110 Eco-friendly Holiday Gifts
The ultimate guide for finding eco-friendly gifts for all budgets for all kinds of people. These ideas can also be used year-round for other events like birthdays, anniversaries, or other occasions.
Holidays are one of the most wasteful times of the year, and that goes for actual waste and wasted money. Most people think they have to give gifts to everyone, even if it means that the gift is just something cheap, cheesy, and maybe even straight-up junk (guilty).
So, in this post, I want to talk about how you can give more sustainable and environmentally friendly gifts this year. This will be a quick way to come up with ideas for your friends, families, teachers, and even co-workers. Try your best to avoid junk items and games that involve a lot of waste and maybe even talk everyone into playing a more sustainable version.
If you would rather watch a video on this topic (plus more Denahi bloopers) click here. Keep in mind, though, that I kept the video brief and that the full blog is a better guide. The blog includes a full price guide and gift description while the video is just a list.
Don’t worry, you will still be able to enjoy all the holiday festivities, but this year, you won’t have to be as wasteful. And (!!) there are even some FREE options! Here is the price key:
- $: free
- $$: under $20
- $$$: $21-50
- $$$$: $50 and up
Here is a quick breakout if you want to skip to the section that is best for you:
- Experiences: 1-14
- Memberships/subscriptions: 15-17
- Memories: 19-24
- Make something yourself and utilize your skills: 25-33
- Money or gift cards: 34-36
- Thrift the gift: 37-44
- Make your own gift baskets: 45-57
- Chose sustainable brands: 58-78
- Shop local: 79-83
- The gift that keeps on giving: 84-90
- Gifts for the whole crew: 91-94
- Upcycle: 95-97
- Regift and Rehome: 98-100
- Pampering: 101-105
- Gifts to help them become more sustainable: 106-110
Experiences:
What this means is, instead of getting someone a physical gift, get them something to do. There are endless options and most might depend on your region. For example, you wouldn't take someone surfing if you live in Ohio, but you won't take someone to a corn maze if you live in Hawaii. This is a great way to make so many memories without collecting physical items. Here are a few ideas:
1. Christmas-filled day of making cookies, caroling, and seeing Christmas lights ($)
2. Tickets to the movies ($$)
3. Date night (prices may vary)
4. A play ($$$-$$$$)
5. Laser tag ($$$-$$$$)
6. Go-karting ($$$-$$$$)
7. Tickets to an indoor sports/recreation center ($$$-$$$$)
8. Paint-balling ($$$-$$$$)
9. Archery ($$$-$$$$)
10. Horse-back riding (Free if you have horses, otherwise $$$-$$$$)
11. A class such as cooking, sewing, or wood-shop ($$-$$$)
12. A museum or gallery ($$)
13. A local festival ($-$$)
14. An ancestry program ($$$$)
Memberships/Subscriptions:
Now, don’t go giving someone a gym membership just because you don’t have any other ideas. This can be taken the wrong way, unless they are already a big gym rat, then that might be a very good gift! Here are some other membership ideas though:
15. A monthly subscription box (they will actually use) for clothing, food, or cleaners ($$$$)
16. A gym membership for the gym rat in your life ($$$$)
17. Pay for their Netflix or Amazon Prime for the year ($$$$)
18. A subscription to a food service like Thrive Market (US only) ($$$$)
Memories:
This is a kind of combination of experiences, DIYs, and utilizing your talents, but this can be a lot more meaningful to you and the other person. A gift that keeps on giving, if you will. This might take a bit more planning than experience gifts, but I am sure it’ll be worth it. You will have memories and special moments captured for years and generations to come. Here are a few ideas:
19. A photoshoot (Free if you do photos or have a friend do them, otherwise ($$$$)
20. A weekend (or even week) getaway. This can be anything from a legitimate vacation or just a trip to a local state or national park ($$$$)
21. Making something together like pottery or painting ($$-$$$$)
22. A scrapbook or photo book from this year’s best memories ($$-$$$$)
23. A video documentary of your lives or this year ($ if you have the abilities)
24. A shadow box from the year’s events, festivals, movies, etc. that you went to ($$$)
Make something yourself and utilize your skills:
I have always loved making gifts for friends and family. It means so much more when it comes from your own hands and heart and now they have something totally unique, not something 1,000 other people are going to get this year. Choose what area of expertise you have access to and enjoy doing, and go from there. Here are a few ideas:
25. A handmade wreath, perfect for the holiday season ($$)
26. A painting, drawing, or another form of art you enjoy ($)
27. Crochet, knit, or sew something if that is more your thing ($-$$)
28. Even just a handmade card ($-$$)
29. A Christmas cookie platter ($)
30. Make them dinner ($$)
31. Make something out of wood: coasters, a new shelf, a blanket ladder, a wall hanging, a frame, cutting boards, you name it ($$-$$$)
32. A gingerbread house ($)
33. Take photos for your parents, family, or friends ($)
Money or gift cards:
This might not be as meaningful as some gifts, but if you are in a time crunch and if you’re just getting something, say for Secret Santa, this can be a great gift for coworkers. This way they can get something that they actually want or need. Here are some ideas:
34. Their favorite restaurant or store ($$$-$$$$)
35. Amazon (really can’t go wrong with this one) ($$$-$$$$)
36. Local shops and businesses to support the local economy ($$$-$$$$)
Thrift the gift:
Over the past year, I have been compiling a list of things I have wanted and sent it to my family for gift ideas for us. This way they were not scrambling to find us things we might want and they weren’t risking getting us something we wouldn’t use. My mom ended up thrifting me a large glass bowl and metal spoon I have been hunting for and I was so happy! And, it was significantly cheaper than buying new. Win for me, win for her!
