8 GREAT SUSTAINABLE GIFTS IDEAS

¡When you’re on the hunt for a gift that’s eco-friendly, you want something that’ll make the person happy without wrecking the planet. Luckily, we’ve got a bunch of sustainable gift ideas that fit the bill.

The main things to think about when you’re searching for a green gift are: is it sourced locally, made sustainably, can it be consumed or used for a long time, is it low or no waste, and is it reusable? It can be tough to find something that hits all these marks, but it’s worth keeping them in mind!

To avoid the risk of your gift ending up in a landfill, it’s always smart to check with the person you’re buying for to make sure it’s something they want. But don’t worry, we’re pretty sure you’ll find something they’ll love on our list!

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Sustainable gifts ideas

Plants

Plants make awesome gifts! They’re way better for the planet than cut flowers, which can be a total carbon nightmare to grow, package, and ship.

To keep it local, hit up your nearby garden centers and markets for some cool potted plants. Or if you want to be extra eco-friendly, go for flowers and plant seeds with a sweet biodegradable pot.

Seedboms are also a rad choice for something a bit more unique than your standard seed packet. They’re super easy to grow, and you’ll feel like a boss knowing you helped the environment.

Bird feeder

Check it out, an eco-friendly present idea for people with gardens: bird feeders! These are sweet little gifts that are easy on the environment. If you have a nearby mom-and-pop shop that crafts bird feeders, that’s a great spot to grab one from. It’s a win-win situation when you can support a small business while also keeping the gift’s carbon footprint low by getting it locally.

And don’t fret if your buddy doesn’t have a garden. There are bird feeders out there that can attach to windows or window sills!

Food wraps

Food wraps are super cool eco-friendly products for your home! They’re a great substitute for cling film, which is single-use plastic and wasteful. The wax wraps are reusable, sturdy, and keep your food fresh. Plus, they come in funky designs, making them awesome gifts!

Honey Bee Good is an excellent option to check out for wax food wraps. Nevertheless, there are plenty of other stores where you can find them. You can go to Amazon for a vast selection of wax food wraps. Alternatively, you can also head down to your local high street and check out the stores for reusable food wraps at reasonable prices.

Reusable water bottle

Bottled water is a big no-no if you’re trying to reduce your carbon footprint. It’s a thousand times worse than tap water, according to the book How Bad Are Bananas? 

So, if you want to be eco-friendly and keep hydrated, go for a reusable water bottle instead. You could splurge a bit on a Chilly’s bottle, which starts at around $15 (and students get a 10% discount). 

If you’re feeling fancy, try the Ocean Bottle, which costs around $35 and comes with a 10-year warranty. Plus, for every bottle they sell, the brand promises to collect the equivalent of 1,000 plastic bottles! These bottles are often designed to keep your drinks at the perfect temperature, too. But, if you’re more of a coffee person, keep reading…!

Takeaway coffee cup

Not only is it a great way to cut down on waste, but some coffee shops even reward you with extra loyalty points for bringing in your cup. Plus, it’s an easy way to get your hands on some free coffee!

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly coffee cup option, you might want to check out the Circular NOW Cup by Circular&Co. They’re made from recycled single-use paper cups to avoid waste, designed to last for five years, and 100% recyclable at end of their life. And at around $7 each, they’re affordable too. 

Trees planted on their behalf

If you’re looking for a thoughtful eco-friendly gift, why not consider donating to have trees planted on someone’s behalf? Planting trees is crucial for our planet, and it’s a gift that keeps on giving!

There are several options as One Tree Planted, where you can choose from several tree-planting gifts. 

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Sustainable chocolate

If you know someone who loves chocolate and cares about the environment, giving them sustainable chocolate could be a great option. The global chocolate industry is plagued with issues like modern slavery, child labor, and deforestation, but brands are working to combat these issues. Tony’s Chocolonely and Divine are just a few examples of chocolate companies that prioritize ethical and sustainable practices.

When looking for sustainable chocolate brands, it’s helpful to search for those with Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance certifications, as they follow ethical and sustainable practices.

Sustainable clothes

Great suggestions for sustainable fashion brands with organic cotton clothes! It’s important to note that shopping secondhand or vintage is also a great way to reduce the environmental impact of fashion. Thrift stores, consignment shops, and online marketplaces like Depop and Poshmark are all good options for finding unique and eco-friendly clothing and accessories.