This year, I’ve been putting more effort into buying sustainable items because–like many of us–I’m realizing how important it is to do our part, however small, to take care of the planet. Maybe you’ve always been the type of person to shop only for eco-friendly products and brands, but I have to admit that I haven’t been. So, in an effort to shift towards a more sustainable lifestyle, I’m looking into more environmentally friendly gifts this year. And, to make it easier for you to do the same, I’ve curated a list of sustainable or eco-friendly gift ideas for your friends and family to love.
But first, let me address a few frequently asked questions about sustainable shopping.
Keep in mind, I’m still a newbie to all of this so I’m not a Professional Sustainable Individual by any means. But, I do my research and always do my best to bring you accurate information and amazing products!
What does eco-friendly mean? What’s the difference between eco-friendly and sustainable?
So, understandably there’s some confusion around the terms eco-friendly and sustainable. What’s the difference? Do they mean the same thing? Which one’s better for the planet?
Well, no they’re not quite the same thing, though both are more beneficial for the environment than the past ways of doing things.
The quick version is this: Eco-friendly means the product doesn’t hurt the environment or the planet. Sustainable means that the product and its production doesn’t deplete the planet’s future generations of the resources required to make or use the product.
Basically, sustainability is more focused on the future and ensuring we can maintain our earth’s natural resources for generations to come. Eco-friendly means the product or production of the product doesn’t hurt the earth right now.
The bottom line is this: A product is eco-friendly if it doesn’t harm the planet (like it’s made with biodegradable material instead of plastic). A product is sustainable if it provides social, economical, or environmental benefits.
Why shop eco-friendly and sustainable gift ideas?
When you shop for environmentally friendly and sustainable products, it’s (obviously) better for the planet because it reduces waste and pollution, and helps maintain the planet’s natural resources.
BUT. Maybe you’re wondering how sustainable shopping benefits you personally. For some people, it’s hard to see the importance of mindful shopping because the idea of depleting future generation’s of natural resources feels too vague or far away.
So, let me get you hyped on sustainability. The benefits of shopping sustainably for the individual (you and me) is that those products have minimal to no toxic ingredients, meaning they’re much safer for you and your family to use.
Plus, sustainable shopping is actually cheaper in the long run. Maybe you spend extra money up front, but the product you get is gonna last a lot longer and provide you with multiple uses in comparison to their disposable counterpart.
Don’t adopt an all-or-nothing mindset when it comes to being environmentally friendly
The truth is, it can get a bit confusing when you try to shop sustainably. For example, you may think you’re helping the planet because you buy a bamboo toothbrush instead of a plastic one, but then you learn that the company has a huge carbon footprint and uses tons of plastic in their packaging.
It can get quite frustrating and make you wanna say screw it, the planet’s doomed for anyway.
But here’s the thing: Trying to shop sustainably is so much better than giving up on it completely.
With that in mind, I curated a list of all around eco-friendly and sustainable products that are good for you and the planet, from the way the product was manufactured to the packaging it comes in.
Trying to shop eco-friendly, sustainable products and being less than perfect is still so much better for you and the planet than giving up before you even try.
How to know if a product is eco-friendly
One way to know if a product is sustainable or not, according to Waste Advantage magazine, is to check for green label certifications. Specifically, look for Energy Star (for energy efficiency), USDA Organic Seal (for organic products), Forest Stewardship Council (for products made from trees in responsibly managed forests), and Green Seal (for general sustainability).
Also look for specific claims. A broad claim like “natural,” or “green,” isn’t enough to be sure. You want a specific claim like “made from 100% biodegradable materials” or “made from 100% recycled material” to be sure the product is actually eco-friendly.
Plus, you should pay attention to the product’s packaging. If a company uses eco-friendly packaging or recycled materials, you’ll probably know about it because they’re going to shout about it by putting it on the label or in the product description.
Without further ado, let’s dive into my best sustainable and environmentally friendly gift ideas for all your friends and family.
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My Top Eco-friendly Gift Picks
| Best Overall | Zero Waste Starter Kit |  |
| Most Unique | Sea Glass Necklace |  |
| Best Accessory | 100% Silk Bandana |  |
| Best for Comfort | Merino Wool Leggings |  |
| Best for Daily Use | Beeswax Wrap |  |
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas
Zero Waste Bag Made of Upcycled Plastic
I was in the middle of writing this gift guide when I had the pleasure of connecting with San Diego business Mother Erth. I love supporting local businesses, and I was even more excited to learn about the company’s mission of sustainability.
