Last Updated on December 4, 2024
It’s that time of year again – I’m so excited to share my favorite eco friendly gifts in this 2024 sustainable gift guide! I love writing these guides every year because both my mother and I have the love language of gifts, and sustainable gifts make this even better!
Choosing eco friendly gifts for your loved ones is a simple but effective way to do your part for the planet. Plus, sharing environmentally responsible gifts with your favorite people will encourage them to live a zero waste lifestyle too! My list of sustainable gift ideas will help you find the perfect items for an extra special holiday season.
This post was sponsored. Several of the links below are affiliate links; for more information please see my disclosure policy.
sustainable gifts
I’ve been focusing less on physical gifts and more on acts of service lately. Whether you’re making the bed or washing the dishes, there are several practical ways to show your love.
But the fact remains – gifting physical presents is still one of my favorite ways to show love. Consumable gifts and experience gifts are great, but I think physical gifts are good opportunities to pass on the eco love.
I’ve gifted things like reusable water bottles in the past that actually inspired the recipients to make more impactful changes down the line. I’m sure you’ve done the same.
shopping for eco friendly gifts
I’ve divided this post into separate categories to easily shop for everyone on your list.
- gifts for cozy living
- gifts for the traveler
- gifts for practical self-care
- gifts for the budding environmentalist
gifts for cozy living
Winter can bring on seasonal depression for some, especially with there being harsher weather and less sunlight during these months.
Plus, we all too often idolize the grind when we should idolize slowing down. Cozy living can help make winter a little more bearable.
I love the idea of giving sustainable gifts that inspire people to sit around a fireplace, snuggle up, and drink some hot cocoa. Doesn’t that sound so cozy?? The holidays should be a time to relax and unwind, after all.
Cozy living can also mean taking the time to care for your well-being, like taking a hot shower, snuggling up with your dog, making delicious hearty meals, or enjoying a nice bubble bath.
These brands are perfect for staying in and slowing down.
1. Savvy Rest organic pet bed
- Natural latex core encased in a washable organic cotton cover
- Available in three sizes
- Supportive and comfortable
- Certified B Corporation
- Discount: GZW20 for 20% off
2. caraway ceramic cookware set
- Non-toxic 12-piece cookware set made without Teflon coating
- Naturally non-stick making it easy to cook + clean
- Comes with pan + lid storage
- Ships in plastic-free packaging
- Discount: site-wide sale up to 20% off ends 12/31
3. brondell nebia yuba handshower
- Handshower with double docking system for convenient handheld use
- Saves 40% more water while delivering 75% more force than a standard showerhead
- 4 luxurious spray settings + a pause function
4. MATE the label sweats
- The Sweats Edit features matching sweatpants + sweatshirts
- Made with 100% GOTS Certified Organic Cotton
- Free of plastic, pesticides, and toxic dyesÂ
- Certified B Corp
- Climate Neutral
- Take back program for recycling clothing
- Discount: 30% off sitewide sale starting 11/14
5. pact crew socks
- Made with 78% GOTS certified organic cotton + 20% recycled nylon
- Carbon neutral shipments
- Fair trade certified
- FSC certified recyclable paper bag packaging
6. tentree wool turtleneck sweater
- RWS certified wool-blend, organic cotton + recycled polyester
- Plants 10 trees for every item you purchase
- Certified B Corporation
- Climate Neutral certified
7. eliss brooklyn
- Hand-poured candles
- Domestically grown soy wax blend
- Housed in a 6.5 oz recycled glass jar
- Holder is handmade + lead-free
- Made in the USA
gifts for the traveler
Know someone who absolutely loves being outdoors, exploring, or traveling? These sustainable gift ideas are ideal for them and their future adventures!
If they’re always on the go, hiking, camping, or just generally busybodies, these gifts will make their lives a little more convenient all while being sustainable.
Using products that have minimal impact on the earth is one way to ensure that it stays beautiful place for everyone to enjoy!
