what I am giving my family for Christmas // sustainable + zero waste gift giving

[@TheCaitling]

I told my mum I wanted ceramic mixing bowls like the green ones she had when I was a kid. She took a pic of her olive green pyrex bowls and said "these?" I said yes! Guess what I opened on Christmas - her old mixing bowls! haha. Also my sister picked me up a big 12" yellow one in Savers for $6 minus her 20% off coupon. Love it!

[@missm4174]

I am very aware that I don't need any more "things," and my family is in much the same situation. This year, I suggested we all exchange digital gifts (e.g. Kindle books, music, movie downloads, etc.). My family loved the idea, and we had a great time "opening" everything! It had the added bonus that no one had to stand in line at the post office or pay exorbitant shipping fees since we weren't able to be together this year (boo COVID).

[@jennifermarigold]

Re-using wrapping paper is such a good idea - my partner bought me some art gift wrap with Angels on it back in 1994 and we have used it every year since, simply storing it after it has been used along with the piece of red ribbon to tie it. It is so lovely that seeing it every year is almost a present in itself - it's a bit fragile now and I feel I should have some of those gloves they wear when looking at fragile ancient manuscripts - but even so it is still a lovely part of the gift giving and you can see all the previous gifts in your minds eye every time you use it.

[@oliviaj9037]

One year you should use the wrapping as an actual gift! Put it in a frame and hang up the picture at Christmas time.

[@marycharlebois6627]

For the second year in a row, my partner and I are keeping Christmas simple and safe. We are staying home… festive and relaxing, but also a l’il bit boring (socially). That said I am thrilled to see a festive themed video from you today Gittemary. Amazing job on the gifts and the creative zero waste wrapping!! “Normalize regifting”… sing it Sistah!! I, too, am a regifting queen, there is so much great stuff already in circulation and in our basements 😂 Happy House Hunting, Merry Christmas and all the best to you and Jens in 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣2️⃣. Thank-you for all your awesome content throughout 2021. Cheers 🍷 and much love from 🇨🇦. 🌎💦Ⓜ️ary☃️❄️

[@sonjaagerbk-petersen8628]

The jacket is just wow!

[@terryhenderson424]

For the longest time, I gave my mother expendibles like foods, bath, or skin care goodies because as she said, I really dont need anything. I used baskets and after the third basket housed atop the kitchen cupboards I stole one of those baskets back and re-used it; I sorta rotated among the three. One time I got caught by her, she asked permission to jettison 2 of 3 three, and we/ I reused that basket for multiple years, 3 times per year. Then we moved on to smaller market bags (harder to find) for her to use carting library and other books or small collections of other "stuff".

[@carriec910]

I find plenty of unused wrapping paper rolls that neighbors throw away, and I reuse bows until they lose all their cuteness. Saves enough money for an extra present. Merry Christmas 🎄🎁

[@terryhenderson424]

You too! I was whittling down my wrapping paper and preparing for a switch when someone I knew decluttered. Since then, it seems as if im "always" running into a roll to few on thier way to the landfill be it a full roll, partial roll, or damaged roll. I seem to be able to maintain something between 4 and 20 rolls for the past 10 years or so. I scap up ribbons and bows too.

[@caitybland6101]

I really love your videos ! You seem to be a really nice and kind human ! Merry x mas from Berlin 🎁

[@emmak4938]

That bar cart is so dreamy, intentional gifts really are the best. I think I am going to try and be on it next year and pick things up when I see them sustainably instead of rushing.

[@terryhenderson424]

I run a gift recipient list which I review sometime in calm down part of the evening December 25th and Decemner 26th. I also have a gift shelf or end of a closet shelf. In my Decemner review, I write down gifts people received, comments they made about interests and preferences during the holidays, and ideas from my own observances. I review my gift shelf for what may already be there and assign gift giving occasions to them like birthday, Mothers Day, babies on the way, and Christmas 12 months in advance. January is often a crafting month and ideally using what I already own; I make a mix of generic gifts, specific gifts, and donation items. If im making, the 12 month list let's me coordinate styles, colors, and items across more than one occasion too. Elsewise, I keep my eye peeled for items which will be "just right" be they new, used, self crafted, or purchased crafted. For sometime ive leaned towards usefull, add-on, hobby/ interest contributing, or enough to dabble in a new interest.