Mother Erth sells beautiful eco-friendly bags that are handmade by artisan mothers in the Philipines, who weave the bags from unused food and drink packaging that would have otherwise ended up in landfills, and then in the ocean.
Each bag is unique since they’re all made from the discarded laminated aluminum tossed out by manufacturers–which happens even if there’s just a minor error in the printing. Because of the way the bags are made and the materials used, no one will have one quite like yours.
For extra durability, Mother Erth’s artisans use double weaves with deep rooted handles so that your bag can easily stand up to daily use.
Besides upcycling plastics and reducing ocean pollution, I love that Mother Erth takes care of their people. Mother Erth’s team of artisan moms in the Philippines use their traditional hand weaving methods to create these sustainable bags, for which Mother Erth pays them over 3x the average wages in those areas.
This allows them to work from home, and ensures those moms and their families have the financial resources they need for nutrition and education.
While I did receive a complimentary bag from Mother Erth, I want to emphasize that I truly love and believe in this brand’s mission to reduce pollution and plastic waste, save our oceans, and help provide a solid living for mothers in the Philippines.
Use discount code SAVDUFFY to get 25% off your purchase!
Spa Gift Set
This beautiful spa gift set comes with a body butter, a sugar scrub, handmade soap, and two eco-friendly bamboo spoons to scoop your body butter and scrub.
Currently, available scents are coffee + vanilla, raspberry + orange, lavender woods + honey, and raspberry rose. Island grapefruit is sold out at the moment, but hopefully it’s back in stock soon!
Packaged in glass and paper, this luxurious spa set is a great eco-friendly gift option for anyone who needs some pampering and relaxation!
Metal Straw Set
A reusable straw set is the perfect gift for anyone who loves to keep a cold beverage with them, but hates single-use plastic straws.
I love that these stainless steel straws come in 3 patterns so you can pick the one that best reflects your friend’s personality. Choose from the star style, the giraffe style, or the line style.
Each set comes with 1 straight straw, 1 bend straw, 1 smoothie straw, 1 cleaning rod, and 1 carrying case. What’s especially useful is that these straws are dishwasher safe and BPA-free!
Mesh Grocery Bag
Say goodbye to plastic bags and disposable grocery totes! These long handle, handmade mesh grocery bags are made with 100% cotton and are completely biodegradable and non-toxic.
Use them for trips to the grocery store, the farmer’s market, picnics, or anywhere else you need a bag! These are big enough to hold a few cantaloupes or a dozen apples, so while they’re not gigantic they’ve got plenty of room for your grocery needs.
With a dozen beautiful colors to choose from, all dyed with 100% plant-based dyes, this is a zero-waste and planet-friendly gift you can feel good about giving.
Zero Waste Starter Kit
I love starter kits for people who are just now getting into a sustainable lifestyle (like myself!).
Choose from 3 different sustainable and eco-friendly gift boxes, each with their own unique offerings.
Box 1 includes 1 bamboo cutlery utensil set, 1 string bag (100% Organic GOTS Certified Cotton Produce Bag), 1 sisal soap saver pouch, and 1 box of bamboo cotton swabs.
Next, Box 2 includes the same as Box 1, but with the addition of 1 bamboo toothbrush.
Finally, Box 3 includes everything Box 2 has, plus 1 set of 10 reusable hemp rounds with a cotton mesh bag, and 1 konjac sponge.
Reusable Face Pads / Makeup Remover Pads
These 100% cotton reusable face pads are the perfect little gift for anyone looking for sustainable beauty products. Instead of throwing away tons of cotton balls or cotton rounds and constantly having to buy more, these face pads are a sustainable swap. These reduce waste and save money in the long run.
Choose from soft fleece or terry toweling, depending on your needs. The shop also offers lots of super cute patterns to pick from.
A package of these would make a great stocking stuffer!
Sustainable Rings
When you’re looking for sustainable gift ideas for women, it’s hard to go wrong with sustainable jewelry. Made with Italian cellulose acetate, these beautiful rings are safe for the planet and a much better alternative to plastic.
They don’t crack, and each one will be unique since they’re not made with a stamp.
