Do the Holidays Sustainably

Happy Holidays!

A big part of the fun of the holidays is the gift giving instead of the receiving, IMO. I love finding the perfect something for each of those I hold dear to me.

Choosing sustainable gifts is much easier on the environment and can be easier on the budget as well. I don’t subscribe to the idea that something must be new to be a gift nor that it must be something that can be unwrapped. There are so many ways to show your love for someone while showing love for the earth at the same time.

If you are like me, it’s always a bit of a scramble to finish up all the holiday preparations, including finding the perfect gifts. I do some of my gift selections earlier, but realistically, I’m doing much of it at the last minute. I can be a procrastinator (anyone?), but since many of my choices are sustainable, I don’t have to worry about the hot new thing being sold out.Below are some sustainable gift ideas for you to explore for the important people in your life. And get started now – you’ll be so happy you did!

Homemade Baked goods

Who doesn’t love something scrumptious? Make some beautiful cookies or order them from The Chocolate Chickadee in St. Paul. Or bake a favorite cake or tart for your important person.

Crafty fun

Instead of fighting crowds at the mall, get your maker hat on to create something big or small! Some of my most precious gifts are things made by my family members. Ornaments for the tree, coasters, book marks, knitted and crocheted hats, decorative pillows – the options are endless!

If you don’t feel crafty yourself, check out the new Dayton’s Holiday Market in downtown Minneapolis! It features over 100 local makers and small businesses, including resale shops like The Mustache Cat and Elite Repeat – St. Paul!

New-to-you

Consignment shops have so many amazing items that make wonderful gifts – some even new with tags. A beautiful designer handbag, a nice piece of jewelry, or cozy winter woolies are perfect. Elite Repeat – St. Paul (women’s clothing and accessories – some new and ethically sourced), Fashion Avenue in Edina (designer women and men’s clothing, accessories and jewelry), RoJo’s Designer Consignment in Excelsior (designer menswear), and Nu Look Consignment in Minneapolis (women and men’s clothing and accessories) are all independent consignment shops that carry high quality pieces.

Experiences

Experiences are one of the most sustainable gifts ever – less stuff AND creating time for your loved one to take a break to do something fun!

🌟 Get tickets

Tickets to a movie (Wicked is definitely on my list!) or to a play or show at one of the many amazing theaters we have in the Twin Cities are just the ticket (heh). Concerts are always a great choice as well!

🌟 Spa services A massage, facial, manicure or pedicure, or other personal care service can be just what someone needs to relieve stress. Watershed Spa in Minneapolis has communal baths in addition to traditional spa services, and Gent (multiple locations) offers services for men.

🌟 Plans for a date night with a gift card to a favorite or new restaurant Simply making time to do something together can be the greatest gift. And the Twin Cities have so many fabulous restaurants! Try out those that are sourcing local ingredients like Owamni, Herbst Eatery and Farm Stand, or others on this list.

🌟 Gift certificate to NDWC – pair it with a consignment shop gift card! I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that we offer gift certificates for any service or dollar amount. Give the gift of living your life without your wardrobe bringing you down and feeling great about how you look. So. much. fun.

The list goes on, and these are just a few of my favorites. I’d love to hear what yours are!