Looking for ways to keep the holidays sustainable while still making those you love feel loved? Here are 12 gifts for food and drink lovers that do just that!
BUY YOUR FRIEND A CSA OR FOOD BOX
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs and food box subscriptions support sustainability by connecting consumers with local farms, reducing food miles, and encouraging seasonal eating. There are so many incredible local Ontario options to choose from, consider gifting a subscription from Willo’ Wind Farms in Durham Region, or Black Creek Community Farm in Toronto.
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MAKE IT B CORP OR BUST
Giving a gift card to a B Corp business—like Borealis Grille in Kitchener—does double duty, supporting both restaurants and meaningful change.
Known for serving the best locally crafted foods and beverages, Borealis puts their belief in supporting local into practice in every aspect of the restaurant. From sourcing ingredients from local farmers to partnering with Ontario breweries, distilleries, and wineries, and even choosing local building supplies and furniture, “local” is at the very core of everything they do—it’s no wonder they proudly hold Feast On® certification.
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BEE GOOD TO YOUR FOOD
Beeswax food wraps are a sustainable, reduces waste, biodegradable and a handy solution to your food storage needs. We like these from Earthology, handmade in Ontario.
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FILL THEIR CUP THE RIGHT WAY
Reusable coffee cups are always a hit, and there are plenty of option to suit every style!
For a truly one-of-a-kind gift, consider supporting local Ontario artisans like Valerie Daoust, who creates unique and beautiful ceramic travel mugs. Her Mountains Travel Mug, adorned with serene mountain designs, comes with a silicone lid to ensure secure, spill-free sipping on the go— perfect for coffee and tea lovers who appreciate both craftsmanship and sustainability.
WASTE NOT, WANT NOT
Vodkow is made with waste from the cheese making process – and this hand-crafted soap with Lavender essential oil is made with the waste from making Vodkow beverages.
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MORE SUSTAINABLE SUDS
Garden City Essentials combines sustainability and luxury with their organic skincare products, including GCE Soap Bars—thoughtfully crafted using natural, eco-friendly ingredients. These beautiful bars make perfect gifts, reflecting their commitment to supporting local, reducing waste, and promoting a greener future.
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IT’S A *STEEL*!
Perfect for bubble-tea sippers, Pretty Clean Shop’s extra wide, stainless-steel straw set comes in a reusable (and compostable) cotton pouch.
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TOTE-ALLY REUSABLE BAGS
Freon Collective tote bags are made from linen and combed cotton and printed with an eco-friendly digital printing technique. Made in Toronto.
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GIFT A BOX OF IMPERFECTLY DELICIOUS PRODUCE
Reduce food waste by gifting yourself and your loved ones a FoodFund produce box subscription this holiday season.
A FoodFund subscription is a sustainable gift that helps reduce food waste by delivering fresh, imperfectly shaped fruits and vegetables from local farms, ensuring delicious produce finds its way to the table instead of the landfill— perfect for eco-conscious food lovers.
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GROW A GREEN THUMB
Turn black thumbs green with a Click and Grow smart garden that cares for itself and grows fresh, flavourful herbs all year round (Did You Know: the artificial LED light system it uses requires only six watts of energy, which equals an extra $5 on your annual electricity bill).
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SIP YOUR WAY TO A GREENER PLANET
A bottle of wine from a Sustainable Winemaking Ontario Certified (SWO) winery will make an excellent gift for the eco-conscious pal on your list. To identify Sustainable Winemaking Ontario Certified wines, look for the green leaf icon on the label. Here’s a list of 12 sustainable wineries in Ontario.
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THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX
Wrap your holiday gifts with care using Furoshiki, a traditional Japanese gift-wrapping technique. Rooted in Japanese culture, Furoshiki embodies thoughtfulness and sustainability, eliminating the need for scissors or tape while adding a touch of elegance to your gifts. Available through local Canadian retailers like Olsen + Olsen, this zero-waste option not only reduces waste but is locally made, reversible, reusable, and helps you celebrate the art of wrapping with intention.
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