50 Unique Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas That Would Make Mother Earth Proud
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It’s estimated that Americans produce 10.5 million tons of plastic waste a year. It’s true—we have become a consumerist society and it’s no wonder why. With a culture that advocates for convenience over the environment, the fast-paced, wasteful attitude has largely prevailed.
However, there has been a large shift towards going green and incorporating zero waste products into your everyday lifestyle. No matter the season or occasion, why not consider an eco-friendly gift idea? These environmentally friendly gift ideas can be reused, often made from recycled materials as well.
A sustainable gift can be many things, and you may find some new favorite items for yourself along the way. All the gifts we’ve rounded up are earth-friendly: from natural material sourcing to ethical production to transparent selling practices. There’s a sustainable gift for everyone on your list, even if that means it’s a hand-me-down or thrifted item. For those shopping new, we’ve rounded up the best sustainable items to gift this year.
Price Reference (average price):
$ | Under $50
$$ | Between $50-$100
$$$ | More than $100
Image: Amazon
Swedish Dish Towels
Swedish Wholesale
Price: $
Leave paper towels behind and use Swedish dish cloths instead. They’re as absorbent as over 15 rolls of paper towels, and they come with cute designs on them. These dish cloths make a great gift because they’re incredibly functional, affordable, and easy to add to a small gift
Image: Amazon
Silicone Food Savers
Food Huggers
Price: $
Meal prepper in your life? Someone who lives on leftovers? These dishwasher-safe silicone sleeves take the place of traditional plastic wrap or bags to slow down the browning process. Food Huggers is also a certified B Corp!
Image: Amazon
Silicone Baking Mats
Amazon Basics
Price: $
This eco-friendly gift idea can be conveniently found on Amazon and is a great sustainable gift idea for anyone who loves to bake. These silicone baking mats take the place of oil and parchment paper and are oven-safe up to 480 degrees. They also make cleanup a breeze!
Image: Tradlands
Hair of the Dog Silk Headband
Tradlands
Price: $
Puffy headbands are back in style, so why not lean into the trend with your gifts? A headband can be worn during a skincare routine or as an outfit accessory, and the soft silk headband from Tradlands is a perfect addition to anyone’s collection. The headbands are handmade in small batches and shipped in a compostable bag. Each purchase from Tradlands also leads to a certified donation to reduce carbon and protect rainforests.
Image: Amazon
Glass & Silicone Reusable Water Bottle
Yomious
Price: $
This reusable water bottle helps you cut down on harmful plastic waste and is free of BPA, PVC, and lead for cleaner water. It’s also dishwasher safe, heat-resistant (up to 466 degrees!) and leakproof, meaning no unwanted spills or damage!
Image: Parachute
Waffle Robe
Parachute
Price: $$$
Who doesn’t love giving a slice of self care? This soft and cozy Waffle Robe from Parachute is a bestseller. It has a 5-star rating with over 1000 reviews. The robe is made with 100% Turkish cotton, has a pocket on each side, and is machine washable. I was gifted this robe last Christmas, and it brings me moments of peace every time I put it on, whether it’s right out of the shower or over sweats to wear around the house.
Image: Sephora
Lip Wrap Reviving Balm
Ilia
Price: $
Ilia is a clean-makeup brand making products with the earth in mind. Try gifting the brand’s Lip Wrap Reviving Balm, a lightweight lip balm with hyaluronic acid and salicornia. The balm can be used everyday to boost hydration, and over time with regular use, lips will look smoother and have an improved moisture barrier. Everyone can benefit from lip balm, so stuff this in a Christmas stocking or tie a ribbon on it.
Image: Quince
Cable Knit Cashmere Throw
quince
Price: $$
If your giftee is someone who loves lounging, give them a cozy cashmere throw they can wrap themselves up in. This Cable Knit throw from Quince is 100% cashmere, so it’s both light and warm. It comes in navy, ivory, and heather gray colors that will compliment any home. And, at 50 x 60 inches, it can be used on the couch, on a bed, and anywhere in between.
