The holiday season is upon us once again, bringing with it the familiar jingle of bells, the warmth of festive lights, and the joy of giving. But for those of us who are sustainably-minded supporters of Circular Philadelphia, this time of year can also bring a unique challenge: How do we spread that holiday cheer, support our local economy, and lessen our impact on the planet?
We’re thrilled to announce that this year, we’re teaming up with the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia to bring you an even more comprehensive guide to circular and sustainable gift-giving. Together, we’re showcasing an impressive array of local businesses that are leading the charge towards a more circular economy in our region.
From upcycled treasures to zero-waste essentials, from toy libraries to composting services, our 2024 Circular & Sustainable Holidays Gift Guide has something for everyone on your list. Each featured business represents a commitment to reducing waste, supporting local artisans, and reimagining how we consume and give during the holiday season.
Without further ado, our 2024 Circular & Sustainable Holidays Gift Guide!
Unless Kids
Remember when getting new toys didn’t take the organization skills of Marie Kondo? The Unless Kids Declutter Toy Chest is perfect for the lead up to the holidays so you can feel great today about getting rid of yesterday’s toys. One parent actually called the system “magic” for her daughter.
Try it out today! And through the holidays, anyone who orders a Declutter Toy Chest also gets 3 free months of Unless Kids membership. Use the promo code DECLUTTER when purchasing.
Check out @unlesskids on social media or visit their website to learn more about this circular solution to toy clutter.
Bennett Compost
Don’t just give a gift – give a greener future! With Bennett Compost, you’re not just filling stockings, you’re filling local farms and gardens with life and keeping our planet happy. Follow their entertaining and educational Instagram @bennettcompost for daily deals during the 12 Days of Compost (through 12/12/24). Sign up for 12 Days of Compost email alerts here!
Don’t trash your tree! Schedule a hassle-free pickup for just $20 or get it FREE with a year of curbside service.
Pro tip: Their locally made soil products make perfect gifts for the green thumbs in your life and a service subscription is the nudge your neighbor needs to go green.
Join the composting revolution and help create a more circular Philadelphia!
The Resource Exchange
Make your holidays greener at The Resource Exchange, Philly’s creative reuse shop & gallery.
Shop small, local, and sustainable with over 50% off retail prices on artist-made works, vintage gifts, reclaimed craft supplies, and secondhand seasonal decor.
Visit their Holiday Gift Thrift & Decoration Station at 1800 N American St. in Kensington and follow @theresourceexchange for inspiration on circular gift-giving.
Learn more and shop from home here!
Ray’s Reusables
Get crafty and sustainable this holiday season with Ray’s Reusables!
Join their candle fill event on 12/15 in collaboration with Queer Candle Co. Bring your own glass or ceramic vessel and transform it into a unique, eco-friendly candle. It’s the perfect way to upcycle and create a personalized gift. Follow @rays_reusables for more zero-waste inspiration and event updates.
Click here to check out their refill menu and order adorable stocking stuffers from home with guilt- and plastic-free shipping.
Circle Compost
Give the gift of a greener future with Circle Compost! Make sure your tree becomes mulch, not landfill waste. Schedule your tree pickup here.
Love composting and want to share the sustainable habit? Spread the joy of composting with a gift certificate for their composting service. It’s a present that keeps on giving – to your loved ones and the environment.
Use this link to purchase a gift certificate for anyone who lives within our service area. The $42 minimum purchase covers 3 months of our popular every other week service or 2 months of our weekly service, or can be used toward any of our other composting service options.
Visit their website or follow @circlecompost to learn more about their circular solutions.
Yardley Refillery
Fill your home with natural, seasonal scents from Yardley Refillery. Their store-made simmer jars in Coffee Cinnamon, Rosemary Citrus, or Ginger Almond Spice make ideal hostess gifts. Made with select shop ingredients and garden-grown herbs, these jars embody the essence of local, sustainable gifting.
Not sure what your loved one will like? Give a gift card and plan a day to check out their beautiful shop in quaint Yardley, PA.
While you’re there, bring household items you need repaired instead of tossing them out. Not super handy? No sweat – they offer services like knife sharpening and window re-screening!
Check out their website and follow @yardleyrefillery for inspiring podcasts and educational content.
Felt + Fat
Elevate your holiday table with locally crafted ceramics from Felt+Fat. They’re offering their deepest discount of the year – 30% off site-wide through Dec 5. It’s a perfect opportunity to invest in beautiful, durable pieces that will bring joy for years to come.
Check out @feltandfat for inspiration on sustainable tableware.
Baby Gear Group
Give the gift of sustainable parenting with Baby Gear Group! Their rental library helps families access top-quality baby gear without the waste.
Enjoy 10% off gift cards until 12/31/24 – a perfect present for new or expecting parents.
Visit their website or follow @babygeargroup to learn how they’re making baby gear more circular.
Remark Glass
Transform waste into wonder with Remark Glass! Their zero-waste glassblowing studio creates unique barware, tableware, and light fixtures from used bottles and jars.
