What is Sustainable Gifting?
Sustainable gifting is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional one-time-use gifts that are easily discarded. It avoids waste and keeps resources out of landfills, and it’s the practice of giving gifts that are environmentally friendly and socially responsible. By choosing gifts made from sustainable materials and produced by fair labor practices, you can support local businesses while reducing environmental impact.
Are you looking for a way to make your gift-giving more meaningful and impactful? Look no further than sustainable gifting! In this blog, we'll explore everything you need to know about sustainable gifting, from understanding what it is to incorporate it into your gifting ideas to its impact on the environment.
With the world facing growing environmental challenges such as climate change, deforestation, and pollution, it's more important than ever to consider the impact of our gift-giving on the planet. Traditional gifting methods often rely on mass-produced products, wrapped in excessive packaging, and shipped long distances, all of which contribute to environmental degradation. By choosing gifts that are meaningful and have a positive impact, you’re thinking about the wellbeing of the environment!
"We are not above nature, we are a part of nature. "-Jennifer Nini
5 top reasons why sustainable gifting is important?
So, whether you're looking for eco-friendly products, locally made products, second-hand items, or something else, there are plenty of sustainable gifting options. But first, let us understand why sustainable gifting is essential.
- Environmental Impact: Sustainable gifting reduces the ecological impact of the production, transportation, and disposal of gifts. For example, choosing a wooden toy made from sustainable wood sources instead of a plastic toy reduces the carbon footprint and pollution caused by the production and disposal of a plastic toy.
- Social Impact: Sustainable gifting supports fair trade practices and promotes ethical production, ensuring that the local community and artisans are treated fairly and paid a living wage. For example, buying a hand-woven scarf made by a community of artisans in a developing country supports their livelihood and empowers them to improve their living conditions.
- Economic Impact: Sustainable gifting supports local economies and small businesses. For example, buying a jar of locally made honey supports the local beekeeping industry and helps to preserve the area's biodiversity.
- Personal Impact: Sustainable gifting allows you to connect with the person you are giving the gift to on a deeper level by choosing a thoughtful and meaningful gift that aligns with their values and interests and for example, buying a book about sustainable living for someone interested in environmentalism.
- Future Impact: Sustainable gifting helps to create a better future for all by reducing waste, preserving resources, and promoting sustainable practices. By choosing sustainable gifts, we can create a more just and equitable world for future generations. For example, buying a solar-powered bike instead of a traditional fuel bike helps to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and promotes the use of clean energy.
Creative Ideas for Sustainable Gifting to Show You Care
Talking about sustainable gifting is easy, but finding the perfect gift for someone special can be difficult. With the right approach, you can make your gifts meaningful and sustainable. Let us explore five creative ideas for sustainable gifting that show how much you care about the environment and your loved ones. From eco-friendly gifts to homemade items, there are many ways to give sustainable gifts that will make them feel special and appreciated.
Here are top 10 recommended sustainable gifts available:
1. Wooden Cutlery in Satin Handsewn Pouch
If you want to present something to someone who wants to contribute to environment-friendly changes, consider this wooden cutlery gift in a beautifully handsewn satin pouch. Give the gift that is useful on a daily basis for them to pack together with lunch box or bring along during travel trip.
Eco-friendly wooden cutlery gift set: Each pouch is neatly handsewn by stay home moms who aspires to create products while earning extra income to sustain their livelihood. Purchase just the pouch itself or with the wooden cutlery inside. A meaningful gift that is reusable yet beautiful.
2. Locally-made Sustainable Gift Items
When you ditch plastics and purchase gift items in a reusable gift box, you’ve not just made an environmentally conscious choice but by gifting to another person, you’ve inspired them as well. With our curated gifts such as the Malaysia’s local souvenir gift and Tiffany joy gift box, you’re gifting loved ones with useful, reusable items packed in a plastic-free box. This inadvertently leads to lesser wastage on our planet. Below we share a snippet of what you can expect with each of our environmentally conscious gifts.
Malaysia's local souvenir gift: Here’s a Stardust Green paper box with a yellow sleeve and a surprise sticker that reads, "Someone wants to make your day better." Inside are some delectable Malaysian Dodol snacks, peanut candy snacks, a wellness candle jar, a handsewn batik Handkerchief, and a personalized handwritten message card.
Tiffany joy gift box: For those of you looking for a holistic yet sustainable gift box for ladies friend, this Tiffany joy gift box his comes in a special Apprecious emerald green box with a cotton ribbon decor. The package contains a square silk scarf suited for all-year-round attire, a heat-resistant double-walled glass bottle with a tea filter, a tea bag, a velvet eye mask, a stunning A5-sized weekly planner, and a personalized handwritten greeting card. Joy in a box, actually!
3. Handmade and Upcycled Gifts
We all know our hardworking Malaysian local artists hardly get the recognition they deserve! We at Apprecious are always striving to support more local artisans. We often visit them, talk to them and understand what drives them. So we highly recommend supporting local artisans and crafters by choosing handmade gifts such as pottery, jewelry, or knits made from sustainable materials. Alternatively, opt for upcycled gifts such as a reclaimed wood cutting board or a bag made from repurposed fabric. Consider giving delectable homemade snacks, preserves, or baked goods as a culinary gift. One such gift is a Nasi lemak gift bag.
