The Art of Sustainable Gifting (+300 Gift Ideas)

Gifting, especially during the holidays, can be a bit stressful and certainly expensive. Part of the stress of gifting is the pressure to get something that someone will enjoy or appreciate. Dr. Julian Givi is a leading researcher on gifting. We asked him for tips on being a great gifter, and we discovered that becoming a better gifter will actually make you a more sustainable, low-waste one —and can save you money!

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1. Really Think About Who You're Giving To

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• Think less about the moment of exchange and more about how the person will use or enjoy this gift over time. As gifters, Dr. Givi said, we often think about how big the receiver's reaction will be when opening the gift. But his studies show that receivers actually prefer gifts that they enjoy, use, or remember for weeks, months, and years after the exchange.
• Go beyond new stuff. While new products seem like a safe bet, they can actually be hit-or-miss. In Dr. Givi's studies, sentimental gifts, handmade gifts, and experiences are consistently better received.
• Gifting can be an opportunity to connect. It may seem a bit counterintuitive, but giving someone a gift of something you love is a way to build relationships. For example, if you like birdwatching and think your friend might enjoy it, getting them a pair of binoculars so you can birdwatch together could be a gift that keeps on giving.
• It's the thought that counts, kind of. Sometimes, we get gifts that make us feel the most thoughtful. For example, if someone is having a baby, they can provide a gift registry. It may feel more thoughtful to deviate from the list to get another item you think they'd like, but studies prove that the most considerate thing to do is to stick to the registry.
• Respect gifting boundaries. As more and more people try to avoid overconsumption in their everyday lives, more of us are setting boundaries around gifts. If someone you know has asked for no gifts, getting them something just because you want to be thoughtful can actually make them feel extra stressed or obligated. If you want to celebrate with them, consider taking them out to dinner or a movie. Or ask them to do a craft night or spa night.

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2. Get a Gift They'll Really Appreciate

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The first week of January is the biggest returns week of the year in the U.S. Annually, U.S. returns generate a staggering 6 billion pounds of landfill waste. So how do we gift more sustainably so that our gifts don't end up in the return pile or a landfill?

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Make the Present More Personal

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Gifting someone exactly what they need is thoughtful and practical. It demonstrates that you've considered their wants and ensures the gift will be used and appreciated. Let's say your friend loves gardening. A set of assorted plant seeds could make their day! But here's the catch: you need to start early. Don't wait until the last minute. Begin by chatting with people and really listening. Keep a list of their hobbies, likes, and what matters to them. Then, narrow it down to fit the occasion. Research shows the best gifts are ones people will use or enjoy long-term. So think ahead — what will they appreciate weeks or months down the road?

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Gift an Experience

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People cherish experiences more than things. To make your gift more personal, consider what they enjoy—concerts, classes, spas, or tours. You could gift them a snorkeling session, rock climbing class, or couples massage. Or perhaps concert tickets for a Swiftie or a special dinner at their favorite restaurant? You don't always need to spend a fortune. Instead, get creative with experiences. Does your friend love their morning coffee? Take them to a new coffee shop in the city or arrange a special coffee tasting. If they're into food or wine, look for relevant experiences on Airbnb.

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Homemade Gifts

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Homemade gifts pack a powerful emotional punch. They're simpler than you might think and can be deeply sentimental. Research shows people often prefer gifts that evoke special memories or relationships over generic items. You've got options: write a heartfelt letter, compose a song, jot down a poem, or record cherished memories. Not feeling creative? Curate instead – like making a meaningful Spotify playlist. Handmade presents tap into our desire for connection, offering a bond beyond just the gift itself. When recipients can imagine how you crafted it just for them, they'll feel more connected to both the gift and you.

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Gift Your Time

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Another truly meaningful gift is offering your time to someone. It's perfect for close ones who are stressed, overworked, or going through tough times. You could take care of some garden tasks or offer to look after their kids or pets for a day, giving them some much-needed alone time. If you have special skills or expertise, like car care or cooking, you could lend a hand that way. If someone close to you is struggling physically or mentally, take them out to dinner, help them for an evening, or run some errands for them. Your time and attention can be the most valuable gift of all.

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3. Explore Sustainable Gifting Inspiration

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Want to get a jump start on holiday shopping but don't know where to look for planet-friendly choices? You can listen to the Sustainable Gifting episode of our podcast Second Nature to hear more from Dr. Givi and our community. You can also browse over 400 sustainable gift ideas with over 300 ideas like secondhand items, experiences, DIYs, sustainable products, and more. We even have a list of gifts that are practically free!