From Thanksgiving to New Years Day, household waste increases by more than 25%. Added food waste, shopping bags, packaging, wrapping paper, bows, and ribbons add up to an additional 1 million tons a week to the nation’s garbage piles. And it’s not just trash. The average American spends $800 on gifts over the holiday season. In the spirit of giving, we’ve gathered some holiday gift ideas that create less waste and more memories:

Give your time and/or money to worthy causes.
Teach that who you are is more important that what you have.

Make donations to local charities and non-profit organizations.
You can donate warm clothes, food and/or money.

Give an experience.
Give a gift certificate for piano or cooking lessons that might be just the thing for someone who would like to begin a new hobby or skill.

Give eco-friendly gifts.
Products with little or no packaging or products made from natural ingredients. Try a state park pass, bus pass, compost bin or a bird feeder.

Give an investment.
Toys break and clothes are outgrown but perhaps you want to help a child plan for the future?