Has anyone else already heard the holiday music being pumped through places like department stores, craft shops, and home improvement places? Today we're dressing up for Halloween, and already we're bombarded—even in a tough economy—to buy, buy, buy.
To alleviate some of the serious stresses of holiday shopping that seem like they're already upon us, we'd like to share a few tips that will make your gift-giving greener and more economically sound. Trust us, it's better to hear this way in advance than to wish you'd heard it by mid-December! Jump below for our advice, and then share your own.
The holidays seem to catch us by surprise each year. So, in 2008, we've decided to start far in advance—and that aforementioned music seeping through speakers is furthering the cause. But there are lots of things to think of first.
• First, set a firm budget. This seems like a no-brainer, but we often find ourselves often over-spending when it comes to gifts. This year, we're taking out a certain amount of cash and not allowing ourselves any overages (no credit card purchases, either). It helps to make a list of everyone you hope to give to, and on what level (So-and-so get $20 gifts, but Such-and-such gets a card with an ornament garnish, etc.). With the economy looking gloomy, you want to be sure that happy holidays don't create debt. Be realistic and honest with your budget, too, and that way you won't be forced to eat Ramen while you pay off your holiday expenditures.
• Then, take a look at where you're shopping. You've heard it once, so you've heard it a thousand times, but...Shy away from the big-box stores, and head to locally-owned businesses. This will help the local economy out in a big way. And if you're hard-pressed to find exactly what you need (say, a waffle iron for your boyfriend's grandmother), check out places like Ross or T.J. Maxx. These stores carry the same things that department stores have, but they tend to carry the cast-offs—at a huge discount. This is also a great way to fill up your closet: "slightly imperfect" clothes usually have nothing immediately visible wrong with them (or they're easily mendable), and you can buy them for fractions of what they cost elsewhere. We think it's the next-best thing to shopping for used.
• That said, of course, try to shop used. There is nothing wrong with gifting a gently used item, especially something unique for the home. You can turn used items into a work of art, too: gift a photo frame with a personalized picture or message, or paint a kitchen accessory to match the recipient's tastes. People like original gifts, and everyone can appreciate the effort to save some green and be more green.
• Better yet, buy everything handmade. You can delve into the world of online shopping, turning to Etsy to find the perfect hand-knit scarf for your best friend, or just the right wallet for your younger brother. Supporting handmade goods is a great way to impact local communities. Plus, without mass production, the carbon footprint is itty-bitty. And, of course, you can look for upcycled or recycled items that will have an even better green imprint. You need to shop soon, though; Etsy items need to be shipped, and many sellers already have holiday instructions up on their site. So plan ahead!
• Don't forget: food makes a great gift. So think of local cheeses, local wines or beers, local jams and preserves, or local meat. Everyone eats! And eating locally is just about the most delicious way to go. Plus, you might discover new local things. We just realized we could get locally grown olives! What a treat.
So, good luck as you begin preparing for the holidays...And share your tips on gifting while saving money and saving the planet.
Photo via Nosheep on sxc.hu
Also don't forget the less fortunate this year, even in being green. This is especially important in a time of economic crisis. Take the opportunity to buy a really great (earth-friendly, handmade or generally better) toy or gift for someone who can barely afford the cheap plastic throw-away version. Think handmade wooden toy train instead of plastic train. Or giving a few cans of organic soup or veggies to your food bank.
And if all else fails for a difficult to shop for friend, give a donation to a charity that fits their likes. Give a card explaining the gift, and a small ornament or candy bar.
Remember that no matter how tight your money is, odds are pretty good someone else is worse off.
view stellato's profile
I thoroughly second Stella's suggestion to remember the less fortunate. And, as an ETSY seller, I very much appreciate your plug for ETSY. You can find all sorts of wonderful things there ... plus supplies to make your own stuff. If you ask a supply seller who also sells finished pieces--and do it EARLY--you might be able to have him or her craft your gift out of components you select, or create a custom order. For example, I could make a handmade lampwork bead set of mine into a zipper pull, or take a color scheme of one of my listings and make you a handmade wine stopper or fan pull. Others may well do the same.
view FourTailsLampwork's profile
What a fantastic post. thanks so much for sharing such valuable information. Christmas can hold more meaning for yourself and others when you create something or support another business that believes in similar ideals. Let's "buy into" making the world a better place rather than "buying into" consumerism with no purpose. That way it becomes enjoyable for all of us and is more life sustaining in many ways, enduring long after the Christmas season! I also agree with Stella's suggestion of helping those less fortunate. I am a board member with a local homeless shelter and this time a year I try to appeal to the desire to give by organizing towel, toiletries and bedding drives. All shelters (womens, homeless, etc) are always in desperate need of these items year round. Many times (check with your shelter) it is not a problem if they are used. Even toys are accepted at some shelters if they are in like new condition and not broken. thanks again for the great post!
view dds's profile
A few more:
If you have a big family/group of friends, try drawing names. It cuts down the stress in a big way, and you can take the time to buy one meaningful gift instead of trying to find something for everyone.
Make a wish list. Sounds selfish, but it helps people out, and they'll give you something you want instead of something you'll regift or chuck or just never use. And, you can encourage people to give to charity on your behalf.
Support the arts - give tickets to a ballet, opera, theater production, or art exhibit. Non-material and supports organizations that generally need help during economic pinches. Even movie passes will work. Another benifit: tickets work well in tandem with another non-material gift - your time.
Expounding on the gift of food, give a meal - home-cooked or out. (Discretion advised: make sure to make it clear the meal is the gift.)
I'm at a new office this year and really hoping to avoid all the random obligatory gifts. My poor mom, a teacher, was complaining last year about all the goofy random stuff she recieved and all the people she had no idea what to get. I said, it sounds like you need to put two and two together, and all the lightbulbs went on!... so, yeah, it's in questionable taste, but I regift, as a last resort.
view whytephoenix's profile
I had to re-visit this thread and share a link. This website can help you find volunteer opportunities based on where you live and what you want to do. That's how I found my adopt-a-family program (amoung 100s of listings).
http://www.volunteersolutions.org/
view stellato's profile