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15 Sustainable Gifts For Everyone on Your List

Find something for everyone with this list of eco-friendly gift ideas

Finding the perfect gift can be tricky, but finding sustainable gifts that are thoughtful, eco-friendly, and practical is an even greater challenge. Whether you’re shopping for the holidays, a birthday, or any special occasion, choosing gifts that prioritize the planet is a meaningful way to show you care. This list of sustainable Christmas gifts has something for everyone, combining creativity, usefulness, and a commitment to greener purchasing that may inspire others to do the same.

1. Experiences

river rafting

The best sustainable gifts avoid contributing to overconsumption and consumerism. Experiences make the perfect choice, requiring minimal resources while creating priceless memories. Try one of the following ideas, or use them as inspiration to come up with options suited to the interests of the person you are buying for.

  • Tickets to a concert, play, or sports event
  • National Parks pass
  • Admission or season pass to an aquarium, museum, or botanical garden
  • Gift card to a fun activity such as laser tag, axe throwing, or an escape room
  • A mani/pedi, massage, or spa day
  • A class or lesson, such as cake decorating, woodworking, stained glass, creative writing, or painting
  • Yoga punch card, gym membership, a round of golf, a day on the slopes, climbing gym pass
  • Tastings or workshops for wine, cheese, whiskey, or chocolate

2. Cotton fleece blanket

The Company Store cotton fleece blanket

Who doesn’t love a cozy blanket to relax under while watching tv or reading a book? But most plush blankets are made out of polyester, a synthetic, fossil fuel based material.

Why is this significant?

Petroleum-based synthetic fabrics like polyester are essentially a form of plastic, which are often laden with harmful chemicals. And while it’s widely known that the extraction of fossil fuels generates significant emissions, fewer people realize that synthetic fabrics shed microplastics just like conventional plastics. In fact, around 33% of household dust is made up of microplastics, which are ingested and inhaled daily. Synthetic fabrics release hundreds of thousands of microfibers per wash, contributing significantly to microplastic pollution in oceans and rivers.

There are plenty of sustainable, non-toxic blankets made from natural fibers, but finding a super soft, plush option without polyester can be a challenge. Cotton fleece offers a great alternative, though it’s rare since most fleece is made from polyester. The following options are wonderful options to give warmth and sustainability in one cozy package.

Last Christmas, I purchased a couple of The Company Store’s Cotton Fleece Blanket to replace our polyester blankets. These are just as soft as polyester fleece and are very warm and durable. And this 100% cotton blanket has OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 Certification, which verifies that these are free from harmful chemical.

Cost: $129 to $219

Garnet Hill Cotton Fleece Blanket and Throw is another great option, made with 100% organic cotton fleece and OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 Certified.

Cost: $99 to $209

Learn more about sustainable fabrics here.

3. Sustainable & ethical coffee

coffee beans

Coffee production raises environmental concerns such as deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and pollution from chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Ethically, it often involves low wages, poor working conditions, and exploitation of farmers in developing countries, particularly in regions with little labor regulation. Sustainable practices and fair trade certifications can help address these issues.

Indulge the coffee drinkers in your life with a bag of sustainably-grown coffee, or pay for a coffee subscription program.

Dean’s Beans is a employee-owned co-op that specializes in sustainably and ethically produced coffee from around the world, which is certified organic. The company is a Certified B Corp and a member of the Fair Trade Federation, which signifies their dedication to eco-friendly and ethical business practices and sourcing.

Cost: A one pound bag of ground or whole beans will cost around $14 to $16, or Dean’s Sampler makes a great gift with an assortment of six 4-ounce bags. Signing up for a subscription saves 10% and you can select the delivery frequency.

4. Ethical meat

raw meats

Raising cattle is by far the biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the agriculture sector, and the industry is also the largest cause of global deforestation. (You can learn more about the impacts of cattle’s environmental impact here).

In addition, there are concerns with animal treatment and the impact of using antibiotics and hormones in meat cattle to consider.

