If you’re looking to give gifts that feel meaningful and not mass-produced this holiday season, we’ve gathered a list of sustainable gift giving ideas that support local farms and makers, reduce waste and shift the focus away from “stuff”.
DIY Christmas Gifts
Sometimes the best gifts come from your own hands. These ideas are simple, beautiful and rooted in Wisconsin.
DIY Compound Butters (Made with Wisconsin Dairy)
Whip up small batches of flavored butter using locally produced Wisconsin butter or make your own butter using heavy whipping cream. Try herb-garlic, maple-cinnamon or cranberry-honey. Roll them in parchment, tie with twine and you have a gourmet gift perfect for holiday brunch boards.
DIY Mason Jar Soup or Baking Mixes
Layer Wisconsin ingredients to create a mason jar pancake mix or soup mix. They look gorgeous on the counter and make dinner (or dessert!) a breeze for busy families.
DIY Porch Pot
Give a long-lasting seasonal decoration made from nature’s leftovers: evergreens, pine cones, seed heads and dogwood branches. It’s a beautiful zero-waste alternative to buying a plastic outdoor display. Make your own porch pot or create Christmas memories by attending a local class with a loved one.
Homemade Gifts Using Wisconsin Products
Nothing says “from Wisconsin, with love” quite like food and craft gifts made with local ingredients.
DIY Charcuterie & Cheese Kit
Curate a small selection of Wisconsin cheeses, beef sticks, local honey, crackers and a jar of local jam. Package it in a reusable tin or basket for a delicious, ready-to-share holiday spread.
Wisconsin Coffee Sampler
Create a cozy bundle with a trio of locally roasted coffees from Berres Brothers or Door County Coffee. Pair with homemade biscotti or chocolate-covered espresso beans for the ultimate winter morning gift.
Small-Batch Candles in Wisconsin Scents
Support a Wisconsin business by gifting handmade candles crafted by local makers like Hilby Family Farms or Vanden Wymelenberg Farm Goods. Find Wisconsin-inspired scents like Old Fashioned, pine, cranberry or campfire.
Thoughtful Sustainable Gift Giving Ideas
Sustainable gift giving doesn’t always mean making something from scratch. Sometimes it’s about giving items a second life.
Favorite Book Exchange
Pass along a book you loved and share a handwritten note about why it meant something to you. It’s deeply personal and totally waste-free.
Kids’ Toy Swap Box
Refresh playtime without buying new toys. Fill a small box with gently-used books, games or puzzles your family no longer needs and let them bring joy to someone else.
Upcycled Home Décor
Give new life to a frame, vase or decorative piece by refinishing or refreshing it. A little paint or a simple modern makeover can transform an overlooked item into a thoughtful gift.
Wisconsin Agriculture Experiences (Gifts That Aren’t “Things”)
For families who value memories over material gifts, these Wisconsin agriculture experiences are unforgettable.
Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center Membership (Manitowoc)
With hands-on exhibits and a chance to see calves born in the birthing barn, this is a must-visit destination for curious kids and adults alike.
Food + Farm Exploration Center Passes (Plover)
From STEM activities to food system exhibits and maker spaces, this interactive center is a playful, educational experience rooted in Wisconsin agriculture.
Wisconsin State Fair Tickets
Think of it as giving a whole summer day: agriculture exhibits, animals, live shows and iconic Wisconsin foods. A gift the whole family looks forward to.
Wrapping It Up (Sustainably!)
Finish your gifts with reused ribbons, craft paper or newspaper. Add a little greenery from your yard for a natural touch that composts beautifully.
Sustainable gift giving supports Wisconsin farms, local makers and small businesses while reducing waste and building mindful holiday traditions. Whether you’re crafting, baking, upcycling or gifting experiences, these ideas make it easy to give with purpose this season.