A Voice for Choice Advocacy’s Guide to Sustainable Holiday Gifting

The holiday season invites connection—bringing family, friends, and communities together in ways that feel familiar and genuine. Shared meals, neighborhood gatherings, and quiet moments of reflection remind you of the people who matter most. Twinkling lights, nostalgic music in the background, and the joyful rush of activity build a sense of anticipation, tradition, and gratitude for the year that’s passed.

At the same time, the holidays bring something less celebratory—a surge in overconsumption. Each December, countless rolls of wrapping paper are torn open and tossed aside within minutes. While the festive colors and metallic finishes make gifts feel special, glitter, plastic coatings, and foil details turn otherwise biodegradable material into waste that lingers in landfills for decades. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “paper and paperboard (cardboard) materials comprised the largest component of municipal solid waste.” When so much disposable material is discarded in the name of celebration, it reflects a larger pattern of consumption built on convenience instead of care and longevity. This cycle of excess feeds landfills and global industries that prioritize speed and low cost over quality, durability, and environmental responsibility.

Beyond the wrapping itself, the same cycle of waste extends to the gifts inside the packaging. The rush to buy more, often driven by seasonal sales and marketing, can lead to overbuying and result in products that quickly lose their appeal. Many of these items are made from plastic, shipped around the world, and wrapped again in layers of disposable packaging before even reaching the recipient. Being thoughtful about both presentation and purchase creates a more connected holiday experience.