Effects of Consumerism on Society
Ever since my aunt’s family moved into a tiny house, I had to get super creative in finding waste free Christmas gifts. I’m glad for this change because of all the effects consumerism has on society. If you’re interested in this article, then chances are I’m preaching to the choir. However, the consequences of materialism should publicized to fullest extent.
The problem with consumerism that hardly anyone realizes that it’s a problem. Earth Overshoot Day, which is the day of the year where we use up more resources than the Earth can regenerate. In 2018, that date was August 1, which is even before dreaded Christmas and Black Friday holidays. Not good folks.
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Skip Black Friday
If you ever find yourself asking ‘Is Black Friday worth it?’ Then it’s probably not. Instead, opt for these many Black Friday alternatives. If you want to skip Black Friday, here is a list of truly meaningful gift ideas that are easy to customize to fit the people in your life.
Waste Free Gifts
There seems to be a wave of people that are pretty fed up with society’s fixation on material things. They are trading in their clutter for experiences, quality items and a better life overall. This comprehensive list of clutter free gifts is for people who don’t need more stuff or are interested in less Christmas waste.
For these purposes, here is how I define waste free gifts:
- Doesn’t occupy space
- Consumable- because it will go away
- Fills a need
- Something that’s loved (if you love it, it’s not clutter)
Homemade Food and Other Consumables
Jams, mason jar recipes, cookies, beef jerky are all great ideas that can fit tastes to a wide range of individuals. There are many more edible gift ideas including caramel corn, fudge, breakfast in bed.
Event Tickets
Events are a pretty common gift idea for minimalists. Tickets for sport events, concerts, plays, ballets are all great examples. What’s even better than the event itself, is spending that time with someone you love and enjoying your favorite thing with them. It’s a two for one gift idea! You find ideas for events on Facebook, Groupon and Eventbrite. If you’re close enough to the person, using their bucket list is great inspiration.
Lessons and Classes
Is there something the gift receiver has been dying to learn? Signing them up for lessons is a perfect gift for those who are lifelong learners or like to try new things. Classes can range from art and music, to cooking, language or archery. Groupon and Udemy are great places to find classes to try.
Meal Kit Subscriptions
Meal kits like Hello Fresh and Blue Apron are perfect for the busy family, those who like cooking healthy, or those just trying to learn how to cook. The subscription receiver can get weekly recipes and fresh ingredients delivered right to their doorstep. In less than 30 minutes, they can cook delicious, quick, and healthy meals at home.
Gift Card to Restaurant
You can give a gift card to their favorite restaurant. Or if you tend to get into a rut trying to pick a restaurant, spice it up and get a random gift card to a new restaurant or something they haven’t tried before.
Family Photos or Photo Session
This gift is perfect for parents or grandparents. They love any kind of family pictures, or the opportunity to get the whole family together. These pictures can include babies, pets, siblings, etc.
Donation
This is a great gift for those people who just don’t want or need anything. Typically, they enjoy being able to give back. There are lots of environmental charities, but here is a list of top rated charities to donate to. Just look through list and find the things those people are most passionate about and donate in their name.
Spa Day / Self-Care Package
What’s more relaxing than knowing the care you’re about to receive is already paid for. Definitely takes a load off and makes the experience far more enjoyable.
Services
Gift certificates for nail or hair salons, massages, housecleaning, car detailing, even childcare are great gift ideas for just about anyone. It’s so nice to go get something done for yourself and know it’s already paid for.
Passes
Museums, art exhibits, zoos, water park, theme park passes are perfect for the whole family and an awesome gift because they can always go when the mood strikes them.
Seeds or Plants
If you know someone who loves to garden, visit your local nursery for inspiration. Compost or vermicompost is always a great idea, along with seeds or plants for their garden. Anything you buy for a gardener will get used fairly quickly.
Memberships
Prime
Love Amazon Prime? Give the gift of Prime to others, which is also beneficial in many other ways including discounts at Whole Foods, music, e-books and more.
Audible
Know someone who loves audio books? Get them an Audible gift card or membership.
Netflix
Give the gift of binge watching! Check out the Gift Card option at Netflix or buy on Amazon.
Gym
Give the gift of exercise! Or swimming! Or…whatever else it is that people do at gyms. If they don’t already have a membership somewhere, consider supporting a local gym or the YMCA.
AAA
Did you know you can give roadside assistance as a gift?! This might just be the best gift ever. Give them superior Roadside Assistance coverage as a driver or a passenger, and you will get peace of mind knowing they’ll be there when they need them!
Calendars
Calendars are a great idea for people, who need to keep track of so many things. They might have one already, so buying one to replace their old one for this year is always helpful and you can find one that suits their personality.
Zero Waste Christmas
I hope you enjoyed and found this list of clutter free gifts helpful. If you’re looking for gift ideas for someone specific, check out these unique gifts anyone will enjoy. Please leave a comment below with your favorite clutter free gifts and I’ll be sure to add them to the list.
Holiday Planner for a Stress Free Christmas
The holidays are a magical time full of traditions and the joys of the season, but it’s also one of the busiest times of the year. Between family get-togethers, parties hosted by friends, the baking, cooking and shopping there is just so much to keep track of. A holiday planner is a great place to store all the information you need to keep your holidays running smoothly so you can just worry about enjoying the festivities, which will also help reduce waste.
This holiday planner bundle has 25 plus pages calendars, menu planners, budget trackers, gift trackers, holiday activities, and more for both Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Don’t forget to pin this list for later!