You don’t have to even go thrift shopping, you can check places like Facebook Marketplace, Depop, eBay, and more. Here are some other ideas if the person you are buying for did not give you a list:
37. Photo frames that you can fill yourself ($$)
38. Books to add to their collection ($$)
39. Unique Christmas decor ($$)
40. A coffee mug and add their favorite holiday drink mix ($$)
41. An ugly Christmas sweater ($$)
42. Kitchen gadgets and utensils ($$)
43. Scarves, gloves, and other items to stay bundled up in the cold ($$)
44. Home decor such as mirrors, lamps, wall hangings, etc ($$)
Make your own gift baskets:
Versus buying pre-made ones of course. Gift baskets are still great gifts that can incorporate a lot of nice gifts. But, most of the time, you can’t choose the items inside and they might be cheap, wasteful, or not even get used by the person you are giving it to. So, instead, make your own! Don’t forget to thrift your basket and thrift whatever you can for the baskets. Try to only buy new when necessary. And, since you are making it yourself, there is no need to cover it in all that cellophane! All baskets are probably going to be between $10-50 depending on where you get the items. Here are some ideas:
45. For the Christmas lover: Christmas cookies, Christmas cookie cutters, mugs, hot chocolate, candy canes, ornaments, a playlist of Christmas favorites, Christmas movies/movie night date
46. For the zero-waster (or trying to be): bamboo utensils, produce bags, metal straws, shampoo & conditioner bars, tote bags, mason jars
47. For the bookworm or teacher: books, a gift card to a book store, stationary, pens, mugs, their favorite tea, Christmas-inspired bookmarks
48. For the foodie: Christmas cookies, other Christmas candy, a gift card to their favorite restaurant, Christmas plates, handwritten favorite recipes
49. DIY edible arrangement: cut seasonal fruit into fun shapes and put them on skewers, add whole fruit and chocolate to the basket
50. For the chef: mixing bowls, measuring cups, whisks, spoons, handwritten favorite recipes, Christmas cookie cutters, silicone baking mat or cupcake “tin”
51. For movie night: popcorn, candy bars, sodas, a gift card to Redbox/Netflix/another streaming or borrowing service
52. For Dads/men you just don’t know what to get: use a bucket as the base, car cleaning supplies, rags, tools they might need, a gift card to Home Depot/Lowe's/other home goods store
53. Breakfast inspired: homemade pancake mix in a jar, maple syrup, chocolate chips, tea or coffee, Christmas mugs, muffins
54. For the beauty guru: (don’t forget to choose sustainable brands!) Lotion, shampoo & conditioner bars, nail polish, a gift card to a mani-pedi, homemade make-up remover pads, nail files, lip gloss/stain
55. Self-care inspired: bath bombs, lotion, face masks, Christmas slippers, candles, Christmas mug, their favorite tea, bath salts
56. Family game night: favorite board games, popcorn, candy
57. For the techie: pela phone case and screen protector, nimble portable charger, screen cloths, a stylus
Chose sustainable brands:
If you do choose to buy something material, choose a sustainable brand instead. This way you are creating less waste. The items are almost always better quality and will last longer. They are also more unique than buying from big-name stores. For a completely sustainable brand gift-giving guide, click here to read more from Learn to Love our Earth. Here are some other ideas though:
Clothing:
58. Green Spirits: tees and sweatshirts ($$$) (use code EMMA10 for 10% off)
59. Organic Basics: tennis socks, undergarments, leggings, and more ($$-$$$$)
Reusables:
60. Net Zero: reusable glass coffee cup or collapsible coffee cup ($$$)
61. Green Spirits: water bottles ($$) (use code EMMA10 for 10% off)
62. Mantra Kind: bamboo toothbrushes and utensils ($$)
Accessories:
63. Green Spirits: tote bags ($$) (use code EMMA10 for 10% off)
64. Stockholm Rose: necklaces, earrings, and more ($$$)
65. Pela: phone cases, sunglasses, and screen protectors ($$$)
66. Matt & Nat: handbags and footwear ($$$)
67. Loft & Daughter: jewelry, baskets, rugs, and more ($$$$)
Misc:
68. Subluceo: candles with Christmas scents ($$)
69. Aether Beauty palette ($$$)
70. Nimble: portable chargers, wireless chargers, and more ($$$$)
71. Zero waste kits: from Package Free Shop or the Sustainable Duo ($$$-$$$$)
Sustainable Brand Gift Cards ($$-$$$$ depending on the price you choose):
73. The Green Labels (fashion)
74. Organic Basics (fashion)
75. Everlane (fashion)
76. Patagonia (fashion)
77. Raven & Lily (home decor)
78. Saje (essential oils)
Shop locally and shop small:
Shopping locally can help save waste because the items are made in or near your hometown and don’t have to be shipped halfway across the world. They are also often made from quality materials that will last a long time.
