20+ Unique Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas for Earth-Conscious Friends
When giving eco-friendly gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays, it's important to think outside of the box. Because let's face it—no one wants a reusable water bottle or metal straws these days. You want to gift items that people will love and want to use for years to come instead of things they'll tire of and quickly end up replacing or discarding. That's always the goal, but especially with earth-friendly gifts, the whole point is to minimize holiday waste and get as much life out of a product as possible.
- 01kitchen gifts
- 02style gifts
- 03bed & bath gifts
- 04beauty gifts
So, we've come up with a comprehensive list of useful gifts (everything from kitchen essentials to homewares to sneakers) that'll not only make your giftee's life easier, but will last a while, too. Below, you'll find a curated list of eco-friendly gifts that are as much a gift for you are they as Mother Earth.
Eco-friendly kitchen gifts
These Zooey Deschanel-approved self-sealing reusable bags are great for storing leftovers, produce, lunch, and more. Free from BPA, PVC, and latex, these never leave your food smelling funky, and they’re dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. Plus, they’re super sturdy (unlike a lot of other reusable bags, which only last after a handful of washes).
Food Huggers are perfect for anyone who cooks a lot. They’re like little hats you can put on your cut produce to keep it good without wasting a plastic bag.
Another efficient and sustainable way to store food (whether it’s leftover pizza, sandwiches, or half an onion you used up) is to use Bee’s Wrap. You simply wrap the item with the bend-y sheet, and it’ll stick that way until next time. When you’re all done, toss it in the dishwasher. It’s made with certified organic cotton, responsibly sourced beeswax, and certified organic plant oil—and it’s super pliable and sturdy, too.
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This is for the friend who collects all those egg shells and veggie scraps in a random bag that doesn’t look so cute in the kitchen. This pretty, bamboo compost keeper stores all that leftover food, and has a filter that prevents odor (this lasts up to about six months before you need to change it out).
Glass storage containers are better for the planet than plastic ones, but these glass mason jars with airtight lids are even more chic—and great for produce like carrots, cucumbers, and celery (along with anything else you can fit in there, like flours, sugars, beans, etc.). This set of four comes with labels and pen, so you can feel ultra organized and Pinterest-worthy.
Because different fruits ripen best in certain environments, the Just Ripe Fruit Bowl is great for keeping different types produce of fresh in separate compartments. This can prevent fruit from ripening too fast and going bad, cutting down on food waste.
Maybe “dishcloths” doesn’t scream “giftable,” but hear us out. These dish cloths have internet hype behind them—they’re incredibly versatile, so you can use them to clean your dishes as well as wipe down counters, and they’re reusable (so no more wasting paper towels). They’re safe to be used on all surfaces, including marble, stainless steel, tile, wood, and more. They’re made of cotton and cellulose, so they dry hard but as soon as they touch water they become super pliable and soft.
We waste a lot of cans, thanks to our love for sparkling water and seltzer. Thankfully, there’s a more environmentally friendly route, and that’s a sparkling water maker. Make your own sparkling water at home, and reuse the bottle! You get to be your own barista of sorts and create your own flavors, too. This makes for the perfect gift for anyone who *must* have their daily (or hourly) La Croix.
Ditch the single-use cleaner bottles you have under your sink. This reusable glass bottle (made from partially recycled lead-free glass) has a silicone sleeve for easy grip. anD it comes with two small bottles of derived, multi-use cleaner concentrate. Pour the concentrate into the bottle, fill with water, and you’re ready to clean most surfaces in yout house.
Eco-friendly style gifts
Another sneaker that’s known for supreme comfort and longevity, Allbirds uses renewable Merino wool to construct this water-repelling, machine-washable shoe that’s great for rainy, cold weather (we love its no-slip natural rubber grip!).
Chic, versatile, and made for busy days on the go, this bag is a splurge but it’s the gift that keeps on giving. It effortlessly fits a 15-inch laptop, your must-have essentials, and then some, without sacrificing its sleek silhouette. Crafted from buttery vegan leather and featuring convertible straps, it works as a tote, crossbody, or shoulder bag—whatever your vibe. Plus, the brand is committed to sustainability, with a recycling program that lets you send in your old bags to be repurposed, reducing waste and closing the loop. For the friend who’s always balancing work, play, and looking fabulous, this bag checks every box.
