While we tout buying from sustainable outdoor brands and choosing used gear and more responsibly made clothing and gear for not just the outdoors, but for all areas of your life, the most sustainable option is always to buy nothing at all. Yup, including around the holidays. Especially around the holidays.
That’s because November and December are two months of the year when the theme of the season is one of mass consumerism and spending because, well, you’re supposed to. But what if we gave you permission NOT to spend? NOT to participate in gift exchanges or buy an overpriced tree or spend a few hundred extra dollars on lights (and the requisite electric bill)?
I know, I’ve already lost some of you. But we get it; gifting is fun sometimes! It’s a pleasure to hand someone you care about something they’ll cherish. But hear me out: you don’t have to buy something shiny and new in order to give a meaningful gift. In fact, consider challenging yourself to participate in Buy Nothing December this year and gift one of these ideas from our anti-capitalist gift guide instead. That way, you can focus on spending time with family, reducing stress, and enjoying the season. (Just don’t buy these gifts–we don’t want them…)
What is Buy Nothing December?
Maybe you’ve heard of Buy Nothing as a movement or an organization. Maybe you’re wondering what is the Buy Nothing Trend, even. Or maybe you’re a member of your local group! I’ve been part of Buy Nothing Facebook groups in my community in three states now! These groups exist to 1.) reduce waste, 2.) provide for neighbors in need, and 3.) help you get and give without spending your hard-earned cash.
But Buy Nothing December is about more than that. It’s more or less an extension of Buy Nothing Day, which started on Black Friday years ago with a message of anti-capitalism. But the trend isn’t about following a set of rules. After all, if the rule is not to buy anything in December, you can cheat the system and just buy everything you need for the month in November. It doesn’t work for the same reason one-day gas station boycotts don’t work; you’re just going to fill up the day before or after.
So think of it more as an ethos, a goal, a mindset: that there’s very little you probably NEED to buy new in this month of overconsumption in the way of gifts and supplies. Instead, focus on what you can make, repurpose, and find used, all while continuing to support your local economy in a more meaningful way than loading up your Amazon cart. Here are few ideas to get you started.
Buy Nothing December Anti-Capitalist Gift Guide
Repair a Beloved Piece of Gear
Does a friend or family member have a beloved backpack, jacket or tent with a broken zipper or a hole in the sleeve? If they’re reticent to toss it for whatever reason, instead of buying them a new item, pay to have their current one fixed (or do it yourself if you have those skills). There are gear repair shops around the country that you can send gear to for repairs, but there may also be a tailor or seamstress in your area that has the skills required. Don’t forget to check to see if the brand that made the item offers repairs or warranties!
Take a Hike
Love hiking (or kayaking or camping or mountain biking or snowboarding) with someone you’d normally buy a gift for but don’t adventure together as often as you’d like? Plan an adventurous outing for just the two of you (or however many folks you want to come along). Handle all the logistics, offer to drive or pay for public transport, pack all the snacks and hot beverages, and treat them to a day (or more) outside in one of your (or their) favorite places. Tell them all they have to do is show up–you’ll handle the rest.
Craft Consumables
Everybody loves homemade treats (though what qualifies as a “treat” obviously varies). Considering whipping up a batch of their favorite cookies, protein balls, homemade dehydrated peaches or bread and gifting that. (We’d be over the moon to receive dehydrated snacks.) Naturally, take into consideration any dietary preferences and allergies and whether they’re on any sort of health kick (juice cleanse? cutting? bulking? no sugar?) and gift accordingly. Bonus if it’s something they can take on their next hike.
Make it
Like to sew? Or woodwork? Or craft? Consider collecting scraps and materials (see below for where to find them) and making gifts instead of buying new. Sew a new hiking hip pack in their favorite color. Or craft a rack designed for storing backpacks in their small apartment closet. Or sew a new grid fleece made of remnant or leftover fabric. Or knit cozy booties to keep their feet warm during cold nights in a tent. Get creative and use your skills.
Browse Buy Nothing Groups
If you haven’t already, join your local Buy Nothing group online and see what your neighbors might be getting rid of that you could use. You can even ask for specific items like yarn or wood or fabric. You might be surprised by what folks would love to get out of their garages or craft closets. We’ve scored everything from Tyvek for ultralight tent footprints to shelving for gear storage.
Share an Experience
What’s more memorable and longer-lasting than most stuff you can wrap up and place under the tree? Experiences. Gifting a special one is a great option if you still want to spend a little something and contribute to the local economy but without giving something that will eventually end up in a landfill. Consider gift certificates for outdoor experiences like hang gliding, guided kayak tours, or cross country ski rentals. Bonus if the experience is from a locally-owned business.
Give the Gift of Education
Similar to experiences are educational opportunities. But instead of gifting simple fun, think lifelong learning. Do you know someone who just moved to the mountains and loves to hike? Pay for a local avalanche safety course. Sign them up for a wilderness first aid class. Or a bike mechanic course or series of snowboard lessons at a locally owned resort. It shows them you want them to have fun out there, but also want them to stay safe.
Gift Used
Skip buying new stuff and gift used outdoor gear and apparel instead. Stay true to the ethos of “buy nothing” and gift items you no longer use but know someone else will love (make sure it’s clean and in good condition first) or purchase used gear. We made a list of great places to buy used outdoor gear, but you can also check at your local thrift or outdoor stores for pre-loved items.
Get Artsy
If you’re the artsy type (and the recipient is, too), consider showing your love through your craft. Offer to paint a mural on their backpack, etch a design into their wooden gear rack, customize their ski poles or embroider their mittens. Write a poem about your outdoor exploits next to a photo from one of your co-adventures. They’ll cherish it for years.
Tune It Up
Not an artist? No problem. You probably have other handy skills you can put to use. If you’re an accomplished bike mechanic, give their favorite set of wheels a full tune-up or offer to bleed their brakes. Know how to wax skis or a snowboard? That service is worth its weight in gold. If they have gear that could use some love and you have the know-how, make it easy for them to get out there and play.
Bottom Line
While Black Friday sales are tempting and holiday gift guides abound (check out our more traditional outdoor gift guide here), for those who want to be more intentional and less consumer-focused this season, participating in Buy Nothing December and gifting with thought and purpose will always be the best choice in our book. So buy nothing, buy used, and purchase thoughtfully this season. Then wander on.
