Thoughtful Last Minute Gifts That Feel Like Anything But Last Minute

Last-minute gifters, unite! Sure, you may feel some self-induced pressure to find a perfectly sustainable and delightfully eco-friendly gift, but that doesn't mean you're indecisive or procrastinating — it just means you care about the person you're buying for and want to gift something meaningful. 

And hey, even if you are procrastinating or indecisive, it's OK. This is a judgement-free zone because I've been there. The good news is, you can get these last-minute gifts in-store (or online with fast delivery!), making them perfect for hostess gifts, thank you gifts, or for any last-minute gifting opportunity. 

Grow your own greens kit

One of the best ways to be more sustainable is to grow you own food, so these microgreen kits by B Corp-certified Back to the Roots are a great gift for kids and adults alike. It’s an activity and something you can enjoy later to add flavor to your food. Grab one at Target or Whole Foods Market on your next trip out.

Reusable containers

I’m all for sneaking sustainability-focused goods in front of people at every possible opportunity, so grabbing an ECOlunchbox at The Container Store is a great way to encourage your friends and family to reduce their waste and shop in bulk. You can even stuff the lunchbox with yummy cookies or DIY trail mix as an added bonus!

Stasher bags

How could I not include Stasher bags in this list? A gift all on their own for people and the planet, Stashers can also be used as zero waste gift wrap for things like candy, socks, gift cards, and more.  Last-minute shoppers can find them at Target, Whole Foods, Anthropologie, and a bunch of other local small businesses — check the store locator to find a shop near you. 

If you're looking for a small gift to get someone started on their journey, a Pocket Stasher is the perfect, reusable vessel for sweet treats, like B Corp and Fair Trade certified Alter Eco chocolates (one of my personal faves). 

Plants

For some of us, "too many plants" isn't a phrase that exists in any language. Plants aren't just aesthetically pleasing — some filter the air which makes them good for your health while bringing the outdoors in. For friends and family members that can't get enough green, head to your local nursery and pick up a plant that they will love for years to come.

Online courses and memberships

A digital gift card or membership to sites like Udemy, Coursera, or Skillshare makes a great gift to help your loved one learn new skills, or level up their life for 2020. 

Gift an in-person experience

Give the gift of an in-person experience! Whether it’s making pottery or learning to make sourdough bread, experiences are a wonderful way to gift sustainably while creating deeper connections to your loved ones. Not sure which class they’d like? You can buy gift certificates from places like Airbnb Experiences for them to pick their own.

This post was written by Sara Weinreb. She is the host of the Medium Well podcast, sustainability and design thinking consultant, contributor at Forbes, and shares it all on Instagram.