True or false: You should always bring a gift to a host or hostess. True!
But what do you bring to a dinner party host who’s eco-conscious, cooks often but is particular about food, and doesn't want another trinket to stash away?
Believe it or not, sustainable gifts don’t have to be complicated, so you have plenty of options! But to cut to the chase, you should pick something that's either thoughtful or practical. In other words, something that will create that "warm glow" effect. And you don't have to wrack your brain for an appropriately meaningful gift. Below are some fantastic options that are low-waste and kitchen-friendly, plus guaranteed to leave a good impression!
1. Homemade Spice Rubs
Here's something every cook needs more of: spices. But if you want a meaningful gift, one the host is actually going to appreciate and remember, skip the store-bought blends with their excessive packaging, and create your own rubs using bulk spices.
It's not difficult, we promise! Here are a couple of options:
- For grilling meat: smoky paprika with onion and garlic powder, plus salt and black pepper. Easy but delicious.
- For roasting veggies: paprika, onion powder and garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and some dried herbs like thyme, oregano, and basil (this is fantastic for roasted cauliflowers!).
- For baking: brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg (optional: cocoa powder).
Mixed up your herbs? Awesome - now pour it all into a small glass jar (reused if you have one) and simply label it with ingredients. If the host loves cooking, it's guaranteed they'll love it!
2. Sourdough Starter
Speaking of baking, if you know your host loves bread or has even just expressed curiosity about baking, you have the perfect gift: a jar of active sourdough starter. No need to look further!
It's a living thing and with a little care, it lasts indefinitely. It's literally a gift that keeps on giving. Research has even shown that the bacteria and yeasts in sourdough can improve digestibility and flavor in ways commercial bread can’t. Hand it over in a small jar with a quick set of instructions. It’s personal and actually useful, not just symbolic.
3. Infused Olive Oil
What if you want something simple but still useful? Go with infused olive oil! It's guaranteed to elevate any dish.
But here's the secret sauce to making it work: you want a good-quality olive oil (ideally EVOO but virgin is fine, too), not blended. You also, obviously, want to infuse it with some herbs: rosemary, garlic, or chili all work great. To be on the safe side, infuse it with dried ingredients instead of fresh (fresh herbs in oil can cause botulism if stored improperly). A small swing-top glass bottle works perfectly, and it looks elegant without the waste of commercial packaging.
4. Responsibly Sourced Bouquet
If you want something foolproof, flowers it is. They'll always make for a lovely gift, but since they sometimes come with a heavy footprint (when flown in from far away), it's better to choose a local florist who works with seasonal blooms. Wildflowers that don’t require intensive resources may be an even better option.
If you want to send flowers, you can still find companies that prioritize sustainable sourcing. Pairing beauty with responsibility gives the gesture real weight.
5. Herb Bundles
Not sure if your host is into plants but you know they love cooking? In that case, obviously don't give them a potted plant, but do consider giving them fresh bundles of thyme, rosemary, or sage. When tied with twine, they're pretty and eco-friendly, plus it's a gift you know they'll use.
You can source them from a local market or your own garden if you have one. Bonus: dry herbs can extend their use, so they don’t go to waste.
6. Beeswax Wraps
Plastic wrap still dominates in many kitchens despite better options. A host who cares about sustainability will love beeswax wraps (even if they have them already; you can't ever have too many!).
They're reusable, compostable, and actually work better than plastic for covering bowls or wrapping bread. A three-pack in varied sizes makes a practical yet stylish gift.
Tips on Packaging
A great gift is just a part of the puzzle for the sustainable giftee; packaging matters, too. In fact, we'd go as far as to say that the wrong packaging can ruin a good eco-friendly gift.
What's "wrong" here, you ask? Pollutants like shiny paper, plastic ribbons, and cellophane. What's good? Kraft paper, repurposed fabric, or even a clean tea towel to wrap gifts. And when possible, let the container (like a jar or basket) serve as part of the gift.