Ho, Ho, How-to embrace an anti-consumerism Christmas

As economic blackouts continue to rise in popularity due to an exponential rise in tariffs and the unethical business practices of billionaires in the U.S., Gen Z looks at a more emotional holiday season with less importance on impulse spending.

Overconsumption and trends that seem to change everyday take away from the holiday tradition of giving after a long year. According to SurveyMonkey.com, Gen Z is more likely to rely on handmade gifts due to economic pressures.

Being the avid crafter that I am, the past few holiday seasons, I hand-crafted my gifts for my family and friends.

I noticed I spent less money buying craft supplies compared to buying material gifts. I also realized the longevity of my supplies as I was able to repurpose them for future gifts.

XSTSY MEDIA praises sustainability, as well as “balling on a budget.” The holiday season is already flooded with single-use products like wrapping paper, bows and plastic ribbons. So we compiled a list of gifts and decorations that aid toward the environment and protest against the support of big corporations. 

Scrap fabric ornaments:

These are simple and personalized gifts that anyone who knows a simple hand stitch can produce for their loved ones to hang on their tree for years to come.

Clay projects:

Key chains, magnets and bowls/plates are practical gifts for people to use in their everyday life. These gifts are fun to make even if you have never dabbled into pottery. They are personalizable with endless options of shapes and sizes.

Customized picture frames:

CVS has same day printing for such low prices. If you already have printed photos, even better. Grabbing a picture frame from a thrift store or the Dollar Tree can easily turn into a custom gift by painting or gluing beads or sequence onto the frame.

Reusable bags:

Trader Joe’s sells cute reusable bags for $2.99. Bags like those are not only perfect to hold the gift you are giving but can be reused for shopping or as a new purse.

Newspaper wrapping:

XSTSY MEDIA is aware of the downfall of newspaper sales and work towards reviving physical media. Newspapers are still very cheap and can be found at grocery stores, liquor stores or even on one's driveway. Newspapers have more practical uses before they can be used as wrapping and still provide education and entertainment while keeping your presents discreet.

Cardboard recycled paper for cards:

If you are online shopping, you may have an excess of cardboard boxes you receive those gifts in. Instead of throwing the boxes out, soak them in water and blend them up until you get a paste. With that paste, you can spread it out in any shape you would like to dry and now you have recycled paper for handmade cards or as a gift tag for your loved ones.

Pine tree wreaths:

Being native to California, pine trees are very common in many front yards and parks. Breaking off a branch not only helps with fire prevention but can be used to create festive wreaths that leave your space smelling like Christmas.

Scrap paper garlands:

No need to throw away scrap of paper you accumulated from other projects. Even a small strip of scrap paper can be stapled repeatedly for a colorful garland. Even if you only have white paper, a fun craft can be customizing your garland with paint, markers or stickers.

Window suncatchers:

Dried citrus, herbs and other foraged items in nature can bring a cozy vibe into your home. Citrus is an in-season fruit during winter and going on a walk around your neighborhood to look at Christmas lights is a perfect time to forage cool rocks or leaves to add onto your suncatcher.

We hope this inspired you to evaluate the ones you love and their interest to produce gifts that are heartfelt and specific to them. Monetary presents sometimes do not hold the same value as handmade ones.

If you do need to purchase gifts this year, remember the small, family businesses that also hand make their gifts and need more support than large corporations that produce products from foreign and unethical suppliers.

Happy Holidays!

XOXO,

XSTSY MEDIA