Christmas shopping is now in full flow. But how do you find a gift that sparks joy and is sustainable too? If you’re searching for a green Secret Santa or an eco-friendly stocking-filler, our gift guide is here to help.
We’ve picked 10 presents that will wow your friends and family while looking after the environment. Each one will keep on giving too – whether by boosting household savings, banishing blockages or giving single-use plastics the boot. Ready to take a look?
Here are 10 stylish and sophisticated gift ideas with hidden eco benefits!
- Air plant, cactus or succulent – Add some colour to a loved-one’s home with a well-chosen, water-efficient plant. You can pair it with a trendy pot or hanging basket too. As well as being less work to look after than thirstier plants, they use less water – which could mean lower bills. (If dry gardens have captured your imagination, check out our interactive plant guide.)
- Mini watering can – Of course, some houseplants need to be kept hydrated. What better way than an indoor watering can? They come in a range of colours and designs, making them both a gardening essential and an eye-catching ornament. They can be filled up with leftover water from the sink, bath or vegetable pans, then sprinkled on the plants. Whatever’s left can be saved for another day. What a great way to save water around the home.
- Reusable makeup sponges, wipes and pads – Many of us use makeup wipes and cotton pads daily. Yet if they’re flushed down the drain, they can cause blockages that flood homes and pollute the environment. Reusable sponges come in a range of shapes and sizes to achieve every look. While reusable wipes and pads are available in countless prints or colours. Unlike throwaway unflushables, they can be used time and time again, while helping to keep our sewers flowing.
- Bar of soap – Who could resist some fancy smellies at Christmas? Traditional bars of soap feel luxurious and come in a range of shapes and scents, without the unwanted plastic pollution.
- Shower radio – Singing and showers go hand-in-hand. But no playlist is worth giving your phone an accidental dip. That’s why a Bluetooth shower radio is sure to be a splash hit! But remember, short showers can make big savings – so make sure every shower is a one-hit-wonder.
- Refillable water bottle – Many of us will be on-the-go at Christmastime – whether traveling to see loved ones or hitting the high-street for the Boxing Day sales. A reusable water bottle is a striking way to Refill and stay hydrated, without the single-use plastics.
- Travel cutlery – Whether you’re a street food fanatic or just tucking into your packed lunch, a set of cutlery is often helpful when you’re out-and-about. For those with no appetite for wasteful disposables, travel cutlery is the way forward. Many are made of sustainable bamboo and come with a handy pouch or sleeve for transporting them.
- Corkscrew and wine stopper – Although screw caps may be easier to undo, they’re often plastic-coated and difficult to recycle. Meanwhile, cork is both biodegradable and can be recycled. Encourage your loved ones to choose cork by gifting them a fancy corkscrew – or give their chardonnay some chic with a flashy stopper.
- Glass tags or charms – Festive season is party season. But when you’re socialising, you can easily lose track of your drink. Glass tags or charms are a great way to note whose is whose. Instead of grabbing a fresh glass, people can hold onto the same one – which will save on washing up this Christmas!
- Reusable drink chillers – Do you know someone who enjoys a festive tipple? Keep their drinks cool with reusable ice cubes made from stone or stainless steel. No need to fill the ice tray – just chill them in the freezer and pop them in a drink. What better way to look sophisticated while saving water?
Seen something here that’ll delight your loved ones? We certainly hope so. While you’re gearing up for Christmas, now's also the perfect time to discover how to keep your drains flowing, and the party going this festive season.