Sustainable Gift Ideas for Any Occasion

The future of gift-giving is all about making conscious and considerate decisions.

At ChildFund, we believe giving sustainable gifts is more than just purchasing from environmentally and socially conscious brands. For us, it’s also about making a lasting and meaningful difference in the lives of others, especially those living in challenging circumstances.

Instead of buying a gift that’ll end up collecting dust or in the trash, consider giving a gift that will have a positive impact in the lives of children and their families and communities around the world. Whether you’re after sustainable secret santa ideas or sustainable gifts for Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers, or just want to say thank you to a friend, loved one or colleague, we’ve got you covered.

What exactly is sustainable gift-giving?

Sustainable gift-giving is all about choosing gifts that are produced or consumed in an environmentally and ethically responsible manner. There are options to suit any eco-conscious lifestyle – they’re just a swipe and click away! From the comfort of your home or on your commute to work, you can find a gift to reflect a wide range of personalities and interests. Local handmade crafts, artisanal hampers, and ethically sourced clothing are just the tip of the iceberg.

Check for the three ‘Rs’ – reuse, recycle and reduce (waste) – and support small businesses whenever possible.

Thoughtful sustainable gift ideas that make a difference

Show those closest to you that you care about them and want to create positive change in the world by choosing to buy a meaningful charity gift. You’ll be able to do good for both the environment and children living in poverty with Gifts for Good.

Choose from dozens of sustainable gifts that improve the lives of others and bring meaning to our own. There’s something to suit every budget and interest. Is your friend a passionate cyclist? Gift a bicycle and helmet; your donation will help students that live far from school get to class faster and safely, so they spend more studying and not traveling!

What are some environmentally friendly gifts? Here are some of our top eco-friendly, sustainable gift ideas:

Wondering what an eco-friendly gift could be for the conscious consumer? Charity gifts are the ultimate eco-friendly gift! Not only do they contribute to making the world a better place by supporting communities who are living in poverty, your gift will not be contributing to waste with excessive packaging. We have a range of charity gifts that you can share with your sustainably-minded loved ones this Christmas ranging from school supplies to nutrition. Find out how you can share the gift of giving with your loved ones this festive season:

Deepwater Borehole System – $350

Any eco-conscious person will tell you that we’re facing a severe water crisis, but for communities living in poverty, the situation is much, much worse. Gifting a solar-powered, deepwater borehole system will provide accessible and safe drinking water for children and their families for years to come. A sustainable gift great for those living in vulnerable conditions and the future of our planet!

One School Supplies Set – $76

These days, there is not shortage of sustainable stationary products like notebooks made from recycled paper and pens manufactured from recycled plastic. In addition to refillable pens and highlighters, you can now buy plantable pencils and soy-based crayons! While great eco-friendly gifts, they don’t have quite the impact a school supply set has for a child living in vulnerable conditions. You can provide a gift that will keep on giving – a quality education – by donating essential items such as pens, pencils, notebooks, and backpacks to help children succeed in school and beyond.

Two Sheep – $200

What is the meaning behind your gift-giving? If you’re looking to make a more conscious, eco-friendly choice then consider donating two sheep to those in need of extra food and warmth. Sheep provide plenty of rich and nutritious milk for children to drink, plus wool for warm blankets to help keep small bodies snug as temperatures start to dip. Your gift can help support farming families worldwide.

Three Fruit Trees and Vegetable Seeds – $32

This is the perfect for friends, gardeners, colleagues, teachers and nature enthusiasts. Our fruit trees and vegetable seeds gift help support the wellbeing and livelihood of children in need. You’ll help fight child hunger with a lasting source of delicious and nutritious food, and provide a great source of income for families. Your gift of fruit trees and vegetable seeds can keep nutritious and delicious gardens growing around the world.

One Dairy Goat – $99

Did you know goats can make great eco-friendly landscapers? Besides eating almost all plants, including invasive ones, goats also leave behind a source of fertiliser, improving the nutrients in the soil even after they’re gone. For families facing challenging circumstances, goats provide more than just manure fertiliser – they help keep small bellies fed. Goats provide fresh milk, yoghurt and more for children, while families can sell any surplus of dairy products for much-needed income. A gift of a goat will empower a family with a new source of nutrition and income!

A sustainable gift that keeps on giving

Why not give a gift that could support entire childhoods? Become a regular giver or make monthly donations to a charity on behalf of someone you care about. Month by month, your friend, family member, colleague or loved one will see how they’re helping to change the conditions that hold children back from reaching their full potential. It’s a simple and convenient way to give and can transform many children’s lives and futures.

Shop with purpose

There are plenty of creative and conscious ways to give. Being mindful of your usual practices is a good GREAT start.

Choosing charity gifts are a thoughtful and impactful way to show someone you care without using disposable packaging. And they certainly aren’t a single-use item! With charity gifts, you can rest easy knowing they’ll be appreciated by the recipients for years to come.