Nothing brings gift-giving cheer like knowing your eco-friendly gifts are supporting a better world. Because let’s face it—many gifts end up unloved or unused, making the over-consumptive holiday season anything but a holiday for our planet.
Do something different this year (or the same if you’ve been on your eco focused journey for a while) by choosing more thoughtful, conscious and lower impact gifts for your loved one.
We’ve aimed to include gift options for a range of budgets, starting at just $6.
Get your zero waste gift wrapping paper ready and let’s dive in. For a quick-fire of some of our fave gift ideas, watch our video below.
For more eco gifting ideas, check out some of our other guides: zero waste gifts, stocking stuffers, fair trade gifts and consumable gifts.
We independently research all featured brands and we ask them to confirm their claims. In many cases we personally review recommended products. This post contains affiliate links which means we may earn a commission if you buy something. Learn more here.
Index: Sustainable Gift Ideas
- Warm Alpaca Wool Clothing Jump to section
- Non-toxic Play Mats & Toys Jump to section
- Eco Gadgets Jump to section
- Linen Goodies & Kitchenware Jump to section
- Pro Planet Pajamas Jump to section
- Slow Fashion Winter Sweaters Jump to section
- Sheets & Bedding Jump to section
- Snuggly Slippers Jump to section
- Beauty Products Jump to section
- Shaving Kit Jump to section
- Cookware & Bakeware Jump to section
- Ethical Sneakers Jump to section
- Reusable Drinkware Jump to section
- Plantable Stationery Jump to section
- Comfortable Underwear Jump to section
- Non-Toxic Perfume Jump to section
- Comfy T-Shirts Jump to section
- Natural Yoga Props & Mats Jump to section
- Safe Candles Jump to section
- Better Bags Jump to section
- Sustainable Gift Sets Jump to section
- Online Gift Vouchers Jump to section
- Tree Planting Jump to section
Warm Alpaca Wool Clothing
*Sponsored inclusion.
Price Range: $20–$260
There’s something timeless about wool—it’s warm, breathable, antimicrobial, and even gets cozier with repeated wear.
Arms of Andes goes above and beyond with their beautiful, sustainable clothing made from 100% alpaca wool, combining warmth, breathability, and an even more luxurious softness than merino wool. Crafted to be compostable at the end of their life with no nasties blended in, their wool sweaters, baselayers, leggings, and other basics are naturally soft, hypoallergenic, and temperature-regulating, making them perfect for outdoor adventures or cozy indoor days alike. The Alpaca Wool Sweater, for example, is the ultimate in outfit versatility, with a midweight feel that can either be used solo or in layers.
While we know wool can come with ethical concerns, Arms of Andes’ single original Peruvian supply chain sources wool from small-scale herders who let their animals roam freely in the highlands of Peru and gently harvest the wool.
My Personal Review of Arms Of Andes’ Alpaca Wool Sweater:
“I’ve been loving my Arms of Andes alpaca wool sweater—it’s super classy and versatile, perfect for dressing up or down. The alpaca wool is warm and naturally breathable, though I do notice a tiny bit of itchiness when I first put it on but it fades in minutes. Then I barely notice anything but its incredible softness. All told, it’s become one of my favorite pieces to layer with, being sleek and classy enough to wear alone, or underneath a vest, jacket, or even another cardigan depending on how cold it is.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Non-toxic Play Mats & Toys
*Sponsored inclusion. For 15% off – use code SUSTAINABLE15
Price Range: $45—$295
Toki Mats’ play mats are a no-brainer gift for parents who want a safe, stylish, and comfortable space for their little ones to play—and of course for the little ones themselves who would appreciate a colorful, stimulating platform.
Made with soft, supportive materials like natural latex foam and organic cotton covers, these mats are perfect for tummy time, crawling, and beyond. Plus, they come in beautiful, modern designs that blend seamlessly into any home.
If you’re seeking something a little smaller, Toki also offers Play Cubes and Beanbags ideal for toddlers and pre-school-age kids who maybe don’t need a fully soft floor anymore, but still want something soft to toss around and crash on.