Support local sustainable businesses this holiday season with their recycled blown glass line or self-care sets.
Shop online, order a custom keepsake, and follow @remarkglass to see how they have recycled over 420k lbs of glass – and turned Philly’s trash into true treasures.
Shane Confectionery
Indulge in sustainable sweets from America’s oldest continuously-run confectionery. Shane Chocolate Works crafts ethically sourced, bean-to-bar chocolate that honors tradition while innovating for sustainability.
Enjoy 10% off with code SBNMemberHoliday.
Peruse their entire collection of sweet treats and follow @shaneconfectionery for a taste of their commitment to responsible sourcing and local production.
Wallace Dry Goods
Elevate your holiday hosting with Wallace Dry Goods’ curated bundles.
Their discounted hosting sets and non-alcoholic options ensure everyone can raise a glass this season. It’s a sustainable way to celebrate that doesn’t compromise on style or taste.
Learn more in their online Libation Library resource, take a field trip to their Tasting Bar in Ardmore, and check out @wallacedrygoods for more circular, sober-curious lifestyle inspiration.
Head & Hand Books
Give the gift of knowledge and support local literature with Head & Hand Books. They’ve curated their own gift guide, featuring favorite titles and local maker goods.
Plus, their Book Bank program lets you donate old books for credit towards new reads – a perfect example of circular economy in action!
Looking for a really unique experiential gift? Book a romantic date night at the bookstore.
Follow @theheadandthehand for literary inspiration.
Bargain Thrift Center
Discover sustainable treasures at Bargain Thrift Center in Germantown. This 40-year-old thrift store offers high-quality used goods for everyone on your list. From vintage typewriters to toys and jewelry, find unique gifts while supporting the circular economy.
Follow @bargainthriftcenter for thrifting tips and deals.
Old City Canning
Bring the cozy scents of the season home with Old City Canning’s handmade candles. Their new holiday scents like Cranberry Birch and Fir & Balsam create a festive atmosphere while supporting local craftsmanship.
Follow @oldcitycanningco and check out their website to explore their all of their sustainable candle and room spray collections.
The Wardrobe
Gift style and social impact with The Wardrobe Box.
This quarterly subscription offers high-quality secondhand clothing in sizes XS-4XL, and each box sold provides clothing to someone in need. It’s fashion that truly gives back.
Learn more on their website and follow @thewardrobeorg to learn more about their circular approach to fashion.
Crust Vegan Bakery
Sweeten your holidays with Crust Vegan Bakery’s delectable treats. From pies and cheesecakes to cookies and tiramisu, they offer a range of vegan delights for your festive table. Not only are they sustainable, this woman owned and operated, all-natural, and all vegan bakery gives back to community, donating food and funds wherever they can. Gift cards are available year-round for the foodie in your life.
Learn more and follow @crustveganbakery for mouth-watering updates and to support local, sustainable baking.
Tiny WPA
Deck your halls with purpose this holiday season! Tiny WPA is turning everyday Philadelphians into Building Heroes, crafting a brighter future for our city one unique gift at a time.
Snag a “jawn”-dropping Philly Slang ornament, light up your life with one-of-a-kind candlesticks, or stick it to boring decor with tool magnets – all handmade by local change-makers.
These aren’t just gifts; they’re tiny revolutions. Every purchase from Tiny WPA’s online shop fuels their mission to build a more equitable, vibrant Philly. So why settle for ordinary when you can gift extraordinary and make a real difference in your community?
Be a hero this holiday – shop Tiny WPA’s circular, locally-crafted treasures and check out their work at tinywpa.org. For a daily dose of inspiration and impact, follow @tinywpa.
That’s a wrap!
As we wrap up our 2024 Circular & Sustainable Holidays Gift Guide, we at Circular Philadelphia are filled with pride at the incredible variety of sustainable gifts our member businesses offer. From innovative toy-sharing platforms to artisanal glassware made from recycled bottles, these businesses are not just selling products – they’re championing a vision of a more sustainable Philadelphia.
Our partnership with The Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia this year has allowed us to expand our reach and showcase even more local, sustainable options for your holiday shopping. We hope this guide has inspired you to think differently about gift-giving and to support the innovative businesses that are leading the charge to a circular economy in our region.
Remember, every purchase from these businesses is a vote for the kind of world we want to live in – one where waste is minimized, local economies thrive, and the joy of giving doesn’t come at the expense of our planet. As you check off your gift list this year, consider how your choices can contribute to building a more circular Philadelphia.
And don’t forget – a Circular Philadelphia membership makes a fantastic gift that keeps on giving all year long. It’s an opportunity for your loved ones to actively participate in shaping a more sustainable future for our city. Get 20% OFF any annual membership with code NEWMEMBER through the end of the year!
Already a member? Join the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia for 10% OFF with code CIRCULAR10!
Already a member of SBN? Join Circular Philadelphia for 10% OFF with code SBN10!
From all of us at Circular Philadelphia and the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia, we wish you a joyful, sustainable, and circular holiday season!
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