Image: Amazon
Mesh Grocery Bags
Amazon
Price: $
The reusable, cotton mesh grocery bags take the place of traditional plastic or paper bags at checkout. Each bag can hold up to 40 pounds and comes to you in zero-waste packaging for a useful, sustainable gift idea.
Image: Amazon
Snack Containers
ZipTop
Price: $
Whether you take a snack to the office or to the classroom, single-use plastic baggies are far too common. These adorable snack containers are made from food-grade silicone that can be easily rinsed, reused, and loved for years to come.
Image: Amazon
Sandwich Bags
Stasher
Price: $
If you need a larger-than-snack-size silicone container, these bags by Stasher are the perfect size for a sandwich or other small meal. With a variety of different sizes, you can find one that fits your needs!
Image: Amazon
Silicone Straws
Flathead
Price: $
Many restaurants and coffee shops are already making the switch away from plastic straws to more sustainable options. If you aren't a fan of the paper straw, this silicone variation can be quickly stashed in your bag for any time that you need a delicious drink.
Image: Amazon
Bamboo Paper Towels
Kitchen + Home
Price: $
Bamboo is one of the most sustainable materials out there, and these heavy-duty bamboo towels are thicker, more absorbent and more durable than traditional paper towels. Each roll of bamboo towels can replace 60 paper towel rolls!
Image: Amazon
Makeup Remover Pads
Greenzla
Price: $
Cotton rounds make applying and removing skincare and makeup easier. But single-use rounds add up to a lot of trash. Instead, give reusable cotton rounds. The rounds are soft and absorbent and easy to clean—just toss them in the wash. This 20-pack of reusable rounds will surely make a long lasting gift.
Image: Girlfriend Collective
‘Please Recycle’ Crew Sock
Girlfriend Collective
Price: $
Many people admit they hated receiving socks as a kid but now it is one of the best gifts to get. I’m one of those people, too. Socks are a wardrobe basic, but that doesn’t mean they don’t make a statement about our personality or interests. You can surely gift socks to just about anyone and everyone. If your person is a lover of sustainability, these “Please Recycle” socks from eco-friendly brand, Girlfriend Collective, are the ultimate gift.
Image: Amazon
Wool Dryer Balls
Ohoco
Price: $
Wool Dryer Balls are a top sustainable purchase. They replace the need for dryer sheets (which are often toxic). You can still have nicely scented laundry by adding a few drops of an essential oil to the wool balls, like peppermint or eucalyptus. This set of six dryer balls is affordable and comes in a drawstring bag that you can easily wrap.
Image: Koko
Produce Bags
Koko
Price: $
Give those who love grocery shopping and home cooking a gift they can use every time they go to the store. Reusable grocery bags are wildly popular, but you probably notice that many people still use thin plastic bags and twist ties in the produce section. This mesh produce bag set is made of 100% GOTS-Certified organic cotton, so it won’t shed any microplastics onto your foods or in your laundry when you clean them. Plus, this set of three medium bags will hold most fruits and veggies.
Image: Amazon
Reusable Cotton Swabs
LastSwab
Price: $
These sustainable and sanitary alternatives to traditional cotton swabs can be easily substituted into your daily beauty routine! One LastSwab can replace 1000 single-use cotton swabs!
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Shampoo/Conditioner Sampler
Ethique
Price: $
Ethique has a mission to reduce plastic waste by creating products from natural ingredients. In fact, they are the world's first zero waste and sustainable lifestyle brand! All of the packaging is compostable, too, so it's a perfect sustainable gift!
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Reusable/ Compostable Utensil Set
Knork
Price: $
Made from sugar cane starch and bamboo, these compostable utensils are dishwasher safe but meant to last and be reused endlessly. With so many flimsy single-use plastic cutlery options, these durable eco-friendly sets are a breath of fresh air.