My Personal Review of Toki’s Bean Bag and Play Mat:
“Gone are the days of sagged-out bean bags and unwashable rugs for your child’s play place. We were able to try Toki’s bean bag and cotton play mat. My daughter absolutely loved the print and was so pleasantly surprised at how comfy the mat was to lounge on while doing puzzles, reading, playing dolls, coloring – the works! The bean bag is lightweight and comfy.
“We’re pretty careful with the materials our kiddos sleep on, and now her play place is no different. The washable (and changeable) covers make for an easy bedroom update, and with the cotton lining, I don’t fear 1 trillion little beads spilling onto the floor. Toki products will live here for years – and as my nephews and nieces are born, I think our Toki Mat will make for the perfect hand-me-down gift.”
Review by Shelby Loeppky (and her daughter), SJ Writer & Product Tester
Toki Mats have kindly offered SJ users 15% off – use code SUSTAINABLE15 until the end of 2024
Eco Gadgets
Price Range: $20–$170
While eco-conscious gifts in the tech sector are limited, it’s exciting to see more and more electronics brands plugging in—especially because they make for some seriously cool sustainable gadgets.
Like the music legend himself, House of Marley has One Love for a healthy planet, which they show by using sustainable materials for their nature-inspired collection. Their partially wood Positive Vibration headphones make perfect gifts for gamers or music aficionados, but if you’re looking for something more versatile that anyone can use on a day-to-day basis, their Smile Jamaica Mini Wireless Earbuds are a super sleek and affordable option among wireless headphones.
Linen Goodies & Kitchenware
*Sponsored inclusion.
Price Range: $39–$113
A recent poll suggests humans spend a whopping 400 hours a year in their kitchens. No big surprise there! But all that time spent there means we should want our kitchens to delight all our senses, not just smell and taste. A few simple kitchenwares to dress up the kitchen can go a long way toward making your loved one’s home feel just a bit more, well, homey.
not PERFECT LINEN’s rustic and earthy clothing and kitchenware brings a cozy, handmade touch in the form of beautiful linen dresses, pants, tops, tea towels, tablecloths, napkins, bread bags, and aprons. Our team especially recommends the absorbent and durable tea towels and their aprons, which are lightweight, comfortable, and, dare we say, a touch stylish. Plus, if the amateur chef in your life doesn’t already own an apron, they’ll definitely appreciate the gift of keeping sauce and grease splatter from their clothing.
My Personal Review of not PERFECT LINEN’s Full Cross Back Pinafore Apron:
“The Full Cross Back Pinafore Apron has already become a staple in my kitchen. The linen is soft yet durable, and it just feels good to wear—it’s breathable and comfortable, even on long cooking or baking days. The cross-back design is actually really stylish and I love the fact that pinafore-style aprons don’t have a waist cinch. Simply by design alone, the excess fabric is kept out of the way and in the rear without me having to mess with constricting ties that never stay put. I especially appreciate this on long kitchen days, as it is much more comfortable than standard aprons.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Pro Planet Pajamas
Price Range: $36–$112
Between snow days, breakfasts in bed, and that much-anticipated day of gift-giving itself, sustainable pajamas are a winter’s delight. We won’t tell if your giftee stays in them all day.
In fact, we’d be surprised if they don’t want to stay in Boody’s Goodnight PJ’s all day, whatever form they prefer—shorts, sleep shirts, chemises, robes, long pants, tanks, and long-sleeve tops. After all, their closed-loop bamboo is the perfect blend of silkiness and flowy fit that feels super soft against the skin. The fabric is also breathable, stretchy, and naturally moisture-wicking, making these PJs cozy for both cold Christmas and sweltering summer nights.
My Personal Review of Boody’s Goodnight Sleepwear:
“I have worn Boody’s Pajamas now for several years. I have their Goodnight Sleep Pant, their Goodnight Raglan Sleep Top, their Downtime Lounge Pants, and their Goodnight Sleep Tee (which I was lucky enough to find secondhand at a thrift store!). In particular, I love the lounge pants to sleep in because they have pockets (handy for pre-bed activities) and don’t drag on the ground (I’m a shorty) and the two tops are a staple. All these items are super soft and ultra-comfortable to sleep in. My toddler loves “soft things” and also loves to sleep snuggled with my PJs.”
