Let’s put mini ducks, sprout clips, and googly eye rings in the rearview. Tap in for a few thoughtful ways to spread love through gifting this festival season.
As a seasoned festival-goer, I, like many others, have amassed an insane collection of gifts from events I’ve attended over the years. I kept them all tucked away in a bin for posterity, unwilling to part with the special items someone thought would spark joy in me. That is, until I found my box overloaded with plastic junk that held no value.
Throughout the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, society relied heavily on e-commerce sites. Ordering from Amazon became a bad habit, one that seems to have trickled down to the rave community.
In the 2010s, the gifts I received from ravers were thoughtful and lovingly made. From cool perlers to pinecone necklaces and custom-made pins, I left each event with items that told a story. Now, it seems as if the majority of the crowd is phoning it in and ordering bulk junk a few days before the festival begins.
Not only do many of the items gifted these days have no true usage, but they’re also more likely to end up in the landfill. The synthetic resin, rubber, and plastic trinkets handed out aren’t biodegradable, leaving a lasting effect beyond the rave. To deliver festival magic while being eco-conscious, ravers should go back to basics and create rather than consuming.
Let’s beat consumerism and show up to the festival with gifts from the heart. Not sure where to start? Keep reading for ideas of how you can show up with gifts that people cherish forever.
Gift items that can actually be used, whether at the festival or beyond.
One of the worst things about many trinkets given out is that there is no specific use for them. Items like keychains can be used to decorate festival bags or hold your keys at home. These could be crocheted, made from a variety of beads and charms, fabric, or even Shrinky Dinks. With a million ways to make them, they’re the perfect way to express your creativity and provide a gift that will remain utilized.
Magnets are the perfect way to bring the rave home. A blinged-out photo frame with a magnet on the back can hold a favorite photo from the weekend. A quick and easy way to make a memorable gift is by using Mod Podge to adhere photos to the backside of a glass gem and attach a magnet. You can use photos of the artists who played, the festival logo, or anything that would make someone smile.
Use your unique talents to create one-of-a-kind trinkets that will be treasured for years to come.
If there’s one thing I know about ravers, it’s that we’re some of the craftiest people around. Pros at crocheting can create little plushies, mini Flowstars, or small pouches to hold trinkets received throughout the fest. If you have a 3-D printer, help your flowmies keep their prized possession from becoming a ground score by making Flowstar carabiners.
If you’re a wizard at graphic design, try your hand at creating custom stickers, tarot cards, or your own festival trading card. One of my favorite gifts of all time is a small ceramic vase that was made by a festival-goer. Ashtrays, mugs, and other easy pottery items are perfect for leaving at your campsite’s take-one, leave-one table.
Reduce, reuse, and recycle by giving new life to old items.
Jewelry is always a safe bet for being worn time and time again. Aside from the kandi that’s a mainstay of the EDM world, handmade necklaces, rings, and earrings are a hit. You can procure cool charms, beads, and buttons by repurposing items from the thrift store. Have dangly earrings that no longer have a match or a necklace that’s broken? Take them apart and use them to create something new and improved.
Sewing enthusiasts can use scrap fabrics to create a variety of items, including patchwork stuffed animals, ornaments, and coasters. Sunglasses from the thrift store can be blinged out for a statement piece that will level up any festival outfit. For those who have mini trinkets lying around that get no love, make them into new items, such as hair clips.
Don’t have a knack for crafts? Offer necessities or your time instead.
One of the best parts of festivals is seeing how the community pulls together to make sure everyone has what they need to make the weekend a success. Consider leaving out buckets of snacks, hydration packs, and various treats for those who need a pick-me-up.
With more festivals getting rained out than ever, ponchos make a perfect gift as they’re easy to forget when packing. Other necessities, including earplugs, travel toothbrushes, and feminine products, make for great additions to your take-one, leave-one table.
Remember, not all gifts are tangible. If you prefer acts of service, help your neighbors with putting together their campsite, or offer to take pictures of groups and solo attendees throughout the weekend. Lending an ear to someone in need, providing company, or simply giving directions can quickly turn someone’s experience into an unforgettable memory.
