Responsible Gifting: Sustainable & Thoughtful Choices for the Christmas Season

The gifting season is right around the corner, and while we all love spoiling our loved ones, it’s important to remember the impact our choices have on the planet. The good news? You don’t have to sacrifice style or thoughtfulness for sustainability. Responsible gifting is all about being mindful of where our gifts come from, how they’re made, and the waste they generate. So, let’s dive into how you can give gifts that your loved ones—and the Earth—will appreciate.

1. Quality Over Quantity

First things first: It’s better to give one thoughtfully chosen, high-quality item than lots of smaller items that will likely end up in the bin. Look for gifts that are built to last—whether that’s a beautifully crafted piece of jewellery or a timeless accessory. Think practically about what your loved one would actually use and enjoy for years to come, rather than something trendy that might not even last the season.

2. Know Where It’s Made

Before buying a gift, ask yourself: where was it made, and who made it? Choosing brands that prioritise ethical production is key to responsible gifting. At Under Her Eyes, we take pride in using sustainable practices and materials – our products are made with care for both people and the planet. Knowing that your gift was produced responsibly makes it all the more meaningful.

3. Consider the Materials

When shopping for gifts, opt for items that are made from eco-friendly materials. Whether its clothing made from organic cotton, jewellery crafted from recycled metals, or vegan leather bags (like our bags made from recycled plastic bottles), these choices help reduce the environmental impact. The gifts you give can be stylish and sustainable.

4. Rethink Packaging

Packaging often gets overlooked, but It can have a huge environmental impact. Think about how much wrapping paper and plastic gets tossed after the holiday season. At Under Her Eyes we’ve gone the extra mile to make sure our packaging is as eco-friendly as possible. We use small gifting boxes, recycled tissue, and recyclable cardboard boxes. Even our branded tape is recyclable.

So, when you’re wrapping up your gifts, consider using recycled wrapping paper, fabric, or reusable gift bags. You can find useful gift wrapping guides online which show unique ways to wrap your presents using reusable ribbon and paper. A beautifully wrapped gift can be part of the gift itself!

5. Support Small & Local businesses

One of the best ways to give responsibly is by supporting small, local businesses. When you buy from independent brands, like us, you’re supporting artisans and craftspeople who are more invested in sustainable practices. Plus, you’ll find unique gifts that you just can’t buy from big corporations.

6. Gift Experiences, Not Just Things

If you’re trying to cut back on ‘stuff’, and embrace minimalism, consider gifting an experience instead. Whether it’s a cooking class, a spa day or tickets to a show, these kinds of gifts create lasting memories without the waste. And they’re a perfect option if you’re looking to avoid contributing to material excess.

7. Less Waste, More Thought

Finally, responsible gifting is about being thoughtful in how we consume. Instead of giving something flashy just for the sake of it, put thought into what your loved one truly values. Maybe it’s something small but sentimental, or something functional that they’ll cherish. The goal is to give mindfully-without the waste.

Written by 

Emily Campbell