Review by Joy McConnochie, SJ’s Co-founder
Slow Fashion Winter Sweaters
Price Range: $100–$249
Sure, grandma may have owned this niche knit gift for many a season but does she ensure only the most sustainable materials are used in her no doubt crafty patchwork?
Unlikely, but Frank And Oak does. Their Seawool™ Crewneck Sweater is crafted from organic cotton and seaweed (a revolutionary fabric you have to sea to believe.) Not only is the loose-fit knit sustainably chic, but the fabric is probably one of the most unique ones your family will pull from under the sustainable Christmas tree. It features a blend of organic cotton, cruelty-free wool, recycled polyester, and Seawool®, which is their own special fabric that utilizes recycled oyster shells. Don’t worry, it’s much softer than it sounds.
My Personal Review of Frank And Oak’s Ara Seacell™ Sweater:
“Never thought about getting snuggly in seaweed fabric? Neither had I until I tried on the Ara Seacell™ Sweater, and now (al)gae do I love it! The practically silky ribbed knit texture and design combo make for a slimming, flattering fit without actually being skin-tight. I generally prefer a baggy sweater, so this one strikes a nice middle ground. It’s also a great mid-weight sweater, so I can wear it for more seasons than something thicker.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Sheets & Bedding
Price Range: $60–$755
Help your loved ones cozy up to conscious living with bedding that’s better for them, their sleep patterns, and the planet.
SIJO‘s bedding is for anyone who values both comfort and sustainability, with their LuxeWeave Linen Sheets as a true standout. Made from high-quality French flax, these sheets are incredibly soft and get even cozier with every wash. Naturally breathable and temperature-regulating, they’re perfect for year-round comfort, but being much thicker than your average sheets, they’re especially cozy in cold winter months.
My Personal Review of SIJO’s LuxeWeave Linen Sheets:
“Brands always advertise the cooling power of their sheets…which is great for the summer and all, but what about those like me who live in harsh winter climates (in Wyoming) where it gets 30 below zero?! That’s where these sheets come in. They’re made of a super thick and cozy linen fabric that keeps me warm even on the coldest winter nights. I love the textured feel of the linen and once they warm up with my body heat, they’re like a little cocoon that I never want to leave!”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Snuggly Slippers
Price Range: $49–$89
We’d all love a heated floor installation, but since that’s a bit above and beyond the call of Christmas, you can still give your perpetually cold loved ones the gift of toasty toes without splurging on a whole home renovation.
Slippers, specifically an award-winning pair by Baabuk designed to be loved for years—not falling apart by next fall. They put new meaning to the word “sustainable stocking stuffer” with their secure Mel wool slippers, made of felted New Zealand ethical wool and a natural rubber outsole that makes them suitable for shuffling around outside the house. Confirmed by our testers as being suitable for the severe cold of Rocky Mountain winters, the wool in these slippers is truly warm and (importantly) non-itchy.
My Personal Review of Baabuk’s Mel Slipper:
“For slippers made to keep your feet ultra warm, I can’t recommend the Mel Slippers enough. While incredibly lightweight, the soft and non-itchy wool keeps my feet super warm—which is saying something, considering we live in a tiny house on a minimally skirted trailer in a location where it’s not uncommon to drop well below 0 in the winter. That means my floor gets cold, like really cold and I wear slippers basically all day long during these months.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Beauty Products
Price Range: $6–$118
Axiology is one of our favorite clean green cosmetics brands, thanks to their completely compostable packaging—which happens to be perfectly stocking-sized. Made with nourishing, natural ingredients, their Balmies, Multisticks, Shape Sticks, and Mushroom Foundations go far beyond the bounds of traditional makeup that covers the skin; they also nourish the skin by enriching it with antioxidants and moisture.
Their lip-to-lid Balmies crayons are a standout. They are beautifully pigmented, versatile, and packaged in zero-waste tubes, making them perfect for eyes, lips, and cheeks.