The Mosaic Stripe Knit Scarf from Verloop is the perfect pop of color for the sustainably minded giftee. Made from reclaimed and repurposed yarns, it’s as eco-friendly as it is eye-catching, blending bold stripes and vibrant hues in a soft, cozy knit. Verloop’s commitment to reducing waste and creating responsibly makes this scarf a gift you can feel great about giving. Whether they’re braving a cold commute or accessorizing their après-ski look, this scarf adds warmth, charm, and a touch of conscience to any outfit.
Made from 100% organic cotton, this shirt feels as good on your skin as it does in your heart, knowing it’s sustainably produced. Outerknown’s commitment to eco-friendly materials and fair labor practices means you’re supporting a brand that’s all about doing better for people and the planet. With its relaxed fit and endlessly wearable plaid design, this is the perfect gift for someone who loves to stay stylish without compromising on sustainability. It’s like gifting a warm hug—with a conscience.
Available in a wide variety of colors and patterns, you can’t go wrong with Rothy’s slip on sneaker. Made of thread that’s constructed of recycled plastic water bottles), what people love about Rothy’s (aside from the cute and versatile styles) is that you can throw these into the wash and get ’em back good as new. Whether you choose the classic flats (pointed or round), the sneakers, or even their slippers, Rothy’s sturdy shoe engineering is built to last. (Case in point, W+G’s commerce editor still has her first pair from three years ago—and they look like she bought them last week.)
Eco-friendly bed and bath gifts
Bed Threads makes the comfiest linen. With their sets, you can fully customize a set of sheets, pillowcases, and a duvet cover in a wide range of colors and patterns that you can mix and match. They get softer with every wash, and your giftee will love them for years to come.
These gorgeous towels from Coyuchi have excellent absorption without being super thick. They’re made from 100 percent organic cotton grown and woven in the Aegean region of Turkey. This six-piece set includes two bath towels, two guest towels, and two washcloths.
Weighted blankets can be a bit of an eyesore, which makes the Bearably Tree Napper really stand out. It’s a beautiful blanket, and you can’t tell it’s weighted until you lift it. It’s made from Tencel, a plant-based fabric that’s 100 percent biodegradable, and one of the most sustainable options. It’s available in three weights (10, 15, 20, and 25 pounds) and seven gorgeous colors.
Gift a set of these cozy flannel sheets from Coyuchi that are perfect for winter. Each set includes a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and corresponding pillowcases. They’re made from 100 percent organic cotton that is grown in Turkey and woven in Portugal.
Cozy up with this super soft and warm blanket, which is made by artisans from ethically-sourced alpaca wool in the Peruvian Andes. There are no chemical dyes used; instead, the colors are due to naturally occurring hues of alpaca.
Eco-friendly beauty gifts
Wild’s refillable lip balms are the most fun way to hydrate your lips and take care of the planet. The aluminum refillable case is so chic. And the flavors?! Even more delicious. This set comes with a pretty rose case and a mango peach balm (mmmm). And for $5, you can get the case engraved for a personal touch.
This glitter is made from plant cellulose, making it completely plastic-free and able to fully biodegrade in about 28 days in natural environments. It’s easy to use and available in six amazing colors to add a pop of sparkle to your skin or hair.
Fun fact: luffas are plants! This freshly harvested heirloom luffa from Bathing Culture is responsibly farmed and dried in central California. That means it’s 100 percent biodegradable.
Upgrade someone’s self-care routine with a gift that’s as good for the planet as it is for their skin. The Sustainable Shower Set includes aluminum bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash—all crafted with plant-based ingredients and minimal plastic. The packaging is refillable, too, so once they run out they can be recycled and refilled. Plus, the minimalist aesthetic will elevate any shower shelf. It’s a thoughtful pick for eco-conscious friends—or anyone ready to make their beauty routine a little greener.
This moisturizing body stone is a plastic-free form of lotion. Just warm the stone between your hands and rub it on your body before massaging in the nourishing oils. Because it’s made without water, a little goes a long way.
The good: This face oil works hard to smooth skin and infuse it with mega hydration, giving you a near-instant dewy glow.
The even better: Korres has been pretty good about their eco-friendly packaging (they use 90 percent recyclable packaging), but this year they’ve opened an in-store recycle lab in NYC, making their brand even more earth-friendly. Plus, they support over a thousand Greek farms by buying their used vineyard grapes to create their formulas at their zero-waste lab. Anything they don’t use gets used as fertilizer.
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