Let’s face it, when it comes to sustainability throughout the holiday season, it can be a trying time. A study found that US citizens throw away a whopping 25% more waste between Thanksgiving and the New Year. And up to 35% of participants said their Christmas gifts end up lying forgotten and unused.
By giving thoughtful, sustainable gifts this year, we can help to reduce waste while we embrace the holiday celebrations!
We know that between the sales ads, greenwashing, and availability, eco-friendly gift shopping isn’t always the easiest. But this year, we’ve got you covered! We’ve written up this easy guide to 40+ sustainable gift ideas to help you find the perfect sustainable gift ideas!
Every product on our marketplace is vegan, sustainable, ethically made, and packaged responsibly. So, we’ve sorted the gift ideas according to types of personalities to make it easier for you to shop!
Now, let’s turn your gift list clean, green, and vibrant.
The Nature Whisperer
We all know someone whose idea of a perfect day is being surrounded by the wilderness. For these nature lovers, the best gift could be bringing the greenery into their home! We recommend indoor plants like the air-purifying Dracaena and Argyraeus climber vine by Green Up The City to liven up their space. Both are incredibly easy to maintain and thrive in low-light conditions.
Want to make them smile even wider? Add a nutritious, organic plant food like the one by Botanopia to make sure their plant babies are well-nourished.
An open terrarium bottle is another great idea to help them start their own mini indoor garden! This is a great option for adding mini plants or succulents, so you could go above and beyond and add an urban plant kit, also from Green Up the City!
And why not help them feed the birds through the winter with this 100% recyclable lovely birdhouse by Capi Europe? Built specially for European bird species like Starlings, Ring Sparrows, and Pied Flycatcher, it’s a great way to liven up your home with the chirping of birds.
The Fitness Enthusiast
If you know their clothing size, we suggest adding an amazing racerback crop top and leggings set by Saint Basics to your gift! Made from super-soft Eucalyptus fabric, these pieces are not only sustainable, they’re made with the active wearer in mind. They’re light, comfortable, and free from scratchy labels.
And for pals who can’t do without their daily yoga session, this gorgeous ‘Wisdom’ cork exercise mat makes the perfect gift! Made with a soft cork top layer and 100% biodegradable natural rubber, its earthy brown hue, spiritual design patterns, and anti-slip surface is sure to inspire and brighten up their fitness sessions all the more.
Sustainable Gift Ideas for a Foodie
Surprise the foodies in your lives with yummy gifts that are not only vegan and healthy but also lip-smackingly delicious! We recommend putting together a goodie bag with vegan pecan granola by Bamboo Bites, a fizzy cherry-basil kombucha by Cultcha Kombucha, this creamy, garlicky fermented vegan butter by Sauercrowd, and this DIY Foccaccia mix by Pineut. Nourishing deliciousness all around!
Looking for a readymade gift set? This beautifully curated gut-mind box by Sauercrowd hits all the right notes. Delight them with this assorted collection of fermented goodies that will improve the gut microbiome for better health, immunity, and digestion. 3 different kinds of fermented Sauerkrauts, kimchis, kombuchas, and much more!
Know a tea lover? Grab this healing tea gift box by Wilder Land, with 4 different herbal tea blends, plus a seed bag to plant in your garden. The packaging is 100% plastic-free – another lovely eco-friendly bonus.
The Clean Makeup Enthusiast
Studies show that our skin can absorb up to 60% of what we put on it, so why not give the makeup enthusiasts in your life the gift of clean beauty? Clean beauty products are made with potent natural ingredients and contain no harmful chemicals.
We’d personally recommend mixing and matching the organic eye makeup remover by Abloom skincare with the vegan lip balm by Trew, the all-natural perfecting powder by Korento, and this vegan Tourmaline body scrub by Flow cosmetics for the perfect gift basket!
Wellness + Personal Care Lover
Level up your friend’s bath time and skincare routine with nourishing, all-natural personal care products! Check out the natural perfume oil by Flow Cosmetics, this moisturizing skincare set by Food for Skin, these sustainable vegan block soaps and shampoo bars by Blokzeep.
This awesome all-natural men’s skincare gift set by Kaerel contains shaving cream, face cream, deodorant, shampoo, and shower gel.
And you can pamper them even more with this eco-friendly wood hairbrush and 100% biodegradable Loofah – a welcome replacement to the unsustainable plastic loofahs!
The One Who Swears By Comfy Fashion
Who wouldn’t love comfort and style to go hand-in-hand? This holiday season, gift your loved ones some comfy, stylish AND sustainable fashion! This vibrant, super soft organic cotton sweater by Peponi Fashion is a great idea. Saint Basics’ collection of sustainable basics made with soft Euclalyptus fabric is another fabulous option.
Or perhaps this beautiful pink Hoodie by It’s Pawsome – PETA-certified vegan, 85% organic cotton, and 15% recycled polyester!
Thinking of getting them sustainable accessories instead? Then you can’t go wrong with this gorgeous crocheted cotton beanie by Ik Haak Netjes, the vibrant handmade cotton bag by Nic & Mic, or this stunning ‘Ash’ natural wood watch by the Sustainable Watch Company!
Home Decor Champ
A thoughtful piece of eco-friendly home decor will put a smile on anyone’s face. Especially those who love refreshing their space every now and then! We suggest choosing from this handmade made stitched art from Lemonwise, a bright upcycled cotton Ejoro bean bag by Nic & Mic, recycled glass hanging planter by Nkuku, or this beautiful Agate tealight holder by Oya Candles.
And, speaking of candles, nothing spruces up the vibe of a home like naturally scented candles! This stunning crystal-embellished calming candle by Oya Candles and coconut soy wax candle by We Love The Planet make the perfect holiday gift!
Sustainable Gift Ideas for the Spiritual Soul
Surprise your special people who love meditation, crystal healing, and aromatherapy with some more spiritually guided gifts!
This crystal-embedded spiritual candle by Oya Candles or 6-piece surprise crystals + minerals set by Mapu Minerals are unique, thoughtful options. While the divine-smelling natural soap and candle gift set by Oya Candles is sure to win their heart. The heavenly aroma of lavender, cedar, orange, neroli is perfect for aromatherapy fans. Plus the plantable candle labels add another awesome earth-friendly element!
For the crystal fans, these beautiful rose quartz and amethyst tea holders by Oya Candles will light up any space they’re placed in!
Please Choose Sustainable Gifts This Year
Whether we’re 5, 25, 50, or beyond, our eyes sparkle all the same when we’re given a thoughtful gift. Great gifts fill our hearts with joy and bring positive change to our lives – no matter how big or small.
With so much waste and (dare we say) gluttony to be found around the holiday season, choosing from sustainable gift ideas for your loved ones, and encouraging your community to do the same, can make a real impact.
We hope this handy list helps you go eco-friendly with your holiday gifts this year! Whether you choose from our list, or find your own way this season, we ask you to ensure that you’re choosing sustainable gifts. With so many passionate, sustainable brands offering natural, eco-friendly products, shopping with an eco-conscious mind is no longer a compromise.
We wish you all a very happy, comforting, and green holiday season!