The zip-and-handle Nasi lemak purse represents Malaysia unique culture; it is a gift in itself. So select either the bag alone or the bag with the following items inside:
- Local pineapple tart cookies
- Locally baked walnut cookies
- A Halal-certified collagen bird nest with delicious osmanthus
- A custom-written season greeting card
Go local while giving a sustainable gift! This bag can be reused for a long time. Use it for quick grocery shopping, a fashion hand bag or a keys holder. So versatile, beautiful and meaningful at the same time.
4. Soy Wax Candle
Hand-poured in Malaysia using eco-friendly soy wax, this delightful creation not only fills your space with a soothing fragrance but also warms your heart with its sustainability.
Crafted by local Malaysian artisans, these sustainable gifts are a testament to their passion and dedication to the environment. By choosing this natural gift, you not only support local communities but also promote wellness and a greener planet. It's time to embrace the beauty of meaningful and creative presents for every occasion!
5. Experiences
Instead of material gifts, give the gift of an experience such as a cooking class, a hiking trip, or a visit to a local spa. These experiences not only promote sustainability but also create lasting memories.
Some ideas include a thrilling outing, a vacation in the wilderness, a rewarding trek, a theatre outing, a practical workshop, a culinary experience, or a spa service that gives unforgettable moments.
Alternately, stay home and prepare a special meal, plan a party or game night, or volunteer your knowledge and expertise to assist someone with a specific task.
Remember, sustainable gifting is not just about the product itself but also the entire life cycle of the gift, from production to disposal.
6. Mini Batik Nasi Lemak Pouch
When it comes to finding creative and meaningful gift ideas for any occasion, the Mini Batik Nasi Lemak Pouch ticks all the boxes. This remarkable pouch is not only reusable but also incredibly affordable, making it a fantastic choice for eco-conscious individuals. Its compact and mini size makes it easy to travel with, ensuring that it can be conveniently brought along on any adventure.
What makes this gift even more special is its positive impact on society. Each purchase of the Mini Batik Nasi Lemak Pouch contributes to empowering women by providing them with valuable jobs and sustainable incomes.
So, not only will you be offering a stylish and practical gift, but you'll also be supporting a worthy cause. Make a statement with your gift-giving and choose the Mini Batik Nasi Lemak Pouch – a true embodiment of sustainability, affordability, and empowering women.
7. Batik Fabric Wrap
This reusable gift combines a stylish design with functionality, making it suitable for various occasions. You can even customize this pouch to create a unique and personalized corporate gift.
Not only is the Mini Batik Nasi Lemak Pouch a practical item, but it also serves as a sustainable alternative to traditional gift wrapping. Use it as a lunch box wrap or as a stylish accessory for everyday use. What's more, by choosing this gift, you contribute to empowering women by providing them with jobs and incomes.
So, why not make a statement with your gift-giving and opt for the Mini Batik Nasi Lemak Pouch, a sustainable gift that promotes both style and social impact?
8. Premium Eco Luxe Set
These eco-friendly box gifts are the epitome of elegance and sustainability. Bamboo, known for its rapid growth and low environmental impact, makes for the perfect material choice. Whether you're searching for a personal gift or a corporate gift for your clients, these customized sets are a fantastic option.
With their unique charm and thoughtful design, these sustainable gifts are sure to leave a lasting impression. Show your commitment to a greener future while delighting your loved ones or impressing your business associates with these premium eco luxe sets.
9. Coffee Mug Gift Set
The Coffee Mug Gift Set made from eco-friendly glass material, beautifully complemented by wooden gifts.
This combination not only exudes elegance but also ensures a reduced carbon footprint. Packaged in a thoughtfully designed box gift, these customised corporate gifts are perfect for showing appreciation to employees, making them feel valued while promoting sustainability.
So, whether it's a birthday, anniversary, or a simple gesture of gratitude, this sustainable gift option will surely warm hearts while treading lightly on the planet.
10. Premium Batik Gift Set in Reusable Bamboo Basket
This sustainable gift set not only showcases the beauty of local Malaysia handmade gifts but also embraces eco-consciousness with its reusable bamboo material. The intricate batik patterns on the gifts add a touch of elegance and cultural significance.
From scarves to accessories, each item in this set tells a story while promoting sustainability. By choosing this batik gift set, you'll not only delight your loved ones but also contribute to a greener future.
Final thoughts
Gift wrapping is an important part of the holiday season, and with a few simple changes, you can make your wrapping more environmentally friendly and unique. Opt for reusable, natural wrapping paper, like kraft paper or fabric, when possible. To add an extra special touch to your gifts, try using compostable embellishments such as pine cones, dried flowers, leaves, or twigs!
We frequently need to pay more attention to the wastefulness of gift wrapping and packing as they are only used once. Still, opening presents is a delightful way to create anticipation and surprise for the recipient.
Firstly, wrap the gift in a dishtowel, handkerchief, fabric bag, or scarf.
Secondly, by cautiously removing the wrapping from any gifts you receive, you can reuse the paper.
Somebody said rightly, "the greatest gifts are not wrapped in plastic but in love."
With the world becoming increasingly aware of its environmental impact, we need to make conscious decisions regarding our gifting habits. The first thing to do is decide what environmental impact you want your gift to make.
So, join us on this journey of sustainable gifting and make a difference in the world!