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Christmas is a time for generosity, celebration and togetherness — but it’s also one of the most wasteful times of the year. In Kent, however, celebrating sustainably doesn’t mean sacrificing festive cheer. Known as the Garden of England, Kent offers an abundance of local food, makers and experiences that make it easy to enjoy a more thoughtful, low-impact Christmas.
From locally made gifts to Kentish Christmas hampers and seasonal baking, here’s how to have a Christmas that supports local businesses, reduces waste, and truly reflects the spirit of Kent.
Shop Local This Christmas in Kent
Supporting local businesses is one of the most impactful ways to have a more sustainable Christmas. Shopping locally keeps money in Kent’s economy, reduces transport emissions, and helps small producers thrive during the busiest — and most important — retail season of the year.
Discover Kent’s Independent Makers
Organisations like Produced in Kent make it easy to find high-quality local food, drink and gifts. Their members include growers, bakers, brewers, artists and craftspeople from across the county, offering everything from festive treats to beautifully made presents.
For cosy, long-lasting gifts, Romney Marsh Wools is a brilliant example of Kent craftsmanship. Their blankets, throws and accessories are made using British wool and traditional methods — perfect for a meaningful, sustainable Christmas gift that will be used year after year.
At Castle Farm near Shoreham, you’ll find a wonderful range of Christmas-ready gifts, including culinary lavender products, local honey, oils, and festive homeware. Castle Farm is a great place to find thoughtful presents that feel special without being wasteful.
Create a Kent Christmas Hamper
A Kent Christmas hamper is one of the most sustainable and personal gifts you can give. Instead of mass-produced gift sets, building your own hamper allows you to support multiple local producers while tailoring the contents to the recipient.
What to Include in a Kent Hamper
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Local wine or sparkling wine from a Kent vineyard
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Kentish cheeses, chutneys and preserves
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Honey from Castle Farm or other local apiaries
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Handmade chocolates or biscuits from a Kent producer
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Romney Marsh Wools accessories for a luxurious touch
Choose a reusable basket, wooden box or fabric bag, and finish with recyclable wrapping or fabric gift wrap. A locally sourced hamper not only reduces packaging waste but tells a story of Kent through food and craftsmanship.
Bake for Christmas Using Locally Sourced Ingredients
Christmas baking is a tradition for many households — and it’s a great opportunity to shop more sustainably.
Baking the Kentish Way
Where possible, source ingredients from:
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Local farm shops and greengrocers
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Kent mills for flour
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Local eggs, butter and dairy
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Kent honey, apples, and seasonal fruit
Kent apples work beautifully in Christmas cakes, puddings and mincemeat, while local honey can be used in biscuits, gingerbread and festive breads. Baking at home reduces packaging waste and creates thoughtful, homemade gifts that feel far more personal than anything bought online.
Choose Sustainable Decorations and Wrapping
Decorations don’t need to be new every year. Reusing what you already have is the most sustainable option, but Kent also offers plenty of alternatives if you’re looking to add something special.
Ideas include:
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Natural decorations made from dried oranges, pinecones and greenery
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Wooden or paper decorations from local makers
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Second-hand decorations from Kent charity shops
For wrapping, brown paper, reusable gift bags, or fabric wraps tied with twine and sprigs of rosemary or dried lavender from Castle Farm make gifts look beautiful without the waste.
Opt for a Locally Grown Christmas Tree
If you choose a real Christmas tree, buying one grown in Kent helps reduce transport emissions and supports local growers. Many local farms offer responsibly grown trees, and some even provide recycling schemes after Christmas.
Alternatively, potted trees that can be replanted or reused year after year are a great option for smaller spaces.
Give Experiences Across Kent
Experiences make memorable, clutter-free gifts — and Kent has plenty to offer.
Consider gifting:
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Vineyard tours or tastings
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Workshops with local craftspeople
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Memberships to local heritage sites or gardens
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Theatre tickets or cultural events
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Vouchers for independent cafés, pubs or restaurants
Experiences support local businesses while creating lasting memories rather than adding to landfill.
Celebrate a Slower, More Local Christmas
A sustainable Christmas isn’t just about shopping — it’s also about how you spend your time. Kent’s countryside, coastline and villages are perfect for festive walks, winter swims, and post-Christmas pub lunches.
Slowing down, staying local, and reconnecting with your surroundings is often the most meaningful gift of all.
A More Sustainable Christmas Starts at Home
A local and sustainable Christmas in Kent doesn’t require perfection. Even small choices — shopping locally, baking with Kent ingredients, choosing reusable wrapping — make a difference.
By supporting Kent’s producers, makers and growers, you’re helping to preserve the character of the county while creating a Christmas that feels generous, grounded and full of heart.