Image: Amazon
Glass Food Storage Containers
DE
Price: $
Incredibly durable, this glass is far safer than traditional plastic containers that can seep into the leftovers inside each time you reheat! These glass and bamboo food containers are dishwasher safe, freezer, and microwave safe, while still being BPA-free and non-toxic for any food.
Image: Amazon
Trolley Bags
Lotus
Price: $
Lotus Trolley Bags can be used in your cart to categorize groceries as you go. Put pantry items in one bag. Produce in another. When you reach the checkout lane, simply unload your groceries onto the belt, one bag at a time. Then, right back into the pantry bag they go!
Image: Amazon
Phone Case Made From Plants
Pela
Price: $
People often gift electronics around the holidays, and sometimes those new iPhones or AirPods go without protection for a few days until a case can be delivered. Think ahead by gifting a case along with an item that may need one. Pela makes both phone and AirPods cases that are completely compostable, so they don’t take up space in a landfill when they’re no longer needed. I’ve owned several cases over the years, and I continue to buy them. I love the grip of the material, but it’s never slippery. They protect your phone without making it bulky, and there are plenty of designs to shop.
Image: Weleda
Skin Food Hand Cream
Weleda
Price: $
We can all show our hands some TLC during the winter months. The Skin Food lotion from Weleda is the perfect everyday hand lotion to keep around when you feel your skin lacking hydration or in need of repair. The lightweight lotion is hydrating and nourishing, and it’s free from “synthetic fragrance, color, preservatives and raw materials from mineral oils” per Weleda’s website.
Image: Material
The Forever Peeler
Material
Price: $
Kitchen gifts tend to be universal; we all have to eat, right? The Forever Peeler from Material is a unique gift that will get regular use. It’s a stainless steel vegetable peeler that will last forever, as the name suggests. This could be handed down through the family along with favorite recipes! Or, it makes a great gift for a college student living in a dorm or anyone with a small apartment with not much space to spare.
Image: Cariuma
Ibi Stone Light Grey Knit
Cariuma
Price: $$$
Shoes might be a gift you only give to those you know well, if only because you need to at least know your person’s shoe size. If you plan to give footwear, give a pair of Cariuma sneakers. These minimal shoes are made with bamboo, recycled plastics, sugarcane, and cork. The knit styles are breathable and light. This shoe requires no break-in time and will quickly become anyone’s favorite everyday shoe.
Image: Buffy
Cotton Sheet Set
Buffy
Price: $$$
Give the gift of a good night’s sleep with a Cotton Sheet Set from Buffy, an online direct-to-consumer bedding brand. I own a Buffy comforter, and have this very sheet set on my wishlist. This cotton sheet set is made with OEKO-TEX-certified dyes and the cotton fabric is sourced ethically via the Better Cotton initiative. The sheets come in four neutral shades (cream, rain, shadow, and white) and a deep royal blue called Neptune that makes me want to dive into them.
Image: Amazon
Self-Cleaning and Insulated Stainless Steel
LARQ
Price: $$$
Have you heard of Larq water bottles? They’re reusable water bottles with UV technology that neutralizes bacteria and cleans the interior of the bottle. It’s a great water bottle for people who are always moving or traveling because they can fill it up at any water fountain and still have clean, delicious water. The design is sleek and insulated, and the bottle comes in several colors.
Image: Baggu
Standard Tote
Baggu
Price: $
What’s a gift guide without a Baggu bag on it? The Standard Baggu is one of the handiest items ever. It folds up small enough for easy storage, but can carry everything from dirty laundry to groceries. It comes in dozens of fun prints, too! This is a fun gift for any gift exchange, and if you want to get creative, you can use it as wrapping paper by placing another gift inside and tying the bag handles together.
