Green Gifting

This year has been unprecedented. Being trapped inside our homes most of the time and limiting the time we spend shopping and doing the things we love, the time has flown by. Christmas is right around the corner, and we're left figuring out what to give our loved ones with limited resources.

 Between Thanksgiving and New Year, Americans throw away 25% more trash than they do at any other time of year. The culprit? Wrapping paper, ribbon, cards, and lots of tape.

 At The Design Craft, we have over 350 recyclable gift wrap options to help you think sustainably during this holiday season. Along with making conscious decisions about the wrapping materials you use, you can promote sustainability through eco-friendly gift ideas.

Eco Friendly Wrapping Paper

Wrapping paper produces $8.14 billion in sales every year in the United States. Even if you put your gift wrap in the recycling bin after Christmas morning, chances are it will end up in the landfill instead. Despite being made primarily of paper, anything with coatings, glitter, foil, bows, and other mysterious additions, cannot be recycling.

 To find out if the wrapping paper you've bought can be recycled, the American Forest and Paper Association recommends doing what's called the "Scrunch Test." Take a piece of the paper and scrunch it up into a ball. If it stays that shape, then it's safe to recycle. If it tries to go back to its original form, then chances are it's coated in something not environmentally friendly.

 There are two options for sustainable gift wrapping—buying recycled gift wraps or creating your own out of materials you have around the house.

Recycled Wrapping Paper

If you're set on traditional wrapping habits, then the best thing you can do is switch to wrapping paper that's made from 100% sustainable materials and can also be recycled after use.

The Design Craft offers a variety of eco-friendly premium quality gift wraps, and every roll is hand-printed. You can choose from natural textures, topographic, minimal designs, and hundreds of more options.

There are recycled and premium recycled papers. Both are 24 by 30 inches; the base recycled paper is made from 24# recycled paper stock. The premium paper is made from 70# premium quality recycled paper stock with a smooth uncoated finish, composed entirely of post-consumer waste. The premium paper is Green Seal and FSC-Certified.

 As a bonus, one tree is planted through One Tree Planted with each shipment we send out. To learn more about our design process, visit our journal.

Eco-Friendly Gifts

Besides changing how you present your gifts, alter your gift-giving habits to embrace the idea of green gifting.

Gift an Experience, Not an Item

Are you concerned that your gift idea isn't environmentally friendly? Then don't give an item! Popular sites like Groupon and TripAdvisor help you find discounts on activities nearby like tours, spas, museums, and escape rooms. In a time where indoor activities are sparse, gifting an outdoor experience is a great sentiment.

 You can also invest in an art, cooking, or photography class for them because they say you're never too old to keep learning. If they prefer to hang out at home, treat them to learning a new language with a program like Rosetta Stone.

 Or make sure they're free and plan a trip that both of you can enjoy together. It doesn't have to be an extravagant beach trip, and can simply be a scenic bus ride to the closest city.

Promoting Sustainability Through Your Gifts

If you're still set on giving a physical item, provide a reusable item. The market for green alternatives to average, everyday objects is growing by the minute. Consider giving them a reusable water bottle, grocery bag, travel bag, reusable cutlery set — the possibilities are endless.

As an added incentive, whenever they use their gift, they'll think of you! Alternative ideas include baking them a batch of treats, a plant, or thrifted gifts. Essentially, anything that can be used and not place any stress on the environment is a great choice.

COVID Gift Ideas

Being trapped inside our homes and unable to hang out with friends have left us bored. Every TV show has been watched, every puzzle has been put together, and every book has been read. Gift giving during COVID can be difficult — we want to stay connected, but it's difficult to do when we can't see each other in person.

 Sending a gift by mail is still a great way to show friends and family that you care. Major mail carriers and independent companies like Amazon follow the advice of public health departments to ensure that your family stays safe while still receiving important documents and packages.

 Great gifts to get everyone through this pandemic include custom gift boxes, flowers, snacks, or even just a postcard with a note reminding them how much you care.

Wrapping Up

There are multiple ways that you can participate in green gifting.

 Start from the outside: replace flashy, glitter wrapping paper with eco-friendly gift wrap such as the recycled paper we create at The Design Craft. Or, get creative and make your own with easy-to-find brown packing paper or newspaper — the cool thing about newspapers is that you can customize what part you use. Choose a comic for your friend who loves jokes, or a sports section for your favorite Cubs fan.

 Then move inside the wrapping. Gift an experience, a reusable gift, or a trip that both of you can enjoy and remember together.

 Coronavirus has changed our lives in many ways. It hasn't been easy, and with the holidays right around the corner, many of us wonder how to show our family and friends that we care. Remember, shipping a gift is never old-fashioned.