If there are no rings left in your desired size, check out their shop for more gorgeous eco-friendly jewelry options!
Candle to Herb Pot (this item does not ship to the United States and only ships in the United Kingdom!)
I love this unique gift idea for anyone who enjoys plants and candles (so, basically everyone). This candle comes in a woodland, floral, or cotswold scent. Then, once your friend has burned through her whole candle, she gets a second present: the candle turns into a potted plant!
Choose from coriander, sage, or basil seeds to be included in the lid of the candle, and let your friend grow whichever herb she wants.
This gift is both eco-friendly and sustainable. It’s made to order (so no materials get wasted), and is packaged and mailed in recycled and compostable materials.
The Candle to Herb Pot makes a fabulous gift for anyone you feel like spoiling.
Vegan Lip Balm
Although “vegan” doesn’t always mean a product is planet-friendly, this particular vegan lip balm is both eco-friendly and sustainable!
These lip balms are packaged in 100% plastic free containers and made with organic ingredients. The tubes are made from biodegradable cardboard, so your eco-friendly friend will love that they’re zero waste. Plus, even the labels are made with 100% recycled paper and biodegradable tamper tape.
And now for the fun part: Choosing from over 25 delicious flavors! To mention a few, this shop offers vegan amaretto, berry blast, cherry cola, honey vanilla, Kona coffee, lavender vanilla, lemongrass ginger, lychee and so much more!
The average lip balm tube holds about .15 ounces, while this sustainable and vegan lip balm has .25 ounces, so you get much more product.
Natural Coconut Shell Bowl + Spoon
Sourced directly from rural farms in Southern Vietnam, these handmade coconut shell bowls are made from reclaimed coconuts. This ensures that the shells don’t get wasted and burned after the coconuts get harvested for coconut milk and coconut oil.
No chemicals or pesticides are used to grow the coconuts, and the bowls are BPA-free.
These bowls are a great sustainable gift idea, and are perfect to hold your smoothie bowls, breakfast bowls, buddha bowls and more.
You have four patterns to choose from — stripe, cosmos, geo, or leaf style. You can purchase just 1 bowl, or gift your friend a set.
With each bowl you buy, you also get one hand carved ebony spoon. Buy 2 or more coconut shell bowls and receive a bamboo straw, a straw pouch, and a straw-cleaning brush for however many bowls you purchased.
Sea Glass Necklace
I can’t get over how beautiful these sea glass-style necklaces are, and I’m confident your environmentally conscious friend will love them just as much.
Made with recycled glass bottles, these sustainable jewelry pieces come in aqua, antique clear, cobalt, pine, or periwinkle. All come with a matte finish. The aqua pieces come from Bombay Saphire bottles, antique clear comes from Coca-Cola bottles, cobalt from vodka bottles, pine from red wine bottles, and periwinkle from sake bottles.
The glass pieces are about .75 inches by .75 inches, but will vary in size and shape. They’re hung on a 18 inch gold fill chain, to ensure the chain doesn’t change color.
Love the sea glass, but not into necklaces? Check out the SmartGlassKP shop for their other sustainable jewelry options! Various styles of necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets are available there.
Zero Waste Personal Care Box
If your friend is looking to significantly reduce the use of plastic in her bathroom, this zero waste personal care box is the perfect sustainable gift idea for her.
This is basically your start-from-scratch personal care box. It includes:
- Bamboo toothbrush (with 100% bio-based bristles)
- Natural deodorant (50g) in a cardboard push-up tube (choose from 3 scents)
- Shampoo bar (choose from 3 scents)
- Travel tin (reusable)
- Natural loofah (plant based and plastic-free alternative to shower puffs)
- 200 x Bamboo cotton buds (in a recycled card box)
All the handmade cosmetics in this box are PETA-certified, vegan friendly, and cruelty free.
A zero waste box like this is a great way to help your friend get started on reducing the plastic waste in her life.
100% Organic Cotton Sweatshirt
A completely organic cotton sweatshirt like this one is a thoughtful gift for anyone with skin sensitivities. Organic cotton is much more skin-friendly than many materials like nylon or polyester, which can irritate sensitive skin.
Not only that, but organic cotton produces less carbon dioxide and requires less water to make.
