Eco-Friendly, Money-Savvy Christmas Gifts for the Holidays

Here's how to stay eco-conscious, money savvy, support small businesses, and spread love this holiday season 

How is it December already?!? It’s that time of year to cuddle up in a fleece blanket with a nice novel and enjoy being inside. Or, as this is a travel blog (among other things lol), bundle up for outdoor hikes and walks! It is also the season of giving. So today, I’m focusing on the “among other things” portion of this little website of mine to tell you my favorite Christmas and holiday gift ideas!

What winter hikes can look like on the Columbia River Gorge!

Eco-Friendly Gifts! Here are seven ways to stay eco-friendly, money-savvy, and focus on spreading some love this giving season!

You can click each list item to jump to whatever's catching your eye! 

1. Thrift thrift thrift! 

2. Support local artists

3. Support local businesses 

4. Made gifts

5. Coral

6. Public radio

7. Bear Hug Upcycled Apparel

Thrift Thrift Thrift! 

One of the best things you can do for your loved ones- and your wallet- is to not contribute to buying loads of new stuff! It's a way to make eco-friendly gifts manageable! Make thrifting a priority this year! Here’s how:

1. Have a list of people you’re shopping for

2. Have an outline of what you’re looking for, but stay open-minded. Something may jump out at you that your gift-receiver will just adore! 

3. Make combo-gifts and personalize! Really take time to be intentional with gifts and then personalize those gifts! For example, if you know someone loves to bake, you can find them a unique baking dish and then combine the dish with a recipe card for something you think they’d love to bake, plus the ingredients!

   
   

Really take a look at the shelves. Something may present itself to you that’s easy to dismiss, but it could be the perfect thing for your friend!

Support Local Artists

When pocketbooks get stretched, and money is a bit tight, art is usually the first expense on the cutting block. But, since it’s the holidays, you may have budgeted for gifts! Local artists make their living by selling their art. Explore your downtown galleries, go to holiday markets, or simply Google local artists near me! Support local artists this holiday season and gift your loved ones some amazing art pieces from your town.

Support Local Businesses

In the same vein as buying from local artists, local business owners need your support! Keep the economy local! Plus, local business owners are typically passionate about what they do! So whether they provide goods, services, or experiences, shop local this holiday season! 

My favorite program, probably ever

Obviously, shop local where you live! But if you need some ideas, here are some of my favorite local businesses:

• Topsy Blends in Eugene, OR (aromatherapy)

• Bewitched Nails (Portland, OR/ Vancouver, WA)

• Pacific Peaks Fitness (Camas, WA) 

• Cedar Lake Gifts (Pinckney, MI) 

• Mimosa Studios (experience, paint pottery, Portland, OR)

Visit Topsy Blends!

Made Gifts

Get your creative juices flowing and make your loved ones something! Maybe it’s food or food for the soul! Making something personal is so special! It’s a unique gift just for them, out of your talents and love! Make art, cook for them, make it something they will love that you spend quality time on to show them you care.

a most delicious soup made by friends! Holiday gifts don't need to be about material objects; communing over a homemade meal is *chef's kiss* (literally!)

Coral

Yep! You read that correctly! I’ve stumbled upon what is truly one of the coolest organizations! A group called Coral Gardeners restores reefs to help ocean conservation! Please, please, please check them out! They do this thing where you can “adopt a coral,” and they plant one! The best part is it’s not just a donation- you actually get updates on your coral!

So, for all those environmentalist lovers in your life (or someone who likes to do good, or someone who used to own a fish at one point, so you can arguably make the jump that they care about ecology), adopt a coral on their behalf! Gift them that adoption! It’s only $30 to adopt a coral, so do that! It’s so sick!!! And…so healthy! For our planet and oceans! It's the most eco-friendly gift you can give!

Public Radio 

If underwater endeavors don’t quite satisfy those on your gift list, maybe taking to the airwaves will! 

Did you know that federal funding for public radio suffered $1 Billion in cuts this year (2025)? Did you also know that public media, specifically on a local level, is the resource that allows many people to get free information about weather, national disasters, and community events?

Before continuing (or after you read this article), I recommend watching this video about public media (click that link)! It goes over the importance of public radio on a community level (hint to supporting your community). 

Didn't super know what photo to add for radio, so here's a picture of a concert I recently went to, to give some musical vibes (King Princess)

I know when people say “public radio,” most people think national-scale sources like NPR or PBS. Yes, those have been impacted by Trump’s massive cuts (see also my articles about how the federal administration is attacking the roadless rule, public land in general, and national parks) But Tiff, you may be wondering, it’s the holidays, why are you making things about politics again? Well, reader, it’s because everything is political! Even public radio (especially public radio). Let’s continue!

Yes, NPR and PBS are impacted by these budget cuts. But the real stations and people suffering are small, local radio stations, particularly in rural areas. But don’t dismay! There is hope during the holidays, thanks to you! 

So this year for Christmas, support a local radio station in your state on behalf of your friends and family!!!!

Simply do the following:

1. Go to Adopt A Station 

2. Click the state you want your friend/family member to support 

3. Find their town or a local station that lost a lot of revenue (bigger cities feel the impact less than rural communities)

4. Make a donation in their name!!!

5. Let them know by writing them a cute card

Cuts to revenue can mean job loss for station workers, among other cuts

It’s that easy! They’ll feel good about supporting community members in their state, and you’ll get to check off their gift!

Bear Hug Upcycled Apparel

Then there’s me! Although I’m just starting out, I truly believe in my work and would love for your friends and family to wear some of my apparel! I take gently used, nice shirts that I thrifted and heat-press my own artwork onto them! I’ll send it to you hot from the press ;) I would also love some feedback on how to make my little shop bigger and better! 

You can find Bear Hug Upcycled Apparel here :-)

Okay, friends, that’s my spiel! No matter which direction you choose to go, make sure that this holiday season isn’t consumed by… well, consumerism! Instead, focus on deepening your relationships with your faith, your loved ones, and yourself! 

As always, thanks for reading about! Enjoy saving your bank account and being a Steward of the Earth by giving homemade and eco-friendly gifts :-) Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!!!

XO,

Tiff

The turning point in the PNW from Autumn to Winter! No need to bundle up quite yet!