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42 Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Gifts (2024)

Zero Waste Gifts

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Are you looking for eco-friendly & zero waste gifts, ideal for environmentalists and people who want to live more sustainably?

I’m excited to share with you the ultimate list with many ideas, for Christmas, birthdays, and other holidays or occasions. 

Most of the gifts below are either something I gifted to my friends & family, or things I got as gifts. The rest are things that I would love to get (or give) as a present. I divided the 42 ideas into six categories:

  • Eco-Beauty & Personal Care
  • Green fashion 
  • Home & Kitchen 
  • Eco-Friendly Gifts For Kids 
  • Outdoors & Activities 
  • Other

In each category, the items start from the cheapest options ($) to more expensive ones ($$$). And for more outside-of-the-box types of gifts, you can consider looking into consumable gifts, or experience gifts. I mentioned those ideas at the end of this list, so you’ll be able to get many more ideas from there. 🙂 

Alright, without further ado, let’s jump right into the list with eco-friendly gift ideas.


Eco-Friendly Beauty & Personal Care Gift Ideas


Shampoo & Conditioner Bar Set 

Good for: Women & Men | Price: $12 – $30 

Let’s start with something straightforward. Shampoo & conditioner bars are a great option, but perhaps for someone closer to you, so you’ll know which would be best for them depending on their hair type and style.

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Lush shampoo bar

There are plenty of options here, and you can see what’s available locally, or you can order online. Here are a few great eco-friendly shampoo bars & conditioners:


Body / Hair Oils

Good for: Women & Men | Price: $12 – $30 

If you know someone well enough and know what he/she uses for their hair care routine, then this might be a great gift choice. Alternatively, you can also get some natural oils or creams for the body.

There are many options here:

  • Maroccanoil – I got it as a gift from my dear friend, and it is the best hair oil I’ve tried. It comes in a glass bottle and lasts a very long time.
  • Fable & Mane Indian Hair Oil – My best friend got this and she loved it; it helped her to repair her scalp, and hair health in general.  
  • Ethique Hydrating Body Lotion Concentrate – Haven’t tried any Ethique products yet, but based on the large amounts of positive reviews for all of their products, I think it will be a safe bet. 
  • Plaine Eco-Friendly Lotion – Perfect for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin.

Eco Soap Bar Set

Good for: Women & Men | Price: $20 

You can get a set of handmade soap bars, made with 100% plant-based ingredients and zero synthetics. They come in a pretty eco-friendly recycled kraft paperboard, and the incredible natural aroma is derived exclusively from essential oils and colors sourced from minerals, clays & plant extracts.

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Safety Razor 

Good for: Women & Men | Price: ~ $30 

I gifted my brother a safety razor for one Christmas, and even though he’s not too much into sustainability, he loved it. The safety razor reduces waste and also saves money (single-use razors can get up to $268 for 5 years).

I own a Jungle Culture safety razor, and I gifted my brother an Albatross Safety Razor. For more options, check my article with a list of 7 of the best safety razors for beginners.


Eco-Friendly Makeup 

Good for: Women | Price: $12 – $50 

Ideal for all of your girlfriends who are into makeup! There are a few cool eco-friendly brands that sell sustainable & vegan products. The ones I found are (links to Earth Hero):

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Sustainable Menstrual Products

Good for: Women | Price: $14 – $42 

Maybe a more personal type of gift, but if you know someone interested in trying a menstrual cup, you can surprise them with one. They are a fantastic eco-friendly alternative to single-use period products.

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AllMatters (the one that I use), Lunette Cup & Ruby Cup are all great options. If you think that the menstrual cup is too extreme, then you can get reusable menstrual pads or period underwear. I gifted period underwear to some of my closest girlfriends, and they were happy with it. 🙂 


Green Fashion 


Organic Undies 

Good for: Women & Men | Price: $12 – $60 
Maybe undies are a too-personal gift, but if it’s for someone close to you, it can be a perfectly safe choice. There is a wide range of sustainable brands – my favorite one is Knickey (now called Subset). More good options, both for women & men are –Organic Basics, Wear Pact, Boody Wear, Warp + Weft.

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Organic Socks 

Good for: Women & Men | Price: $30 

Conscious Step socks are made with organic cotton, which is more sustainable, but they also give back to non-profit organizations that plant trees, protect our oceans, and conserve rainforest trees! The socks are Fair Trade Certified and Vegan Certified, too. 