My Personal Review of Axiology’s Multi Sticks:
“In my (literal) tiny house, multi-use products are a total lifesaver for saving storage space, and Axiology’s Multisticks fit the bill perfectly! I can use these beauties on my lips, eyes, or cheeks, but honestly, I’m all about that lip color. They blend in effortlessly for a nice, subtle tint, but my cheeks are naturally rosy, so I hardly ever need blush. Plus, I just love how moisturizing they feel on my lips!”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Shaving Kit
Price Range: $59–$199
Sure, lotions and other more traditional personal care items can make for an excellent gift, but if you’re still searching for that cutting-edge idea, s(h)ave time (and the planet) by opting for Leaf Shave razors. With the same design as modern razors with their flexible, pivoting heads (except these heads aren’t disposable), the razors are suitable for any body part and for men and women alike.
The Leaf Everything Bundle includes all they’ll need to achieve silky, hydrated skin, including the razor itself (now available in a run selection of colors), a stand, a blade bank to deposit used blades while waiting for enough to recycle them, and bottles of both Shave Oil and Calming Serum, an all-natural aftershave.
My Personal Review of Leaf’s Razor:
“After years of loyal safety razor use, I was really curious about going back to a pivoting design, but the Leaf razor did not fail to impress, and it’s now officially one of my favorite razors. The pivoting head is super gentle and gets into all those tricky spots (here’s looking at you, armpit crooks) with ease. My skin felt so smooth and soft afterward, and I’d totally recommend it if you want something easy to use and effective.”
Review By Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
My Personal Review of Leaf’s Calming Serum:
“My entire life, I’ve used traditional aftershaves and wondered why my face also got so dry. I finally took a chance on this oil-based aftershave formula and I’ll never go back. Just a couple of tiny drops cover my entire face and deliver some post-shave moisturizing. It’s so potent that I’m not even halfway through my first bottle, even though I’ve been using it for almost six months. And I’m struggling with overall facial dryness much less.”
Review by Chris Ryan, SJ’s Menswear Tester
Cookware & Bakeware
Price Range: $40–$1,830
What’s one thing we all agree on during the holiday season? It’s time for good food—ideally cooked in non-toxic, eco-friendly cookware, rather than standard PFOA and PTFE-leaching non-stick options.
Caraway keeps it clean with ceramic pans and bakeware designed for everything from Michelin-star meals to boxed mac-n-cheese. By gifting their 11-piece Bakeware Set, you might even just get some home-baked goodies in return—easily one of the best eco-friendly gifts for you, too! Trust us from experience, its non-toxic coating is just as non-stick (if not more!) than conventional bakeware, meaning those cookies and cakes will come out clean in every way.
If your loved one doesn’t have space for 11 separate items, try gifting them the 10-in-1 Always Pan from Our Place instead. It’s non-toxic, multi-functional, minimalist, and comes in classy colors to complement the theme of any kitchen.
My Personal Review of Caraway’s Bakeware Set:
“Aside from bread, I’ve never been much of a baker, largely because I hate toxic non-stick sprays. Fortunately, Caraway completely transformed my baking experience. The non-toxic ceramic coating combined with a touch of coconut oil not only makes it easy to pop out my muffins and cakes but also makes cleanup a breeze. I also love the storage slots it comes with. Between that and the nesting designs, I’m able to store this full bakeware set in just a small area.”
My Personal Review of Our Place’s Always Pan 2.0:
“The Always Pan is the crown jewel of Our Place’s collection — and my own personal kitchen. This multi-functional piece simplifies cooking so much by replacing eight different types of cookware for any cooktop. I’m not kidding when I say I’ve used it every single day for over a year, largely because I’m addicted to Asian-style cooking and stir-fries, for which this pan is PERFECT. I added the bamboo steamer basket to it. While it already comes with a metal steamer drop-in (which I also use for washing fruits and veggies), the bamboo add-on lets me steam a wider variety of things that can’t take much heat, like steamed buns.”
Reviews by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Ethical Sneakers
Price Range: $75–$159
For the fitness fanatic in your life, a new pair of kicks might be just what the personal trainer ordered. Since sneakers are something almost everyone uses regularly (and commonly need replacing), they’re a fairly safe bet—so long as you know your loved one’s size.
Not only do Cariuma’s sneakers support arches and regenerative agriculture, but the brand plants two trees for each pair purchased. Talk about a low carbon footprint.
