SUSTY BIRTHDAY GIFT GUIDE

It's my birthday coming up (can't believe I'm getting so OLD!) and it inspired me to think about sustainable gift-giving. So, if you're stuck on what to get someone and want to be better for the planet, this guide is for you!!!

• REUSABLES - everyone loves a good reusable, see which of these would fit into their life (make sure they would actually use it!)

  • Reusable water bottles (BOTL, Chillys)

  • Reusable coffee cup (BOTL)

  • Reusable shopping bags (bonus points for ones that fold up into a mini package!)

  • Beeswax wraps

  • Straws

  • Lunchboxes

• KITS - again, make sure this would actually be of use to them first!

  • Camping kits complete with cutlery, bamboo toothbrushes, reusable face cloths, silicone food bags

  • Zero-waste cocktail kits - with a book full of resourceful cocktail ideas!

  • Sewing kits to help them mend their clothing!

• PLANTS & SEEDS

  • Indoor plants to spice up the living space!

  • Herb kits

  • Seeds for the garden

  • Mini pots to start growing veg

• EXPERIENCES - my personal fave!

  • Theatre tickets

  • Race tickets if you're into running/sports (this is what I got for my birthday from my lovely friend Katy!!)

  • Concert tickets

  • Sports game tickets

  • Plan a day out!

  • Spa day

  • Hiking trips

  • Afternoon tea

  • Cooking classes

  • Painting classes

• UPCYCLED OR HANDMADE GIFTS - this is always appreciated as it's so thoughtful!

  • Getting crafty with a crochet hook

  • Painting something

  • Pottery

  • Upcycled jewellery

  • Personalising a candle

  • Painting a plant pot

• BOOKS - finding a secondhand gem can be so meaningful for the book lover in your life!

  • Secondhand books

  • Vintage classics (especially if it's their fave)

  • Share books you love

  • Get them a gift card to buy some e-books

• SHOP SMALL BUSINESSES!

  • The best gifts I've found have been from Etsy!

  • Search for something they love (e.g., Pride and Prejudice) and see what cool things pop up (I found a Pride and Prejudice soy-wax candle once with the most beautiful packaging and scent!)

Shopping sustainable will require a bit of extra planning to give you time for shipping or creating things but it is so rewarding, thoughtful, and better for the planet!!