12 ideas for sustainable and ethical gift giving with kids this holiday season

Gift giving can be such a joyful part of childhood, I'm absolutely not here to poop all over that. But it can also be a powerful way to help young people think about fairness, community care and the kind of world they want to help shape. When we slow down and invite kids into the process, gifting becomes less about consumption and more about relationships. It becomes a chance to practise gratitude, generosity and collective responsibility.

Here are some ideas and approaches you can use at home or in the classroom.

1. Start with a conversation about values

Kids are naturally curious and they have a strong sense of fairness. Talk together about what matters to your family or learning community and how your gifting choices can honour people and planet. You might explore questions like:

• Who made this gift?

• What materials is it made from?

• Why are we giving this gift?

• What will happen when somebody no longer needs or wants this gift?

• How do our choices around this time of year reflect the kind of world we want to support?

These conversations help kids connect their generosity with real-world impact.

2. Focus on meaning rather than volume

Children are surrounded by messages that more is better. You can counter this by modelling mindful gifting. Encourage kids to choose or create something that has a story behind it or supports someone in their community. This helps them understand that generosity is about care, not consumption.

3. Support local businesses and community economies

Gifts from local makers and small businesses strengthen community resilience. This keeps money circulating close to home and supports the people who grow food, mend goods, hand-make items, and offer creative skills in your neighbourhood. Visiting a market or talking with a maker helps kids understand the human stories behind the things we buy and reminds them that ethical gifting can uplift local livelihoods.

4. Support underserved communities

Supporting underserved communities through our holiday spending is a practical way to teach kids about fairness and collective care. Choosing gifts from LGBTQIA+, disabled and BIPOC owned businesses helps redistribute economic power and strengthens communities that are often excluded from mainstream markets. Here on stolen land, it is especially important to support First Nations makers, artists and businesses whenever possible. This shows children that every purchase has a story and that valuing the work of people who have been historically marginalised is part of building a more just future.

5. Second-hand treasures that keep resources in circulation

Op shops, community markets and buy nothing groups are full of beautiful, affordable items. Finding something pre-loved teaches kids about circular economies and reduces demand for new resources. It also shows them that value is not tied to newness and that caring for the planet often aligns with caring for people.

6. Pass things on so others can gift them

Many families have toys, books or craft materials that are still in great condition but no longer needed. Instead of letting them sit unused, or donating them after the holidays when you need to make room for new things, you can help kids choose items to pass on to neighbours, friends or community groups who might want to turn them into presents. This practice keeps resources flowing to where they are needed, reduces waste and challenges the idea that gifting must always involve buying something new. It also teaches kids that sharing what we have can be a meaningful act of solidarity.

7. Homemade gifts with heart and low impact

Making a gift can be a slow and grounding activity. Kids can cook biscuits, make seed bombs, craft nature-based ornaments or create a simple book for someone they love. These projects give them pride and ownership while keeping costs low and reducing environmental impact. They also highlight the value of time, creativity and care.

8. Give experiences that build connection

An experience gift creates memories and strengthens relationships. It might be a picnic, a special walk, a workshop or a shared project. Choosing experiences from local organisations, small farms or community groups is also a way to support work that contributes to a more sustainable and just future.

9. Share skills and time

Kids often love the idea of gifting their time or abilities. They might offer to tidy a garden, to walk a pet, a story session or an act of service for a grandparent or neighbour. These gifts show kids that generosity does not depend on money and that care work is valuable.

10. Think about impact and supply chains

If you are buying something new, choose items that prioritise ethical production, durability and repair. Talk with kids about where the item came from, who made it and what working conditions might have been like. These conversations build critical thinking and empathy and invite kids to consider the people involved in every stage of a product’s life.

11. Make wrapping part of the ritual, not part of the waste stream

Fabric wraps, decorated jars, newspaper collages and reused ribbons turn wrapping into a creative moment and teach kids to see materials as resources rather than waste. This also introduces the idea that joyful celebrations can be low-impact.

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The goal is not perfection. Sustainable and ethical gifting is an ongoing practice. Kids learn through repetition and reflection. Celebrate the moments where they show thoughtfulness, curiosity or compassion. These are the seeds that grow into lifelong habits of care for people and planet.

Have I missed anything? What does your family or school do help kids have an ethical and sustainable holiday season? Let me know in the comments below!