How to Shop Mindfully this Holiday Season

By Ruby Ranoa, Earth Forward Group

Published December 18, 2024

The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. Earth Forward Group is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or compensated by any of the companies, tools, or websites mentioned herein. We do not guarantee the accuracy, suitability, or performance of any referenced websites or tools.

Did you know that U.S. holiday sales are expected to reach a record-breaking $989 billion this year in November and December alone? According to a National Retail Foundation study, consumers are expecting to spend an average of $902 each on gifts, food, decorations, and other seasonal items. Given that the holiday season is the busiest time of year for spending, it’s important to consider the impact of where you choose to spend your money.

“Voting with your wallet” refers to the idea that your purchasing choices – or decisions to intentionally boycott – can greatly influence business practices and company decisions. For example, after a whistleblower exposed harmful fishing practices causing unnecessary dolphin deaths, American consumers widely boycotted the tuna industry. In response, companies that adopted “dolphin-safe” fishing practices gained popularity, demonstrating how consumer behavior can drive sustainable industry change.

This holiday season, we invite you to make more mindful purchases by “voting with your wallet”. Consider the following while shopping for those last minute gifts:

Shop small and local

Shopping locally keeps more of your money in your own community! Think of your purchase as helping the store and their employees, the local suppliers they buy from, and other local businesses that they support on their days off. Additionally, the local taxes from all of these purchases are invested in your town’s infrastructure such as roads and schools.

Aside from simply perusing your downtown shops and boutiques, consider making time to visit seasonal craft fairs and participate in small-business Saturday events, such as sip-and-shops. Check your town’s Chamber of Commerce website to keep an eye out for these and other fun local shopping events to get those gifts crossed off your list.

Align your purchases with your values

Shop intentionally with businesses that resonate with your values, such as those that are Minority-, Woman-, LGBTQ-, or Veteran-owned, support your religious or spiritual practice, or those committed to sustainability standards.

If you need help finding diverse companies, you can check the following directories:

  • Intentionalist: for Asian-, Black-, Disability-, Latino-, LGBTQ-, Minority, Native-, Veteran-, and/or Woman-owned small businesses by location

  • Support Black-Owned (SBO): for Black-owned businesses by location

  • Buy from a Black Woman: for Black Woman-owned businesses by product or service

  • Veterans Business Directory: for Veteran-owned businesses by category or State

  • Additionally, your town’s Chamber of Commerce website may have local business directories that include diversity information.

Additionally, here are a few popular sustainability certifications to look for while shopping this holiday season:

  • B Corporation: any business who meets high standards of social and environmental sustainability practices

  • 1% For the Planet: any business who gives 1% of their gross sales to an environmentally focused non-profit

  • Leaping Bunny: animal cruelty-free cosmetics and body care products

  • Rainforest Alliance Certified: agricultural products such as herbs, spices, coffee, tea, chocolate, and paper that meet standards of social, economic, and environmental sustainability

  • Standard 100 OEKO-TEXÒ: textile products such as clothing and bedding that are made without harmful substances and chemicals

  • ENERGY STAR: energy efficient appliances and electronics such as computers and TVs

Buy secondhand when you can

Shopping secondhand not only saves you money, but also saves yet another item from the landfill. Many secondhand items are unused, still in the packaging, have the tags attached, or are in great condition. If you know what you’re looking for, start by searching websites and apps such as Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp, Ebay, or Mercari.

A photo of a gift set featuring two thriftable wine glasses, a bottle of wine, and handmade decor, all arranged in a thriftable basket.

Secondhand finds paired creatively with other pieces can also make incredibly thoughtful gifts. For example, a unique, gently used coffee mug could be paired with a gift card to a local coffee shop or with their favorite high-quality coffee beans. Thrifted wine glasses could accompany a nice bottle of wine, while a vintage serving platter would be great with baking supplies and festive treat mixes. A thrifted soap dish could be gifted with locally-made soaps, and a thrifted plant pot can be paired with seed packs. Vintage brass candlestick holders would pair well with new tapered candles, and an antique vase would look great with a fresh bouquet of flowers. For more secondhand gift ideas, visit @salvagedbykscott on Instagram and check out this Rumfield Homestead article.

If you’re still not convinced to buy secondhand, think beyond your local thrift store! Try vintage shops for retro clothing and accessories, or explore antique stores for one-of-a-kind home goods and decor. Apps like Depop and Poshmark are great for secondhand clothing and accessories, while websites like Fashionphile and The RealReal offer pre-owned luxury items such as bags and accessories.

Handmake your presents

Put those crafting skills to work and create lovely handmade gifts for your friends and family this year. Crafting your own gifts adds a personal touch that is often more meaningful than anything you could buy in a store.

To inspire you, we’ve rounded up a collection of DIY gift ideas across a variety of crafts below:

  • Sewing/quilting: holiday placemats, blankets, stockings, oven mitts, makeup/travel bags, fabric ornaments

  • Knitting/crocheting: beanies, mittens, potholders, scarves, sweaters, blankets

  • Pottery: mugs, trinket/jewelry dishes, planters, spoon rests, ceramic ornaments

  • Personal care: lotion, soaps, body scrubs, bath soaks, bath bombs, candles, perfume

  • Jewelry: rings, bracelets, necklaces, phone charms, key chains, glasses chains

  • Baking: baked goods, DIY baking mixes or DIY recipe cards paired with baking supplies

  • Woodworking: refurbish a thrifted wooden trinket/jewelry box or piece of furniture

  • Leatherworking: wallets, cardholders, personalized luggage tags, sunglasses cases

Before shopping big brands, see where your money goes

We get it – sometimes you still need to shop at big brands! However, corporate donations from major companies play a significant role in funding political action committees, political parties, and candidates. These donations can have a far-reaching impact on political agendas and decision-making. The bottom line is, you deserve to know where your money goes. Powerful tools like GoodsUniteUs make it easier to see what your purchase dollars are really “voting” for and help you make more informed purchasing decisions.

We hope this article has helped prepare you to shop more mindfully this holiday season and has given you the tools to make more intentional purchases. From the team at Earth Forward Group, we wish you and yours a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year!

Sustainable LivingRuby RañoaHoliday Shopping, Christmas, Sustainability, Sustainable Living, Holiday, Money