The 41 Best Eco-Friendly Gifts of 2023

Gift sustainably

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Commerce Photo Composite

The Spruce / Lecia Landis

For anyone looking to be a bit more eco-friendly, it’s absolutely possible to find the perfect everyday items that are easier on the environment and won’t ruin your budget. An eco-friendly item should consist of natural, durable materials but also have a long life and won't end up in a landfill after a few uses.

We researched dozens of brands that are transparent about their products and production. Our list includes gifts for everyone in your life from sustainable swaps for everyday essentials or splurge items made from upcycled materials. Our favorites include a reusable hand soap kit from Grove Co., compostable hair ties available on Amazon, and more.

Terra Ties Compostable Hair Ties

Terra Ties Compostable Hair Ties

Courtesy of Amazon

You can never have enough black hair ties, and those from Terra Ties are a great eco-friendly alternative to traditional brands. Terra Ties are plastic-free, biodegradable, and ethically sourced. They won't damage, pull, or hurt your hair in any way, making them the perfect stocking stuffer for everyone on your list.

Price at time of publish: $15

Baggu Standard Baggu Nylon Ripstop Tote

4.6
Baggu Standard Baggu Nylon Ripstop Tote

Baggu

A super easy way to reduce your use of plastics is with a reusable tote bag like this option from Baggu. Available in tons of cool colors, the nylon tote uses recycled materials, holds up to 50 pounds, and comes clean easily in the washing machine. Plus, they fold up into a small square, so they're perfect for taking on the go.

Price at time of publish: $42

Enviroscent Non-Toxic Scented Stix Diffuser

Enviroscent Non-Toxic Scented Stix Diffuser

Enviroscent

Scent your home safely and sustainably with Enviroscent. The brand's Stix diffuser features plastic-free stands and packaging with a non-toxic attractive scent with no water required. The scented sticks provide a subtle fragrance to your space for up to 30 days. After that, recycle your Leaping-Bunny-certified and biodegradable sticks and purchase a refill, so you're never without a beautiful scent.

Price at time of publish: $14

Sunseeke Silicone Straws Set

Sunseeke Silicone Straws Set

Sunseeke

Ditch plastic straws with this silicone straw set from Sunseeke. The affordable set comes with 12 colorful straws, four carrying cases, and two straw cleaners. Throw them in your purse or pocket to use with your daily coffee or tea as an easy alternative to plastic that makes a difference every day.

Price at time of publish: $10

Last Object Fresh Stop Kit

Last Object Fresh Start Kit

Last Object

Last Object makes reusable versions of essential items we use every day to reduce waste easily. This "stop pack" comes with three LastRounds, one LastSwab original, and one LastSwab designed for beauty and makeup cleanup. Simply use the items as you normally would, follow the washing instructions, and use them again the next day for a waste-free loop that fits your routine.

Price at time of publish: $14

Rocketbook Everlast Mini Smart Reusable Notebook

Rocketbook Everlast Mini Smart Reusable Notebook

Amazon

Save paper in style with Rocketbook's reusable notebooks that come clean when wiped with a damp cloth for endless notes, drawings, stories, and more. You can also transfer your notes into a Google doc, Evernote, Slack message, email, and more to keep them all in a safe place through the product's smart features.

Price at time of publish: $17

Happy Earth Arboretum Recycled Lanyard

Happy Earth Arboretum Recycled Lanyard

Happy Earth

Keep your keys close when hiking or traveling with this adorable lanyard from Happy Earth. It features the brand's name decorated with green and white trees and it's made completely from recycled polyester. With every purchase on Happy Earth, you choose to plant 15 trees, clean up 1lb of trash, or offset 150lbs of greenhouse gases, so you can feel good about your purchase.

Price at time of publish: $10

Makeup Eraser The Original MakeUp Eraser

4.9
Makeup Eraser The Original MakeUp Eraser

Ulta

Every makeup eraser replaces about 3600 disposable makeup wipes. The polyester cloth acts as a suction for makeup and dirt when activated when water. Use nightly to cleanse the face and remove makeup, then wash in the washing machine and repeat. It comes in tons of fun colors and acts as a sustainable and affordable alternative to wipes and other makeup removers.

Price at time of publish: $20

Larry's Coffee Flavor Pack

Larry's Coffee Flavor Pack

Larry's Coffee

Coffee lovers need to try Larry's Coffee, the organic, fair trade, kosher, and shade-grown (bird-friendly) brand first started in 1993. Based in North Carolina, Larry's Coffee implements various sustainable practices including using rainwater for the washrooms, installing solar water-heated flooring, encouraging company-wide composting, and more. This three-pack features the brand's popular flavor and makes a great gift for those who can't survive without their morning joe.