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Image by Conscious Step

Sustainable Accessories

Good for: Women & Men | Price: from $30
The choices are endless; think of ethical jewelry, sustainable handbags, wallets, eco-friendly watches, etc. Here are a couple of options:

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Organic Pajama Set

Good for: Women & Men | Price: from $40 

For years, I used to sleep with random t-shirts and shorts, but then for my B-day, I got a super cute pajama set from my friend, and let me tell you this – I’m a total pajama person now.

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I bought two more pajama sets afterward (one more for the summer and one winter edition). If you know someone who would like such a gift, here are a few cute pajama sets made with recycled or organic materials:


Eco-Friendly Sportswear

Good for: Women & Men | Price: from $40 

For your sporty friends, you can get a cool set of sustainable activewear. For your girlfriends, you can consider Indigo Luna, Studio K, Dharma Bums, and for your male friends, check out PrAna, Pact & Wolven Threads.

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Fair-Trade Clothing

Good for: Women & Men | Price: from $40

If you have a friend into fashion, they won’t be mad if you get them something nice from an eco-friendly brand. If you know well what they need or want, you can check my article with 50 affordable eco-friendly clothing brands.

If you aren’t too sure, you can get them a gift card from:


Eco-Friendly Sneakers / Shoes

Good for: Women & Men | Price: $80 – $150 

There are lots of cool eco-friendly footwear options, made with recycled polyester, organic cotton, natural rubber, etc. If you aren’t sure about the style, see if the brand offers gift vouchers. 

For my aunt’s b-day, I decided to gift her a voucher for Tropic Feel, since I knew she likes their sneakers, but I wasn’t 100% sure about the model. So, I sent her the gift card over her email on the day of her b-day, and then she got the model she liked the most. 🙂

For a cool new pair of eco-friendly sneakers, you can check Tropic Feel, Saola, Veja, or Ethletic. For sandals, loafers, or boots, you can check Alohas, Everlane, or Able.


Home & Kitchen 


Soy Candles

Good for: Women | Price: $12

Soy candles are an excellent sustainable gift option, offering a cleaner burn compared to traditional paraffin candles. They are a great gift that will bring a natural scent and cozy feeling to anyone’s home. Here are a few natural & toxic-free ones I found:

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Food Wax Wraps

Good for: Women & Men | Price: $11 – $22

Wax wraps are a great way for anyone who wants to keep food fresh and avoid wasting it. These wraps provide a reusable and eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastic wraps. The vegan wraps are also 100% compostable at the end of their life.

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Plants 

Good for: Women & Men | Price: From $20 

Plants are a safe choice, and good for also last-moment gifts. There are so many different ones, and for your friends who struggle to keep their plants alive, you can get succulents or cute cacti. Here are some cute gift options:

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Who Gives A Crap TP

Good for: Women & Men | Price: $30
Gifting toilet paper may seem like an odd idea, but Who Gives a Crap is not your average TP. Their eco-friendly toilet paper is made of bamboo or recycled paper. Their packaging is plastic-free, and they are committed to various charitable causes. Plus, their wrapping is colorful, fun & perfect for gifting! 

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Who Gives A Crap UK | Who Gives A Crap US | Who Gives A Crap Europe | Who Gives A Crap Austalia


Sustainable Cookware 

Good for: Women & Men | Price: from $30- $40

Sustainable cookware is ideal for your foodie friends.

Getting high-quality cookware made with eco-friendly materials means it will last for many years.

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This will minimize the need to purchase low-cost options every few years (and toss old scratched, and unusable items). Plus, it is made with non-toxic & more earth-friendly materials. For some good options, check out Xtrema, Kana, Caraway & From Our Place


Microfiber laundry ball 

Good for: Women & Men | Price: $12 – $37

Cora Ball catches the thousands of microfibers and microplastics that naturally shed from clothes, and eventually end up in our waterways. The easy-to-use laundry ball is made from 100% recycled plastic, and it is recyclable once it’s no longer usable.

The Gruppyfriend Microwave Washing Bag is an alternative option that has the same purpose as the ball. For even more impact, you can consider creating an eco-friendly laundry kit, that includes:

This particular idea is more for eco-friendly enthusiasts because if you give it to someone who’s not really into sustainability, they might end up a little disappointed. 😀 


Plant-Based Milk Maker

Good for: Women | Price: ~$100

Soyabella is an amazing gift for all your friends who drink plant-based milk. It can be a unique and practical gift because it can save your friend money, and reduce a lot of waste from buying milk in Tetra packs.

