Sustainable Christmas Ideas for Parents
At this time of year, we’re not just parents. We’re chefs, personal shoppers, wrapping experts and let’s not forget the most important thing – we’re Santa Claus, too.
All these jobs can be daunting; there are presents to buy, meals to book, and families to organise, and we can often get carried away with the number of gifts we think we need to buy to keep everybody happy. But if you can this year, consider how you can still create a brilliant family festive time whilst keeping sustainability front of mind, reducing waste, and favouring festive practices that are good for the earth and your local communities. Here’s how we’re approaching a more affordable and sustainable Christmas this year…
Top tips for a more affordable and sustainable Christmas.
1. Sustainable Christmas gifts: think quality over quantity this year.
We know that sometimes nothing can beat the feeling of unwrapping gifts under the tree, especially when you have children. But it is important to remember that this time of year is not always about the quantity but the quality of the products we purchase.
We should all take a moment to think about presents that will last and be helpful instead of rushing to buy poor-quality items that may not last or be as loved.
Here are some ways to ensure your gifts are sustainable, helping eliminate waste around Christmas.
- Experiences: Try gifting an experience to loved ones. Less wrapping is great for reducing “stuff” in the home, and it can be an activity that brings family and friends together later in the year.
- Sustainable materials: Look at what materials your gifts are made from. Anything made from 100% recycled materials is a big step in the right direction.
- Second-hand love: Just because you’re gifting doesn’t mean you need to buy brand new. Vintage clothes, books, home furnishings, and refurbished technology can all make great sustainable gifts! And it’s important to note that second-hand doesn’t always mean used—remember when we mentioned reducing “stuff” in the home? Unwanted gifts are often the first things to go when it’s time to declutter in the spring.
- Savvy shopping: Shopping online at places like Vinted, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace, as well as local charity and re-fill shops, can make all the difference to your gift-giving this year and can make Christmas a lot more affordable.
2. Nativity costumes and sustainable Christmas activities that don’t have to break the bank:
- Getting creative: Just like Halloween costumes, crafting the perfect nativity costume using fabrics from old clothes or household fabrics is a brilliant way to entertain the kids and get their creative juices flowing! Low on time? Get the grandparents involved, too.
- It’s all about the pre-loved: We understand that finding the time to create these costumes can be tricky – you’ve got plenty to do at this time of year. But before you rush to Amazon to buy a new one made from poor materials, check websites like Vinted, eBay, and Depop for an affordable and pre-loved nativity outfit. You can also search the Uniformd page for your children’s school to see if any parents are donating nativity outfits from previous years.
- Rentals: Looking for something really special? Try renting, which breaks the cycle of single-use costumes and doesn’t take up space in your house when you’ve finished with it.
We can all relate to this last point as parents—there’s never enough room in the house!
So, once you have finished with the costumes, donate them to local charity shops, or if your children’s school is registered on Uniformd, pass them on! The school can upload your old costumes to their Uniformd store, to give them away or sell them to other parents in your local community.
3. Get Creative- DIY Christmas decorations and sustainable gift-wrapping Ideas:
- That’s a wrap: Avoid single-use plastic items like glitter to reduce environmental impact. Instead of plastic ribbons and foil-backed wrapping paper, try making Fabric Ribbons, using recyclable masking tape or eco-friendly wrapping paper. Creating your own wrapping paper can also be fun for the kids during the festive season. Plus, it’s a great excuse for parents to enjoy a glass of mulled wine while you’re at it!
- Getting the lights right: LED plug-in lights will use less energy than battery-operated lights and are just as beautiful around the tree.
- Are you decorating outdoors? Solar-powered lights are the best way to light up your home without adding to your electricity bills! And if you do one thing this year, try to resist the temptation to buy plastic signage and decorations— nobody needs that giant mechanical Santa saying “ho ho ho” to everyone who walks past.
- Not quite new decorations: Upcycling is a great way to take something used and give it a much-needed refresh. For example, you can craft previously used Christmas Baubles, Wreaths, and general Christmas Ornaments into something new and exciting.
Less waste, more magic.
The amount of waste generated from the UK during the Christmas period is substantial, whether plastic, gift-wrapping, or clothing waste. But follow a couple of these tips, and you’ll be able to enjoy the festive period knowing you’ve reduced your environmental impact while potentially making some money savings, too!
Got a nativity outfit to donate?
At Uniformd, we always look to help schools sell pre-loved and donated uniforms (and nativity costumes!), helping create a sustainable ecosystem.
Signing up is free for schools, and once they are, parents can browse and purchase anything in the school store. The best part is that the funds collected go back to the schools, providing activities and more for your children.
