It’s that time of year–the holiday season! Sometimes it can be challenging to find the right eco-friendly gift for your loved ones that live up to your criteria–whether you’re trying to reduce waste, lower carbon emissions, or shop fair trade. Or maybe (hopefully) all three! That’s where I come in!
I also think it’s important to not push your sustainability views on others–nobody responds well to that. For that reason, I’ve steered away from any gifts that could be viewed as pushing an eco-friendly lifestyle on someone! No metal straws or zero waste starter kits on this list!
Although there are a few recommendations on this list from Amazon, the majority are from Earth Hero. This company makes shopping for Christmas gifts easy, simply because you can shop on their website with a clear conscience. They carbon offset all of their shipping, they ship plastic-free, and they source their products from SO MANY small businesses. You can read more about their sustainable business practices here.
Without further ado, here are my favorite Christmas gifts that will be favorites for whoever’s on your list! If you’re more in the market for experience gifts, you can check out this list instead.
This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you purchase one of the items in this article I will make a very small commission, at no extra cost to you. For more information, see my disclosure policy.
For Him
Safety razor, ($29.99, Earth Hero)
A safety razor is a gift you can give that will last a lifetime. I gave my husband a safety razor for Christmas last year and he uses it daily. Not just for guys either, I use my safety razor on the regular too! No plastic waste, and it’s so much classier too. This is a timeless gift that the special man in your life will truly appreciate.
Hydro Flask Water Bottle, ($35.99 on Amazon)
This bad boy is the king of water bottles. I absolutely love my Hydro Flask and never leave home without it. It keeps drinks icy cold for hours, or will keep hot drinks piping hot all day long as well. It comes in a variety of sizes, and you can also get the widemouth version. And, a lifetime warranty on it. Products that are built to last, that’s my jam!
Badger Beard Grooming Kit, ($29.99 from Earth Hero)
This beard grooming kit is made only from the best, most high-quality ingredients. That special guy in your life deserves only the best on his beard, and when you use top notch products, it shows! Plus, when you buy this grooming kit, you’re supporting a small, family-owned business. Shopping you can feel good about!
Pela Compostable Phone Case, ($39.99 on EarthHero)
How cool is it that you can compost this phone case at the end of its lifecycle?! This case is made from plant based bioplastic and flax straw materials. It’s hardy, flexible, and built to last. And hello, it’s compostable! Need I say more about this ultimate eco-friendly gift?
Hamilton Beach Raclette, ($49.99 on Amazon)
This indoor grill is the PERFECT gift for your husband or significant other, I am telling you right now. Whether he likes to host parties or is more of a introvert, this grill is a phenomenal choice. Raclettes are so much fun! I bought my husband one and it’s the perfect reason for us to stay home instead of going out to eat or ordering takeout. Why is it eco-friendly? So much waste is generated from take out, so choose to create your own special meal at home instead. My favorite part is that you can each grill what you like. My husband eats a lot of meat but I do not, so I love how you can personalize this for each person who is eating!
For Her
Reusable Makeup Pads, ($8.99 on Amazon)
These makeup pads will take off makeup without you even needing makeup remover. Sounds crazy, right? Not to mention, you don’t have to keep staining up your washcloths with mascara (guilty as charged), or using cotton makeup rounds that can only be used once. This is the perfect add-on gift for a friend, or even can be a stocking stuffer!
Muscle Rub Organic Healing Bundle, ($27.99 on Earth Hero)
This organic healing bundle is an excellent all-in-one self care gift. Perfect for the busy mom who needs a reason to slow down and pamper herself! If it’s for the special lady in your life, you can pair it with a cute handwritten “massage gift certificate.” From EarthHero’s website, “This essential set includes a Warming Muscle Rub, Organic Lemon Vanilla Lotion Bar, and a Vanilla Lemon Beeswax Lip Balm, all made from certified organic ingredients that contain no added chemicals or fragrances.”
Edith Vegan Soy Candle & Planter, ($29.99 on EarthHero)
This candle/flower pot is such a cute present! Not only is the candle free of any toxic chemicals, parabens, or phthalates, but you can use the holder as a flower planter when you’re done burning it! The candle comes in a handmade ceramic pot, and comes with a wildflower seed paper label. Once your candle is all used up, fill the pot with soil and plant the label. Candles + flowers = the perfect gift!
Revel Crossbody Bag, ($49.99 on EarthHero)
This cute crossbody bag is made from recycled plastic bottles! 100% recycled fabric, to be exact! It comes in several different colors and also has an interior RFID card-blocking pocket. It’s also completely vegan, making this a great choice for an eco-friendly gift!
Instant Pot, ($79.99 on Amazon)
I received an Instant Pot for Christmas from my mom, and let me tell you–it’s a game changer. Not only did it help me eliminate my other kitchen appliances (because it’s also a slow cooker and a rice cooker), but I’m able to reduce my waste much easier with it in my kitchen. Dry beans can be made in bulk and then frozen for later. I make veggie broth weekly in it (in 45 mins instead of the old 3 hours I used to wait). I also make my own organic yogurt in it–no more plastic yogurt containers! I’m a huge fan of the Instant Pot and love how much it has simplified my kitchen.
For Kids
Rubber Duck, ($14.99 from Earth Hero)
This super cute rubber duck is made from 100% natural rubber, and is completely plant-based. This means it’s biodegradable at the end of its lifespan. No holes, cracks or crevices, so no funky bathwater is going to sit inside this ducky and start to mold either.
Wooden Drum Set, ($59.99 from Earth Hero)
This simple drum set is perfect to get your kiddo started in percussion early! PlanToys, the company behind most of Earth Hero’s wooden toys, is an ethical company based in Thailand. Their wood is a combination of rubber wood and PlanWood, which is a zero waste wood material created by grinding and heating sawdust and rubber wood chips from other steps in their manufacturing process. They also take part in local community efforts and reforestation projects to help offset their carbon usage!
Wooden Farm Animal Set, ($24.99, Earth Hero)
My sister bought my daughter a set of wooden farm animals similar to these, and they are much-loved favorites in our home. Plus, wooden toys have a classic longevity that will allow them to be passed down to the next kid, or the next generation!
Happy Doll Family, ($19.99, Earth Hero)
Okay, so I really love these wooden dolls. The reason why? They come in four different options–Asian, Afro-American (pictured above), European, or Mediterranean. It’s important for children to play with dolls that represent a variety of different cultures, and to branch out from just playing with standard, whitewashed toys. These dolls just make my day!
The Organic Artist for Kids, ($18.49 on Amazon)
Take a look at the reviews for this book and you’ll be blown away. I’ve had this added to my wishlist for awhile now, and once Ariana is a little older, we’re going to get this as a staple for our outdoor adventure time. For homeschooling families, families who spend a lot of time outdoors, or if you want to foster a greater love of nature in your children, I think this book is a phenomenal choice for an eco-friendly gift.
I hope this list has been helpful!
This year more than ever, I’m looking forward to the holidays. 2020 has been one heck of a ride. With everything that’s going on in the world, I feel like spreading holiday cheer and reminding those around you how much you love them is so important. Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday season!
