7 Zero Waste Gift Idea’s

I often struggle with what to buy my family and friends at Christmas. I’m always worried about whether I’ve spent enough on them (as if the amount of money you spend has anything to do with their’s or your worth), if they’ll actually use the gift I’ve given or if they’ll really like it.

Well this year as I plan for the holidays I realized that I’m sick of shopping for “stuff” at Christmas. I’d much rather gift my loved ones things that will actually make a difference in their lives, things that won’t be tossed to the side, or broken and thrown away with all of the other junk that inevitably piles up over the years? Well it’s true what they say about how the things you most think about become your reality because I ran across an article on sustainable gift giving.

The whole idea is that you practice giving gifts that won’t run the risk of sitting on a shelf for the rest of the year or contribute to the mountain of waste we already produce during the holidays. These kinds of gifts have to actually be used in order to be enjoyed, they are gifts that are environmentally conscious,  help to create lasting memories, or provide a necessary service.

Once I was introduced to this act of giving I began of thinking about the countless variety of gifts that I could give  using the sustainability model. The process was so much fun I thought I’d share my idea’s with you!

Try A New Restaurant

I was recently invited to taste the new menu at Hal’s Bar & Grill and I have to say, it was one of my favorite food experiences as a blogger.  Each course after delicious course was paired with the perfect wine selection as we ate in a private room learning about the history of the restaurant and taking in the awesome atmosphere that Hal’s is. The staff was not only friendly, but I also got to chat up some of the most interesting food writers at the top of their blogging games. The night was also a great opportunity to try something new and venture out of my own neighborhood.

So you might be asking what this has to do with sustainable gift giving – well why not gift that special someone in your life with a meal at a restaurant they’ve been dying to try? Most restaurants have gift certificates so it shouldn’t be hard to do, and if there isn’t a restaurant you’ve been dying to try then head out to Hal’s! Chef Lee Garmen has created a menu that mixes both southern and Latin flavors and it’s truly divine! Hal’s also has live music and a kick ass jazz brunch on the weekend, so depending on when you go you could be in for more than just an ordinary dinner out.

Experience Experiences

Did you know that I host a passion workshop on the side? While this IS a shameless plug,  it is also a great gift idea for anyone wanting to give the gift of inspiration and motivation this holiday season. If that’s not your thing, Airbnb Experiences has tons of other great experience ideas you can gift that special person in your life. From the  Speakeasy and Hidden Bar Tour experience, to the Hike Runyon Canyon with a Rescue Dog experience and the experience I’m dying to try the Cook a 4 Course Meal Based on a Movie experience, there is SO much to get out there and do!

Wine & Beer Subscription Services

Do you have beer or wine lovers in your family? Well sign up for a subscription service for them to have exclusive beers and wines delivered to their homes each month. It’s the gift that keeps on giving and every month when that delivery is made they’ll think of you!

Go on An Adventure

I think I experienced the full gamut of emotions during my kayaking trip with REI Outdoor Adventures, I wasn’t prepared for the fear, stress and eventually the pride I would feel when I got out of my comfort zone and tried something I had never done before, but I was on a serious runners high as I paddled to the shore. If I could gift someone that feeling I would, but since feelings can’t be bottled up and gifted the next best thing would be to gift an experience that you’ve heard a family or friend say they’ve wanted to try but just haven’t yet. Has your boyfriend been talking about going on that hiking trail but just never makes time to actually go? Well make a date for the both of you to do it! You plan the whole thing- pick the trail, set the date and time, and bring all required provisions for you both, all he’ll need to do is show up.

Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime & Chill

Look we’re all adults here right? Why are we continuing to share each others Netflix password when the service is a mere $10 a month? If you’re sick of seeing shows pop up in your feed that you’re not into (after all what you watch influences what Netflix suggests) then gift a year’s subscription of Netflix to that special someone in your life. If they’ve got Netflix think about Hulu, or  Amazon Prime. While we are on streaming services this goes for a year subscription to Apple Music, Spotify and even Audible, the audio book service.

Bake a Sweet Treat

My mom has always said that if she has cooked a meal for you then that’s how you’ll know she loves you. If you show your love via your skills in the kitchen then bake something sweet for your sweets. Think of how nice it would feel to be greeted at your front door by a warm basket of an assorted variety of freshly baked muffins. Plus if it’s something you love to do it’ll be quite therapeutic as well.

Test Drive a Car for The Weekend

You may not be able to afford to buy them a brand new car for Christmas (and really not many of us can) but why not rent them that cool, fancy pants car they’ve been lusting after for the weekend? It shows that you’ve been listening to their needs, it’s creative and I’m a believer in feelings manifesting realities, so think of all the good feelings that will be generated and put out into the universe that may in turn create that new ride into reality.

I hope this post has gotten your gift giving gears turning as we head into the Christmas season. Have any of my ideas sparked any ideas of your own? I’d love to know in the comments below!