The Ultimate Eco-Friendly Gift Guide for Zero Waste Christmas Gifts
IT’S HERE!! Welcome to the ultimate list of zero-waste gifts to give for Christmas or any time of the year. As always, we have 150+ low-waste gift ideas for Christmas. Let’s jump in!
But, before we do, a few reminders to make Christmas gifts eco-friendly:
I know these are probably both not popular opinions but before you buy something, ask the person what they want. I often give our families a list of things we would like that way they can pick from that (or use it as inspiration) and we can still be surprised without receiving something we would not like. Along those lines, I think cash is always a great gift item. This way the person can use it for what they truly want or need.
If this gift guide isn’t enough zero-waste gift ideas for you, check out the gift guides of Christmas past:
Eco-friendly gift guide 2019, big zero-waste brands
Low-waste gift guide 2020, zero waste stocking stuffers
Zero-waste gift guide 2021, highlighting small businesses
Pricing guide:
$ - $20 and under
$$ - $21 - $50
$$$ - $51-150
$$$$ - $151+
Home
Eco Terra eco-friendly beds made from natural latex ($$$$)
Pirani Life reusable aluminum party glasses, think reusable solo cups ($$-$$$$)
But if you’re looking for more eco-partyware (bioplastic cups, compostable paper plates, and more) check our Repurpose ($-$$)
Holy Lamb Organics makes organic pillows, comforters, and other bedding needs ($$$-$$$$)
Or check our Simply Organic Bamboo bedding for a vegan option ($$$-$$$$)
Made using recycled plastic, Monarc creates storage and travel bags ($$-$$$)
Get all your home care needs from toothbrushes to vegetable peelers and everything in between made from sustainable materials from Full Circle Home ($-$$$)
Ditch the plastic wrap and choose Bee’s Wrap instead ($)
Eco-friendly paper towels and toilet paper from Reel ($-$$)
And we have the well-known Who Gives a Crap (US) (use this link for Australia and this link for UK) ($-$$)
Or you can check out Cloud Paper if that suits your fancy more ($$)
A punny take on eco-friendly bedding essentials is Sheets & Giggles ($$$)
In need of a new paint job for your home? Look no further than ECOS Paints to have less of an impact on your home reno ($)
Check out this New Zealand-made Nui Organics clothing brand made with merino wool ($-$$)
Start making your own nut milk today with Nutr! It’s super easy and has a great flavor/texture ($$$$)
Lomi is an at-home composting machine for people who don’t have access to curbside composting or yard space ($$$$)
Stio is your one-stop-shop for all your eco-outdoorsy needs (use code EMMASTIO) ($-$$$$)
EcoLunchBox makes beautiful and high-quality stainless steel, plastic-free lunch and food containers ($-$$)
This is suchhh a fun swap from Everly, it is refillable candles! This reduces shipping weight, and the bags are compostable ($$$)
They pair perfectly with a rechargeable lighter from the USB Lighter Company to reduce single-use matches and canisters of fuel lighters ($$)
Newly makes some amazing home goods that are all made from recycled or repurposed materials ($$$-$$$$)
Choose beeswax candles instead of paraffin candles These burn with little to no smoke, are naturally derived, and much more eco-friendly. Not to mention they are allergy-friendly and migraine family which is a huge must for me. Check out BeAmbiance Candles ($$)
Or opt for vegan soy candles instead. With the same perks as beeswax, check out C and A Candles on Etsy ($)
Quit buying factory-made pottery and support a small artist instead. Marissa from Science Ceramics makes handmade bowls, mugs, and more with nature and science themes ($-$$)
Apparel/beauty
Looking for plastic-free skincare that you can also buy at some refill stores? You have to check out The Rebrand from my friend Aubri. Not only are there in-store refills, but at-home refills too to reduce packaging and shipping emissions
Knickey organic undergarments in fun colors or neutrals. Their bras are SO comfy ($)
Organic essentials for babies and kids from Colored Organics ($$)
Day-Won size inclusive and sustainably made in the US activewear ($$-$$$)
Neu Nomads sustainably made luxury fashion ($$-$$$)
Malaya Organics has your back when it comes to sustainably made skin care ($$$)
Check out this slow and ethical marketplace, your one-stop zero-waste shop from Urban Kissed ($$-$$$$)
