With the climate crisis continually looming over planet Earth, concerned citizens are often looking for ways to take things into their own hands and reduce their environmental impact. This can be especially challenging during the holidays, birthdays, and any event that requires a gift. Sustainable gift ideas are hardly ever glamorous, but they do serve a purpose.

Something that is super sustainable and will last forever, are memories you make with loved ones. I know, how corny is that? Ha-ha. I’ve compiled a list of sustainable gift ideas for you to consider in your next gift-giving endeavor.

Gift a Mystery Picnic

A mystery picnic provides everything but the blanket for a beautiful, romantic picnic for you and your partner. This is an all-inclusive picnic experience with a pre-planned & booked itinerary, guided discovery, and a stunning picnic spread. Available in most major cities. Some experiences even have a valentine’s day add-on as well! Don’t forget your reusable silverware packs!

Hotel Gift Card

Give the gift of a hotel stay! No matter your sustainable journey, travel seems to be more and more inevitable as time goes on. A lovely hotel gift card could be used as a weekend away for you and your partner, or maybe a keepsake for unexpected travel. Plus, this is a unique idea that not a lot of people think of. Cutting that hotel expense can be a real game changer for any travel.

Get Out Pass

The GetOutPass is a city fun pass. It gives pass holders access to the best amusement parks, water parks, museums, bowling alleys, escape rooms, and many more entertainment venues in their area for one low price! They strive to give everyone the ability to have fun, make memories, and discover new things to do with their loved ones without having to spend thousands of dollars to do it. Use code CUPOFJO for $55 off (even better than their sales).

Recycled Sunnies

Did you know you can take an old beat-up skateboard and turn them into a brand new up-cycled pair of sunnies? Well, maybe you can’t, but Woodzee can! Woodzee has collected hundreds of authentic used skateboards from friends, family, and our local skate scene to recycle them into new sunnies for you. With so many boards used to create this unique collection, no two pairs of sunnies are the same.  

State or National Parks Pass

In honor of Las Vegas providing state park passes through libraries, why not sign up for an annual pass to your favorite state or national park. Tackle the multitude of hiking and biking trails and go swimming, canoeing, and camping together. With an annual pass, you can go to your favorite park regularly and enjoy tons of time in nature together. As regulars, you can pop in during the off-season as well, when the park will be much quieter. Check to see if any of the best national parks to visit in winter are near where you live. 

Donation to a charity

Most of us already have everything we need and something that is all too often looked over is the feeling giving back really provides. A donation to an eco-friendly project or another charity close to your partner’s heart in their name might be the best gift.

Coconut bowls

This coconut bowl set would be an awesome addition to any cabinet. Coconut bowls are made from natural coconut shells which are sustainable and organic. This adorable Etsy shop is an American small business wanting to help you find true sustainable products.

An air-purifying plant

Plants like English Ivy, Peace Lily, Snake plants, etc. operate as natural air purifiers. A lot of us spend 80-90% indoors and crummy air quality can lead to a world of health problems. How you obtain this should be taken into consideration as well. Skip the big chain Lowes, Star Nursery, or gardening center and opt for rescuing a plant on Craigslist or looking at locally sourced plants.

A book from your local book store

A book is a great gift. There’s so much variety that you’ll be sure to find something suitable for that special someone. And books are pretty eco-friendly, too. They last practically forever and can be perpetually re-gifted once you’re done reading them.

A sustainable Apple Watch Band

Yes, they do exist! Say hello to the world’s first compostable watch band. Designed to be compatible with the all Apple Watch series, the Pela Vine is flexible and functional with a clean look and comfortable feel. It is made from Flaxstic material that holds up with everyday use, you can rest easy knowing you are protecting the planet by choosing sustainable products. 

An app subscription

Does your partner have an app they absolutely love to use? Think like Strava, Calm, Note-taking, etc. Get them a 6-12 month subscription to the good stuff so they can live their best life, digitally! No environmental disruption here, friends!

Bonus sustainable gift ideas:

• A gift card to a fashion rental subscription
• Book a cooking class
• Gift them concert/sports tickets
• Pay a bill for them
• Make them something out of something they already have

Looking for more sustainable tips and tricks? Follow me on Instagram @Sustainable_Jo where I post daily sustainable implementation.