Price at time of publish: $38

Noshinku Refillable Hand Sanitizer

Noshinku Refillable Hand Sanitizer

Saks

For a functional gift, we love the Noshinku refillable hand sanitizer. The matte misters look sleek and attractive and slide right into your pocket or purse to always have on hand. Each refill includes 250 sprays of the FDA-registered sanitizer formula designed to kill 99.9 percent of germs. When your mister runs out, keep your mister and grab a refill of a new scent for an eco-friendly alternative to plastic containers.

Price at time of publish: $34

Third Rock Kitchen Compost Bin

Third Rock Kitchen Compost Bin

Amazon

Compost bins help reduce waste in your kitchen by collecting food scraps and coffee grounds that would otherwise go in the trash. This pick from Third Rock keeps odors locked inside and fits neatly under a sink or in a cabinet. However, the cute design makes it suitable for leaving out on your kitchen counter as a constant reminder to always think about the planet.

Price at time of publish: $35

Conscious Step socks that plant trees

Conscious Step socks that plant trees

Conscious Step

Socks always make a great gift and Conscious Step makes it easy to gift socks that make an impact. These four green designs from the brand are Fairtrade, GOTS, and vegan certified and include added padding for comfort. They're also made from 23 percent recycled polyester. The best part? Every purchase supports the planting of four trees.

Price at time of publish: $15

Sqwishful Sqwish Set

Sqwish Set

Sqwishful

A not-so-pleasant part of adulthood involves cleaning. To make the process a bit greener, Sqwishful’s set has the essentials for keeping your abode sparkling. There’s a dish brush, scrub sponge, and three pop-up sponges. They’re free of plastic and made with bamboo, hemp, and wood pulp. 

Price at time of publish: $32

Rentrayage Auntie Oti Overdyed Indigo Patchwork Quilt

Rentrayage Auntie Oti Overdyed Indigo Patchwork Quilt

Rentrayage

Rentrayage's funky home essentials keep sustainability at their core. The Auntie Oti collection features pillows and quilts made from upcycled Saris and other reclaimed Indian artisanal fabrics. This gorgeous indigo quilt is hand-dyed with patchwork details in a calming, comforting pattern that would look beautiful in any home, whether draped on a loveseat or folded at the foot of a bed.

Price at time of publish: $250

Grove Foaming Hand Soap Concentrate + Dispenser

Grove Foaming Hand Soap and Dispenser

Courtesy of Grove

Grove Co. is a great site for shopping sustainable basics that double as thoughtful gifts for everyone in your life. For housewarmings, we love the Grove foaming hand soap dispenser and concentrate set. The stylish glass vessel looks gorgeous in any space, while the hand soap concentrate combines with water for a long-lasting and attractive bathroom or kitchen staple.

Price at time of publish: $24

Sobel Westex Hotel Dolce Vita Eco-Friendly Pillow

Sobel Westex Hotel Dolce Vita Eco-Friendly Pillow

Sobel Westex

Spoil a friend or family member with something they may not even realize they need—a new pillow. Sobel Westex's eco-friendly pillow is packed with recycled PETP fiber fill made from recycled plastic bottles. The cover is made from 233 thread count cotton for an extremely soft feel topped with a Silpure silver antimicrobial finish. It's available in both king and queen sizes and it's even machine-washable.

Price at time of publish: $40

Uncommon Goods Recycled Wine Bottle Platter

Recycled Wine Bottle Platter with Spreader

Uncommon Goods

If this platter looks like a flattened wine bottle, that’s because it is. The recycled bottles, which come in amber or green, are melted and glossed to form these fun trays, which would be perfect for meat and cheese or your favorite snacks. It even comes with a cork-topped cheese spreader.

Price at time of publish: $24

Mansur Gavriel Vegan Apple Leather Bucket Bag

Mansur Gavriel Vegan Apple Leather Bucket Bag

Mansur Gavriel

You don't have to sacrifice style when shopping sustainably. Mansur Gavriel reimagined its fan-favorite bucket bag to include more eco-friendly components. The innovative leather is made from 50 percent of fossil derivatives with 50 percent of the product coming from apple peels scraps from the food industry. The chic, versatile handbag looks and feels just as luxurious as the real thing.