One-of-a-kind vintage finds from Recollection ($$-$$$$)
Creating a closed-loop fashion system, shop from Ooloop ($$$-$$$$)
I know it’s winter, but start dreaming of your summer vacay with Koraru sustainable swimwear ($$$)
Looking for some fun, truly zero-waste lipstick? Look for further than Axiology ($$)
Antioxidant-rich and made sustainably in New Zealand, check out The Organic Skin Co ($$)
Don’t think I forgot eco-friendly footwear (they sell other accessories, too). Check out Alohas eco sandals, boots, loafers, and more ($$$$)
Their claim to fame is the only clean skincare to use wild-harvested virgin coconut oil. Not just clean ingredients, though, clean packaging for a cleaner planet from Tap Tap Organics ($-$$)
But what about eco-friendly active footwear and socks? That’s where Allbirds comes in. I’m a HUGE fan of their slippers ($-$$$)
A long-time favorite casual apparel brand of mine is Ten Trees. They plant Ten Trees per item purchased (and you get to see where they were planted!) ($-$$$)
Girlfriend collective is an eco-activewear brand making workout clothes out of recycled plastic ($-$$$)
Blue Urbane is a one-stop shop for your eco-aesthetic needs, it’s an eco-boutique! ($-$$$)
For all your knitwear and vintage needs, try Purl1VintageToo on Etsy ($-$$)
Get handmade children’s dress-up items, costumes, and toys at Seamingly Sarah on Etsy ($-$$)
I found The Wooden Moon on TikTok and absolutely LOVE their hats. They are hand painted to match any season and vibe you’re going for ($-$$)
I am OBSESSED with Vetta! They make capsule pieces meaning you don’t need a lot of clothing items to have several outfits. Their pieces can each be worn so many ways and are made with sustainable materials ($$$-$$$$)
You NEED to check out You From Me thrifted beauty products. I know what you’re thinking, used beauty products? Don’t worry! They are unused and go through a rigorous process to ensure the highest quality is met ($-$$)
Want some funky, unique shorts (and other clothing) but don’t know what to choose? Check out Shorts by Sav. She thrifts clothing and adds personal touches to them! ($$-$$$)
You HAVE to try BKind nail polish that is non-toxic, mostly derived from plants, AND vegan. Their colors are so lovely and are very affordable for high-end nail polish ($-$$)
Not sure if you want to commit to one of these sustainable brands without trying them out first? Rent in the Loop has got you covered. They specialize in renting sustainable clothing from brands listed above and more so you don’t have to buy them without trying it first! Not to mention, you could gift someone their monthly subscription box ($$-$$$)
Health/Hygiene
Dame!! I cannot recommend this brand enough. It’s a zero-waste swap I haven’t seen anyone else talk about and that is a reusable tampon applicator. This is perfect for people who don’t like menstrual cups (for whatever reason, myself included) or people who needs to use tampons for whatever reason (for me, it’s camping) ($-$$)
Kind Laundry is one of my personal fav laundry brands (review here) ($-$$)
Another great laundry option is Earth breeze (review here) check out their US site and their UK site ($-$$)
Or you can check out TruEarth laundry sheets (review here) ($-$$)
Dirty Labs is a great laundry option that comes in easy-to-recycle aluminum bottles (review here) ($-$$)
Natural and sustainably made dish soap, hand soap, cleaners, and more from Koala Eco ($)
If you’re looking for an eco-friendlier liquid laundry detergent, then check out Rebel Green ($-$$)
Looking for a vegan and sustainable Omega-3 supplement? Then you need to try Orlo
This may be controversial, but this is my favorite bidet (sorry, Tushy) from Whisper bidets. I find it not only more affordable, but easier to install, and a better water stream ($$)
Sustainably grown organic cotton tampons from Tampon Tribe. I know, not your typical holiday gift, but they can get expensive so if you can get your family to buy you a stash, good for you ($)
Don’t like shampoo bars? Don’t worry, check out Everist, a concentrated shampoo paste that uses less water than traditional shampoos and comes in aluminum ($$)
Toothpaste tab lovers! This one is for you! Check out highly recommended, Huppy toothpaste tabs ($)
Prefer foaming hand soap to bars? Me too. Check out Petal’s refillable foaming hand soap ($-$$)