8000Kicks weeds out the competition with casual waterproof hemp shoes, like the all-around Explorer V2 ultralight and breathable sneaker. With hemp upper and algal bloom soles, they’re mostly biodegradable and as our own team of testers can confirm, comfortable to boot (er, sneaker).
My Personal Review of 8000Kicks’ Explorer V2:
“I love the Explorer V2 for women – they’ve been my go-to shoes for the past 18 months. The waterproof feature is just genius; I can take my dog out, play in the garden with my son, and run errands (rain or shine), and my feet stay dry! They fit perfectly into my casual wardrobe and are super practical. I did find the sizing a bit big (I usually wear an 8, but I’m in between sizes), so the back feels a little stiff for running, but they’re perfect for everything else. Super comfortable!”
Review by Joy McConnochie, SJ’s Co-founder
Reusable Drinkware
Price Range: $35–$49
Ocean Bottle helps the world sea-riously cut down on plastic, thanks not only to providing a reusable replacement for single-use bottles but because the brand funds the collection of 1000 ocean-bound plastic bottles for every sale.
Each colorful, stainless steel OG Ocean Bottle is made from 67% recycled materials and features a double-wall vacuum-insulated design to keep drinks hot or cold (for hours!). If your loved ones prefer their water à la zero waste coffee, put a bow on the equally colorful Brew Flask. No matter which you choose to wrap up, you’re getting something spill-proof, sweatproof, 100% dishwasher-safe, and backed by a 10-year warranty. For an extra touch, you can add custom engraving.
My Personal Review of Ocean Bottle’s Brew Flask:
“I own one of these small coffee cups and absolutely love the innovative twist lid design. I’m constantly struggling with thermos lids that always seem to leak or spill when trying to drink on the go. Not this one! Even if your car hits a bump, the wide funnel top keeps any sloshed liquid from spilling out, draining it back into the bottle.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Plantable Stationery
Price Range: $7–$210
Plant the seeds of a more sustainable lifestyle with sentiments that will end up in soil rather than a trash bag. WEmade Boutique’s personalizable seed paper holiday cards are not only handmade of elegant, recycled paper, but they’re embedded with pollinator-friendly wildflower seeds, so your gift recipient can still think of you when summer rolls around.
To actually jot down your message, SproutWorld’s plantable pencils make for the write stuff. Made from certified sustainably forested wood, these pencils end their lifecycles without a trace—except for the lovely herbs and vegetables the top seed capsule plant in their stead. Choose between tons of different seed types, including a Christmas tree that your loved one can plant now, and maybe decorate on a tabletop by next Christmas.
My Personal Review of SproutWorld’s Plantable Pencils:
“I gave these pencils a try, and I’m honestly pretty impressed. The natural wood feels good in your hand while writing, and the graphite is smooth and high quality, with minimal smudging when rubbed over. Just don’t forget to have an eraser on hand, or you might catch yourself trying to rub out mistakes with the seed capsule. Speaking of which, I actually have some basil growing in a little pot on my windowsill, all thanks to one of these pencils!”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Comfortable Underwear
Price Range: $20–$30
Sustainable underwear and socks—we used to hate getting them for Christmas as kids, but now we can’t get enough of them. Briefly put, the ubiquitous fail-safe gift is practical because everyone will need them at some point.
Subset is anything but subpar when it comes to their plentiful panties for men and women alike. Certified organic cotton and body-inclusive imaging and sizing (because safe skivvies should be available to everyone) are just some of the reasons we recommend their underwear. The rest are detailed below by our testers who confirm they are super comfortable and high-quality.
My Personal Review of Subset’s Mid-Rise Bikini:
“Subset’s Mid-Rise Bikini is honestly one of the comfiest pieces in my underwear drawer. The fabric is soft, breathable, and just feels great against the skin, even after multiple washes. I expect to get a lot of use from these given the high stitching and material quality.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
My Personal Review of Subset’s Men’s Boxer:
“I figured these would be a bit bulky because the high-quality fabric is quite thick, but even under snug jeans, they’re barely noticeable. They’re not the most breathable for a sweaty workout, though, so I switch them out for something lighter when I’m exercising. But after a post-workout shower, these are the ones I always grab!”