Price at time of publish: $495

Urbanista Los Angeles Solar Powered Headphones

Urbanista Los Angeles Solar Powered Headphones

QVC

Replace old headphones with an eco-friendly swap courtesy of Urbanista. The self-charging wireless headphones are solar powered with the head strap soaking in sun rays for a nonstop audio experience. They also offer a noise canceling feature, an adjustable strap for a comfortable fit, and easy controls through the compatible app.

Price at time of publish: $100

Wild One Toy Kit

Wild One Toy Kit

Wild One

Gift a good boy or girl with a toy kit that will keep them engaged. And the products are made from materials that aren’t harmful. Wild One’s toy kit features toss, twist, and bite toys that are made from organic cotton and natural rubber. Pups will love playing with these toys that come in four colors, and parents will appreciate the recycled materials and how easy they are to clean.

Price at time of publish: $39

Hitch Water Bottle and Barista-Approved Cup

This cup is great for someone on the go or anyone who just wants to cut down on single-use plastic water bottles. The design is actually two products in one; a bottle and a cup. Use the 12-ounce cup and lid for hot beverages and the 18-ounce bottle for cooler drinks. Both options are double-wall insulated and made of stainless steel.

Price at time of publish: $68

Aya Paper Co. FaceTime Friends Card

FaceTime Friends Card

Aya Paper Co.

Sending cards might seem like a lost art form in such a digital world, but people still love to receive them. Aya Paper Co.’s products are made from completely recycled materials, including these “F is for friends who FaceTime together” cards. It’s a cute way to show appreciation or even support for a friend who’s never more than a call (or FaceTime) away.

Price at time of publish: $5

JungleCulture Eco Friendly Safety Razor

JungleCulture Eco Friendly Safety Razor

Uncommon Goods

Disposable razors can be useful in a pinch, but the amount of waste they produce can be excessive. That’s why JungleCulture’s safety razor is a great option for the person who shaves regularly. The razors have a vintage vibe with stylish chrome, and the handle makes it easy to grip. It comes with a travel bag and even a cute storage box that will look great on any counter. Don’t forget to order the affordable set of blades (sold separately).

Price at time of publish: $4+

Nuuly Rent

Julie Metallic Jumpsuit

Nuuly

Instead of purchasing more clothes from fast-fashion brands that will end up sitting in your closet untouched, consider buying or gifting a Nuuly Rent subscription. Every month, you'll pick new, fashionable items to rent and wear. You can choose from over 100 brands and designers to experiment with your style, discover something new, and keep your closet constantly fresh and exciting.

Price at time of publish: $88 per month

The Detox Market The Detox Box

The Detox Box

The Detox Market

“Green beauty delivered to your doorstep every month.” That’s how The Detox Market describes their subscription box. Choose a one, three, or six-month plan to receive at least $90 worth of beauty products that feature cruelty-free ingredients. The picks can range from moisturizing lip serums to face creams. 

Price at time of publish: $59+

L.L. Bean Recycled Waterhog Dog Mat

Recycled Waterhog Dog Mat

L.L. Bean

Some pets can get a little overzealous and downright messy when they eat. One solution is this L.L. Bean mat that holds two bowls, and the material is made of recycled plastic. It’s easily washable, can be vacuumed, and dries quickly. The mat comes in small and large, which hold dishes of seven or 10 inches, respectively, and the raised edges prevent spills from getting on your floor.

Price at time of publish: $30

Fulton & Roarke The Essentials

Fulton & Roarke The Essentials

Fulton & Roarke 

Fulton & Roarke went viral for its solid fragrances that don't rely on harmful plastics for a long-lasting, attractive scent. Now, the brand makes body and haircare essentials with thoughtful ingredients and packaging that work and smell beautifully. For gifting, we love the essential set, which comes with a solid fragrance, a bar of soap, and an aluminum-free deodorant. Just pick your favorite scent.

Price at time of publish: $105

Package Free Lunch Kit

Package Free Lunch Kit

Package Free 

Package Free rounds up eco-friendly essentials for every part of your life. We love this plastic-free lunch kit, which comes with a stainless-steel lunch container with helpful dividers and a reusable bamboo cutlery set. Perfect for toting to the office or the classroom, the pieces are washable and durable for an easy lunch switch anyone can make.

Price at time of publish: $40

Pink Moon Bamboo Toothbrush - Kids

Pink Moon Bamboo Toothbrush - Kids

Pink Moon

While teaching kids the importance of oral hygiene, they can also learn about the environment. Pink Moon’s bamboo toothbrush can be purchased as a single or five-pack. The soft rainbow bristles are sure to get a kid’s attention, but they’re also vegan and BPA-free, while the handle is made of biodegradable bamboo.

