12 Sustainable Christmas Ideas

Victorian Christmas traditions were all about creativity, charm, and making the most of what you had. The Victorians embraced simple, thoughtful gifts that were also eco-friendly.

Victorian Christmas Cards

From homemade decorations to reusable wrapping, these 12 sustainable Victorian Christmas ideas will help you add a touch of vintage charm to your modern celebrations.

Traditional Sustainable Christmas Gifts

Victorian Christmas traditions were steeped in practicality and sustainability, partly out of necessity and partly due to cultural values.

Here are some examples of sustainable Victorian Christmas presents to try at home:


1. Oranges in Stockings

  • Symbol of Luxury: Oranges were a rare and expensive treat for most Victorian families, especially in northern Europe. Receiving one in a stocking was a special indulgence, symbolising health and wealth.
  • Sustainable and Practical: The fruit was entirely edible, and the peels could be reused for fragrant potpourri or cleaning purposes.

2. Reusable Wrapping

Victorians often avoided disposable materials for wrapping gifts:

  • Fabric Wrapping: Presents were wrapped in fabric squares, often decorative scraps or embroidered cloth, which could be reused.
  • Decorative Boxes: Wooden or tin boxes were popular and durable, used to store small treasures after the gift-giving.
  • Paper and Ribbons: Wrapping paper was used sparingly, often saved and reused year after year.

Video: Sew your own reusable gift wrap in 16 minutes!


3. Practical and Homemade Gifts

Victorians emphasised practicality and thoughtfulness in their gifting:

  • Knitted or Crocheted Items: Warm socks, scarves, or mittens were often made at home using leftover yarn.
  • Hand-Sewn Dolls or Stuffed Animals: Crafted from fabric scraps.
  • Homemade Toys: Wooden trains, spinning tops, or simple puzzles.

4. Edible Gifts

Food was a popular and sustainable gift choice:

  • Preserves and Jams: Stored in reusable glass jars, these were treasured gifts.
  • Homemade Biscuits or Cakes: Packaged in cloth or tin containers.
  • Candied Nuts and Fruits: Wrapped in paper cones or reusable cloth bags.

5. Nature-Inspired Gifts

Victorians loved incorporating natural elements into their celebrations:

  • Potted Plants: Ferns, ivy, or small evergreen trees were given as lasting gifts.
  • Dried Flower Bouquets: Carefully arranged and tied with reusable ribbons.
  • Handmade Wreaths: Made from holly, ivy, and pinecones, often embellished with reused scraps of ribbon.

Video: DIY Christmas fabric rag wreath


6. Secondhand or Repurposed Items

The concept of up-cycling was common:

  • Books: Often passed down through generations or given as secondhand treasures.
  • Jewellery: Reworked or repaired heirloom pieces were cherished gifts.
  • Clothing: Repaired, tailored, or adorned garments were practical and heartfelt presents.

7. Shared Experiences

Experiential gifts were also part of Victorian Christmas traditions:

  • Christmas Feasts: Sharing a special meal was a gift in itself, with families pooling resources.
  • Music and Carols: Homemade instruments or sheet music were given to encourage family gatherings and shared entertainment.

Video: Make Reusable Crackers for the perfect Christmas feast


8. Handwritten Letters or Poems

  • Personal and Sentimental: In the Victorian era, written word was a cherished form of communication. Handwritten letters, poems, or short stories were given as gifts.
  • Low Waste: These gifts had minimal environmental impact and were deeply personal, often becoming treasured keepsakes.

9. Homemade Scented Sachets

  • Natural and Fragrant: Sachets filled with dried lavender, rose petals, or cloves were a common Victorian gift. These were often sewn into small fabric pouches and used to scent drawers or wardrobes.
  • Sustainable Materials: The materials, including fabric scraps and dried flowers, were often locally sourced and reusable.

Video: Let’s make lavender bags


10. Hand-Painted or Carved Items

  • Artisanal Creations: Items such as wooden boxes, trays, or small decorative objects were often hand-painted or carved, reflecting the Arts and Crafts movement of the time.
  • Durable and Timeless: These gifts were made to last, with the added benefit of being completely unique, often incorporating natural materials like wood or clay.

11. Family Heirlooms or Vintage Items

  • Passing Down Traditions: Victorian families often gave family heirlooms as Christmas presents, such as antique jewellery, old pocket watches, or hand-me-down clothing. These items carried sentimental value and were a way to pass on memories and traditions.
  • Eco-Friendly by Nature: Since these items were often long-lasting and repurposed, they had little environmental impact.

12. Handmade Candles

  • Practical and Decorative: Making candles at home from tallow (animal fat) or beeswax was a common practice. These candles were not only practical for lighting but also used as decorations or in Christmas wreaths.
  • Sustainable and Reusable: Candles were crafted with care, and many could be repurposed or reused, with the beeswax being particularly durable and eco-friendly.

Video: DIY Thrifted Teacup Candle


These ideas show how the Victorians made use of handmade, practical, and often nature-inspired gifts, reflecting a sustainable approach of being resourceful and wasting less.


Sustainability in Victorian Celebrations

Victorian-era gifting reflects many values of modern sustainable practices: minimal waste, resourcefulness, and meaningful, personal connections. These traditions remind us that thoughtfulness often outshines extravagance during the holiday season.

Reusable Gift Wrap Project

Get into the holiday spirit with this fun and simple DIY Christmas gift wrap project! Using traditional patterned fabric, you can create a charming and unique reusable gift bag.

To make your own Christmas gift bag see: Reusable Fabric Gift Bag

These Christmas Fat Quarters are available on Amazon. Fabrics with traditional Christmas patterns, perfect for making your own Christmas stocking.

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