made in your country? Does it come from a BIPOC vendor? Is it plastic-free? Once you narrow down what gift values matter most to you, you can set out finding vendors that match your preferences.
- Get practical. The good news is that there are whole communities of shoppers that think like you! Check out online marketplaces like Future Prosperity and Made Trade which go out and find ethically-made goods so you don’t have to! Easy searches online can also help you find brands to support. Make use of online resources to cut down on search time.
- Buy close to home (or their home). Buying local is the best way to support your community financially and also cut down on the carbon footprint of transporting your gift. If you’re having the gift mailed directly to someone’s home, search for a vendor near them so the package has less far to travel.
- Consider donations. Many people have taken time in quarantine to clean out their homes and purge out unwanted things. For many people, more stuff might just not be what they want. Donations on someone’s behalf make great gifts for the other socially-conscious people in your life. Choose a cause they are passionate about and make a difference in their name.
Choosing gifts that are local, green, and ethical can seem like a daunting task, but once you break it down and decide what you want to put your dollars behind, there are plenty of options for gifts that do good that everyone on your list will love. Happy shopping!