8. coast portland rechargeable batteries
- Helps keeps batteries out of landfills
- Cost savings
- Recharges in roughly 2.5 hours
- Convenient + easy to recharge using USB-C charging cables
- Runs 2-6x longer than other batteries
- Compatible in most AA and AAA friendly devices
- Won’t overheat or leak
- Carbon neutral certified product
9. greco gum chios mastic gum
- Ancient, natural chewing gum with unique health benefits
- Made with 100% pure chios mastic, sustainably harvested on the island of Chios in eastern Greece
- Supports dental healthy by naturally cleansing the mouth + strengthening jaw muscles
- Promotes gut health by balancing stomach acids + supporting digestion
- Discount: The first 100 people to claim KATHRYN15 get 15% off first order
10. The Powder Shampoo – Eco Escapades
- A vegan and cruelty-free powder-to-foam shampoo & body wash gift set that’s TSA-friendly, spill-proof + lightweight
- Made with natural ingredients + free of harsh chemicals
- Formula uses zero water and zero plastic packaging
- Bottles are made from infinitely recyclable aluminum
- One tree is planted for every product sold in a bid to offset global carbon emissions
- Discount: 10% off until 31 Dec 2024 with code: NOPLASTIC
11. biolite portable solar panel charger
- Powers tablets, phones, and other small devices from energy stored in the integrated 3200 mAh lithium ion battery – or in real time when the sun is shiningÂ
- Ultra slim + lightweight
- Can withstand splashing water from any angle
- Climate Neutral Certified brand
gifts for practical self-care
We all have that one friend who loves having the latest beauty essentials, whether that be makeup or skincare products. These eco friendly gifts will totally vibe with them without harming the planet.
If you know any wellness junkies, they’ll certainly appreciate these zero waste gifts too because of how clean the ingredients are in most of these products.
I just love how these products allow people enjoy some much needed self-care while also making it a priority to care for the planet at the same time.
12. a simple planet flaxseed hair gel
- Made from just three simple organic, biodegradable, plant-based ingredients
- 100% free of silicones, phthalates, and parabens
- Packaged in reusable bottles + refillable pouch system
- Discount: goingzerowaste for 15% off
13. natracare
- Sustainable period products like tampons + pantry liners
- Made with 100% GOTS certified organic cotton
- Plastic + chlorine free
- Biodegradable + compostable
14. brixy gift set
- Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash bars set
- Made without sulfates phthalates, parabens or synthetic scents
- Set replaces 8 plastic bottles
- Works for all hair types
- Can be found at Whole Foods + Sprouts Farmers Market
15. megafood daily immune support
- Provides everyday support for a healthy immune system
- Made with vitamins C & D3 plus zinc
- Take anytime of day, even on an empty stomach
- Vegetarian, gluten-free, non GMO
- B Corp certified, supports regenerative agriculture, glass bottles
- Discount: KATHRYN20 for 20% off
gifts for the budding environmentalist
Know someone who’s a zero waste newbie? Or, someone you want to introduce sustainable living to? These eco friendly gifts would be perfect for them!
Not everyone can afford zero waste swaps, so it’s always nice to gift some to friends and family.
Also, if you know anyone who seriously loves the environment as much as you do, they’re bound to love these gifts.
There’s even one gift listed that’s perfect for getting kids into sustainability! Sustainable living has no age limit, and everyone can play a part in taking care of the earth.
16. who gives a crap
- 100% recycled toilet paper (no virgin trees used)
- Carbon neutral shipping
- Plastic free packaging
17. kayaness
- Sustainable reusable period underwear brand
- Founded by two zero waste leaders, Kathryn Kellogg (me!) + Shelby Orme
- Size-inclusive period pants made from recycled + organic materials
- Reusable + washable
- Ethical manufacturing
- Plastic-free shipping + packaging
18. lomi
- Transforms your food waste into nutrient-rich plant food
- The only carbon-neutral appliance in your kitchen
- Decreases your carbon footprint by up to 127%
- Holiday sale until December 19th (44% off Lomi Classic, 24% off Lomi Bloom)
19. plaine products zero waste starter kit
- Zero waste starter kit includes: full sized hand wash and body lotion, sample sized shampoo and conditioner
- Refillable products packaged plastic-free in aluminum bottles
- Vegan, cruelty-free, women owned, carbon neutral
faqs for sustainable gift ideas
why is sustainable shopping important?
Sustainable gifts help reduce environmental impact. Gifting items that are made responsibly from eco friendly materials helps keep the planet clean and preserve its natural resources.
what is the best way to find environmentally responsible gifts?
Some of the most important things to keep in mind when looking for gifts include the materials a product is made from and the values and ethics of the company that made it.
A lot of eco friendly gifts will have information on their tag or a detailed online description explaining exactly what makes them sustainable. Make sure to also do your research on company values so that you can support business that align with your zero waste lifestyle.
how do I wrap zero waste gifts sustainably?
Reusable gift bags or boxes make it easy to wrap gifts in a sustainable way! You can also opt for upcycled materials such as paper bags, and make it a priority to avoid plastic packaging too. Adding natural decorations like dried flowers or leaves can also add a nice touch to the final package.
Check out my zero waste gift wrapping guide for more ideas!
Did this sustainable gift guide inspire you? What eco-friendly gifts will you be gifting this season? Let me know in the comments!
The post Eco Friendly Gifts: Sustainable Gift Guide 2024 appeared first on Going Zero Waste.