Meaningful Gifts for the Holidays

‘Tis the season for giving back. (Who are we kidding? This should be every season!) If you’re still hunting for the perfect gift for your loved ones, make it something that really counts –­ and help protect our environment along the way.

Make it personal

Naturally, a reusable water bottle goes a long way when you’re traveling. It’s so easy to bypass the overpriced plastic bottles at the airport and simply refill your own personal container – especially with more and more places installing specialized water filling stations. Better yet, give one that comes with a carbon-activated filter to make tap water even better to drink.

Upcycle it

Upcycling isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a critical step toward keeping non-degradable materials out of our oceans and landfills. It also makes some spectacular gift ideas: jewelry made from disused computer parts, a tote made out of plastic shopping bags and even wine bottles turned into lanterns or bird feeders.

Examine the ingredients

If you want to avoid gifting items that include animal-derived products, look for beautifully scented vegan candles that are made from soy wax. Also, did you know there’s an entire industry of plant-based skin products? Look for marine-sourced ingredients including nourishing seaweed and algae, herbs such as lavender and rosemary, and rich emollients like argan oil and avocado oil.

Lend support from afar

One of the most meaningful gifts is to donate money in someone else’s honor – and there are some super fun ways to do it! With the World Wildlife Fund, you can virtually adopt a sea turtle. With that you get an adoption certificate, a plush toy and more insightful information about this endangered species.

Show how much you care about your loved one – and the world around us – with gifts that are both thoughtful and eco-friendly. Check out our all-inclusive deals if you’re feeling generous and want to give the gift of beach!