Looking for eco‑friendly presents that delight loved ones and the planet?

As Christmas approaches, spending is on the rise, with average shoppers worldwide expected to shell out nearly US $902 on gifts and celebrations this season.

 

However, packaging waste already forms about one‑third of the rubbish Singaporeans throw away at home ( The Straits Times). Choosing sustainable gifts is therefore one of the simplest ways to shrink your festive footprint without skimping on cheer.

 

Luckily, there are more low‑impact options than ever: from products to experiences to contributions to meaningful causes. This guide is packed with practical, planet‑positive ideas on eco-friendly gifts for Christmas.

Why Does Sustainable Gifting Matter?

Singapore has a growing waste problem. Christmas creates a global mountain of rubbish. Consumers here tear open an estimated 1.76 billion single‑use plastic items every year Singapore Environment Council.

 

Smarter packaging design alone could slash global plastic demand by 20%  by 2050 Singapore Environment Council, and 95% of local shoppers say they are willing to tweak their habits to get there.

 

This tells us two things: first, Singaporeans want change; second, practical alternatives need to be on the shelf now.

 

What makes a good eco-friendly gift?

1. Local or regional sourcing to reduce freight miles
2. Low‑waste or reusable packaging
3. Materials that are recycled, upcycled or certified sustainable
4. Proven durability or circularity (repairable, refillable or resellable)
5. A story that inspires the recipient to live lighter

Category 1: Upcycled and Edible Gifts

1 – the moonbeam co

The moonbeam.co rescues nutrient‑rich spent barley grains and coffee grounds, byproducts that would otherwise be incinerated, and transforms them into crunchy, high‑fibre treats.

 

Each Mocha Siew Dai cookie delights with real chocolate chunks yet contains less sugar than a conventional biscuit, while Chocolate Velvet offers a nut‑free option perfect for gifting. For regulars, check out our seasonal Ginger Snaps, packing a bite full of spices.

 

 

Gift them in our reusable jars or reusable organza pouched (in collaboration with Commenhers) for extra charm.

 

2- Fossa Chocolate

Source: VulcanPost

Fossa is a local #beantobar Chocolate Maker, crafting bars from producers that engage in agroforestry, where cacao trees are cultivated alongside other trees and crops to maintain a healthy ecosystem.

 

3- Ette TeaSource: Facebook

Ette tea blends feature local flavours such as Pandan Chiffon, Nasi Lemak and Lychee Konyaku. They base their tea production in Singapore to offset their carbon miles, and have ISO 14001 and CarbonNeutral® certification.

 

Category 2: Sustainable Lifestyle Kits

1- Minimakers Beeswax Wraps

Source: Minimaker.sg

Minimakers has grown to become Singapore’s foremost beeswax wraps.

 

Singapore maker Minimakers turns cotton off‑cuts and beeswax into reusable cling‑wrap alternative. A starter set replaces hundreds of metres of plastic wrap annually, which is perfect for eco‑curious home makers. They work with the Autism Resource Center to provide meaningful employment.

 

2- Unpackt Gift Cards

Source: The Independent, SG

Zero waste store Unpackt allows giftees to top up grains, nuts and toiletries with use of their gift cards. Gift choice this season, ranging from $10-100, and pair them with a reusable bag or glass jars for stocking up with zero-plastic!

 

3- Bamboo Self‑Care Essentials

Locally carved bamboo toothbrushes and solid shampoo bars from zero‑waste boutiques can keep bathrooms plastic‑free.

 

Category 3: Thoughtful Impact Gifts

1- Plant a Tree in Singapore’s OneMillionTrees Movement

A $300 donation covers a young sapling, site prep, and three years of maintenance in an NParks green space. Donors can join the planting session or let volunteers do it on their behalf, then receive an e‑certificate one month later.

The OneMillionTrees campaign has already put more than 800,000 new trees in the ground as part of the Singapore Green Plan 2030’s “City in Nature” pillar. Gifting a tree adds your recipient’s name to that running total.

 

Send a personalised e‑card—NParks emails a planting date and certificate, so forward that with a note like, “Your tree will take root in Bedok Park this November.

 

2– WWF‑Singapore One‑Time Donation: Choose any amount from $28 upward; WWF emails a digital certificate that explains how the money restores habitats and funds species research.

 

4- Rainforest Conservation Foundation Honour Gift Cards: Each illustrated e‑card shows the hectares of forest protected in your recipient’s name, perfect if they love tropical biodiversity.

 

How to Short‑List the Perfect Sustainable Gift?

1- Know the recipient’s lifestyle. Urban gardeners might love seed bombs; busy parents might prefer edible treats like our resavour cookies.

 

2- Check authenticity. Scan for certifications like FSC, GOTS, B Corp or genuine carbon‑offset data.

 

3- Plan logistics. Deliver in one consolidated trip or via low‑carbon courier.

 

4- Share the story. A quick note about up‑cycling or waste reduction makes the gift more meaningful.

Conclusion

Christmas has grown beyond its religious beginnings into a celebration of the year: of sharing joy, cheer and reciprocity in relationships. 

 

By understanding the lifestyle of your giftee, Christmas gifting can be done mindfully and sustainably. From products to experiences to contributions, we hope this guide helps inspire your giftee to make sustainable living easier.

 

PS: If you share the same passion as us for sustainability and would like to work together to create custom Christmas gifts and experiences that are as delicious as they are sustainable, do hit it us up with an email (hello@themoonbeam.co) or in our inbox on our social media. We would love to work together towards a common goal