The Most Sustainable Gift is One That Someone Actually Uses Over and Over Again
There's nothing quite like seeing that smile on your loved one's face when they've realized you've given them the perfect gift because you know them so well. The best part of hitting the nail on the head is knowing that the gift you've given is going to be in use longer, which means it will likely have a lower carbon footprint per use and may stay out of the landfill (forever?!) - this holiday season, we want to help you give the perfect gifts so that Mother Earth is smiling, too.
Have no fear! Finch, with a little help from your giftee's Big Three, is here to round up this year's best gift ideas based on the most telling, foolproof method: horoscopes! (Ok, yes, and science, too...duh). All you need is your loved one's birthday and then we can point you in the right direction and help you master the skill of gift giving.
Okay, I know I could've flipped to the back of literally any tween magazine in the past 10 years to learn a little more about horoscopes, but could you remind me?
Your horoscope is a snapshot of where all the stars and planets were located in the sky when you were born. Your sun sign is based on when you were born - if you say you're a Libra, your sun was in Libra when you were born.
Disclaimer: Rest assured that we've assessed social and environmental considerations when making this gift guide, even though not all physical products have been put through the wringer of our proprietary algorithm (yet). We also don't get any cut of the sale if you decide to buy these products; we just really love them.
SUSTAINABLE GIFTS FOR A SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 22-DECEMBER 21):
Funny, friendly, and with #nofilter, your favorite Sag is likely a world traveler with a passion for new adventures. With COVID-19 restrictions lifting, they're probably gunning to get somewhere new.
SUSTAINABLE GIFTS FOR A CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 22-JANUARY 9):
These Goats almost might be the GOAT. They're determined to take advantage of every foothold, always climbing. With an eye for beauty and a taste for the finer things in life, get your Capricornian friend Caraway's non-stick ceramic pans.
SUSTAINABLE GIFTS FOR AN AQUARIUS (JANUARY 20 - FEBRUARY 18):
These enigmas are eccentric and love people, but really need their own space... and they're all about joy. How better to spark joy Marie-Kondo-style than to get your water bearer the gift of an experience, rather than something material.
SUSTAINABLE GIFTS FOR A PISCES (FEBRUARY 19 - MARCH 20):
Our beloved pisces are in their feels all the time. For better or worse, they're highly empathetic, compassionate, and feel everything more deeply than most.
SUSTAINABLE GIFTS FOR AN ARIES (MARCH 21 - APRIL 19):
Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, which makes sense since all of the Aries we know love to be number one. These natural leaders crave constant activity and love to explore.
SUSTAINABLE GIFTS FOR A TAURUS (APRIL 20 - MAY 20):
These charming bulls love indulgences and worldly pleasures. They know the value of a dollar, and are all about a return on investment.
SUSTAINABLE GIFTS FOR A GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUNE 21):
These twin air babies aren't two-faced, but rather can see all sides of something, including the value of stuff that works well and is good for the planet. They are outgoing and out of the ordinary, love big bright colors, and are always ready for adventure.
SUSTAINABLE GIFTS FOR A CANCER (JUNE 22 - JULY 22):
The crabs in your life may get a bad rep for being a bit... well... crabby. But those who are fortunate enough to crack the Cancer's hard shell tend to find a soft, tender (and delicious with butter!) center.
But be warned, once you get through to these loyal, caring, and protective folks, you may never be able to escape the grasps of their love... for better or for worse. So, if you can't break free, you might as well make it look good.
SUSTAINABLE GIFTS FOR A LEO (JULY 23 - AUGUST 22):
Our high school chemistry teachers taught us oxidation and reduction by telling us that LEO the Lion says 'GER', but we are here to tell you that Leo the Lion says 'Grandeur!' While Leo's are widely known for their confidence, natural leadership abilities, and generosity, they also tend to choose the luxurious material goods over the worldly experience.
SUSTAINABLE GIFTS FOR A VIRGO (AUGUST 23 - SEPTEMBER 22):
Practical and discerning, these earth babies have the purest of intentions with a modest and conscientious nature. They're hard on themselves and possibly the least likely of the signs to 'treat yo'self.' Grab them a local spa gift certificate and our favorite pair of organic cotton sneaks, which are made by workers who are ensured a fair and living wage.
SUSTAINABLE GIFTS FOR A LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 23 - OCTOBER 23):
These charming, clever librans behave with fairness and keep everything on an even keel. They're flirtatious and people pleasing, but often struggle to commit.
SUSTAINABLE GIFTS FOR A SCORPIO (OCTOBER 24-NOVEMBER 22):
These sizzly scorpions are a strong, powerful type who know what they want with passion and intensity. They also expect total loyalty, so don't f*ck up and order something that won't be delivered until January, lest they think you forgot about them.
We can all get a bit shop-happy during the holiday season and it's important to be mindful of purchasing for the sake of purchasing. We encourage you to think about both what gifts you're giving and what you want the impacts of those gifts to be.
Illustrations by Niege Borges