Eco Gift Guide 2022
Tis’ the season—it’s time for a sustainable gift guide!
Holidays, especially Christmas, can lead to a lot of overconsumption. Over the last few years, my goal when shopping for my loved ones is to buy things that they will actually use so gifts don’t go to waste. Physical gifts are my love language, and I love giving gifts that have the potential to inspire eco-friendly changes down the line.
This is a huge list of sustainable gifts, all from companies that are ethical and sustainable. I hope you can find something for your loved ones, whether you’re shopping for Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, Sister, Brother, Children, Friends, or your Significant Other. When in doubt, I love making consumable gifts or purchasing experiences.
I’ve broken this gift guide down into three categories: Physical Gifts, Experiences & Consumables.
Some links in this post are affiliate links, and I earn a small commission. Discount codes may not work during sales, if the sale is better that my discount code.
That being said, this is not a post trying to convince you to spend over your means, or buy things you or your loved ones don’t need. But if you are buying gifts for loved ones, here are some sustainable and ethical companies that I love and personally buy from.
Eco Gifts for the Non-Eco People in Your Life
Physical gifts for holidays are great to get your loved ones things they need. Every year I have a note on my phone that says “gift ideas” and throughout the year when I am with that person, I will jot down ideas I have for things I can get that they will use or that will make their life a little easier. Jotting notes down throughout the year makes shopping for the holiday way less stressful.
I will also flat out ask people what they would like for Christmas. This ensures people will be getting things that they actually need or want. I like when people give me generic ideas so there can be some element of surprise. For example, this year one of my brothers said he needs some new pairs of socks. So I picked out a bunch of pairs with fun designs and some solid colors, so he can still be a little surprised about patterns. Don’t be afraid to come out and ask people what they want or need!
I also try to avoid “overly eco” gifts, like I would never buy untoilet paper or period underwear for someone unless they asked for it. I also don’t want to overwhelm anyone, because everyone’s sustainability journey looks different. I aim to buy reusables and items that everyone uses or could use from sustainable companies. Here are some of my favorite eco gifts for the non-eco people in my life.
Stasher
I own probably 30+ reusable Stasher Bags, and now that I’ve gone Stasher, I’ll never go back. These reusable silicone bags are dishwasher safe, microwave ready, stove top safe, oven strong and freezer friendly. The bags have a leak-free pinch-loc seal, and are truly worth every penny. These bags are not only good in the kitchen, but would work great as toiletry bags. The bags are up to 30% off, so the perfect time to gift to your loved ones this season, and stock up for yourself!
Leaf Razor
If you’ve followed any of my platforms for a while, you know that I am obsessed with my Leaf Razor. Leaf produces plastic-free metal gender-neutral shaving razors that are ecofriendly, ethically and sustainably made. My Leaf Razor has changed my shaving game, and significantly improved my shower life. I would be stoked to get a Leaf Razor for a holiday gift, because it is more of an upfront charge, but refills will cost pennies because you can use any universal safety razor blades. If you shop on Nov. 25, there will be a site wide 25% off discount. If you shop Nov. 28, there will be a 20% off discount.
Goldilocks
I have been using Goldilocks Beeswax Wraps for months now, and love them. They are truly the best out there. I have a lot of glass jars without lids, so these come in handy to store things, as well as for blocks of cheese in my fridge. You can use them to make little snack baggies or to wrap a sandwich. It has entirely replaced plastic wrap for me and it’s a super versatile tool that’s essential in my kitchen. This would be a great gift for anyone to encourage some sustainable kitchen habits. They are having a blue Friday 20% off sale.
Pela Case
Maybe you’ve noticed your friend’s case is falling apart, or you’ve seen a Pela Case they would adore. No need to feel guilty about buying a plastic phone case destined for the landfill. Pela makes compostable phone cases that have less waste production, less water usage and less carbon emissions. I’ve been using Pela cases for over a year, and love them. They also have cases for different electronics, radiation protections, and more. Pela is having their biggest sale of the year, BOGO & more.
