We all know that coal from Big Oil is not at the top of our holiday wish list — a clean energy future is instead!

If you’re going to give this holiday season, opt for one of these thoughtful choices to avoid giving something that will inevitably end up in a landfill. This green gift guide includes some of our top choices for a brighter holiday season.

Experiences: Tickets to a dance, music, or live comedy show

Less stuff, more experiences! Whether you plan to join in the fun or not, gift a pair of tickets to a live performance of your friend’s favorite musician, band, or group on tour. Bonus points if you snag tickets to see one of our Climate Comedy Cohort comedians doing stand-up!

Classes and workshops are another great option to support others in learning a new skill (ie. guitar lessons, latte art, home-brewing, pottery). You can also gift a staycation and treat a friend to a spa-day, a massage, or facial. By choosing one of these options, you’ll create memories instead of waste.

Food: Scrumptious sips and sweets  

Nobody is ever disappointed when they receive food as a gift. I mean, have you seen how excited this kiddo was about unwrapping an avocado? Spread some holiday cheer in a tasty way by gifting some fair-trade chocolate, beer made from upcycled bread waste, or homemade cookies. Better yet, shop small by supporting a local baker or artisan. Your family and friends won’t even know you saved their gift-shopping ‘til the last minute. You could also share a collection of your favorites recipes with personal notes about ingredient swaps you’ve tried and other recommendations.

Don’t consider yourself a chef or baker? Consider footing the bill for a nice dinner to their favorite local restaurant. 

Crafts: Clean energy coloring book

We’re big fans of Nicole Kelner’s watercolor work, so when we heard she created her own coloring book, Electrify Everything-The Clean Energy Coloring Book, we had to scoop up a copy for ourselves! From kiddos to adults, this coloring book is chock-full of fun images of electric vehicles, microgrids, and other scenes to get you excited about a clean energy future.

Other ideas for the artsy-friends in your life could be a paint-by-number set, knitting materials, or a gift certificate for a class at a local pottery studio. Let your friends flex their creative muscle and have an opportunity to make something they are proud of.

Have a friend that’s more of a book-worm? Check out our list of climate book recommendations!

Wheels: An electric vehicle

Okay, we know this is a big-ticket item. But hear us out! Now has never been a better time to buy an EV – with state and federal tax incentives, mounting gas prices, and lower emissions no matter where your electricity is coming from, it’s time to make the switch to an electric vehicle. Not in the car market? Sign our Going Electric Pledge and commit to making your next car purchase electric.

Prefer to ride around on two-wheels? E-bikes are great gift option. Thanks to their surging global popularity, they are cutting fossil fuel demand by a million barrels of oil a day. Plus, several states are encouraging e-bike adoption through rebates and tax credit initiatives.

Merch: Clean energy swag

At Generation180, we don’t put coal in stockings—we’re #fossilfuelfree! Check out our collection of eco-friendly gifts and swag for everyone from EV-lovers to climate comedy enthusiasts. 

P.S. Did you know that Americans throw away 25 percent more trash during the Thanksgiving to New Year’s holiday period than any other time of year? By choosing to wrap your gift in something reusable like an attractive cloth or towel, or decorating and reusing an old grocery bag or newspaper, you can take your green gifting to the next level.

P.P.S. If you prefer to opt-out completely from consumerism culture, check out the SoKind registry to help you focus more on fun and less on stuff.