Price at time of publish: $6

HoldOn Household Staples Set

HoldOn Household Staples Set

HoldOn

HoldOn’s sandwich and trash bags aren’t just functional, but they're also compostable. The trash bags prove strong and durable, while the small bags are nontoxic and food-safe, making them ideal for packing snacks for on the go. Score the brand's best deal with the household staples set that stocks a new homeowner or college student with a functional and eco-friendly kitchen essential.

Price at time of publish: $50

Wearwell Leather Planter

Wearwell Leather Planter

Wearwell

Perfect for the plant lover in your life, Wearwell's leather planter uses high-quality leather scraps from other projects that would otherwise get thrown away. The gorgeous planter looks great paired with any succulent or sproutling and the muted colorway fits well with any home decor style.

Price at time of publish: $65

Mo's Crib Woven Natural Basket

Mo's Crib Woven Natural Basket

Mo's Crib

Mo's Crib is a woman-owned business based in South Africa, selling beautiful handcrafted pieces like this gorgeous natural basket, perfect for storing blankets or toys. The PVC pipes come from landfills or construction sites and are then woven by hand through a wire frame for four to seven hours, resulting in a durable and functional art piece.

Price at time of publish: $119

Geometry Over the Hill Beach Blanket

Geometry Over the Hill Beach Blanket

Geometry

Prepare for park picnics and beach days with this blanket from Geometry. Made from post-consumer recycled materials, the stunning blanket features a colorful sunrise guaranteed to raise any recipient's spirits. It's compact, absorbent, and quick-drying. Plus, there's room for two and it was printed in the United States.

Price at time of publish: $69

Mill Kitchen Bin

Mill Kitchen Bin

Mill

Mill takes all of the guesswork out of composting at home for an innovative subscription service that's perfect for gifting to the friend who wants to live more sustainably but doesn't know where to start. The kitchen bin collects, dries, grinds, and compacts your food scraps in a hands-free, odorless process. A compatible app keeps track of your bin, schedules on-demand, doorstep pick-ups, or finds nearby drop-off locations, and acts as an easy guide for what's okay to throw inside. The bin takes weeks to fill up (vs. countertop compost buckets that need to be emptied daily) and members receive impact tracking, so they know just how impactful their efforts are.

Price at time of publish: $33+

Troubadour Orbis 2-Pocket Backpack

Troubadour Orbis 2-Pocket Backpack

Troubadour

Troubadour's line of fully circular bags is made from durable recycled polyester that can be fully recycled again and again. The no-waste design ensures no part of your bag ends up in a landfill at the end of its life. We love this 2-pocket backpack for commuting, traveling, or taking to and from school each day. The sleek design includes a laptop sleeve, a hidden back panel pocket for easily grabbing necessities, adjustable shoulder straps, a luggage sleeve, and so much more.

Price at time of publish: $295

Mon Couer Bottle Ribbed Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirt

Mon Couer Bottle Ribbed Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirt

Mon Couer

Shopping for kids? Look no further than sustainable kids' clothing brand, Mon Couer. Founded by a mom looking for eco-friendly clothes for her own kids, Mon Couer uses recycled and upcycled materials to create adorable clothes for kids and babies alike. We love this short-sleeved shirt made from upcycled cotton that reads "recycle me" with a water bottle illustration. It's available in sizes 2-10 and every purchase supports the charity, 1 percent for the planet, which works to protect and restore the natural world.

Price at time of publish: $42

Coyuchi Organic Waffle Kitchen Towels

Coyuchi Organic Waffle Kitchen Towels

Coyuchi

Coyuchi has a whole collection on its website highlighting zero wastewater products. All of the products included are made in factories that recycle up to 98 percent of their water waste, using a "zero discharge" textile processing. We love this kitchen towel set as a housewarming gift for someone you love. Available in two neutral colors, the GOTS-certified waffle towels absorb water easily, look stylish in your kitchen, and will last you a very long time.

Price at time of publish: $58

Le Puzz Teeny Tiny Things Puzzle

Le Puzz Teeny Tiny Things Puzzle

Le Puzz

Le Puzz's unique puzzles feature abnormally shaped puzzle pieces that somehow fit together to make a beautiful image worth framing. In this case, the puzzle is full of tiny objects from keys to baguettes to pencils. In an effort to limit paper waste, Le Puzz uses FSC-approved paper sources from sustainable forests.