This sweatshirt is GOTS-certified (Global Organic Textile Standard certified), so you can be sure it’s made organically from seed to the finished product.
Sustainable Skincare Routine Starter Kit
Got a friend loves her skincare routine, but wants to be more sustainable? This is the perfect gift for her.
Complete with 1 bamboo muslin washcloth, 1 bamboo muslin hand towel, and 5 100% bamboo reusable rounds, this starter kit is sustainable, biodegradable, compostable and hypoallergenic.
Wrapped in a 100% recyclable paper band, this is a gift you can feel confident is doing the planet some good.
Speckled Ceramic Coffee Cup
For people who love to have a hot drink with ‘em at all times, this 12 oz handmade ceramic mug is a beautiful way to reduce waste. No more throwing away disposable cups after every use.
Your friend can bring her coffee or tea with her in this mug any time she leaves the house. Or, she can even hand it to the barista and request her drink be made in her personal coffee cup.
The cup comes with a dishwasher safe silicone lid and fits into standard cup holders.
Choose between pink, gray, or plain speckled at the TavCeramicsInc shop. Since each cup is handmade, the design will vary a bit from cup to cup.
Eco-Friendly Colorful Glass Straws
These beautiful glass straws are a great option if metal straws aren’t your first choice.
This set comes with lavender, amber, yellow and pink glass straws to reduce the waste and the use of plastic straws.
This straw set is low in stock, so buy it soon! If it’s sold out, check out the rest of the shop for more beautiful eco-friendly straw sets.
Washable Paper Bags
Though this isn’t the flashiest gift in this sustainable gift guide, washable paper bags are super practical and useful for anyone trying to be more conscious of reducing plastic or paper waste.
For being so simple, these bags have a lovely minimalist aesthetic to them. They’re lightweight and durable and come in all sizes so you can pick what best fits your needs.
The Etsy seller notes that the smaller bags are perfect for small plants, kitchen seasoning, office organization or bathroom supplies. And the bigger ones are good for plants, herbs, bread, fruit & veggies, office supplies, kids’ toys or bathroom storage.
These bags are made of 100% biodegradable cellulose. They’re machine washable and flexible, so they resemble the texture of leather.
Choose from stone, steel, brown or black colored bags.
Organic Cotton Reusable Tea Bags
Organic reusable tea bags are the perfect eco-friendly swap for tea drinkers! Instead of using single use tea bags, or metal tea strainers that often leave little tea leaves floating in your cup, get your eco-friendly friend these reusable tea bags.
They’re made of GOTS certified organic cotton muslin, as well as organic cotton cording. You can buy a single tea bag, a set of 3, a set of 5, or a set of 15.
After using the tea bag, let it dry so the tea dumps out easily. Then, just rinse it with hot water and let it dry before storing. If you notice buildup after a while, soak the tea bag in boiling water for a few minutes and rinse.
Organic Cotton Reusable Coffee Filters
For friends who prefer coffee to tea, these organic cotton reusable coffee filters are a great eco-friendly gift idea. These filters will help your friend save tons of money from buying filters constantly, and will significantly help reduce waste.
The cloth coffee filters are a Size #4 cone filter but they also work for #2 Filters. They are made with GOTS Certified, 100% organic cotton fabric. (More coffee filter styles available here.)
Note: Although the coffee filters are sewn together with polyester thread for strength and durability, organic cotton thread is available. Just request it when you put in the order!
Bonus: For every purchased product, a tree will be planted! All in all, this is a fantastic sustainable gift for anyone who loves coffee and is environmentally conscious.
A 15% discount is offered when you sign up to the EcoHippie VIP list. Just use the link in the product description on Etsy!
Sustainable, Plantable Notebook
I’m OBSESSED with the idea that you can literally plant this notebook and grow wildflowers from it when you’re done. Like, that’s the coolest idea ever.
This sustainable notebook has pages made of grass paper, and the cover is made of seed paper. Your friend can use it as a diary, a notebook or a sketchbook.
Use any kind of pen or ink on this paper and it won’t bleed through, though you should of course let paint dry before turning the page.
Even if something doesn’t go right and the wildflower seeds don’t sprout, it’s still a great biodegradable gift idea. If you like the idea of a plantable biodegradable notebook, but you want more design options, check out the Matabooks shop!