Quip is a reusable floss pick. I hate regular floss but also hated the waste that came with single-use floss picks, so this swap is amazing! Use code LPFNHXFM for $5 off ($)
Modibodi is easily my favorite period underwear. You can learn more about them and period underwear in general in this video ($-$$)
Oak & Willow makes low-waste soaps and bath bombs and such but they are tailored for people with sensory differences/neurodivergents. If you’re like me and hate bar soap, this swap is for you! ($-$$)
Boaty reusable tissues and toilet paper. You read that right. Check out the review videos for the tissues here and the toilet paper here. It saves you SO much money over time, they’re so soft, and they’re so easy to use ($$-$$$)
Looking for a shampoo/conditioner bar? Look no further than The Earthling Co. They sell other soap bars for body, dishes, and even zero-waste dry shampoo! ($-$$)
You can also check out Parrotfish which checks all the boxes: sustainable, zero waste, AND palm oil-free shampoo, conditioner, and soap bars ($)
Your one-stop shop for all your low-waste baby/children needs from reusable pads for postpartum to cloth diapers and more! Check out Lil Helper ($-$$$)
Games/toys/crafts/recreation
Aventon e-bikes have easily become one of my all-time favorite products PERIOD. They make biking long distances a breeze and help me reduce my carbon footprint (review here) ($$$$)
Something I never thought I’d see but was so happy to find them; Eco Sports! It’s exactly what it sounds like. Sports and equipment but make it eco-friendly ($-$$$)
Don’t leave out the artists in your lives, check out Eco-Friendly Crafts for all your low-waste crafting needs ($-$$$)
You can find relatively eco-outdoorsy gear from both Cotopaxi and Patagonia ($-$$$$)
Get your outdoorsy friend a reusable hand warmer! Heck, get it for your band nerds too, I wish I had one of these during marching band. I got mine from Zippo which isn’t a notorious zero-waste brand, but this will save me so much waste over my lifetime, it’s more efficient, and so much warmer, too ($-$$)
Accessories
Pela case. I always mention them but it’s a brand I truly love. They have all your eco tech needs from airpod cases to the world’s first zero waste screen protector and more ($-$$)
Pela also has an eyewear line, Pela Vision ($$)
The world’s first backpack made from ocean plastic, check out Got Bag ($$$)
These sustainably made shades are perfect for everyone in every season from Opolis ($$$)
Sustainably made bags, purses, and jewelry from Raven + Lily ($$$$)
Rainwater only grown organically made AND vegan with no plastic in sight is Terra Thread bags ($$)
All your outdoor needs but make them eco-friendly with Coalatree. They have hammocks, blankets, and more! ($$)
Have you ever wondered what happens to custom back-drops from theater? Well, they usually end up in the trash. But Scenery Bags is doing something about that and turning backdrops and curtains into unique bags. ($$)
These super cute pride pins (and other accessories) are made by a small, non-binary, disabled artist named Art by Ashley Parent. Their work is super fun!
Food-stuffs
Rotten Fruit Box takes ugly and near-bad fruit and dehydrate them for tasty snacks. They even do vegetables and more! ($-$$)
Get all your reusable straw and beverage needs from Simply Straws ($)
Looking for a unique but super tasty alternative milk? Try Hope & Sesame ($)
You NEED to try Climate Candy! They make delicious candy from food waste, preventing methane emissions if they were to end up in the landfill instead of in your candy ($)
Alter Eco makes delicious chocolates with biodegradable packaging. They also usually do some fun holiday flavors! ($)
Stojo makes amazing reusable, collapsible, and non-breakable coffee cups and to-go containers. I am a HUGE fan as the lids for their collapsible bowls make them double as take-out containers and even storage for food at home! ($-$$)
Something Sweet LV is a tasty, vegan-friendly candy company based in Las Vegas, so if you’re also local, like me, this is a great small business to support for stocking stuffers!
Pets
We can’t leave our furry friends out of the holiday fun, pick up something for them from Pure Earth Pets ($-$$$)
Or check out one of my personal favorites, The Kind Pet (use code EMMA10 for 10% off) ($-$$$)
One-stop Zero-Waste Shops
If you want to get them something low waste but I didn’t mention it, browse these stores!
