The holiday shopping season comes with tons of extra emissions. Here’s how to do it sustainably

U.S. holiday spending is expected to cross the $1 trillion mark for the first time in 2025, according to forecasts from the National Retail Federation. This record-breaking figure represents not only massive economic activity but also a significant environmental impact as the production, packaging, and transportation of gifts generate substantial planet-warming emissions.

Environmental experts are increasingly highlighting sustainable alternatives to traditional gift-giving practices that can help consumers reduce their carbon footprint during the holiday season without sacrificing the joy of giving.

“The best way to give gifts more sustainably is to buy fewer new things,” says Sandra Goldmark, associate dean of Columbia Climate School’s Office of Engagement and Impact. Goldmark emphasizes that meaningful gifts don’t necessarily require new merchandise or elaborate packaging.

Handmade gifts represent one of the most environmentally friendly options, though they don’t require exceptional crafting skills. Acts of service—like organizing a loved one’s passwords or tackling a household project they’ve been postponing—can be especially meaningful while generating zero waste.

Food gifts have emerged as another popular sustainable option. Sustainable living educator Sarah Robertson-Barnes recommends preparing items like cookie mixes, soup ingredients, or spice blends packaged in reusable Mason jars. “It’s inexpensive, but it takes care and time and attention,” she explains, noting that the personal touch often means more to recipients than store-bought alternatives.

Experience gifts are gaining traction as consumers become more environmentally conscious. Concert tickets, spa treatments, restaurant gift cards, local news subscriptions, or memberships to cultural institutions offer memorable experiences without contributing to household clutter. Research indicates these types of gifts may actually strengthen relationships more effectively than material presents.

Atar Herziger, environmental psychologist and assistant professor at Technion — Israel Institute of Technology, recommends focusing on local experiences to minimize the carbon footprint associated with travel. “There is so much that you could do by just saying, ‘I would prefer if you just made me a nice meal or took me out for some sort of adventure,'” she suggests.

The secondhand market represents another sustainable gifting channel that’s expanding rapidly. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, local Buy Nothing groups, thrift stores, and vintage shops offer unique items that require no additional manufacturing or packaging.

“I bet somebody has the thing that you’re looking for and they would love to get rid of it,” says Robertson-Barnes, though she acknowledges the cultural stigma sometimes attached to used gifts. Reframing secondhand items as “vintage” or “collectible” can help overcome these perceptions. Herziger adds that secondhand options might be better received when they’re items that can’t be purchased new, such as family heirlooms or discontinued collectibles.

For recipients who prefer new items, experts recommend focusing on high-quality, durable products that fulfill a genuine need. Purchasing locally rather than ordering online reduces shipping emissions and supports community businesses.

Even gift wrapping deserves environmental consideration. Millions of pounds of wrapping paper end up in landfills annually, with much of it containing non-recyclable plastic components that make it shiny or sparkly. To determine if wrapping paper is recyclable, experts suggest a simple test: if it holds its shape when crumpled into a ball and tears like regular paper, it’s likely recyclable.

Alternative wrapping options include reusable fabric wraps like furoshiki (a traditional Japanese cloth), newspaper, or brown paper bags decorated with natural elements like pine cones or candy canes. Gift bags can be eco-friendly if reused rather than discarded after a single use.

“If you’ve got kids, then their drawings are wonderful packaging materials. They make the best wrapping paper,” Herziger suggests, highlighting how personalization can elevate simple, sustainable wrapping choices.

As consumers become increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their purchasing decisions, these sustainable gift-giving approaches offer practical ways to maintain holiday traditions while reducing waste and emissions—a gift to both loved ones and the planet.