Last-Minute Gift Ideas That Aren’t Plastic

House made of pretzel sticks, salami roof, and olives on trimThis is a time of year when many are giving gifts, but the ideas can be used for birthdays, anniversaries, and other gift-giving opportunities year-round.  Instead of purchasing a physical gift that may never be used, there are so many options that are good for you, the recipient, and the environment!

  • Perk up someone’s day with GreenPods coffee for K-cup brewers from Guide Roasting Company – made and sold right here in Virginia!
  • Events are back! Consider gifting tickets to a local concert, museum lecture, historic home tour.  If you purchase a ticket for yourself too, it will be a nice experience to share together.
  • Subscription to a product of the month are a gift that keeps on giving, such as beauty and wellness products, meal kits, or even movie theater tickets.
  • Digital magazines and products are an easy and low-waste idea, such as Mother Earth News; apps like Headspace for mental health coaching and meditation; or even Netflix has gift card options.
  • Edible gifts are always a hit. Fill mason jars with homemade or store-bought candies; bake a batch of your favorite cookies to share. If you’re more likely to purchase than cook, Edible Arrangements has local stores across Virginia, or next-day delivery for online orders.  Grocery stores have nice fruit baskets and often have fresh flowers that you can pick up locally and bring to a gathering.  Or Instacart offers locations in Virginia that deliver trays and baskets of food:  Delivery or Pickup Near Me – Instacart

And for the person who has everything or insists they don’t want any gifts, you can always make a donation in their honor to a nonprofit whose mission they embrace.  You can make a donation to a Virginia Humane Society for a pet-lover,  Tech for Troops to honor a veteran, or the local Food Bank, for those who want to help people experiencing food insecurity.  For anyone who wants to help Keep Virginia Beautiful, if you send a donation of any amount we’ll give you a one-day free parking pass for any Virginia State Park for you to keep or gift.  For donations of $100 or more we’ll send you or anyone you choose a Deluxe Cleanup Kit.  Contributions can be made in honor of, or in memory of, a friend or loved one.