Categories: Lifestyle

Sustainable Gift Guide: 9 Best Gifts for the Holidays

Christmas is 10 days away, which means it’s time to hustle for those last minute white elephants & gifts for those in your life.

However, who needs more clutter in their homes? I’ve been a big believe of experiences over things for quite some time.

So here’s a few creative (and sustainable!) gift ideas that will leave a lasting impression.

9 sustainable gift ideas for the holidays:

  1. Philadelphia Orchard Project allows you to plant a fruit tree in one of 52 orchards across Philadelphia in celebration or honor of a loved one. Find out more about the program here.
  2. Create a gift basket based off local noms like Hanksauce or Gilda’s Biscotti.
  3. Help your favorite yogi chill the f*ck out by purchasing a class card from their favorite studio (or someone who needs a few downward dogs…)
  4. Buy tickets for an upcoming exhibit or live performance to share an experience with a friend.
  5. Plan an upcoming cooking class from Greensgrow or COOK.
  6. Give a “gift certificate” for a couple with children to babysit so they can have a parents’ night out.
  7. Massages are amazing to relieve stress – just give a gift certificate or plan a day out for your stressed friend.
  8. Relieve a family member of chores like cleaning or washing their car (bike?) by surprise.
  9. Have a newbie cyclist? Get them a member to Indego bike share & a beginner cycling class.

Readers, what do you suggest for holiday gifts? Tell us in the comments.

Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake.

Recent Posts

Holiday trash pickup, cycling death, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: What’s open and closed on Christmas Day (including…

5 days ago

New transit hub, schools turning into housing, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: SEPTA opens new Wissahickon transit hub. The project…

1 week ago

Green Philly’s 2025 Year-end Recap

In a year that felt difficult, community revived our souls 2025 was a challenging year.…

2 weeks ago

BREAKING: Circle Compost merging with Bennett Compost

Philadelphia's two private composting services are now combined into one. Circle Compost and Bennett Compost…

2 weeks ago

City planning survey, bird songs as art, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Philadelphia Planning Commission launches survey to hear from…

2 weeks ago

The low-waste holiday gift guide for everyone on your Philly list

Running out of ideas for everyone from your brother to Gritty? Here's a list of…

3 weeks ago