47 Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas for All Occasions

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James Miller
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James is an environmentalist, sustainability expert and senior editor at TheRoundup, specializing in testing non-toxic, organic and eco-friendly products. James, his wife and two daughters believe in chemical-free and zero-waste living. They aim to leave the planet in a better state than we found it, for future generations to enjoy.
James Miller
Updated: March 18, 2024

Everyone likes giving gifts on special occasions; be it Christmas, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, or even just to show someone you care.

However, have you ever worried about the waste this causes or the impact our gifts have on the environment?

Fear not! For the last three months, I've been busy scouring sustainable brands and online retailers to come up with this ultimate list of eco-friendly gift ideas for 2024.

I'll show you the best recycled, sustainably made, biodegradable, and organic gift options that are suitable for all occasions and budgets.

Trust me, your friends and family will love them (mine certainly did)...

Jump to: Under $25 | Under $50 | Under $100 | Under $250 | Gift Cards

My Favorite Sustainable Gift Idea

Gifts Under $250

Gifts Under $100

Gifts Under $50

Gifts Under $25

Experiences & Gift Cards

Gift Cards from Sustainable Brands

We all have at least one fussy, difficult-to-please person on our list (I'm looking at you, Uncle Seb!) that always leaves us scratching our heads.

Well, worry no more. A gift card (preferably a plastic-free one delivered via email) allows them to choose their own eco-friendly products.

Some of my favorite gift card options include the following:

Pact - Stylish & Eco Friendly Clothing

Saint Owen - Sunglasses & Jewelry

Terra Thread - bags, Backpacks & Apparel

Zero Waste Outlet - Kitchen, Bathroom & Household

Wearwell - Clothing, Shoes, Accessories

Zero Waste Store - Household & Beauty Products

Eco Roots - Household, Bath & Beauty

Sun & Swell Foods - Healthy Food & Snacks

Earthlove - Range of Products for Mindful Living

EarthHero - One of the Best Stores for All Zero-Waste Products

Purple Carrot - Meal Kits

Made Trade - Sustainable Superstore

Blueland - Soap and Personal Care Products

MiiR - Personalized Drink Bottles

The Classic T-Shirt Company - Awesome Organic T-Shirts

Things to Consider When Researching Eco-Friendly Gifts

To find the perfect eco-friendly present for someone you love, you need to match their likes and interests with a brand and product that doesn't cause waste or negatively impact the environment.

To help you get it right (first time, every time), here's what I looked for when testing and recommending the selections for this article.

Materials

Prioritize natural materials such as FSC-certified wood and sustainable fabrics.

Look for products made without plastics or other synthetic materials, which typically have a larger environmental footprint.

If you need to buy a plastic product, go for recycled plastic rather than virgin plastic.

Production Process

When possible, look for presents that are made in ethically conscious ways and with minimal impact on the environment.

Products made with renewable energy sources like wind or solar power can be particularly beneficial.

You should also try to prioritize companies that support charitable initiatives (such as 1% for the Planet) and pay their staff a fair living wage.

Packaging

Try to avoid unnecessary packaging whenever possible when selecting the perfect treat.

Gifts shipped in eco-friendly mailers or reusable/recycled/recyclable boxes are much better than those sent in single-use plastic wrap.

Build Quality

Gift items should be made with responsibly sourced, high-quality, durable, sustainable materials.

This helps ensure the item has a long life and can reduce the amount of waste produced over time.

Second Hand & Vintage

Opting for second-hand or vintage items is a great way to reduce environmental impact.

It may take more time and effort, but hunting down that perfect present that has been loved before and giving it a second life can be rewarding.

Plus, you're likely to find something unique.

Upcycling & Repurposing

Giving someone an item that has been upcycled or repurposed can be incredibly meaningful.

It shows you have put thought into both the item itself and the idea behind it (plus, you're helping reduce waste).

Experiences & Memories

Sometimes, giving an experience or creating memories together can mean more than any material item ever could.

Think about an activity you can do together and create lasting memories.

Handmade Gifts

Do-it-yourself presents are always special, so think of something meaningful that you can make for someone.

It could be a mix CD or a scrapbook filled with things that remind you of them (either way, it'll be sure to make them smile).

Don't Forget the Wrap

Buying zero-waste presents to help save the planet is pointless if you wrap them in non-recyclable gift wrap full of toxic inks and coatings.

Always choose eco-friendly wrapping paper made from recycled paper that can be reused or recycled once the present has been opened.

Wrappily has an excellent range of compostable, recycled, and recyclable wrapping options.

You can even make the wrap part of the treat and invest in some high-quality, no-waste furoshiki wrap from Wrappr (as mentioned earlier in this article).

Finally, consider tying the parcel with string or twine instead of fastening the wrap with plastic sticky tape.

Why Buying Good Quality Sustainable Gifts is So Important

  • Buying an environmentally friendly gift means there's one less cheap and disposable item in the world, potentially going to landfill and polluting the earth for many years.
  • It gives you the perfect opportunity to start a conversation about why you chose that specific present for them and why they should consider being more eco-friendly in the future.
  • People are more likely to change if they see for themselves that using environmentally conscious options can be just as good as 'normal' products. They may even start buying eco-friendly gifts for their friends and family. And so the movement begins to snowball!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is eco gift giving?

Eco gift giving is a term meaning that you choose to give eco friendly gifts that are made using methods and materials that do not harm the environment.

Traditionally, while holidays and occasions such as Christmas are usually happy occasions, they can generate a great deal of waste that can be environmentally damaging.

Individuals, businesses, or brands may choose to give a sustainable gift to align with their own values, their recipients' values, or both.

How can I be more eco-friendly?

The key to being more eco-friendly is making conscious decisions that reduce environmental impact. This includes buying items made from reputable companies and avoiding single-use plastic packaging.

You can also donate time or money to organizations fighting climate change and protecting natural resources.

What is the best eco-friendly present for a one-year-old?

The Dino Rattle mentioned in this article is a perfect present for a one-year-old.

Which backpack would make a great gift for a college student?

The Terra Thread Sustainable Backpack is an excellent college workhorse.

As mentioned in my Eco-Friendly Backpacks article, my daughters have been using them for years.

How can I reduce the carbon emissions of the presents I buy?

The shipping associated with online shopping can come with a significant carbon footprint. You might want to buy some carbon offsets to reduce the impact or shop with retailers that offer carbon-neutral shipping options.

The Final Word

I've tested and researched the best gift ideas that don't harm the planet, and come up with a final list of suggestions that I think worked for individuals and businesses alike.

So many green options are available these days that you're sure to find the perfect gifting idea for everyone you buy for.

The sustainable brands and retailers mentioned in this gift guide are a great place to start shopping.

James Miller
James Miller
James is an environmentalist, sustainability expert and senior editor at TheRoundup, specializing in testing non-toxic, organic and eco-friendly products. James, his wife and two daughters believe in chemical-free and zero-waste living. They aim to leave the planet in a better state than we found it, for future generations to enjoy.

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