As we head into the holiday season, I wanted to share some gift-giving tips for all of you eco-minded people and even those who might not have eco-friendly living on the mind. These tips are great for anyone.

Whether you’re planning to give gifts at an upcoming Friendsgiving or you want to get a head-start on your Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and other holiday festivities, keep these five gift-giving tips in mind.

1. Opt for Second-hand

It’s not uncommon to make a gift list of the latest and greatest products on the market. This year, however, why not try something different and opt for second-hand gifts? This way, you can buy something for a friend or loved one they would never think of buying themselves. You’ll be able to give a unique gift, one nobody else is likely to have.

Let’s say you have a friend who loves watches. Find them a classic timepiece at a second-hand store. If you have a friend or loved one who adores vintage clothing, you’ll want to shop second-hand. Looking for a nostalgic game or toy? I’ll give you one guess as to where you’ll want to go.

You should also consider regifting any items you never had a use for, but you know someone else who would. Regifting is essentially second-hand gifting. You’re taking an already purchased product and giving it to someone who wants it. Please make sure not to regift it to the person who originally gave it to you. That’s just bad form.

2. It is okay to Repurpose

Although I wouldn’t recommend regifting something you’ve already used, it is okay to repurpose a gently-used item to gift to another. Let’s take an old dresser, for example. If you no longer have a use for the dresser, but you have a friend you know who has been wanting a storage bench, repurpose your dresser into their new bench. It gives the dresser new life and it’s a creative gift they’re bound to love.

You can turn an old desk into a cute, potting bench for a friend who loves to garden. Take a few dining room chairs you no longer need and give them new life as dog bowl holders. Upcycle an older lamp into a stylish jewelry holder.

Rather than throwing quality furniture and other products away, consider upcycling or repurposing them into gifts your friends and family will enjoy for years to come.

3. Shop Sustainably

If you do buy anything new, shop sustainably. Look for companies who focus on using sustainable materials and whose manufacturing and shipping processes minimize their environmental impact. Steer clear of fast fashion and single- or one-use products. Avoid plastic whenever you can. Choose natural vs. synthetic. Don’t buy something simply to buy it. Make sure you have a genuine need for the product then, if you can’t get it second-hand or used, buy it from an eco-friendly company.

If need one, eco-friendly, gift-giving tip to help you get through the holiday season, make it this one. Shopping sustainably not only reduces your carbon footprint, but it allows you to gift with the future of the planet in mind.

4. Gift experiences

Don’t want to give the same gifts you’ve given year after year? Well, instead of focusing on material gifts, why not gift someone an experience they’ve always wanted? I mean, there is no better time than the present to make happy memories, right? So, give someone an experience they’ll always remember!

Experiences can be anything. You can gift someone a trip…although I’d recommend making it someplace local, rather than far away to minimize your environmental impact. If you’ve got a friend who enjoys figuring out mysteries, or solving puzzles, an escape room may be the perfect gift. Maybe you know someone who loves wine. How about a tour of a local winery? You can take someone skiing or snowboarding. Even a bike ride along the coast could make a nice gift experience.

The key here is to think about the individual and what he or she likes. From there, you should be able to come up with a fun and memorable experience. Trust me when I say, if done right, it’s a gift they won’t forget. It’s also a gift you won’t find in the back of the closet in a few years.

5. DIY is always an option

It doesn’t matter whether you are short on cash, or you simply feel like tapping into your creative side, DIY is always an option. Plus, one of the best things about DIY is there are countless gifts you can make.

You can make some do-it-yourself face masks and other spa products tailormade to your gift recipients. People who love to decorate their homes might be happy to receive a few DIY holiday ornaments, natural wreaths or garland. Know someone with a sweet tooth? Try gifting homemade, baked goods. You might know someone who would give anything to get a hold of the vegetables you pickled last summer. How about some DIY fairy lights? Even DIY seasonal air fresheners can be a big hit. The key to gift-giving is to figure out what your friends and family might like and go from there.

Eco-Minded Gifts should Top Your list

During the holidays, and throughout the year, eco-minded gifts should always top your list. Buy second-hand goods, so you can give something unique. Repurpose or upcycle products to give your friends and family a gift suited to their needs. Do your research and buy sustainable gifts from eco-friendly companies. Gift experiences to those you love. The memories made will last a lifetime. Use do-it-yourself as a way to personalize your gifts and let people know you care.

I hope these tips help you put together a truly eco-friendly, gift-giving list!