With so many options for holiday gift giving, we’re in full support of Austin Resource Recovery’s Shop Zero Waste initiative that encourages us to Give a Great Story this holiday season and consider skip the urge to buy brand new “stuff” in favor of more thoughtful gifts with a personal touch that won’t ultimately end up in the landfill. Giving a great story means thinking outside the box about showing you care, not just about your loved ones, but about the planet, too.

Giving a Great Story could be gifting in the form of an experience that provides lifelong memories — such as signing up for an art workshop or cooking class with a loved one, or purchasing an annual State Parks Pass or museum membership for future outings you can enjoy together. Read our list of more suggested experience gifts.

Giving a Great Story can also mean giving new life to something old — such as repairing a beloved piece of jewelry that broke or finding a treasure at an antique store.

The concept of “shopping zero waste” challenges us to seek unique gifts from Austin-owned vendors that sell recycled, upcycled, or reused items — or simply skip the buying frenzy altogether and give your time teaching a new skill or running errands for someone you care for.

If you’re in need of some gift-spiration, think outside the box about holiday gifts that are remade, repaired and reshared — all helping reduce waste & clutter while save money, as well.

Embracing the concept of “shopping zero waste” also supports local businesses. In need of fabric face masks? Make your own OR buy from local crafters! These could also make a great gift! Need some craft supplies for the kids to make handmade ornaments? You’d be surprised what you new items you can find at second-hand stores such as the Center for Creative Reuse.

Some of our favorite places to Shop Zero Waste include:

• Austin Creative Reuse
• Savers
• Salvation Army Family Store
• Assistance League of Austin Thrift House
• Goodwill of Central Texas
• Habitat For Humanity ReStore

Browse our list of Best Holiday Craft Shows to buy from local makers.

A few more meaningful holiday gift giving ideas include:

Give the gift of repair. Adults, especially, will appreciate a practical gift! Skip unnecessary “new stuff” and repair something sentimental or useful for friends and loved ones.

• Repair a family heirloom.
• Have a favorite pair of shoes resoled and polished.
• Restore photos that are damaged or faded.
• Alter or patch a favorite outfit that no longer fits.
• Fix the broken down bicycle in the garage.

Give the gift of reuse.

• Buy a pre-loved book.
• Find a vintage piece of jewelry with history and style.
• Turn a teacup into a planter.
• Add a new coat of paint to an old piece of furniture.
• Make a quilt out of favorite old t-shirts.
• Find thrift-store frames for treasured family photos.

Give the gift of experiences. Click here to read our full article about Giving Experiences as Gifts.

–> Be sure to check out Shop Zero Waste for more ideas on ways to benefit our local economy while supporting our environment. Austin Resource Recovery offers a wealth of tips for getting Austin into shape to reach zero waste by 2040, keeping at least 90 percent of discarded materials out of landfills. Give a follow on their Facebook page for more zero waste ideas and Austin happenings!

Happy gifting!