Giving ethically sourced meat as a Christmas gift can be a thoughtful and unique way to share quality food while supporting sustainable practices. By choosing meat from small farms or trusted suppliers that prioritize animal welfare and environmentally friendly methods, you’re not only gifting something delicious but also making a positive impact. For convenience, consider options from reputable mail-order services if local sources aren’t available.

Learn how to choose sustainable and ethical meat products here.

ButcherBox is a Certified B Corp that sources humanely raised beef, pork, bison, poultry, and seafood. Animals were not given hormones or antibiotics, and are third-party animal welfare certified. 

Cost: Gift boxes start at $85, subscription boxes start at $146 per month.

5. Comfy socks

Bombas and SmartWool socks

Comfy, sustainable socks make the perfect gift, combining practicality with thoughtfulness. Opt for socks made from natural materials like organic cotton, bamboo, or merino wool, ensuring softness, durability, and a reduced environmental footprint.

SmartWool is the best choice for ethically-sourced and ZQ certified Merino wool socks are perfect for both everyday wear as well as any outdoor activities, such as skiing or hiking. They are extremely comfortable, durable, and warm.

Cost: $16 to $45 per pair

Buy at: REI / Dick’s

My other favorite sock brand is Bombas, which is also a great option for anyone with a wool allergy. A Certified B Corp, this company uses responsible materials, including recycled fibers, in their socks. A core part of their business is giving back, donating an item for each item purchased. The Cushioned No Show Socks are my personal favorites for working out.

Cost: $13 to $17 per pair with a 5 to 15% discount on multipacks

Buy at: Dick’s / Nordstrom

6. Fair Trade baking ingredients

vanilla beans and extract

Some of the most common baking ingredients are associated with horrific worker exploitation and unsustainable farming practices. For example, the vanilla industry is prone to labor exploitation while cocoa farming is plagued by child labor, forced labor, and poor wages, particularly in West Africa.

Opt for fair trade certifications for these ingredients, which assures companies have met strict criteria for ethical treatment of workers. In addition, choose organic or regenerative farming products when possible. These products will be more expensive, as workers are fairly compensated and organic practices typically result in lower yields, but the quality is among the best and the baking aficionados in your life will appreciate being spoiled with premium ingredients.

Nielsen & Massey Organic Fairtrade Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract Is Fair Trade certified, and is kosher, GMO-free, gluten-free and allergen-free. Packaged in a glass bottle.

Cost: 4 oz for $24.95; 8 oz is $42.95.

Buy at: Whole Foods / Amazon / Sur La Table

Guittard baking chocolates are both tasty and sustainable. Products come from Rainforest Alliance and/or Fair Trade Certified farms, and the company takes ethical sourcing very seriously, taking a stand for gender equality and fighting child or forced labor. Multiple sustainability initiatives are in place, from solar panels and electric vehicles at facilities, to using recycled materials in packaging, and working to prevent deforestation.

The Level Up Your Baking Kit would make a fantastic gift for any baker. Included is a baking bar, chips, wafers, and cocoa powder with a tote bag for $39. There is also a Cocoa Powder Kit for $34 and Baking Chips Essentials for $31; both would also be great gifts to stock up a loved one’s pantry.

Guittard chocolate is widely available at select grocery stores, as well as Amazon

7. Moisturizing body butter

body butter in a jar

A great skincare routine is always important, but for me, the winter is when I really notice my skin getting chapped and dried out.

Many beauty and personal care products contain ingredients that are harmful to both us and the environment, and the vast majority are packaged in plastic containers. I have worked hard to seek products that are both clean and plastic-free, and here are a couple winners that I think anyone will enjoy.

Osea is a higher end brand with fantastic vegan and cruelty-free products that come in eco-friendly packaging. This company offsets more carbon than they create, and they are Climate Neutral certified and Ocean Positive verified to prove it. Of their bestsellers, I’m partial to the Undaria Algae Body Butter, a thick but non-greasy moisturizer for winter skin, which is $54 for a 6.7 oz glass jar. The Bestsellers Body Care Set ($52) is a great choice that provides the lucky recipient with a sampling of products.