[@kelceinkaos]

How cool that your family has shared that name! My family has done the same thing with my middle name “Marie” as well! Great grandma all the way down to me. I can’t wait to have my own daughter eventually to share the name with!

[@paulabeniteztorijano7275]

Your wrapping scarfs are absolutely awesome 🥳🥳🥳 elegant and stunning 🌟🌟

[@patriciapajares6185]

Merry Christmas 🎄 from Florida 🌞 we are wrapping in cloth, napkins, magazines too 😁 ❤ 🌎

[@maggieelora7660]

My family and I did a white elephant gift exchange. I brought 2 straws and 2 sets of chopsticks. I collect straws and chopsticks so it was nice being able to get rid of some extra things and give someone else something useful.

[@jessicat.5564]

Such cute gift ideas :D and the packaging is so beautiful 😊

[@leoniealastair9219]

Hi, I am actually interested in this house idea that you brought up. I have this discussion quite regularly in my friends group how much space per person is reasonable/sustainable. This sounds as if you were looking into expanding, could you maybe share some thoughts/data? Also in regard to co2 footprint.

[@sherryharding5792]

Merry Christmas to u n ur family! I simply love ur grandmas gift. I think you are so sweet to honor your grandma❤💕🤗🥳 im sure youll make your whole fam grateful for having u in their lives 🥰😊

[@reganstandlick7520]

Can I just say you are an amazing wrapper

[@mackenziewilliams234]

Curious to see where that little white bag will show up this year! 🤣

[@aeriegreenleaf8368]

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Poland.

[@amythomson4446]

Love u Gitt...have a lovely holiday from Canada.🥰🥰

[@AthynVixen]

Glædelig jul to you, Jens and your families. Wishing you a lovely time x

[@chantalbelanger9691]

Merry Christmas!! 💚

[@nicolafilippi2053]

Merry Christmas Gittemary xoxo

[@fairytori]

That sweater ur wearing is soooo cute 🖤

[@vallovesnature8449]

Merry Christmas Gittemary, Jens, & Mols ❤️💚❤️💚❤️

[@The-watter]

I like that you are bringing up second hand gifts and regifting. There is nothing wrong with geting someone something secondhand. Its not like it is going to hurt the planet. I see a lot of creators who only post about getting things from sustainable brands and gifting those. I think it is a little bit odd to give someone a toothbrush for Christmas.

[@mschrisfrank2420]

I bought my mom and brother used books for Christmas. Unfortunately, my dad would be highly displeased to get something secondhand as a gift.

[@dina_ganzheitlich_gesund83]

I Love you so much!! Thank you for all your videos. Merry Christmas 😘😘🙏🏻💫

[@brifren2]

Brilliant gifts! Merry Christmas!

[@mary554]

merry christmas for all of your families !

[@carolbradley7815]

Happy holidays.

[@olacampobella7240]

Merry Christmas to you and your family 😊

[@LaineyBug2020]

Are there English versions of the book you got for your brother?

[@alessandramedea4319]

Hi Gittemary and Marry Christmas you too! Maybe it's not a question related to the video but have you ever had a relative that deminished all your green life choices in front of the others at a Christmas party? And how would you face a situation like this? Thank you.

[@terryhenderson424]

Not quite all but, enough of them ... To begin with, I learned to not feed the conversation with much of a rebuttal. There were times that just on thier own they made enough of an a$$ of themselves due to either content or approach. For folks who are not into making environmentally conscious decisions, two other things are often motivators. 1) Saving money which generally makes disposables replacement gifts more acceptable. 2) Items which are or appear to be of quality, expense, or elsewise not obtainable at an everyday store.

[@melinnamba]

I saw the thumbnail and imediatly recognized the DIY paper. It goes very well with your wrapping style. How did your family like the presents?

[@liavivas]

OMG you look awesome 😎

[@bridgetmcgrath3964]

Cool

[@adinaelenamihalache8312]

Merry Christmas 🎄🎄

[@Gittemary]

Thank you, you too! ✨

[@estellewedgwood7449]

Hi! I loveee that book, is It in English? I'd love to buy one

[@TheSoundsInside]

Glædelig jul ☺️✨

[@punjabseth260]

👍👌