Review by Chris Ryan, SJ Menswear Tester
Non-Toxic Perfume
Price Range: $14–$165
Scent serves as one of the best memory-makers, so your loved one will always remember this next gift. It’s the gift that keeps on… smelling?
Instead of chemical-laden fragrances that have been tested on animals, Rainwater Botanicals checks all our sustainable gifting boxes with long-lasting perfume oils and body mists from strictly natural ingredients like essential oils, natural fragrances, and CO2 extracts. The Organic Carnation perfume is ready for when the snow melts and flowers bloom.
For something versatile and genderless, we recommend sniffing out the earthy and subdued Dirty Hinoki by Heretic Parfum.
Comfy T-Shirts
Price Range: $41–$150
Essential clothing pieces are another fail-safe gift you could give to basically anyone—especially to that person who would give you the shirt off of their back.
The Classic T. Shirt Co. has basic options for men and women alike, ranging from short-sleeved crew necks to long-sleeved V-necks. Their Unisex French Terry Box Crew seamlessly transitions into anyone’s everyday wear wardrobe.
If you’re looking for color versatility in addition to versatility, check out the Colorful Standard. Their organic cotton range of short sleeve tees, sweatshirts, and much more come in limited cuts, but feature a range of 50+ earth-safe colors. Plus, the pre-washed pigments are made to withstand even the harshest wash cycles so this gift will stay looking nice for longer.
My Personal Review of The Classic T-Shirt Co’s French Terry Box Crew:
“The Unisex French Terry Box Tee is an incredibly versatile tee I tested. With the thick cozy fabric of a sweatshirt and the versatility of a short-sleeved shirt, it’s become one of my go-to tops. I’ve been wearing it regularly for about a year and the durable fabric is still in tip-top condition. Even the unhemmed cut which curls a little bit for an extra textured look has not started to fray or unravel at all.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
My Personal Review of Colorful Standard’s Classic Organic Tee:
“The Classic Organic Tee isn’t anything fancy—just a solid, dependable wardrobe staple that’s perfect for everyone. But what makes it stand out is how well it’s made, with zero chemicals and so many color choices. I have to keep telling myself I don’t need EVERY color. The fabric is incredibly soft and has gotten softer with each wash, but the color has stayed the same—no fading in sight!”
Review by Chris Ryan, SJ Menswear Tester
Natural Yoga Props & Mats
Price Range: $85–$242
Get into the festive flow by giving your favorite yogi an eco-friendly yoga mat.
Complete Unity Yoga makes non-slip jute yoga mats that won’t make their downward dog run away from them. It’s a heavy-duty and super durable mat, too, so it’s a great investment that will hold up to constant classes and daily flows.
If your loved one is a dedicated yogi, however, it’s likely they’ve already met the mat of their dreams. Opt for something else to enhance their flow instead. The Illuminate Cork Yoga Wheel from Scoria is wheely good for everyone, from beginners looking to stretch their spine and advanced yogis looking to up their balance pose game. Stamped with the lunar cycle, this yogi accessory will have your loved one over the moon.
My Personal Review of Complete Unity Yoga’s Non-Slip Yoga Mat:
“Complete Unity promises a 100% money-back guarantee, claiming their mats will be the most non-slip you’ve ever used. I decided to put their 4mm mat to the test, and I was thoroughly impressed. The mix of jute and natural rubber not only gives it a solid grip on the floor but also delivers unbeatable traction on top, no matter how much I sweat.”
My Personal Review of Scoria’s Illuminate Cork Yoga Wheel:
“The Illuminate Cork Yoga Wheel certainly illuminates my yoga practice. While I was completely humbled by it in the beginning, this alternative to yoga blocks has upped my core strength and balancing skills an incredible amount, It really is the perfect tool for play and learning about your body. Plus, its moon phase-printed cork top and gorgeous recyclable ABS center form looks so lovely that it doubles as home decor when I’m not using it.”
Reviews by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Safe Candles
Price Range: $24–$87
“Chestnuts roasting on an open fire…” Okay, fine, Robert Wells and Mel Tormé probably weren’t talking about sustainable candles, but we think these are the perfect eco Christmas gifts to set the festive mood.