Image: Mate The Label
Fleece Oversized Sweatshirt
Mate The Label
Price: $$$
Mate the Label makes some of the most luxurious loungewear, and the cozy Fleece Oversized Sweatshirt is no exception. The style is gender-neutral and screams cozy. The fleece is made of 100% Organic Cotton and comes in eight different shades. Mate’s website also has a useful “cost per wear” chart, which helps put in perspective the item’s durability over time. This could easily become someone’s new favorite winter top, and while you’re at it, get one for yourself.
Image: Credo
Bestsellers Bodycare Set
Osea
Price: $$$
Osea is a Malibu-based skincare brand that uses nature to inspire hydrating and clarifying products. Bundles and gift sets are popular around the holidays, and we recommend the four piece Bestsellers set as a skincare gift for anyone on your list. The Undaria Algae Body Oil is luxurious and lightweight, and the Undaria Algae Body Butter is thick and hydrating. What could be more perfect for the winter months?
Image: Coyuchi
Air Weight® Organic Bath Towel
Coyuchi
Price: $$
If you want to gift a nice home good but don’t have the budget for expensive bedding, try gifting towels. A new, plush towel is so satisfying, and it’s a gift people will put right to use. The Air Weight towel from Coyuchi is made from 100% organic cotton. Coyuchi has numerous sustainable certifications backing up their home goods, including GOTS, Fair Trade, Made Safe Certified and is part of 1% For the Planet.
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Medium Roast Organic Whole Bean Coffee
Price: $
Stumptown Coffee Roasters
It’s hard to go wrong when you gift coffee, but many beans are taken from hard working farms in southern countries where the land is stripped of minerals and workers aren’t paid fair wages. Instead, give a fair trade or direct trade coffee bean like those from Stumptown. The Portland-based coffee brand is transparent about its direct works with producers to build positive, eco-friendly practices. You can find Stumptown beans on Amazon in a range of roasts.
Image: Amazon
Stainless Steel Straws
Tronco
Price: $
Yet another sustainable staple is a reusable straw. They replace single use plastic and are easy to clean via the dishwasher. There are hundreds of brands making straws and dozens of designs to choose from. And at a low price point, these straws make great stocking stuffers. This set of six straws also has a silicone top piece to make drinking more comfortable, perfect for kids.
Image: Alleyoop
Stack The Odds Trio
Alleyoop
Price: $
Simplify your beauty routine with the Stack the Odds Makeup Palette. This compact, stackable set features six essential makeup products in one, ideal for on-the-go touch-ups. With its cruelty-free and vegan formula, it's a perfect gift for eco-conscious makeup enthusiasts who value convenience and sustainability.
Image: Package Free
Laundry Essentials Kit
Package Free
Price: $
Help your loved ones adopt a greener cleaning routine with this laundry essentials kit. The comprehensive set includes eco-friendly powdered detergent, not only reducing single-use plastic waste, but one 32 oz jar can do up to 60 loads of laundry! It makes an excellent gift for environmentally-conscious homemakers who seek effective and sustainable cleaning solutions, as well as those who might be moving into a new space.
Image: Osea
Undaria Collagen Body Lotion
Osea
Price: $
Indulge in luxurious hydration with Osea’s Collagen Body Lotion. Formulated with organic seaweed and plant-based ingredients, this body lotion nourishes and firms the skin. A perfect gift for those who prioritize clean and effective skincare, promoting radiant and supple skin.
Image: Reel
Bamboo Toilet Paper
Reel
Price: $$
Make a sustainable choice with bamboo toilet paper. Each box contains 48 rolls of ultra-soft, biodegradable bamboo toilet paper—I’ve tried it myself. It’s silly, but it’s also a thoughtful and eco-conscious gift for those looking to reduce their ecological footprint on an everyday basis.
Image: Brooklinen
Marlow Pillow
Brooklinen
Price: $$
Give the gift of comfort with a memory foam pillow that will transform someone’s sleep. Crafted with ethically sourced down and feather, this pillow offers exceptional support and plushness. It’s perfect for enhancing sleep quality and pampering loved ones with a touch of luxury.
