RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - The holiday season has arrived, and it often brings a hefty price tag. The National Retail Federation predicts that consumer spending will reach a record $902 per person this year, but you can still enjoy the festivities without overspending. University of Tennessee Extension recommends focusing on homemade gifts, upcycled treasures and thrifty gift wrapping to keep costs down while celebrating.
“Not only are these options a win for your wallet, but they are a win for the environment as well,” said Christopher Sneed, associate professor and consumer economics specialist with UT Extension Family and Consumer Sciences. “By opting for sustainable solutions this holiday season, you can help reduce waste and reduce costs overall.”
There are plenty of ways to save green by going green this holiday season, but knowing where to begin can be a challenge. UT Extension Family and Consumer Sciences offers a few ideas to get you started.
Go Homemade - There are countless homemade gift options, limited only by your creativity. For example, you can give the gift of a tasty meal with custom soup mix pouches. Pack these in a soup mug complete with soup spoon and cloth napkin – all of which you can find at your local secondhand store for added savings.
For the person with a sweet tooth, consider assembling a cookie mix jar. Layer all the dry ingredients in a jar decorated with ribbon and fabric and include the recipe and a personal note about why you love this particular cookie.
To gift someone a sweet start to their day, a jar of homemade jam or jelly is in order. Pair it with bread or cheese for a unique and tasty present with a personal touch. A towel and ribbon make the perfect wrapping. You can find a variety of tested jam and jelly recipes online through the National Center for Home Food Preservation.
Get Thrifty - The possibilities for upcycled gift giving are endless, and a single trip to your local thrift or resale store is sure to get your ideas flowing. You could make a homemade candle using a container from a resale shop. Better yet, repurpose used candles from around the house to create a new one, adding scented oils for a candle and fragrance that’s uniquely yours.
For multiple holiday gifts in one, all you need is a thrifted basket and a theme. At the thrift store, you can find a variety of gifts to fill your basket such as a cozy throw and a book or perhaps some gardening gloves and hand tools. Your basket doesn’t have to be entirely thrifted – mix in new items for a fun, personalized gift bundle.
Finally, for the cook in your life, consider planting a selection of herbs in small, thrifted vases, dishes or containers. This thoughtful gift will be both useful and long-lasting, extending well beyond the holiday season.
Wrap it Right - Instead of traditional gift wrap, which can be expensive and create mountains of waste, opt to go green with your packaging this year. Using baskets, towels and fabric scraps are fun and interesting ways to wrap your holiday presents.
You could also choose to use simple brown Kraft paper, which is both recyclable and compostable. The beauty of Kraft paper is that you can easily dress it up with adornments you select for your package. Skip the ribbon and bows to save money and add a natural touch with fresh greens, holly or pinecones.
Finally, don’t overlook newspaper! Sections with fun photos make a great low-waste and low-cost wrapping alternative. Complete the look with jute twine, yarn or raffia for a charming finish.
This holiday season, remember that giving gifts doesn’t have to break the bank. With these budget-friendly and eco-conscious options, you can give unique, thoughtful holiday gifts for your loved ones. Not only will these gifts show your creativity and care, but they’ll also make a positive impact on the environment – spreading joy in more ways than one.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is comprised of the Herbert College of Agriculture, UT College of Veterinary Medicine, UT AgResearch and UT Extension. Through its land-grant mission of teaching, research and outreach, the Institute touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. to Tennesseans and beyond. utia.tennessee.edu