Organic Linen Jumpsuit
This women’s jumpsuit is made with OEKO-TEX certified organic 100% linen fabric, meaning it’s been thoroughly tested for toxic substances. It’s an adorable way to stay trendy, eco-friendly, and cool even in warmer weather.
I love that it looks so comfy, but still so flattering too.
Choose from 25 different sustainable colors to find one that best fits your friend’s personality. And since this is one of the pricier sustainable gift ideas on this list, I won’t tell if you decide you’d rather just buy this one for yourself, instead 😉
Reusable Kitchen Sponge
Photo credit to Etsy seller marleysmonsters
Okay, maybe a sponge isn’t the first thing that comes to your mind when you’re looking for the perfect gift.
BUT.
It just depends who you’re shopping for. And if your sustainable friend already has it all, maybe this reusable sponge can be the icing on top of her zero waste cake.
These reusable sponges have 6 adorable patterns to choose from, and are made from Organic Hemp Fleece for high absorbency and soft washing surface (naturally antibacterial!), eco recycled foam to absorb and make suds, a flannel or cotton print for absorbance and color, and mesh topper for a gentle scrub.
100% Silk Bandana
This naturally dyed 100% silk scarf is the perfect sustainable gift idea for any fashionista who wants to shift toward a zero waste lifestyle.
The Etsy shop owner hand dyes these silk bandanas at her studio in New Mexico, using natural extracts, kitchen scraps, leaves and roots.
Your friend can wear this as a scarf, a bandana, or however she wants to elevate her outfit.
Wine Bottle Picnic Tote
Calling all my fellow wine drinkers and picnic lovers! This is the perfect sustainable gift for anyone who loves wine or who enjoys lunch out in the park. Use this zero waste tote for picnics, gifting a wine bottle, or anything else you like.
This tote holds one bottle and features three side pockets for small cups, food items and accessories.
Made with 100% organic cotton canvas on the exterior and the interior, with a low impact dyeing method used on the interior’s canvas, this tote is a beautiful environmentally-friendly gift idea for just about anyone.
Sustainable High Waisted Wool Leggings
Fewer things in this world are quite as comfortable as the right pair of leggings, and these 100% Merino wool women’s leggings are no exception.
Merino wool is a fabulous sustainable material because, according to MindBodyGreen, Merino wool is a 100% natural, renewable, biodegradable fiber. It biodegrades in both water and on land, and won’t shed any microplastics after it gets thrown away or washed.
Besides being comfy and planet-friendly, these wool leggings are flattering and high waisted, so your friend can wear them around the house or even when out and about.
Beeswax Food Wrap Starter Kit
Y’all, I don’t know how I never knew about beeswax wraps before. These are such an adorable, eco-friendly swap for plastic wraps and disposable baggies.
Use these cutely patterned organic beeswax wraps to cover dishes, wrap up cut produce to keep it from going bad, take a sandwich on-the-go, let cheese breathe naturally, keep bread from going stale, and so much more!
Beeswax is naturally antibacterial and water resistant, so these are great for all your food and produce packaging needs.
These wraps are made of 100% cotton fabric that was washed and then infused with a mixture of organic beeswax, organic coconut oil, and pine tree resin.
And yes, they’re washable so you can use them again and again.
Vegan Peppermint Tinted Lip Gloss (Zero Waste)
This vegan tinted lip gloss has a peppermint flavor and makes a great stocking stuffer or mini gift for anyone shifting toward a sustainable lifestyle.
It’s made with organic cacao butter, organic coconut oil, candelilla wax, peppermint essential oil, and silver and cherry mica powder for a hint of color.
Contained in a recyclable and reusable metal tin, the .5 ounces of minty lip balm is a delightful sustainable gift idea for any woman.
Conclusion: My Guide to Sustainable Gift Ideas
And that brings this gift guide for sustainable products to a close! I truly hope you found something on here to spoil your friends and family that you can buy with a clear conscience. It’s true that buying everything sustainably takes a lot of work and research, and oftentimes might take a bit more cash than our usual purchases. But in the end, it’s all worth it.
With that said, enjoy your holiday or birthday shopping! And let me know what your favorite sustainable gift is from this guide in the comments below!
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Related Reading
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- 27 Amazing Gift Ideas for Coffee Lovers
- Creative Gift Ideas for Your Best Girl Friend
- DIY Holiday Self Care Basket for Her
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