Buy at: Nordstrom / Ulta / Grove

Weleda offers a more affordable moisturizer: the Skin Food Body Butter is $19.99 for a 5 oz glass jar. This product is frequently part of my daily skin care routine. A Certified B Corp, this company focuses on clean, natural ingredients that are free from synthetic preservatives and fragrances and are Certified Natural Skincare by NATRUE; no animal testing is done.

Buy at: Whole Foods / Grove.

Find more sustainable skincare product recommendations here.

8. Electric yard equipment

Ego electric snowblower

Gas-powered lawnmowers account for 5% of air pollution and 25% of all non-vehicle gasoline emissions in the United States. In the winter months, operating a typical 4-stroke gasoline snow blower for one hour emits as much pollution as driving a car 339 miles.

Check out my tips for eco-friendly snow removal.

Helping your loved ones transition to electric yard equipment is a gift for both them and the planet. Electric tools are lighter, quieter, easier to use, and require less maintenance but still powerful, making yard work more efficient and eco-friendly.

I am a huge fan of EGO battery-operated power equipment; we own the lawn mower, snowblower, blower, edger, and string trimmer. The batteries are interchangeable between all the equipment, they are long-lasting, and depending on the battery capacity and charger, are able to fully charge as little as 25 minutes.

Cost: $129.99 to $1199

Buy at: Lowe’s / ACE Hardware.

9. Quality garden hand tools

garden hand tools

Buying good quality, durable hand tools that will last is important to any serious gardener. Choosing reputable brands decreases the need for for replacement, as does choosing tools with handles made from strong, sustainable materials like aluminum, steel, or FSC-certified wood rather than plastic.

Find more eco-friendly gardening tools here.

Corona is my favorite overall brand of garden hand tools. One of my most favorite tools is the Long Straight Snips, which are fantastic for deadheading. I also adore their pruning saws: I’ve owned this 14″ Razor Tooth Saw for 10 years and it’s still going strong; the 7″ Razor Tooth Folding Saw is my choice for both function and convenience of storage. Corona also makes excellent trowels, cultivators, and other hand tools. I prefer hand shovels with a pointed tip such as their ComfortGel Trowel.

Cost: $7 to $25

Corona tools are widely available; try your local garden center or any large retailer such as Home Depot or Lowe’s.

10. Non-plastic cutting board

Teak Haus brand teak cutting board

Affordable, lightweight, and easy to maintain, plastic cutting boards are the most popular choice for home kitchens, but they unfortunately are not the best cutting board material.

Any plastic object will shed tiny plastic particles, aka microplastics, and when you are cutting against their surface with a sharp object, that shedding process is only magnified. A 2023 study determined that plastic cutting boards are a “substantial source of microplastics in human food.”

A cutting board made from natural materials such as wood, bamboo, or a composite is a fantastic gift for the cooks in your life to decrease plastic in the home. These cutting boards are both beautiful and durable and will surely impress the lucky recipient. And contrary to popular concerns, these materials are perfectly safe to use in a cutting board and can be safely used to cut raw meat, poultry, and seafood, according to the USDA.

When shopping for cutting boards made from wood and bamboo, look for those with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification to ensure the wood was sourced from responsibly managed forests.

There are many wonderful sustainably-made cutting boards to choose from; below are a couple of my favorite choices. Check out my blog post on non-toxic cutting boards to get more recommendations and learn more about selection and care.

TeakHaus is the best brand for beautiful, sturdy teak cutting boards. Not only is the wood FSC-certified, but it also is endorsed by the Rainforest Alliance. The Professional Cutting Board (XL) ($139) has been rated as the best wood cutting board by America’s Test Kitchen for over a decade; it is also recommended by Consumer Reports and on my Christmas list this year.

