Creating Memories, Not Clutter: A More Sustainable Way to Give

The holidays have a funny way of sneaking up on me. One minute it’s November, the next I'm scrolling online at midnight, overwhelmed with consumerist messages, swirling thoughts of what to gift my friends and family, and wondering how many more things someone really needs.

This year, let’s flip the script, from buying more stuff to giving with intention.

Sustainable gift-giving isn’t about spending less or being perfect. It’s about choosing gifts that create memories, support local communities, and don’t end up forgotten in a drawer by February.

Here are a few ideas to help you give more intentionally (and stress less) this holiday season, with plenty of inspiration right here in Ottawa.

🎁 The Gift of Time (or Experiences)

If finding the perfect gift feels stressful or you don't immediately have a great idea for someone, that’s your sign to stop shopping for things and start thinking about moments.

Experiences are personal, flexible, and often nearly free. And the best part? You get to enjoy them too.

Nearly free experience ideas:

• Cook a cozy dinner together (bonus points for making it a new recipe)
• Go skating on the Rideau Canal or at the Rink of Dreams
• Volunteer together with a local organization
• Offer your skills: babysitting, dog walking, help with a move, organizing a space, painting a room, or fixing something that’s been on their to-do list forever
• Plan a winter walk through Gatineau Park followed by hot chocolate

If you have a bit more budget to play with, Ottawa is full of experience-based gifts worth supporting:

• A spa day at Koena, Nordik Spa, or Uppliva
• Dinner at a local favourite (Ottawa’s food scene deserves more love)
• A staycation or short getaway — Montréal is an easy train ride away, and towns like Almonte, Wakefield, Calaobogie or Perth make perfect weekend trips
• Outdoor skating at Icelynd or RiverOak
• Tickets to a Sens, Charge, 67s, Black Bears
• A play, musical, or concert at the National Arts Centre
• A family photo session (or ask a talented friend)

Perhaps a controversial take, but I think gift cards are totally okay. They offer flexibility and choice, especially when paired with a thoughtful note describing how you imagine using the gift together.

✂️ DIY & Personalized Gifts

Handmade gifts carry something store-bought items often don’t: effort, care, and personality.

You don’t need to be a master crafter either. Many materials can be found at home or bought second-hand.

Some of the most loved DIY gifts I’ve received:

• Baked goods
• Candles
• Knit hats or scarves
• Photo albums or printed memories
• Handmade soaps

These gifts tend to stick around or get used because they feel personal, not generic, and because someone clearly put time and thought into them.

🛍️ Choosing Physical Gifts (More Sustainably)

If you’re set on giving a material gift, here are a few ways to make it a better one:

• Check second-hand stores first — Ottawa has great options for clothing, décor, art, and jewelry
• Shop local or look for ethical and fair-trade brands
• Choose items that are well-made and built to last
• Ask what the person actually wants (returns are wasteful)
• Avoid single-use plastics or hard-to-recycle items
• Skip traditional wrapping paper — opt for reusable bags, scarves, tea towels, or even newspaper instead

 For what it's worth, I'm taking my own advice and gifting 75% local experiences and 25% sentimental or personalized items. Some of the gifts I'm giving include:

• A guided backcountry ski lesson
• A head spa experience — something neither of us has tried before
• A custom calendar featuring a mix of their photos and mine from the past year
• Curated photo albums from some of our favourite trips together

At the end of the day, the holidays aren’t about how much you spent or how many gifts you give a person. They’re about connection, joy, shared meals, and finding meaningful ways to show people you care.

So this season, let’s focus on creating memories, not trash.

Happy holidays everyone, and here’s to a more meaningful, more sustainable way of giving. 💚

~ holly, senior officer, sustainability