Price at time of publish: $38

Terra Thread Organic Cotton Pullover Hoodie

Terra Thread Organic Cotton Pullover Hoodie

Terra Thread

Terra Threads is the second company in the world to offer apparel made from Regenerative Organic Certified® cotton, the highest standard for cotton in the world. This also means there are strict regulations for soil health, animal welfare, and the social well-being of farmers and workers. Terra Thread is also a 100 percent carbon-neutral company making functional and beautiful bags and apparel in a Fair Trade-certified factory, while constantly donating to environmental efforts. For gifting, consider this closet-staple hoodie that comes in tons of colors and sizes for anyone on your list.

Price at time of publish: $65

Lotus Trolley Bags Reusable Grocery Cart Bags

lotus-trolley-bags

Amazon

Ditch plastic bags at the grocery store and keep all of your items organized with a trolley bag from Lotus. The divided bags fit securely on your shopping cart, so you can always see all of your items, separate by category, and be ready for checkout. There's even a cooler section with a sleeve for eggs or wine. The brand also sells produce bags, so your entire grocery store routine can be succinct and sustainable.

Price at time of publish: $60

Coach Wavy Wallet With Crossbody Strap In Coachtopia Leather

Coach Wavy Wallet With Crossbody Strap In Coachtopia Leather

Coach

Coach has partnered with the sustainable leather company, Gen Phoenix, to launch an eco-friendly handbag collaboration entitled Coachtopia. We love this adorable wallet that comes with a crossbody strap. It's made using a leather lining made from at least 50% recycled leather scraps using Gen Phoenix's patented technology, while still maintaining the style and durability of classic Coach handbags.

Price at time of publish: $115

What to Look for When Buying Eco-Friendly Gifts

Natural Materials

An easy way to approach eco-friendly gift-giving is by focusing on natural materials. Linen bedding, robes, or table linens make a lovely quality natural gift that will last for years. Wicker or rattan home decor (think: Mo's Crib's baskets) such as lighting, decorative mirrors, or furniture and accessories are lightweight and durable. Or you can gift your friends and loved ones with the greenest gift of all: a natural plant.

Functional Swaps

One way to give eco-friendly gifts is to provide a sustainable swap for a functional product that your recipient uses daily. For example, swap out normal sandwich bags for reusable ones, or compostable ones like those from HoldOn. Most hygiene or self-care products, including toilet paper, paper towels, cotton swabs, razors, dish towels, and more have eco-friendly alternatives that any Earth lover will appreciate. While these may not be the most luxurious gifts, they'll truly pack a punch when it comes to reducing waste and giving back to the planet.

Vintage

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly gift that is not consumable, such as clothing or home decor, consider offering a vintage gift. Check out your local flea market, second-hand shop, or online retailers for everything from vintage handbags and clothes to vintage home decor and furniture, toys, or books. 

Another way to minimize consumption, especially when it comes to clothing, other than buying vintage is seeking out renting programs like Nuuly Rent. Recipients can still pick the styles and items they love, but the pieces won't go to waste or end up in a landfill when they're done being worn.

Brand Ethics

In addition to looking for sustainable materials when buying a present for someone, it's important to consider the brand's ethics and processes. Look into brands that not only openly disclose sustainable practices, but also give back to organizations and charities working to make a difference. For example, when you purchase a gift for Mon Couer, you are also supporting the organization, 1 percent for the planet, effectively doubling your impact.

FAQ
  • What does eco-friendly mean?

    Eco-friendly is a catch-all term that means being kind to the planet. As a consumer, you can make eco-friendly choices by selecting products that are made from natural materials that are naturally regenerating, biodegradable, or recyclable, using green technologies that respect the environment. And you can limit your consumption of unnecessary goods that might eventually end up in the already overflowing landfill. 

  • How do you make an eco-friendly gift box?

    Start with a recycled or upcycled container made from natural materials such as a wine crate or natural wicker basket. Next, fill it with thoughtfully selected eco-friendly products. For example, a beauty-themed eco-friendly gift box might include organic products such as natural bath salts, essential oils, and shea butter skin products.

  • How do you wrap a gift in an eco-friendly way?

    The best way to keep your gift-wrapping eco-friendly is to keep it simple. Swap store-bought wrapping paper and plastic ribbons for recycled and recyclable brown paper shopping bags and natural twine. Decorate with a small branch of eucalyptus, a rosemary sprig, a leaf, or a pinecone. Or emulate the Japanese tradition of furoshiki by using fabric squares to wrap gifts, making sure to choose an eco-friendly natural fabric such as linen. 

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Julia Fields, an associate commerce editor for The Spruce, covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, crafts, and the holidays. She's also covered similar topics in other roles, including toy reviews, product roundups, expert-focused articles, and more.

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