Everly Candle Refills
Everyone loves a good candle, but not everyone loves the waste that comes with it, or the toxic ingredients. That’s where Everly comes in and saves the day! Everly makes sustainable candle refill kits with ethically sourced coconut & soy wax, and packaged in a bag made with renewable materials of wood pulp and cellulose. The packaging is 60% compostable within twelve weeks. The remaining inner film will degrade over 5-10 years. The refill kits can be used to fill any old candle jar, and 1% of the item’s sales go toward 1% for the planet to fight climate change. My favorite scent so far is Otono: Pumpkin Spice. Everly has a Black Friday sale of 20% off site wide with a free refill!
SOuper Cubes
I was gifted Souper Cubes in the middle of 2022 and they have forever changed my food waste game. Souper cubes are made with food grade silicone, are dishwasher, freezer and oven safe, and BPA free. I freeze pretty much anything going bad now into souper cubes, and the cubes pop out easy and go back into the freezer for storage. It is perfect to preserve broth, sauces, soups, and so much more. I can’t wait to explore my kitchen and food prep & waste with Souper Cubes for years to come!
Package Free Shop
Package Free Shop is home to a plethora of sustainable goodies, you’re bound to find something for someone on your list shopping here. Package Free exclusives are up to 50% off! These products are bound to influence your loved ones to make meaningful sustainable changes. My favorite products are the Boba Bubble Tea Metal straws, the dish brushes, and produce bags.
Click & Grow Gardens
If you have a loved one who loves to cook, they probably also love cooking with fresh herbs. An indoor garden from Click and Grow is low maintenance unlike other hydroponics gardens, and will guarantee fresh herbs & greens all year round indoors! If seeds don’t sprout, the company will replace them, and they have automatic grow lights on a timer. There’s a variety of vegetables as well as size of gardens to meet anyone’s needs. I have the Smart Garden 27 and love it so much. I can grow 27 plants at once, but a few feet of wall space is needed. The Smart Garden 3 is the perfect size for a kitchen counter to grow a few herbs, and is on sale.
Fable Dishes
If your friends love to host, or could just use new dishes, glasses, or flatware, look no further than Fable. Fable makes timeless, sustainable dinnerware, glassware and flatware, that is both high quality, and beautiful. The clay is sustainably sourced, and their pieces are designed responsibly. The company is fully transparent, and donates meals to children and families in need with every purchase. Their biggest sale of the year is happening now with 15% off everything, 20% off $350+ and 30% off $650+.
Ethique
I have been using Ethique products for months, and I love to shop at Ethique for my own bathroom bars. They also make really great concentrates too if you don’t love bars. My favorites are the Heali Kiwi shampoo bars, and Deep Green face wash bars. They also make reasonably priced holiday gift packs that would make a great gift. I have not seen if they are having additional holiday sales or not, but will update with more info if they do.
Caraway Home
I have been using Caraway Cookware, and I am obsessed. Nontoxic cooking is SO easy now with these ceramic pans with a nonstick coating. The pans are super easy to hand wash, and food is cooked evenly. My kitchen cabinets are also no longer a mess thanks to their handy storage solutions included in the set. The Minis Duo set is a great price and would make a wonderful gift for anyone in your life who may need some new pans! I’ve also had my eye on the bakeware, tea kettles and new food storage containers. Their biggest sale of the year is happening now with 10% off $85+, 15% off $425+ and 20% off $525+.
Superzero
Superzero makes amazing natural shampoo & body bars that are vegan, cruelty free, plastic free, and made ethically. This holiday season they are having a sitewide sale, and have perfect holiday gift sets. I love the self care one! If you’re not looking to purchase a set, their shampoo and conditioner bars are wonderful as well. They are having their biggest sale ever with 20% off sitewide!
Girlfriend Collective
I am obsessed will all things Girlfriend Collective. Girlfriend Collective makes ethical, high-quality clothing from recycled materials. I love their sports bras and compression leggings, and I’ve been wearing their joggers around the house a lot this winter already. Girlfriend Collective is having their biggest sale of the year, which is 35% off site wide.
Cliffset
Cliffset makes a personal, portable cutlery set that comes with a spray and napkins to clean after each use. This is super useful if you’re traveling a lot or you eat at your work desk. I have a set that stays in my car and is perfect for the times I need cutlery and can refuse single use. There is a 25% off sale for the holidays.
Dryer Balls
Keep It Simple sells the cutest dryer balls I’ve ever seen. Dryer balls fully replace dryer sheets, and are reusable for 1,000 loads. {I’ve had dryer balls for longer than that and they still work fine} They have a bunch of different designs, and they are a small business. These would make a really fun stocking stuffer, or a great gift set!
