Extra green holidays: this is how you celebrate Sint and Christmas with sustainable gifts

The wonderful evenings are just around the corner with the December festive month. In this month full of holidays, it is extra challenging to make sustainable choices. Because with Sinterklaas in the country, the wish lists of the children quickly fill up with their biggest toy wishes. If you come up with an honest chocolate letter or sprinkles when coming up with the shoe presents, the expectantly beating hearts count on a little more on Pakjesavond. Fortunately, you can also make a sustainable choice here that will make the child, the planet and your wallet happy.

Swapping certainly doesn't always mean crying
Consider Swap Sint, an initiative that collaborates with the toy exchange app SwipSwap. As they describe themselves: “Why buy everything new every year when you can also exchange? Recycle Sint wants to give as many toys as possible a second life. It is the perfect way to celebrate Sinterklaas in a sustainable and affordable way.” A great way to celebrate an unforgettable Pakjesavond while also being sustainable. Read more about how you can celebrate sustainable Sinterklaas from now on. Of course, the SwipSwap app can also be used perfectly for sustainable packages under the Christmas tree.

Peeking at your neighbours
Bartering is not only booming for toys. In many neighborhoods in the Netherlands, there are active Facebook or Whatsapp groups where neighbors exchange the most beautiful things with each other. Nothing to exchange, but are you looking for a sustainable gift and do you find vintage or second-hand no problem? Also think of the beautiful things that you can often find for a good price through the various local Facebook marketplaces. The largest in the Netherlands is Amsterdam Yard Sale, a closed Facebook group with more than 39,000 members where you can score the most beautiful gifts for next to nothing. There are also different Family Market groups per city that mainly focus on children's clothing, items and toys.

Sustainable DIYs
Do you prefer not to give second-hand gifts at Christmas, but do you want to make a sustainable choice? Think homemade gifts. For example, you can dry your bunch of flowers yourself to give a beautiful dry bouquet. Or bake gingerbread cookies and put them in a glass preserving jar with a large bow. Learn to ferment and surprise your family and friends this Christmas with homemade kimchi or kombucha.

Support green entrepreneurs
Of course you can also just buy something in a store or online if you are not into DIY. Then pay attention to where you buy, buy as much locally as possible from green entrepreneurs. Like the bookstore around the corner, that concept store you walk past every day or take a look at the florist because they usually also sell vases, candles and other accessories for the home. Gift cards are always thoughtful, but please note that it is really from a smaller entrepreneur. For example, you can also buy a gift card from your favorite bistro. Has there just been a baby in the family or is someone pregnant, because you thought of a gift card from Tiny Libbrabry? You choose the amount yourself and the recipient can then rent something for the layette that really makes them happy.

So you see that you can certainly come up with surprising and festive gifts this holiday season without having to make any concessions to sustainability. And that makes giving even better.