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All Purpose Body Lotion Bar
climbOn
Price: $
Offer the gift of natural skincare with a plastic-free lotion bar. This versatile bar nourishes dry skin with organic ingredients and is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. A great choice for eco-conscious adventurers seeking a sustainable and travel-friendly skincare solution, like backpackers, campers, or travelers.
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The Renew Transit Catch-All Case
Everlane
Price: $
Keep small essentials organized with a versatile catch-all bag. Made from recycled materials, this chic accessory is perfect for storing jewelry, makeup, or tech accessories. It’s a practical and stylish gift for those who appreciate sustainable and functional design.
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Tri Block Marl Socks
Bombas
Price: $
Delight your giftee with cozy and sustainable comfort with Bombas Socks. Made from ethically-sourced merino material, these socks offer superior warmth and softness. They’re a thoughtful gift for anyone who values both style and ethical practices. Plus, the company donates a pair of socks for every pair sold, adding a community and social justice element to your gift.
Image: Nordstrom
V-10 Sneaker
Veja
Price: $$$
Step into sustainable style with the Veja V-10 sneakers. Made from eco-friendly materials and featuring a sleek design, these sneakers are perfect for conscious fashion lovers. Though they’re on the higher end of our price range, they’re tried and true shoes that only get more comfortable with time.
Image: Saje
Aroma Om | Sundial Diffuser
Saje
Price: $$$
Create a calming atmosphere free of allergens and toxins from candles by switching to an oil diffuser. This aesthetically pleasing diffuser enhances any space with soothing scents and adjustable mist settings. It makes a great gift that doubles as wellness and home decor.
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Refillable & Retractable Rolling Ball Gel Pen
Pilot
Price: $
Embrace eco-chic values while enjoying the same effortless writing you’re used to by switching to Pilot’s Bottle 2 Pen design. These pens are crafted from recycled water bottles and feature brilliant ink colors, including lime, orange, pink, and purple. Whether you're at home, school, or work, now you can go green with your supplies.
Image: Amazon
Easy Clean Hanging Compost Bin
McKay
Price: $
Encourage sustainable living with an easy-to-use, countertop compost bin. This compact and odor-controlling bin makes composting effortless. It’s a practical gift for eco-conscious individuals aiming to reduce waste and nourish the planet without requiring much effort.
Image: Girlfriend Collective
Dylan Tank Bra
Girlfriend Collective
Price: $
Combine style and sustainability with Girlfriend Collective, a fashion brand repurposing unused textiles and plastic waste into clothing items. Made from recycled materials, this sports bra offers support and comfort during workouts. Gift one to the fitness enthusiasts in your life who appreciate fashion with a positive environmental impact.
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Jute Planter Baskets
Eco Living
Price: $
Organize with elegance using these storage baskets. Handwoven by artisans, these beautiful baskets add a touch of artisanal charm to any space. Promoting fair trade and sustainable craftsmanship, they’re the perfect addition to your home to hold clothing, linens, toys, books, and more.
Image: Parachute
Century Table Lamp
Parachute
Price: $$$
Made with natural materials, this lamp is all about modern simplicity. Its sleek corners and lines are soft yet functional, making it suitable for any home’s design style. It will look great as a reading lamp on a nightstand or a stylish addition to a dim room. Plus, its marble base keeps it sturdy and upright.
Image: Amazon
The Leaf Razor
Leaf Shave
Price: $$
Upgrade to a sustainable shaving routine with Leaf Shave’s The Razor. This reusable, all-metal razor delivers a smooth shave without contributing to plastic waste. It’s a great gift for eco-friendly friends seeking an alternative to single-use razors, or those who are looking for a new area to transition to a greener way of life.
Image: Amazon
Natural Deodorant
Salt & Stone
Price: $
Nurture your body with the bestselling Salt & Stone roll-on deodorant. This all-natural, aluminum-free formula keeps you feeling fresh and confident all day long. It’ll make a thoughtful gift for health-conscious individuals who prioritize clean and sustainable personal care products.