Nutshell Coolers
If your loved one travels a lot, likes to visit parks and go on picnics, check out Nutshell Coolers. They are sustainable, foldable coolers made from coconuts! I have a Nutshell Cooler and have loved using it! They’re a new company, so their first batch of stock is 20% off.
Tazo Tea
If you’re shopping for a tea lover in your life, Tazo Tea has a focus on sustainability and commitment to climate justice. Their regenerative teas taste really good and would make a great gift! Alternatively, making your own tea blend in thrifted jars would make a great gift too!
Eco-Reads for the Book Lover
I have so many recommendations for books to get your loved ones this holiday, so instead of sharing a massive list, here are my top five that I’ve read, loved, enjoyed, and will read again.
- Braiding Sweetgrass
- Go Gently
- The Intersectional Environmentalist
- 101 Ways To Go Zero Waste
- The Anthropocene Reviewed
Physical Gifts I haven’t bought myself, but would
TerraCycle is know for upcycling and recycling the items that are not recyclable and often end up in landfills. This year, they launched TerraCycle Made, a shop where they make products out of those nonrecyclable items! You can find plant pots, compost bins, wireless chargers, frisbees, organization bins, and even watering cans. They have a bunch of different items on their website.
Shorts By Sav makes upcycled denim beautiful again and came out with these gorgeous holiday gift bundles! They include denim stockings, scrunchies, ornaments and coasters.
Genusee took plastic water bottles from Flint, Michigan, and created glasses frames out of them. Genusee is going out of business, but is selling their stock at a discounted rate! If you know someone who spends a lot of time on their computer and doesn’t wear regular glasses, they may benefit from blue light glasses! There is a 50% off sitewide discount.
RareForm makes one-of-a-kind items from old billboards. They make totes, coolers, duffels, toiletry bags and so much more! They are having their biggest sale of the year right now with 30% off and free shipping!
Mason Jar Lifestyle has hundreds of accessories to transform your mason jar, and they have some great gift sets!
She Fly Pants are perfect for any hiker in your life and they are on sale.
Experiences
As I’ve gotten older, I have appreciated both giving and receiving “experience” gifts. These are great for family and friends and these are often more meaningful than physical gifts. Here are some ideas for experiences!
Donations
Make a donation in their person’s name. There are millions of organizations you could donate to, from science or disease research, to environmental causes or groups, or something like the Other People Fund that helps people pay for therapy.
You could also adopt a whale, turtle or other animal in their name. World Wild Life has many different animals that can be “adopted” and the money goes toward protecting nature.
Self Care / Spa Day
If the person you are buying for is someone who frequently gets their hair or nails done, give them a “ticket” for an appointment with cash. Or plan a self care / spa day at home with them!
Plan an outing
Explore your city with your loved one! Plan a day to go to a local museum, zoo or aquarium with them, or buy them tickets for a concert or some local event they would enjoy. Another option is to plan a day hike with them to a local park.
Consumables
I love gifting consumables every year, homemade or purchased. It almost guarantees the individual would “use” the product they are gifted, which is easier to guarantee than some items.
Purchasing
A good box of chocolates, or sustainable chocolate bars is always a solid option. Lots of small businesses like bakeries have seasonal “gift boxes” of delicious treats. You can also gift a bottle of liquor or wine, but be conscious of who you are gifting to. If the person has had substance abuse issues in the past, do not gift.
Homemade
Homemade gifts can turn out wonderfully. My favorite thing to gift is a DIY Hot Cocoa basket. Thrift a couple mugs, which are inexpensive and everywhere at thrift stores, and make a jar of hot cocoa mix. You could even pick up a basket at a thrift store and add some mini marshmallows.
This year I made homemade vanilla for our families. I shared the journey on TikTok, which you can see here.
Make Bark in Stasher Bags, the bags can be gifted to your family as well! I’ll also be making fudge in a Stasher Bag, stay tuned for the video!
Make Holiday Cookies! Make your favorite recipe, and share it with your loved ones, with the recipe written down on a note card.
Happy Holidays, from mine to yours
I hope you get to spend time with your loved ones this holiday season, and have a great time. May you have a wonderful holiday filled with love and warmth.
