We have a lot of birthdays this time of year in my family. We are right in the thick of gift giving season. I thought I’d share with you a few gifts that we’ve given or received that have a low impact on the environment and yet have brought great joy to the recipient. There are always occasions where I want to give a gift but I don’t want to purchase something mindlessly or spend a fortune. Here are a few simple ways I have found to express my love to my dearest friends and family. I hope you enjoy and find inspiration.
1. Homemade Lavender Bath Bombs
My mom is always working so hard to take care of everyone else, so I wanted to give her something to inspire her to slow down and take care of herself. I made her these beautiful bath bombs using a recipe I found on Homesong blog. I just love the warmth, simplicity, and intentionality of Homesong. I am inspired by Amanda’s photography and writing. The bath bombs were quite simple to make. I found the lavender buds in the bulk section of my local natural market, Marlene’s. I ended up with a bunch of extra supplies so I made another batch for my son’s preschool teacher at the end of the school year.
Added benefits: When I make these, my kitchen smells amazing and it calms me.
2. Homemade BBQ Rub
I made this spice blend for my brother for his 30th birthday. I used only ingredients and packaging materials that I had on hand. I hope he will find it useful and that it will inspire him to experiment with cooking and grilling. It is a simple all-purpose spice blend that he will be able to use for many different dishes. I found the recipe here.
3. Watercolor Cards
I have started painting cards with my kids’ watercolor paints for almost every family birthday. I am very new to watercolor painting and am not particularly skilled at it. But, like making bath bombs and cooking and pretty much anything I create with my hands, it is a calming process. It helps me to slow down and reflect. My kids love painting along with me too! While painting with three little ones can sometimes make it less calming (wink), it can be a great sensory experience for us all.
4. Painted Plant Pots
My sister-in-law and I got our kids together to paint flower pots for their grandma’s birthday. We got these terracotta pots at our local hardware store for $1.50. We had the kids paint them and put little flower plants in them. My mom loved them. She replanted the plants in a larger pot all together and used the plants to hold succulents.
5. Gift Cards
I used to think giving gift cards was a cop-out. I thought it was lazy. I now have so much appreciation for gift cards. Giving a gift card is a way to ensure that the recipient gets exactly what they want and will use. It gives them the joy of browsing and selecting the thing that fits their needs exactly. Here are a few gift cards we’ve given or received: an outdoor gear store (REI), a local book store that also carries used books (King’s Books), a local hardware store (McLendon’s), a local ice cream shop (Ice Cream Social), and a local craft store (Artist and Craftsman Supply).
6. Memberships
I have given and received a family membership to our local children’s museum. This year, we were given pass to our local pool. These types of gifts are my favorite. I love giving experiences. They don’t take up room in anyone’s house or the landfill. They support local businesses and nonprofit organizations. They are fun and enriching. They are great all around.
7. Practical Low Waste Food Containers
I love gifting a good quality water bottle or travel coffee mug. I usually pick a neutral color like black because the chances are greater that they will like and use it. This is the type of gift I like to get when I’m stumped. For example, maybe it is a Christmas gift exchange and I’ve ended up with a person I don’t know well…I go with one of these two things. If I am buying a physical gift from a store, I try to always include the gift receipt so that if they don’t like it, they can return it and get something they do like or need.
There you have it! Happy gift giving!