This is another great idea if you chose to get something material but don’t really want to thrift or make anything yourself. If you don’t know where to start looking for brands, check google maps, yelp, trip advisor, or just ask on Facebook. This year for my birthday, my mom gifted me handmade soap and handmade decorative spider (weird back story there) made out of beads. There are people out there who make everything, so just look around until you find the perfect gift. Here are some ideas:
79. Homemade soaps: shampoo, conditioner, hand soap ($$)
80. A local baker: cookies, cakes, donuts, and more ($$)
81. Artists: painters, potters, and other media ($$-$$$$)
82. Wood or metal workers: furniture and wall decor ($$-$$$$)
83. Support local plays, shows, musicals, etc ($$$-$$$$)
The gift that keeps on giving:
This year, consider giving your time. The holidays are a hard time for people in rough life situations. You can do this alone or you can take friends and family and give your time to help those less fortunate or just help the community. Most of these just require you to donate your time or choice of money. Here are a few ideas:
84. Volunteer at a soup kitchen and help make and serve those to less fortunate during the holidays
85. Volunteer at an orphanage maybe to read stories or sing Christmas carols
86. Make book bags full of necessities and donate them to homeless shelters or homeless people you see ($$-$$$$)
87. Organize a beach, park, or city clean up and help make your city clean for the holidays
88. Donate money to an organization you feel passionate about
89. Volunteer to help hang up lights in your city and town to get it ready for the holiday season
90. Volunteer in or organize a cookie drive for homeless shelters/orphanages
Gifts for the whole crew:
This is a great idea if you don’t want to get, make, or organize a bunch of different gifts for a bunch of different people. These ideas just require you to organize one event on one day and just invite everyone! Here are some ideas:
91. Cook Christmas/holiday dinner for your whole family ($$$-$$$$)
92. Organize a cookie swap party. Everyone bakes their favorite cookies and brings extra recipes to pass out as well ($-$$)
93. Take everyone to the movies, to paint, or a family weekend getaway ($$-$$$$)
94. Sustainable/useful white elephant: instead of everyone buying junk, have everyone buy a useful gift instead and you can still enjoy this fun holiday tradition without being wasteful ($$-$$$)
Upcycle:
Turn old items into something fresh and new for someone to get more use out of. Upcycling is one of my favorite ways to DIY something and there are endless opportunities! It is a great way to reduce waste and to give someone a very unique gift. Here are some ideas:
95. Turn old wood into wall decor by painting it ($)
96. Turn old fabric into reusable produce bags or wreaths ($)
97. Turn old cardboard rings or cans into a desk organizer with paint and other supplies ($)
Regift and rehome items:
Did you find something in your home that is still in good shape but you don’t use anymore? Think about rehoming it this holiday season. Instead of dumping it at a thrift store, see if you can think of anyone who might get more use out of it first. Plus, this idea is totally free! Here are some ideas:
98. Rehome used clothes to someone your size like sisters or friends ($)
99. Regift unwanted and unused soaps, lotions, and other beauty products that you don’t need ($)
100. Rehome extra pots, pans, baking sheets, and other kitchen gadgets to someone who needs them this year like newlyweds or college students ($)
Pampering:
Give someone the gift of self-care and relaxation this year. This is a great idea for women in particular (though get this for anyone!) who you don’t really know what to get them, but they will really appreciate this option. Here are some ideas:
101. Get mani-pedis together ($$$-$$$$)
102. A massage ($$$-$$$$)
103. A full spa day ($$$-$$$$)
104. A facial ($$$-$$$$)
105. Getting their hair and eyebrows done ($$-$$$$)
Gifts to help them become more sustainable:
Now that you have mastered (or are learning more about) sustainability, now it’s your turn to teach and inspire others to walk the same road. So, give them gifts that will help them along their journey! Here are some ideas:
106. Reusables: water bottle, coffee cup, utensils, tote bags, produce bags ($$-$$$)
107. Sustainable soaps: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion bars ($$)
108. Other beauty products: reusable make-up remover pads, eco-friendly floss, toothpaste tabs, bamboo toothbrush ($$)
109. Vegan inspired: recipe books, a subscription to Thrive Market ($$-$$$$)
110. Miscellaneous items: dryer balls, soap nuts, a composter, eco-friendly garbage bags, and more! ($$)
Wow, that was honestly a lot! But, I hope it helps you find the perfect, eco-friendly gift this holiday season whether it's for a co-worker, friend, family member, or just helping someone in need.
Thank you so much for reading, and happy holidays :)
- Emma
* This post is in no way affiliated with any brand or company. I am not getting paid to endorse any brands or companies for this post. All opinions, photos, and reviews are my own.
