Presents

1. Gifts:  If possible, look out for respected eco logos, such as Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, Scientific Certification Systems (SCS), Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Energy Star and Palm Oil Free. Avoid single-use plastic items and look for things like Fairtrade or Organic-certified food and clothing.  Buying pre-loved items is another option. Instead of gifting everyone in your extended family or friend group, why not operate a Secret Santa? Invest in a reusable advent calendar and fill it with a variety of gifts such as handmade goodies, tokens, Bible verses, words of encouragement. 
When shopping online, think of the amount of packaging used  and the number of deliveries.

2. Gift an experience: Bring people together by gifting your time or a pre-bought experience. Tickets to shows, concerts, a spa or events. Sponsor an animal, or buy some rainforest to protect, many charities such as Christian Aid, World Wildlife Fund, Tearfund offer such gifts.
Gift a homemade coupon book. Make a restaurant reservation or give a gift card.  Plan a day out to a National Trust, English Heritage, Wildlife Trust location, breakfast in bed or make a homemade meal or other foodie gifts. Leave some blank for them to choose what they want to do.

3. It’s a wrap: Look for cards and wrapping paper made from recycled or FSC-certified paper.  Plantable cards are an alternative. ’Wildflower papers’ has a range of seed packet cards that can be sown in the spring. Recycle or compost your cards in January or turn them into decorations/gift tags for next year.  Or why not send an e-card instead?
Avoid plastic ribbon and tape, or foil-backed and glittery wrapping paper. Do the “scrunch” test: anything that doesn’t hold its shape when scrunched into a ball is not recyclable. Use salvageable materials like newspaper, brown paper, textiles, string, raffia and vintage ribbon. Have a go at  furoshiki, a traditional Japanese method of using cloth to wrap gifts.

4. Food: When shopping for food, look for sustainability certifications (RSPO-certified palm oil; MSC-certified seafood). 
Stuck for ideas? The Carbon Trust points out that turkey has a lower carbon footprint than beef, while vegetarian and vegan options are even lower than that. If you can’t steer clear of red meat make sure it’s British. Don’t overdo the cheeseboard, which has a high carbon footprint. Don’t preheat the oven for too long, or leave it on after the meal is prepared to keep food heated.   And eat up those leftovers.   Food waste apps, such as Olio, are a smarter option. They connect you to people in need in the local area.
Dispense with plastic cling film by using reusable beeswax-covered cotton cloths, available from many retailers. You can also make your own.

5. Decs: Look out for FSC-certified crackers or fill reusable DIY crackers yourself with sustainable options (like chocolates) and personalised festive favours. Lakeland and Hobbycraft do handy packs of “fill your own” and invite your guests to make their own hats.  ‘Willsow’ offers crackers that you can plant.  
Avoid single-use tablecloths and napkins.
Avoid wreaths adorned with plastic accessories and glittery decorations which can also be harmful for birds and wildlife if hung up outside.  Go for a real, fresh wreath made using seasonal, natural foliage. Or make your own out of fabric or ribbon.
If you can’t live without a bit of sparkle, opt for plant-based, vegan glitter like that from Greener Glitter; their biodegradable glitter comes in cardboard packaging that can be composted at home or will biodegrade naturally.
Try to limit tinsel and keep what you have to use year on year. Use LED lights.

6. The tree: Fresh trees are the more eco-friendly choice, as long as they are from a sustainable source. Choose from growers across the UK registered with the British Tree Growers’ Association. Put it out fro recycling afterwards.  You could also choose a tree with roots so that it can be replanted and enjoyed year after year.  ‘Love a Christmas tree’ offers real Nordmann Firs delivered to your door from £20.
Artificial trees need to be used for many years in order to have less environmental impact.
Go alternative – miniature real trees, wooden alternatives, decorate your indoor plants…