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I bought one for myself and you can read my full review about Soyabella here. The only thing to consider is if the person you’re buying it for will use it. 


Organic Bedding 

Good for: Women & Men | Price: $100+

For cozy, silky, and dreamy nights, you can surprise someone with high-quality organic bedding from KOTN, or PACT: 

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Eco-Friendly Gifts For Kids


Jenga

Price: $15

Every wood and paper component from this Jumbling Tower Wooden Blocks is made from responsibly grown and harvested bamboo trees. Jenga is super fun for nearly all ages. It encourages long-lasting, reusable play without the need for batteries or disposable components. 

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Finger Paint

Price: $15 

The Finger Paints are crafted from naturally derived powders, featuring food-safe, non-GMO ingredients like potatoes, rice, and beans, pigmented with organic fruit and vegetable extracts. Perfect for artistic adventures from the age of 3 and above.

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Giraffe Teether Toy  

Price: $20

For the little ones, you can get a natural rubber toy, for soothing painful gums. The Girafe toy is made from eco-friendly natural rubber that is BPA-free and non-toxic. The toy is lightweight, soft, and durable, encouraging healthy oral development.

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Image from Earth Hero

Children’s Book 

Price: $20

Find a great selection of children’s books, made of sustainably sourced wood at Earth Hero.

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Crochet Dolls 

Price: from $40 

There are various great options for crochet dolls. My favorite are these unique, sweet, handmade crochet dolls on Etsy. The seller is my amazing grandma. I couldn’t miss sharing with you her unique creations. 🙂

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Shape & Sort game

Price: $40
This wooden set includes colorful blocks in different shapes for little ones to play with. The set is made from sustainably harvested rubberwood trees and surplus sawdust chips. It is colored with organic pigments, water-based dyes, and soy ink. It is ideal for ages 12+ months.

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Image from Earth Hero

House Playset

Price: $50

This PlayHouse Playset is made from 100% recycled plastic from used milk jugs! The house is on two levels and has additional toys. When I was a child, my aunt was making DIY toy houses out of paper, and I remember I loved it. So, that’s an even more sustainable and affordable DIY idea.

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Image from Earth Hero
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Old photo of baby me & my DIY house playset 

Outdoors & Activities


Reusables

Good for: Women & Men | Price: $20 – $40

For any eco-friendly enthusiasts, gifting any type of reusable item can be a fantastic gift idea. The list of ideas here is long!

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From reusable water bottles to bamboo cutlery sets, these thoughtful presents minimize environmental impact and promote long-term use, resource conservation, and adaptation of sustainable practices. Some options you can choose from:


Eco Backpack

Good for: Women & Men | Price: $29 – $100

A backpack can be a good sustainable gift, especially if it’s made from eco-friendly materials like recycled or organic fabrics. Timbuk2, Rei, Cotopaxi, TerraThread, and Tropic Feel are all known for high-quality, eco-friendly backpack options, so you can check their offers.


Yoga Mat

Good for: Women & Men | Price: From $50 

For yoga, pilates, meditation, or workout enthusiasts, a yoga mat will be a highly appreciated gift. The mats below are antimicrobial and made with sustainably harvested, biodegradable, and non-toxic materials.

I own a Manduka Prolite and I’m super happy with it. For other eco-friendly options, check:


Balance Board

Good for: Women & Men | Price: $50

A balance board is an extremely fun and cool gift idea for sports lovers, athletes, and even kids.

Balance Board Tricks - Training | Bredder

The whole point is to keep the balance when you are on top of the board, while there is a roller underneath. It might sound boring, or easy, but it’s the opposite. Once you learn the basics, you can experiment with different movements, jumps, and tricks. You can check the video above to see some cool tricks, and how the balance board is used.


Slackline Kit

Good for: Women & Men | Price: ~$70

This slackline kit from ZenMonkey is another fun outdoor activity, great for adults and kids, too, that can improve strength, balance, and focus.

Slackline-Tutorial: Standing and Walking

This kit comes with a main slackline, ratchets, tree protectors, a carry bag, instructions, etc. All you need to start, plus some additional goods! You can check out what it looks like, and decide if it will be a good gift idea for some of your friends or family.


Other


Eco-Friendly Notebook

Good for: Women & Men | Price: from $12

Check the selection of notebooks, by A Good Company. The notebooks are printed with non-toxic soy ink and are made from stone paper making them extremely durable, tear-resistant, and water-resistant.

