“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” — Acts 20:35
Giving gifts is a beautiful way of expressing love, gratitude, and friendship. Yet in our modern world many gifts come with an unseen cost to the Earth. Cheap plastic items, novelty gifts, and fast fashion are often used briefly and then quickly discarded. Behind these products are polluted rivers, mountains of waste, and heavy carbon emissions. As people of faith who are called to care for creation, we can choose a different way of giving.
Acts 20:35 reminds us that the true blessing of giving lies not in the price of the gift but in the love and thought behind it. A meaningful gift should bring joy to the person receiving it without harming the planet that sustains us all.
One simple and beautiful alternative is to give living gifts. A small plant, a succulent, or a packet of seeds can be a reminder of life, growth, and hope. Plants bring beauty into homes, improve the air we breathe, and create a daily connection with God’s creation. Each time the plant is watered or a new leaf appears, it becomes a reminder of the person who gave it.
We can also think carefully about how we wrap our gifts. Shiny wrapping paper and plastic ribbons are often used once and thrown away. Instead, consider wrapping a gift in recycled paper, a reusable cloth, a simple brown paper bag decorated with leaves or twine, or even placing the gift in a basket that can be used again.
Giving in this way reflects a deeper generosity — one that cares for both people and the planet. When we choose gifts that nurture life rather than damage creation, we honour the Creator and live out the spirit of Acts 20:35.
In doing so, our gifts become blessings not only for those we love, but also for the Earth we share. 🌿🎁