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SUSTAINABLE GIVING: THOUGHTFUL CHOICES FOR A PURPOSEFUL DECEMBER
While December is often associated with gift-giving, we recognize that it is not universally a "holiday season". However, this month has become a time for many to exchange gifts—whether as acts of appreciation, tradition, or simply to bring joy to loved ones. At Social Tides, we believe this season offers an opportunity to rethink how we approach gifting, steering away from overconsumption and embracing thoughtful, sustainable, and ethical choices.
Instead of overspending on items that might quickly lose their value or impact, why not consider gifts that truly matter? By supporting social entrepreneurs and organizations dedicated to sustainability and inclusivity, your gift not only delights the recipient but also contributes to positive change. This guide features innovative and eco-conscious gift ideas from the Social Tides community—offering a chance to give back while giving meaningfully.
WHY SUSTAINABLE GIFTING MATTERS
At Social Tides, we know that every gift carries a message. Choosing items from ethical and sustainable sources sends a powerful statement about what matters to you: supporting communities, protecting the planet, and encouraging innovation. By shifting our focus toward gifts that have a positive social or environmental impact, we transform this season of giving into an act of solidarity and care for the world we all share.
For December 2024, we’ve curated a list of the top sustainable gift ideas inspired by the incredible work of Social Tides’ beneficiaries—innovators dedicated to addressing local and global challenges. From eco-friendly solutions to wellness initiatives, these gifts go beyond material value to support sustainability and empower change-makers.
GIFT IDEAS WITH PURPOSE
Here are some standout sustainable gift options to inspire your giving this season:
ANKAA Project: A Greek organization that works with communities affected by forced migration and/or unemployment. They use a hybrid model of a social enterprise, which combines education programs with revenue-generating activities of creating sustainable upcycled products, and job positions for the community members. Find their upcycled handmade items with local or organic materials.
Allium: Set up a table and let Allium cater for you with local, sustainable and seasonal products and materials that aim to create as little waste as possible. Allium is a farm, social cooperative and employment center in Slovenia that connects individuals, farms, institutes, and academics focused on sustainable food production and processing.
Escape4Change: If you are looking for a gift to offer to your friends or colleagues–we hear you, and we have the solution for you, always with a twist. Escape4Change is an Italian team-based game designed to create a collaborative and immersive experience, along with customers and beneficiaries, to cover a wide range of topics such as climate change, racism, and more. The gaming experience takes place in a preset environment in which the group of participants should solve the proposed challenges over a set period.
Bonirama: Wish your loved ones by donating to NPOs! Bonirama is a global platform designed to revolutionize how Non-Profit Organizations receive funding. Their approach not only makes donating fun but also rewards contributors in meaningful ways.
Of course, these are not the only gift ideas we have to share with you. If you are looking for gifts targeted at families and kids, we have curated a special catalogue from our impactful community you can choose from.
Kietzee: If you want to buy gifts for a toddler, then you know well that toys are always enough and probably won’t exist in a few years (or months…). Kietzee offers a wide list of events for families in Germany where experiences and memories become the real gifts.
La Tribu Kafékouche: The Kafékouche Tribe was founded in France to lift the taboo of postpartum depression and provide emotional support to young parents. Their board games are designed to restore conviviality, strengthen family bonds and help parents navigate the challenges of parenthood with more lightness. They firmly believe that moments shared around a game can transform difficult situations into opportunities for laughter and mutual understanding. The first board games by parents for parents!
Mali pustolovci: Mali Pustolovci offers a real-life adventure for the whole family, providing educational experiences through storytelling, imagination, movement, and sensing. The Enchanted Forest and Bled local selection are two exciting destinations where families in Slovenia can learn and have fun.
Parentally: A platform that helps parents in the Netherlands find the best care and support they need at every stage of their parenthood journey. It provides access to verified practitioners such as midwives, doulas, lactation consultants, yoga teachers, nutritionists, and more. What better way to say “I love you” than a yoga session?
Looking for the classic-style gifts?
Cosh!: A multiple-EU-country platform that helps you find sustainable alternatives for your wardrobe, inspires a plastic-free lifestyle, and guides you in adopting more sustainable (shopping) habits. Dive into the festive wonderland for the best seasonal inspiration, gift guides and tips!
Heca: Atoheca is a Polish organization that offers eco-friendly products and services, and all profits are dedicated to social causes. They encourage support through donations, volunteering, and donating waste materials that they can turn into something useful.
Vollefarben: Your European online shop for cultural diversity. The platform aims to address the challenges faced by underrepresented groups in entrepreneurship by providing a one-stop shop for inclusive consumer products and offering resources, know-how, and networks through an exclusive online community. The project seeks to counteract social injustices by facilitating alliances and reducing costs for entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities.
CLOSING THE LOOP: GIVING BACK AS YOU GIVE
By choosing sustainable gifts, we help build a future where consumption aligns with care—for people and the planet. Whether it’s supporting women entrepreneurs, funding eco-friendly innovations, or empowering underserved communities, your gifts can create ripples of impact. This December, join us in redefining the act of giving—not just as an exchange of items but as a way to celebrate purpose, connection, and change.
Ready to find the perfect gift? Explore the incredible work of all Social Tides beneficiaries and give gifts that truly give back.
Which type of gifts are you going for this year?
Handmade gifts with meaningful purpose
Experiential gifts for lasting memories
Donation-based gifts to support a cause
Upcycled and repurposed items
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