Christmas is 10 days away, which means it’s time to hustle for those last minute white elephants & gifts for those in your life.

However, who needs more clutter in their homes? I’ve been a big believe of experiences over things for quite some time.

So here’s a few creative (and sustainable!) gift ideas that will leave a lasting impression.

9 sustainable gift ideas for the holidays:

1. Philadelphia Orchard Project allows you to plant a fruit tree in one of 52 orchards across Philadelphia in celebration or honor of a loved one. Find out more about the program here.
2. Create a gift basket based off local noms like Hanksauce or Gilda’s Biscotti.
3. Help your favorite yogi chill the f*ck out by purchasing a class card from their favorite studio (or someone who needs a few downward dogs…)
4. Buy tickets for an upcoming exhibit or live performance to share an experience with a friend.
5. Plan an upcoming cooking class from Greensgrow or COOK.
6. Give a “gift certificate” for a couple with children to babysit so they can have a parents’ night out.
7. Massages are amazing to relieve stress – just give a gift certificate or plan a day out for your stressed friend.
8. Relieve a family member of chores like cleaning or washing their car (bike?) by surprise.
9. Have a newbie cyclist? Get them a member to Indego bike share & a beginner cycling class.

Readers, what do you suggest for holiday gifts? Tell us in the comments.

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Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake. View all posts by Julie Hancher