My favorite bamboo cutting boards come from Bambu, a Women-Owned Certified B Corp; they are also Climate Neutral certified and a member of 1% for the Planet. Their bamboo is USDA Biobased certified and comes from sustainably-managed, FSC-certified forests. These cutting boards are much more economically priced than wood while still maintaining durability and beautiful appearance. I own the Undercut series cutting boards and I like their simplicity and clean lines, durability, and the moderate thickness of the board. Prices start at $23.75.

Enter ‘LETSGOGREEN’ at checkout to save 10% on your purchase.

11. Natural dog toys

dog chewing a bone

As much as we should do what we can to decrease our microplastic consumption, we should do the same for our furry friends. Many dog toys are made from synthetic materials such as nylon and polyester. Instead, seek toys that are made from cotton, leather, and other natural, biodegradable materials.

As you can guess from the name, Nylabone chew toys are made from nylon, a type of plastic. Betterbone is a fantastic alternative made from natural ingredients, and only two ingredients are included: PEFC sustainably forested wood flour and renewable sugarcane oil, which are both food-grade. My dog adores these bones; I definitely recommend the ‘hard’ over ‘soft’ for aggressive chewers.

Cost: $12.49 to $23.99

Buy Betterbone from your local pet shop, or retailers such as Petco or Chewy.

Awoo dog toys are made sustainably-sourced natural materials that include GOTS organic cotton and RWS certified wool felt. Products are manufactured in factories that prioritize worker safety, fair wages, and product quality. Worn toys can be mailed back to the company for recycling.

Find additional sustainable recommendations on all things pet-related here.

12. Non-toxic exercise/yoga mat

Brentwood yoga mat

Nearly all yoga and exercise mats are made from foam that contains polyvinyl chloride (PVC), the most dangerous type of plastic for our health. Lead is often added as a stabilizer, and PVC also often contains other harmful chemicals like phthalates and bisphenol-A (BPA). We are exposed to these chemicals by eating and drinking things that have come into contact with these plastics, and we can also breathe in particles in the air.

PVC is also known to emit or leach VOCs and dangerous toxins throughout its entire lifecycle, most notably lead, mercury, cadmium, dioxins (a chemical in Agent Orange), and vinyl chloride (a carcinogen).

Another reason PVC should be avoided because it is very difficult to recycle.

Give a healthier workout experience with yoga and exercise mats that are made from natural, non-toxic materials.

Hugger Mugger is the place to go for eco-friendly yoga products. They offer several mats constructed from non-toxic, biodegradable materials.

Jade Yoga mats are made in the USA from all-natural rubber, and the company plants a tree for every mat sold. The Jade Harmony Yoga Mat ($91.95) is their bestselling mat, but they also have several additional great options, including their Cork Mat with a rubber base ($99.95) and the Organic Cotton Mysore Yoga Rug ($89) is handwoven and dyed with all-natural vegetable dyes; this is a great latex-free option for those with latex allergies.

The Harmony mat is available at Amazon, Dick’s, and Target; the organic cotton rug can be found at Amazon and Target.

The Brentwood Home Organic Non-Slip Yoga Mat is a high-quality, eco-friendly option I can personally recommend. It is certified 100% vegan and made from GOTS-certified organic cotton with an FSC-certified natural latex non-slip base for excellent grip. It is a wonderful sustainable choice, though it does comes at a higher price point at $143. Also available from Avocado.

13. Sleeping bag

Big Agnes gear

For serious outdoor enthusiasts, a quality sleeping bag is imperative for a good night sleep. Low quality sleeping bags are poor insulators and generally wear out quickly.

Chemical treatments are the biggest safety concerns with sleeping bags. Water-resistant coatings containing PFAS are often applied to fabrics, and some are are treated with flame retardants; both may contain chemicals that are harmful to human health or the environment. Look for fabrics that are PFAS and flame retardant-free.

The down insulation used in some sleeping bags may involve unethical sourcing practices that harm animals, such as live plucking of feathers. Look for down certified by the RDS (Responsible Down Standard) to ensure humane treatment of the birds.