They also sell grass pens & refills, plant trees for every purchase you make, and they are Certified B Corporation.


Consumables 

Good for: Women & Men | Price: from $15

Consumables can be another idea for excellent eco-friendly gifts. Items like artisanal chocolates, organic teas, or locally sourced products provide a delightful experience without contributing to long-term waste.

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I have an article with over 80 consumable gift ideas, so feel free to check it for ideas and inspiration. 🙂


DIY gifts

Good for: Women & Men | Price: from $15

DIY gifts can be wonderful sustainable gift options. Creating something handmade not only adds a personal touch but also reduces the environmental impact associated with mass-produced goods.

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Some DIY gifts I made last Christms

It allows you to use eco-friendly materials and tailor the gift to the recipient’s preferences, promoting a thoughtful and sustainable approach to gift-giving.

You can create different types of DIY products like handmade deodorant, DIY body lotion bars, DIY face scrub, or sweet treats, such as DIY chocolate fudge, homemade granola bars, healthy Twix bars, chocolate chip cookies in a jar, etc.

For more ideas for sweet treats, check out my healthy vegan recipes here.


Experiences

Good for: Women & Men | Price: from $15

Experience gifts are excellent sustainable options because instead of physical items, you can offer memorable moments and activities.

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The 1975 in Copenhagen

This type of gift aligns with the principles of minimalism and can include activities like spa days, concert tickets, cooking classes, or outdoor adventures. You can check my article with 53 non-materialistic gift ideas for any budget.


4OCEAN bracelet 

Good for: Women & Men | Price: $20 

A few years ago, my good friend Claudia gifted me a 4OCEAN bracelet for my birthday. 4Ocean’s mission is to stop the 16 billion pounds of plastic that enter the oceans each year and remove the one that’s already there.

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When you purchase a 4Ocean bracelet, you subtract 1 pound of trash from the sea and coastlines. The bracelets are made with 90% post-consumer content and up to date, 4Ocean bracelets have pulled 2,247,704 pounds of trash from our oceans and coastlines to date–and it keeps growing every day.


Tarot Deck / Questions Card Games

Good for: Women | Price: from $20

Tarot deck cards can be a unique and meaningful gift idea. They offer a blend of entertainment, spiritual exploration, and self-reflection, making them suitable for those interested in introspection.

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There are many great decks, but the one I tried with my friend and I love is The Herbal Astrology Oracle

Similarly to the tarot deck, question card games can be also a fantastic gift idea, fostering engaging conversations, connections, and meaningful interactions for social gatherings, family events, or even icebreakers. 


Sustainable Living Book

Good for: Women & Men | Price: $10 – $18

You can get for your eco-enthusiast friends a book about green living. You can find my list of 17 books that will give anyone tons of ideas and tips on living a sustainable life.

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Eco Headphones

Good for: Women & Men | Price: from $20

For music lovers, you can get a pair of eco-friendly headphones. The two choices I found at Earth Hero are – Little Bird In-Ear Headphones and Positive Vibration 2 Bluetooth Headphones.

Both options are noise-isolating, comfortable, and sustainably made, with recycled or ethically sourced materials.


Eco-Subscription Boxes 

Good for: Women & Men | Price: from $30

Eco-friendly subscription boxes make for excellent gifts, offering a curated selection of various sustainable products, from skincare products to snacks and more.

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They provide a delightful and fun experience, introducing recipients to a variety of eco-friendly items, and fostering a commitment to a sustainable lifestyle.

Some popular ideas include zero-waste essentials boxes, organic beauty boxes, or eco-conscious home goods subscriptions, such as: 


Conclusion


So there you have it friends. I hope this list of eco-friendly gifts was helpful and gave you some ideas on what to get for your loved ones.

Just remember that the best gift to give anyone is something they want and will use. Anything beyond that, that they do not need or want is unsustainable as they may just throw it away or end up not using it at all. 

If I missed cool sustainable gifts that you think would fit here, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below, so I can update the list. 🙂

Which eco-friendly gift do you like the most & why? Let me know!

58 Zero Waste Gifts That Help The Environment - Almost Zero Waste

2 Comments

  1. Thank you for this wonderful post. I learned so much, not just about gift ideas for loved ones, but also about products that could help me become more sustainable myself. Your research and effort on this topic is greatly appreciated!

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