Post written by Emily Bohr, Outreach Specialist, OEEC

The holiday season is upon us — a special time to gather with our loved ones, share laughter, and exchange heartfelt gifts. While we’re wrapping up presents, let's also wrap our thoughts around how our choices can positively impact our planet and community. 

At Fairfax County’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination, we’re all about going green! Here are some thoughtful and sustainable gift ideas to inspire your holiday shopping this year:

Experiences, Not Stuff

Experiences create lasting memories without contributing to material waste! Think about gifting memberships to local botanical gardens and museums or organizing a day trip, like a sports game, a guided hike, or a wildlife tour. You could even gift them a class for something you know they’ve always wanted to try!

Creative Do-It-Yourself Gifts

You might consider crafting homemade candles or bath products. You could also bring out your inner grandma and knit/crochet them a hat or scarf! Not only do these gifts show thoughtfulness and effort, but they also reduce the reliance on mass-produced goods.

Gift Cards and Gift Certificates

Gift certificates are an often-overlooked sustainable gift. Gift cards or certificates are a great way to let your friends and family pick out something they really want or need. Encourage them to shop at a store you think they’ll love or take that spa day they deserve. 

Small Business Support 

Support local businesses this holiday season! Local shops often offer unique and high-quality products and services, providing a personalized touch that mass-produced gifts cannot match. Learn more about small businesses in Fairfax County with our latest blog and look for the Made In Fairfax logo!

Thrifted Treasures

The one cliché that we think is true is “one person’s trash is another’s treasure.” Search your local thrift and consignments shops to find gifts that you can’t buy anywhere else! You’ll be surprised by what you find.

Sustainable Items

If the above ideas aren’t quite right for your friends and family, we also have some ideas for items to gift that contribute to lowering their carbon footprint:

• Planting kits: Help bring a touch of green indoors for Mom with easy-to-care-for plants or kits that encourage growing herbs or small vegetables right at home.
• Fair Trade Chocolate or Coffee: Delight your cousin’s taste buds while supporting ethical practices.
• Compost Bin or Worm Farm Kit: Ideal for your neighbor who loves to garden!
• Beeswax Wraps: Perfect for that coworker who always brings their lunch.

Wrap It Up

Lastly, don't forget about the wrapping. Traditional wrapping paper can be wasteful, so consider using recycled paper or reusable gift bags. You can also get creative by repurposing old maps, newspapers, or fabric scraps. Or ditch wrapping your gift altogether!

Here's to a fun, eco-friendly holiday with lots of cheer for you and your loved ones!

Emily Bohr has served as OEEC's outreach specialist since 2022, supporting the office’s communications and public outreach. She holds a degree in Environmental Studies from George Mason University and recently completed NASA's Earth to Sky course, gaining a deeper knowledge of climate communication. 

Climate Matters is the blog of Fairfax County’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination, where we share stories, insights and information related to climate change and environmental sustainability. Posts are written by knowledgeable and passionate OEEC staff members and guest authors. To read all blog posts, visit Climate Matters.