Gifts that won't wind up in a landfill

If you're tired of all of the Black Friday shenanigans of ever-earlier store openings and the never-ending competition to find The Perfect Gift, I have an antidote:

Make it,
buy it local,
or gift an experience instead of an item.

I got inspired to write this list when I was brainstorming a "gifts that need no wrapping" article for Examiner.com.


For the runner in your life, consider gifting:

• Entry into a race the runner wants to run, but hasn't registered for
• Homemade protein bites, or other post-race recovery treat
• Sessions with a running coach

For the hiker or trail-runner in your life, consider gifting:

• A national parks pass or state parks pass
• Homemade granola
• A charitable donation, in the person's honor, to a wilderness preservation organization

For any fitness-minded friends and family, consider gifting:

• Gym membership
• Sessions with a personal trainer
• A massage
• Classes at a local yoga or pilates studio
• A gift certificate to the person's favorite healthy restaurant

The moral of this story: It is possible to give someone a meaningful, thoughtful gift that won't end up in a landfill. And all of these gifts are virtually guaranteed to fit, require no gift-wrapping, and don't involve fighting through holiday shopping crowds. Win-win-win!

What clever can't-be-wrapped gifts have you given or gotten over the years?