The days grow shorter, the nights colder, and the world seems wrapped in a comforting hush. Christmas is around the corner, and while we are all dreaming of cozy nights, the aroma of cinnamon cookies, festive treats, and the joy of giving, let’s not forget about the aftermath - the overflowing trash bins and the carbon footprints. This year, why not try a Christmas that’s just as magical but kinder to the planet? Here are some clever (and totally doable) ways to keep the holiday spirit alive while being eco-friendly, featuring some of our favorite sustainable products to help you make it happen. Quick links A different kind of Christmas gift Wrap smarter, not shinier A tree that tells a story Decorating with nature's touch Lighting the way sustainably A feast to remember, not to waste Sustainable surprises for kids Sustainable stockings A different kind of Christmas gift Gifting has always been the heart of Christmas, but somewhere along the way, we began confusing abundance with meaning. Do you remember the last gift you truly cherished? It wasn’t the most expensive thing under the tree. It was probably something that made you feel seen - the time someone spent teaching you how to bake your favorite cookies, the scarf someone knitted just for you, or a day out that made you laugh until your cheeks hurt. This year, let’s bring back the joy of intentional giving. Let's focus on gifts that mean something, whether they create memories or support sustainable living. Give experiences Instead of giving an item that might sit unused, think of the memories you can create. A cooking class could inspire new recipes and shared meals, while a visit to a local museum could become a day of exploration and discovery. Even something as simple as a handwritten voucher for a cozy movie night at home with snacks and blankets can be cherished. Experiences don’t take up space, don’t add to clutter, and leave a lasting impression that goes far beyond the holidays. DIY delights A quiet magic in a handmade gift. It’s not just about the object itself, but the time, care, and effort you put into making it. A jar of homemade hot cocoa mix, layered with cocoa, sugar, and marshmallows, can bring warmth to someone’s day. A photo book filled with shared memories can remind them of all the moments you have enjoyed together. A knitted scarf or a set of hand-sewn ornaments adds a personal touch that no store-bought item can replicate. DIY gifts are special because they carry a part of you with them. They remind the recipient of the love and thought that went into creating something just for them. In a season often marked by excess, a handmade gift is a refreshing and heartfelt gesture that truly stands out. Opt for thoughtful, eco-friendly products If you’re thinking about giving a physical gift, why not make it something that feels good to give and even better to receive? Eco-friendly products are a great way to share something meaningful while also being mindful of the planet. Our stone paper notebooks are just that. Made from tree-free, innovative materials (yep - stone), they are perfect for jotting down ideas, sketching dreams, or making plans for the year ahead. Pair one with a reusable thermal bottle or tumbler to create a thoughtful gift set. Another idea is a plant-based phone case combined with sustainable phone accessories. Small, everyday essentials, made with recycled materials and plants. Wrap smarter, not shinier Conventional wrapping paper you tear off in seconds, especially those with glitter or foil, is difficult to recycle and often ends up in landfills. Instead, think of ways to make your wrapping as thoughtful as the gift itself. Brown kraft paper tied with natural twine and decorated with sprigs of rosemary or holly evokes a rustic charm that feels warm and personal. Fabric wraps, inspired by the Japanese art of Furoshiki, add an elegant touch and can be reused by the recipient. Even items already in your home can take on new life as gift wrap. Old maps, sheet music, or newspapers can create a vintage-inspired look, while decorative tins or jars can hold smaller presents in a way that’s both practical and beautiful. A tree that tells a story The Christmas tree is the centerpiece of the season, but it’s also an opportunity to make a meaningful choice. A potted tree, for instance, can live on long after the holidays, growing alongside your family’s memories. For those looking for something unconventional, why not create a tree out of stacked books, driftwood, or even wrapped gifts? And if you already have an artificial tree, use it for as many years as possible. Decorating with nature's touch Holiday decor doesn't have to rely on plastic or mass-produced items to create a festive atmosphere. This year, look to nature for inspiration. Pinecones, dried orange slices, and sprigs of rosemary or holly bring a rustic elegance to your home while filling it with natural fragrances. Cinnamon sticks and star anise can be tied into garlands or placed in bowls as simple yet stunning decorations. Create your own ornaments by upcycling items you already have, like old jars turned into candle holders or scraps of fabric transformed into festive bunting. These small, thoughtful touches make your tree feel more personal, more alive, and remind you that sometimes, the simplest decorations are the ones that bring the most joy. As you decorate, savor the moment with a warm drink kept perfectly hot in a hybrid thermal bottle. It’s the little things that make traditions even more enjoyable. Lighting the way sustainably Twinkling lights bring magic to winter nights, but they don’t have to cost the planet. Switch to LED string lights, which use significantly less energy and last longer. Set them on timers to conserve electricity, and for outdoor displays, consider solar-powered options. These small changes ensure your home sparkles sustainably. A feast to remember, not to waste Christmas wouldn’t be the same without the joy of gathering around a table filled with delicious food. But as wonderful as holiday feasts can be, they often come with a lot of unnecessary waste. This year, a little extra thought can go a long way in making your meals as sustainable as they are memorable. Start by planning your menu carefully, buying only what you need to avoid excess. And when the meal is over, don't let leftovers go to waste. Turn roasted vegetables into hearty soups or casseroles, transform extra turkey into comforting sandwiches or pot pies, and use leftover fruit to bake warm, spiced desserts. A sustainable feast isn’t about giving anything up - it’s about enjoying every bite, getting creative with leftovers, and appreciating the effort that went into the meal. Sustainable surprises for kids Christmas is magical for children, but it doesn’t have to come with piles of plastic toys that break or are quickly forgotten. Instead, think about gifts that make them feel part of something bigger. A reusable Polarn O. Pyret bottle or snack box might seem simple, but it can hold a story that sparks their imagination and inspires change. Inside the bottle, include a tiny "mission letter" from a friendly polar bear named Luna. In the letter, Luna shares how melting ice caps and pollution are threatening her home, but with the help of young heroes like them, she believes the world can change. Every time they refill their bottle or pack a snack in their container, they are completing a mission to protect Luna’s world. This small gesture turns a practical gift into an exciting adventure, one where kids see themselves as part of the solution. Sustainable stockings Stockings are such a cherished part of Christmas, but they don’t need to be filled with items that quickly end up in the trash. Instead of store-bought stockings, consider making your own from upcycled fabrics or knitting one by hand. When deciding what to tuck inside, focus on small, meaningful surprises. Practical items like reusable beeswax wraps, seed packets for a spring garden, or handmade soaps can make a big impact without creating waste. For a bit of indulgence, locally sourced treats like chocolates, honey, or a jar of spice blends bring a touch of luxury while supporting local businesses. You can also check some of our eco-friendly Christmas stocking filler ideas. Giving back to what truly matters At its heart, Christmas is a season of giving - not just to those we know, but to the world around us. This year, consider giving back in ways that align with the spirit of the season. Volunteering at a local shelter, donating to a cause close to your heart, or supporting small businesses that prioritise sustainability are all meaningful ways to make a difference. Giving back doesn’t just brighten someone else’s day - it fills your own with a sense of purpose and joy. It’s a reminder that the true spirit of Christmas isn’t found under the tree, but in the love and kindness we share with one another.