By Esther Lerman Freeman | Contributing Writer
As we give thanks for our many blessings over this holiday season, I can think of no better way to honor those we love than being kind to the earth and all its inhabitants. Here are a few gift ideas that help keep our celebrations environmentally conscious:
White Elephant Gift Exchange
Each person is invited to bring something of theirs that they really like but no longer use or need, or are just ready to share. Sometimes it’s something quirky that they can’t wait to part with (like one year it was one of those mechanical singing fish). The gifts don’t need to be wrapped, they are on display for all to see. Everyone picks a number which determines the order in which people select gifts. When it’s your turn, you may pick a new gift or “steal” one that has already been taken. The person who you steal from then gets to pick something else from the selection. It becomes a comical competition, and everyone gets in on the fun.
White elephant gifts are my favorite zero-impact gift option. I’ve done this with friend groups and with family holiday gatherings and it’s always a blast.
Experiences
Experiences make memorable gifts, support our local businesses and decrease the need for extra packaging, transportation and shipping. If there’s such a thing as a win:win:win:win this is it. Here are some examples of great experience gifts:
- Tickets for a play, concert or sporting event (such as NE theaters Profile Theater and Portland Playhouse or events at Alberta Rose, Alberta Abbey and Alberta Historic House)
- An e-bike tour of Hood River through solrides.com
- A gift card for a favorite brewery, bakery or restaurant
- A gift certificate for a massage or facial (Check out tinymassagecart.com, sweetsaffronnaturalskincare.com)
- A gift certificate for a class or services such as communitycyclingcenter.org or bike repair, cooking classes through viviennepdx.com or art classes through collagepdx.com
- For loved ones far away consider gift cards they can use for special treats near them, like for a special chocolate store
Memberships
Memberships are experience gifts that keep on giving. Many local companies provide gist membership options. Here are a few ideas:
- A pint of Salt and Straw every month
- Two packages of coffee every other week delivered to their house by Keia and Martyn (keiaandmartynscoffee.com)
- Membership to Dogwood wine club for monthly bottles and tasting (dogwoodpdx.com) Personal Donations Here are ways to donate your own time or money thoughtfully.
- Donations to organizations of importance or special meaning to your loved ones in their honor
- Gifts of service from you, like meals or a written promise of a few hours of gardening help or childcare.
Gifts for Children
Children’s gifts can get expensive. Rather than running to the store for the latest fad toy, consider gifting handmade coupons, which can be for any number of things, such as:
- Get to stay up one hour late on chosen night
- Pass to skip chores for a week
- Ice cream sundae night
- Visit to the fire station
- Game Night of their choice
- Making Playdoh together, building with Legos, or playing with a favorite toy
- Extra books at bedtime
When wrapping your gifts, use reusable gift bags instead of wrapping paper and ribbons. Happy holiday season and may we all be blessed with health and peace.
Esther Lerman Freeman is a certified Master Recycler and Concordia resident.