One Stop Eco Shop is a smaller brand but I absolutely adore them! If you want to also support a small business, they’re your shop! (@onestopecoshop on Instagram) ($-$$)
Another “get it all here” zero-waste shop with everything from loose-leaf tea to plastic-free dish sponges is Earth Love ($-$$)
Eco Roots is a longtime favorite of mine, it’s a one-stop zero-waste shop with all your zero-waste needs ($-$$)($-$$)
Of course, we have the well-known Zero Waste Store as well
Earth Hero ($-$$)
The Ultimate Green Store ($-$$)
Me Mother Earth (a Vegas local shop if you live here, too) ($-$$)
KoKo Eko (a Vegas local shop if you live here, too) ($-$$)
Minimal Market (a Vegas local shop if you live here, too) this is your go-to for zero-waste but specifically for refills! ($-$$)
Woodburne Naturals is a great one-stop zero waste shop that focuses on natural ingredients, simple designs, and eco-friendly packaging ($-$$)
Experiences (these costs depend on what you get, how many people you buy them for, etc)
Wine tasting
Winery/brewery/distillery tour
Lessons: piano, piloting, basketball, etc
National or State Parks pass
Hip camp or Airbnb booking
Gas cards are always appreciated
Amusement Park passes
Sports tickets
Rent a camper van for the ultimate road trip experience
A trip abroad now that many borders are reopening
Go cart racing
A round (or a few) of golf
A camping trip
Oil change and other general car maintenance
Paint n sip
Pottery or woodworking class
Teaching Brainiacs is a tutor for hire (@teaching_brainiacs on IG)
Use Eco Rate (@ecorate.eco on IG) to take people to some eco-friendly cafes or use the app to find cafes to get gift cards to
Buy someone’s next tattoo
Subscriptions
Green Kid Crafts eco-friendly subscription boxes for crafts and science ($$)
My friends Sarah and Jess started a zero-waste masterclass, check it out here and apply here
Buy someone services like Skillshare where they can learn any skill they want online ($)
Services like Harvest Hosts, Hipcamp, and more for the campers/van lifers/backpackers in your life ($-$$)
For your backpacking/camping friends, pay for their Garmin or other GPS subscription ($)
Services like Misfits Market or Imperfect Foods ($-$$)
For your fellow photographers/videographers, a yearly subscription to things like Final Cut Pro or Lightroom would be a great option ($$$-$$$$)
Pay for an annual public transportation pass ($$-$$$$)
Get them a yearly streaming subscription to their favorite service ($-$$)
Pay for someone’s subscription to Patreon for their favorite creator ($-$$)
Make a donation in someone’s name via Penny Loafer ($-$$$$) they vet the charities so you don’t have to spend time digging for an organization that meets your needs
Refurbished/Second hand
Regift things in your home you no longer use. Declutter and instead of giving it to Goodwill, give it to a friend who would want it (FREE)
Books and movies are very easy to find second-hand ($)
Frames galore at thrift stores. You can print family photos, wedding photos, or make a piece of art to go in them ($)
Check out my guide on buying tech second-hand like a pro so you can score some great deals for the holidays without getting scammed ($$-$$$$)
See what your receiver wants and try finding it second-hand. I have found so many things second-hand in great condition but half the price: cameras, my iPad, kombucha brewing kit, my juicer, Dan’s mountain bike, my roller blades, and the list goes on! ($-$$$$)
Use Thriftbooks for all your secondhand book needs! Many are still in great condition for a fraction of the price ($-$$)
Style Me KG on TikTok creates custom boxes full of thrifted clothing ($$-$$$)
Homemade/DIY/Services
Baked goods are always a great gift idea ($)
Propagated plants (FREE)
Something you painted or sewed or crocheted (or other skill) ($-$$)
Clean their house or their car (FREE)
Babysit for them so the parents can go on a nice date (that you could also pay for) (FREE)
Home cooked meals ($-$$)
Grocery store gift cards ($$-$$$)
Gift cards to small, local businesses are a great option too! Instead of a Starbucks gift card, get one from a local coffee shop. Instead of a gift card to target, support a local boutique instead ($$-$$$)
Thank you so much for reading along. I hope you have a happy and healthy holiday season and hope that this gift guide comes in handy for making Christmas eco-friendly.
As always, you small actions have a big impact in the long run :)
Emma