Big Agnes is my ultra-outdoorsy brother’s favorite gear company—he even used to shoot photos for their website and write blog posts for them. We’ve come to love their gear as well. Based in Colorado, Big Agnes not only makes top-notch outdoor products but as a founding member of the Outdoor Industry Association’s Climate Action Corps, they’re committed to actively working toward sustainability.

All Big Agnes down-insulated sleeping bags are RDS certified, ensuring humane treatment of animals, and bluesign certified, meeting strict safety and environmental requirements. Most of their synthetic sleeping bags feature 50-100% recycled insulation, and all sleeping bags feature PFAS-free water-resistant finishes.

Cost: $85 to $1000.

Buy at: REI / Dicks / Scheels

14. Biodegradable phone case

Pela phone case

With every phone upgrade comes the need for a phone case. Most are made from plastic-based materials or synthetic rubber, neither of which are biodegradable and are difficult to recycle. Instead, try a phone case made from plant-based materials.

Pela phone cases are plastic-free and come in all kinds of fun designs and colors. Instead of being made from synthetic materials, products consist of a compostable bioplastic elastomer and flax straw materials.

This material meets U.S. and E.U. standards for composting in industrial facilities, offering a lower carbon footprint and reduced greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional plastics. It’s also capable of biodegrading in a home composting environment, where it may take anywhere from six months to two years to fully break down. There is also an option to return old cases to Pela for them to recycle.

In addition to phone cases, the company manufactures cases for all Apple products: AirPods, iPads, AirTags, and watch bands. I have a Pela case for my phone and I feel it is sturdy and offers protection as well as any other case I’ve had.

Products are tested to be safe and free of phthalates, BPA, cadmium and lead.

Cost: $55 to $65

Buy at: Best Buy / Amazon / Earth Hero

15. Stainless steel water bottle

Hydroflask reusable water bottle

A reusable water bottle may seem banal, but consider this: Americans use 2.5 million plastic bottles every hour, and each of these bottles takes around 450 years to decompose. And in the United States, less than 10% of plastic is recycled. Additionally, study results released in January 2024 reported that a one liter bottle of water contains approximately 240,000 tiny pieces of plastic.

Do your loved ones a favor by sparing them from drinking plastic particles and the chemicals they contain by giving the perhaps the most basic yet impactful of eco-friendly gifts. A nice stainless steel water bottle keeps water ice cold for hours, and they aren’t cheap, so they will be appreciated.

There are quite a few quality stainless steel water bottle brands; the following are my favorites.

  • Kleen Kanteen is a Certified B Corp that is Climate Neutral certified and a 1% for the planet member. Their 18/8 stainless steel water bottles are made from 90% post-consumer certified recycled steel, certified by Intertek (a third-party verifier), and are free of BPA, lead, phthalates or heavy metals. You can choose a stainless steel lid for a totally plastic-free bottle.
  • Hydro Flask uses a minimum of 80% recycled stainless steel in their water bottles. Choose a stainless steel lid for a plastic-free bottle. Their paper packaging comes from FSC certified forests and is printed with soy ink, and the company is working to decrease their overall emissions. Participating in Hydroflask’s trade-in program will net you $5 off your next purchase. They even have the capability to recycle the lids, too.
  • Yeti creates water bottles from 18/8 stainless steel, which is third-party tested for the absence of BPA, phthalates, or lead. Their in-store buy-back program gives you $5 off a purchase when you bring your beat up bottle in for recycling.
  • Thermoflask is the most economical choice for stainless steel. For a fraction of the price, purchase them at Costco, where they frequently go on sale. The bottles are composed of food-grade 18/8 stainless steel and are BPA-free, and in my experience they perform as well as the more expensive brands.

Final thoughts on sustainable gifts

I hope this list has inspired you with ideas for sustainable holiday gifts. These are just a few of my favorites, but you’ll find plenty more eco-friendly gift options throughout this site. Remember, you don’t need to spend a lot—sustainable gifts come in all price ranges. What truly matters are the quality and the materials. Happy holidays!

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