Sustainable holiday gift-giving

After the dust settles on Thanksgiving, attention turns quickly to the Christmas holidays, and that economy-boosting ritual of purchasing gifts.  Realizing that Hanukkah is almost over, I apologize that the timing of this post would normally offer more general holiday ideas,however most of these hold true regardless of the gift-giving reason.  Feel free to use this as a reference throughout the year.  Here are my top seven ideas for giving gifts during the holidays that will recognize the season of giving without damaging the quality of life of another.

1.  Do something

Gift giving centers on the idea that the giver knows something that makes the receiver happy.  For decades, our society has pressed us to show our emotions through a "thing", requiring an extractive process heavy on energy use, potentially damaging to the environment, and oft times resulting in more landfill.  We can show equal emotional attachment through a gift of ourselves.  If someone you love just had a child and has been stuck in the house, giving them the gift of a night out with babysitting will show your affection better than any physical gift.  This option especially holds true if you have a professional skill associated with home repair.  As much as they might like a new tie, offering to help someone fix a toilet or teaching them how to hang drywall can add greater value.  If your friend or family member likes adventure, a gift of an activity like bicycle riding in a nearby state park, or if your budget allows it, a day trip to a local lake or ski resort (depending on the season) will fit the bill.

2.  Donate

I have an aunt who has a passion for animal-related causes.  If her name comes up in the grab bag our family does, she will make known her desire for a donation to her favorite shelter.  Although general donations to any worthy charity have value, make sure to find something in which the other person believes strongly.  Also, as much as you can, target social service charities (those that provide food, shelter, or education services for the poor) as these charities receive far less of the annual charitable giving than universities, prep schools, museums, or other forms of charitable institution.

3.  Give the gift of belonging

If your loved one has a passion for the arts or culture, instead of just making a donation, consider the gift of a membership to an institution.  In Chicago, we have several great institutions: Museum of Science and Industry, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, along with dozens of other museums and arts organizations.  If they appreciate great theater, almost every professional theater has season subscription series that provide a great night out for anyone.  Consider adding yourself to the gift if you and your friend or loved one find it hard to get time together unless planned ahead.

4.  Buy local: Services first

Wherever your gift recipient lives, hundreds of small businesses struggle each year to stay afloat.  Many communities have a gift-card program where individuals can use a generic certificate or card at any local business, but if the area in which your friend or loved one lives does not have one, then do a little research and find out the three services they most need and contact businesses to see if they will do a custom card.  Maybe your friend needs accounting services regularly, or a boyfriend has a favorite garage.  Working out a pre-paid gift helps them out, shows your interest in what they need, and supports their local economy.

5.  Buy local:  Entertainment next

Human civilization and culture centers on food and drink.  Find a local establishment that serves something they like - and find one that uses green business practices! - and get them a pre-paid meal.  As with some of the other options, through in a night of social activity that includes you and other friends to make the event even more special.

6.  Buy local:  As a last resort, get the right thing

One could write a doctoral dissertation on all the elements of manufactured items someone should consider when buying a physical gift for another, but first and foremost, maximize what you spend in their community.  Resilient communities have active business districts that blend well with their residential areas to form a thriving, active neighborhood.  Support that dynamic with the dollars you spend.  Next, make sure that whatever you buy them has a pre-determined "end of life", whether it be biodegradable, easily recyclable, or fully reusable.  Avoid purchasing items that have no option other than going in the trash to landfill.  

7.  Electronics

Many states now have requirements that manufacturers take back all electronics for recycling so that nothing ends up in the landfill.  Music adds value to any life.  Computers open us to a wealth of information (when properly vetted, for sure).  All electronic media has its downsides, but the positives outweigh the negatives when done right.  If you still have reservations about the materials and conditions in which many components are manufactured, then consider purchasing refurbished items and sending them to a local computer/electronics repair shop to have them customize.  This can save you money, limit the environmental impact, and still have the intended effect.

Giving a gift shows another who we are, and how much they mean to us.  Make sure the statement you send shows not only how much that person means to you, but also, how much you care about making life better for everyone.  If you take even a couple of minutes to think about what the other really needs and how your options affect the lives of others, you will assuredly arrive at the right gift idea.