The tradition of giving a 'housewarming' gift is believed to date right back to medieval times, and is said to have originated in Europe and Russia. In these times, gifts were both symbolic and practical in nature. For example:
- Bread and salt were a common gift in Russian and German tradition, and provided a symbol of hope that no one in the home would ever go hungry.
- Pomegranates were a traditional housewarming gift in Greece, and would be said to bring good luck, fertility and abundance to those who lived in the home.
- A broom was also a popular housewarming gift in Greece, to convey the sentiment that the home would always be clean and free of evil spirits.
These days, buying a housewarming gift can be tough, particularly where you're not sure whether the recipient has a particular style in mind for their interiors, or where they may be short on space.
But never fear, the green gift guide is here! We've rounded up a list of super versatile and practical housewarming gifts for all budgets and tastes - and the best part is, they're all eco friendly!
GIFT IDEA #1: UNPAPER TOWELS
Unpaper Towels are the sustainable kitchen heroes you didn't know you needed, but once you have them, you can't live without them!
These reusable towels are handmade in Australia by Little Miss M Designs, and are designed to be used in place of disposable paper towels and kitchen wipes.
They come in packs of three and can be clipped together to form a 'roll' of unpaper towels.
Unpaper Towels, Pink Spots - $35
Unpaper Towels, Pink Dandelion - $35
GIFT IDEA #2: The gift of knowledge
There are so many great books out there these days that focus on sustainable living. Jen Chillingsworth has written three awesome books that make great gifts for those moving into a new space.
Grow Green is a practical guide to growing sustainably. Packed with easy tips and advice, this little book reveals how to adjust your outdoor space (no matter how small!) and create a wildlife haven, while reducing your impact on the environment as you grow your own cut flowers, fruit and veg. From making your own fertiliser with leftovers, planting in pots, reducing energy consumption and conserving water, to dealing with pests and diseases, Grow Green removes the stress and simply shows you how to garden green.
Clean Green shows you how to carry out every cleaning task in your home in a natural way. From laundry detergent, toilet cleaner and furniture polish to hand wash, dishwashing liquid, stain remover and air freshener, all the recipes for natural products in this book are quick and simple to make and, most important of all, they work!
Live Green is a practical guide of 52 changes – one for each week of the year – you can make to your home and lifestyle to reduce your impact on the environment. Tackling all areas of your life from your cleaning routine, home furnishings, food shopping, fashion choices, natural beauty and Christmas, this book has all the ingredients to help you achieve a more sustainable year.
GIFT IDEA #3: Buy them a credit with Upparel
Moving into a new home is often the catalyst for people to clean out old clothing, footwear, bedding and towels. Help them to do this sustainably by purchasing a clothing recycling collection for them with Upparel. For just $25, Upparel will collect a box of up to 10kg of old textiles.
Textiles that are fit for wear will be donated to Upparel's charity partners, and anything that isn't fit for wear will either be repaired or repurposed into new things, including roof tiles, insulation, office partitions and stuffing for pet beds.
For more details, visit this link: https://upparel.com.au/clothing-recycling/
GIFT IDEA #4: Food cover sets
Your loved ones may be thinking of doing some entertaining in their new home. Why not help them to do it in a sustainable way with a pack of reusable food covers?
These food covers are a great plastic-free solution for all situations - from covering over your plates and bowls in the fridge, or for keeping away bugs when outdoors at a barbeque or picnic! They can also be used to cover over the end of a block of cheese or a piece of fruit, to retain freshness.
Each individual cover:
- is made from 100% cotton canvas
- has a food derived inner lining that keeps food fresher for longer
- can be put in the fridge or freezer
- is machine washable
Food Covers in Denim Stripe (4 pack) - $39.95
Food Covers in Flower Fantasy (4 pack) - $39.95
GIFT IDEA #5: Seeds
Growing your own fruit, veggies and herbs is one of the most sustainable things you can do. Give your recipient the motivation to start their own garden in their new home or apartment with a pack of seeds.
Sow n Sow Gift of Seeds (Trio of Herbs) - $9.95
Think that veggies might be a stretch for your loved one? Why not opt for floral seeds instead. Flowers are crucial for pollinators such as birds and bees, so rest assured that simply growing flowers will also have a positive impact on the environment (and will also look gorgeous!)
Sow n Sow Gift of Seeds (Sunflower) - $9.95
Happy gifting!
The Simple Sustainable Store xx