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Gift-giving can be an act of love—for both the receiver and the planet. This season, instead of buying items destined for drawers or landfills, choose gifts with intention, longevity, and impact.

At Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary, we believe that the most powerful gifts are the ones that support wellbeing, connection, and earth-care.

Here are five sustainable, thoughtful holiday gifts for anyone on your list.

Experiences Over Things

Memories last longer than objects.

Gift a unique nature experience, a meditation session, a sound bath, a workshop, or a Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary experience right here! Experiences in nature, or focused on personal wellbeing, deepen connection and fulfillment while also reducing waste. 

Pro tip: See if there are any special events at botanical gardens or nature parks around you. Or, look for seasonally-themed experiences like horse-back riding, sledding and skiing/snowboarding — any passes for outdoor or nature themed sports!

If you have little kids, you can search for events in more “nature” themed towns, depending on if you live near the mountains, epic forests, or gorgeous beaches.

Handcrafted Goods from Local Artisans

Support small makers who honor slow craft and natural materials.

We love shopping at holiday markets this time of year to discover the incredible talent of small businesses in our community. Explore beeswax candles, pottery, handwoven textiles, wood carvings, herbal salves and skincare products…the list goes on and on! Small scale production also tends to be more environmentally friendly and consumer conscious.

These items carry the imprint of the maker and the land, not machines and plastic, or mass production. Plus, every piece is unique, and you’ll feel like you walked away with something really special that will actually make your life better, not just busier!

DIY Botanical Self-Care Sets

Create your own earth-inspired bundle:

• Herbal bath salts
• Dried floral bundles
• Tea blends
• Skin-care or hair care products

If you love to DIY, you can easily create your own tea blends, bath salts, and even skin care products like shea butter lotion, chapstick, or massage oils!

Wrap them in a reusable cloth rather than paper. Find cute jars or small baskets to gift them in!

Upcycled Home Décor

Gift items that bring a touch of nature indoors:

• Potted plants will bloom continuously and beautifully and bring an amazing ambiance to any space
• Thrifted vases, picture frames, art, pottery, candles etc
• Pressed botanical art
• Home-made candles
• Wooden or Rattan trays and trinket dishes

Choose materials that last or return to the earth.

Give the Gift of “Something They’ll Actually Use”

Sustainable gifts also mean practical gifts.

Some low-impact options:

• Stainless steel water bottles
• Beeswax wraps
• Insulated travel mug
• Bamboo Bento boxes or cutlery sets for travel
• Compostable dishes & brushes
• Natural shampoo, conditioner, or soap bars!

These items prevent waste for years to come and will get a lot of use, making them a lot of bang for your buck!

Sustainability isn’t about perfection—it’s about intention. When we choose gifts that nourish, support others, or honor the earth, we participate in a cycle of reciprocity!