There are a couple of days left in Plastic-Free July. This post will be more of a discussion on practical gifting versus a clickable gift guide. Fun gifts (i.e. toys for the kids, board games, etc.) are fantastic and will get use. For the adults, if I’m not giving gift cards, then it’s something handmade. Occasionally, when I find something I think someone will really like, and they don’t have it, then I’ll get it. I don’t do this often though. My current financial situation has forced me (in a good way) to be more resourceful and careful in what I give. That also means that I can make practical, zero- or low-waste items tailored to the recipient. Make sure to do your research and know if the recipient has any allergies/sensitivities before starting.

*Do your research before making any body products* One thing I like to make are body products. Take a base oil, some superfine sugar, and jar it up. You can personalize the scent with essential oils, but certain oils can cause photosensitive reactions, such as orange and lemon. If someone uses a product with one or more (and some others) of those oils, your skin can react and/or burn. It’s always advised to use sunscreen when you’re going out anyway, but especially then.

Next up are baked goods. Who doesn’t love a good bakery item? So I’ll make a batch of different cookies, put them in a tin, and it’s one of the tastiest gifts. Plus, they can either gift the tin or reuse it. I’ve also make brownies, cakes, and baked goods. Homemade snack mixes, granola, etc. are a tasty option. Baking mixes are also good to make if you want to give something that is more shelf-stable. Put the mix in a food-safe jar, and you’re done! With these gifts…okay, any of these gifts, you’ll want to ask about any food allergies or sensitivities so you can shop accordingly.

I also like to gift soap, but I haven’t made it in ages. Typically I’ll get a piece with limited packaging (normally it’s a paper bag) from a smaller artisan in a scent that the person will like. Scents can be touchy, so discuss this before. I then get a soap bag. They can opt to use the soap bag right away or when the piece gets small. Depending on the type you choose, soap bags can be lightly exfoliating or more coarse. Soap bags are washable, too, so it will last long after all of the soap is used up.

Do you know someone who is zero- or low-waste or is just starting out? Through conversation, find out what things they are missing, what they’d like, and what they plan to get. You can create a care package with some items that they’d like and are practical. This is going to sound awful, but I’ll explain. Depending on the person, don’t assume s/he will like something and simply buy it because it’s marketed as being zero-/low-waste. They could end up tossing it or giving it away, and you will have wasted the money and effort. Communication is key!

Hopefully these gave you some ideas, especially in times when budgets are not as forgiving. Plus, who wouldn’t love a gift from the heart? You can tailor handmade and hand-picked gifts to fit the recipient’s needs, wants, and/or tastes. When in doubt, get a gift card/e-gift card. What practical gifts have you been given that you loved and disliked?

Peace & Love, always!