Lifestyle

Your Go-to Guide For The Best Low Waste Holiday Gifts (Inspired By The 5 Love Languages!)

Have you read the book The Five Love Languages about different ways to give and receive love? This low waste holiday gift guide is inspired by that book!

 I want to encourage you to think outside of the box when it comes to traditional holiday gifts. I think we need to move past the holidays solely being focused on physical gifts. Unfortunately, the focus on gifting leads to overconsumption of goods which furthers the strain on our planet. 

Instead, we can be more intentional with the gifts we give. That way, they don’t end up in the landfill but rather are cherished and enjoyed. Learning about the love languages can help us choose gifts that are more personalized to what people will love! 

What are the love languages?  

Some people LOVE gifts and others appreciate them but may feel more loved by other offerings. Everyone gives and receives love in different ways. Since holiday gifts show our love, we can choose gifts based on our friends’ and families’ love languages.

 If you haven’t read the book, here’s a quick list of the 5 love languages: 

5 Love Languages 

  • Acts of Service
  • Receiving gifts 
  • Physical touch 
  • Words of affirmation
  • Quality time 

I put together a list of gift ideas to help you be more creative and intentional this holiday season! And of course, they are all low waste and affordable! 

Quality time: A fun activity 

We all live busy lives so why not gift someone your time this year! This can mean so much to people that value quality time as their main love language. 

Maybe go for a picnic, check out a museum, or have a beach day. Just be sure to stay present and leave your phone at home so you can enjoy your time together distraction free! 

Receiving gifts: Books 

Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Kimmerer

Books are a great gift because they can be bought second-hand and passed along to another friend when they’re done being used.

 If you really want to brighten someone’s holiday season, be sure to shop locally at a book shop near you. Supporting small businesses during the holiday season goes a long way. 

If you are looking for some good book suggestions you can check out some ideas here.

Act of service & gift: Low waste homemade food 

This one is a classic holiday gift and is always a crowd pleaser. Homemade sweets can be low cost, vegan and uniquely made to whatever dessert your loved one enjoys! 

The love and care that goes into making the treats will mean so much to your loved one that values acts of service. 

Gift: Low waste technology 

Did you know that you can get tech items second hand? You can get phones, laptops, and ipads that have been used but refurbished for the next user. Instead of new tech being created you can use something that still has some life in it. 

Make sure to look at reviews for whatever company you choose to buy from. There are legit sites to get used tech items! These are some that have good reviews: 

Gift: Low waste outdoor gear 

Of all people to get a second hand gift, your outdoorsy friends will probably love it since this style of shopping protects their playground, the outdoors! Buying second hand gear uses less resources than companies creating new gear. Best of all, second hand gear is always more affordable! 

From surfboards to bicycles, there is plenty of good stuff available for the outdoorsy or active person in your life. 

You just have to know where to look! I put together a list of places to get you started: 

  • Facebook marketplace
  • Rei used gear
  • Thrift stores
  • Patagonia packs and gear

Combo: quality time & act of service: Share one of your talents 

Homemade holiday flavored oat milk could be a fun and festive low waste gift

This could be literally anything. Get creative! I am a very organized person so gifting that skill could be offensive but very helpful ha! Maybe you’re a great cook and you can make dinner for someone. DIY gifts are a classic holiday gift. Your best bet is to check out Pinterest for those. If you are outdoorsy you could gift your hiking experience to someone and show them a cool spot. 

You can check out your local zero waste shop to find items for your low waste diy gifts! If you have never shopped at one be sure to check out my guide here for tips!

Physical touch: Massage 

You can either gift a professional massage or give one to your loved one yourself! 

If you decide to give a massage to a loved one you can make it special by using massage oil and putting on relaxing music. Who wouldn’t want an at home spa day?! 

Generally, we all love to receive every type of love language, but we do have a main one. The only one that didn’t make the list is words of affirmation but that is a gift we can give year round! 

I hope this list helps you to think outside of the box this holiday season and maybe find a way to give a gift that is more low waste, is intentional and speaks to your loved ones’ love languages. 

I would love to hear what types of gifts you come up with this year! Let me know in the comments below! 

Be sure to sign up for the newsletter if you would like sustainability and wellness tips sent straight to your inbox! 

Stay well, 

Maggie 

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