One cup of cocoa

As an editor, I often think about the definition and appropriate usage of words. I think the word “gift” is due for an update. It should be more than “a thing given willingly without payment” as Oxford defines it. The word “thoughtful” should be in there somewhere.

This photo shows a present my mother received for Christmas. It’s a mug with “cocoa” written on it, a tin cylinder containing a small plastic packet (a single serving of cocoa) and a cardboard box containing another small plastic packet with a few measly marshmallows. I guess you could say someone gave her the gift of a cup of cocoa, or you could say someone gave her a whole lot of excessive packaging, packaging she would have to deal with, packaging that, aside from the box, is not recyclable and will have to take up landfill space for, likely, centuries. Now, my mom is sweet and gracious, so I’m sure she didn’t complain to the giver. But would she call this gift thoughtful? I don’t think so.

For those who feel compelled to give a gift, but who aren’t really sure what the recipient would like, how about plant-friendly options like baked goods, local wine, or a gift certificate for an area restaurant. But it might be time for gift cards to shine, too.

Gift cards may seem impersonal to some, but when the landfill goes hungry because the recipient can actually get something they want, well, that does seem thoughtful.

Have you ever had trouble making a thoughtful gift choice? Have you received something that you just didn’t know what to do with?

While I usually buy a few gift bags and some tissue paper (I found some at Indigo printed on recycled paper this year!), I find I can wrap most of my gifts with materials I’ve saved over the year. (So yes, if you gave me a gift in a bag, you may see that bag again one day.) My family has always been a bit thrifty this way, and I’m sure we’re not the only ones.

Here are a few ways you can wrap gifts a little greener (and save some money too):

- Cut the front flap from holiday cards and use them as gift cards. (You can even cut shapes out of the card and use it for a tag)
- Use kraft paper, an uncoated paper that’s often made with recycled paper. It’s sold in big rolls in post offices and office supply stores. I love to decorate kraft paper with stamps — but that’s because I can’t draw!
- Wrap gifts in newsprint and add some pretty ribbon (perhaps a piece you’ve saved from another gift!). If you don’t like the look of newspaper, use it to hide your gift, but top with a layer of tissue paper, or even decorated plain paper.
- Reuse gift bags. We get some gift bags at Homemakers that have labels and stickers on them, but I collect these and paste decorative paper over the label.
- Make a reusable shopping bag your gift bag. Even plain organic cotton bags and string bags can look nice paired with some pretty ribbon! Another reuseable container: plant pots!
- Save boxes from the recycling bin. Depending on the gift, it could be funny to receive a lovely pair of slippers inside a cereal box!
- Use novel packaging. Two years ago I received a small carpet for my sailboat. It was rolled up and shoved into a tall boot; the mating boot was shoved onto the top, and the two were sealed with tape and a lot of ribbon. Needless to say it was good for a laugh! (And I gave the boots back.)
Greener gift wrapping

And here’s a cute video showing how to use a paper bag to wrap a gift! (Sorry, I can’t embed it here at the moment.)

How do you wrap green (and save a little money)?