Siblings’ candle refill pouches are as useful as they are unique. The obvious holiday choice here is their Sweater Weather Pack, a gift set featuring coconut blend wax infused with three different scents of musky butter, smoked honey bourbon, and roasted chestnuts. All of this comes via carbon-neutral shipping and eco-friendly packaging—a compostable refill bag that can be returned and reused.
For already crafted candles, PF Candle Co has soy-based, cruelty-free, and phthalate-free options to choose from. Even if your loved one doesn’t have a reel Christmas tree, you can help their house smell like one with the Spruce Soy Candle, a delightfully festive blend of blue spruce, cedar, and citrus.
My Personal Review of PF Candle Co’s Sandalwood Rose Soy Candle:
“PF Candle Co has become a staple in my home. The Sandalwood Rose scent is my favorite of those I’ve tried, thanks to its warm, inviting blend of sandalwood and soft rose. The scent is well-balanced, giving a cozy yet fresh ambiance without being overpowering. I love that it’s made from soy wax, so it burns cleanly on my windowsill without causing an eventual black mark above it.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Better Bags
Price Range: $60—$275
Solgaard makes some of the best eco-friendly travel products for Earth-conscious folk out there. Their Lifepack backpack a built-in solar panel, drop-proof laptop storage, tons of organization, and Powerbank pockets. Made from 100% recycled plastic, it’s perfect for that Secret Santa party.
Nisolo’s ethically sourced leather totes always come in handy. Their Clara Crossbody, for example, is a beautifully crafted, versatile accessory designed for both style and functionality. Featuring a unique woven texture that adds sophistication to any outfit, it can be worn comfortably across the body or on the shoulder, and its compact yet spacious interior fits daily essentials with ease.
My Personal Review of Solgaard’s Lifepack:
“I use the Lifepack daily and love it – it still looks new after almost three years of owning it. It has tons of organization for work and general life essentials, including a fleece-lined laptop sleeve. The an anti-theft lock, built-in solar panel, and an optional solar-powered Bluetooth speaker, are all super useful little additions which I use loads both in and out of the bag. The recycled plastic fabric is super durable, I’m very impressed.”
Review by Chris Ryan, SJ Menswear Tester
My Personal Review of Nisolo’s Simone Convertible Shopper:
“I put the Simone Convertible Shopper, referred to by Nisolo as “The Perfect Bag,” to the test, and I have to say, it lives up to its name. Its durable construction and heirloom-quality craftsmanship, combined with a practical everyday size and timeless design, make it a versatile choice that complements pretty much all my outfits.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Sustainable Gift Sets
Price Range: $50–$135
If you can’t decide on one gift, give something that contains multiple environmentally friendly gifts in one gift box from UpRoot Design Studio.
With three different types of tea, a jar of raw honey, a wood-wick candle, a reusable heat pack, and “Tea Time” and “Candle Gazing” visual meditation cards, the Winter Wellness Gift Box is the perfect kit for staying warm and relaxed on a cold winter night. Plus, it comes with an adorable Two Birds in the Bush card so you can include all your own personal well-wishes as well. If your loved one isn’t a tea lover, you’re not out of luck. They’ve got a box for everything, from an indoor herb growing kit to conscious crafting sets.
For timeless, handcrafted gifts, Made Trade specializes in thoughtfully curated items from ethical makers around the globe. They have some premade gift sets filled without gorgeous natural kitchen essentials, or you can build your own gift set based on what you know your loved one likes by shopping from their helpful holiday shop section.
My Personal Review of UpRoot Design Studio’s Winter Wellness Gift Box:
“Soy wax candles? Check! A trio of tasty teas? You bet! Sustainable honey to sweeten the deal? Yes, please! A reusable botanical-filled heat pack?Seriously?! It’s as if UpRoot has read my mind! I loved this thoughtful collection. It’s perfect for those cozy self-care vibes when all I want to do is chill and unwind.”
My Personal Review of Made Trade’s Custom Curated Gift Box:
“Made Trade sent me a beautiful custom gift set for the holidays, and it was the perfect blend of sustainability and style. While this specific set isn’t available, they sell all the included items—like the mug, organic cotton canvas sling bag, linen tea towel, and set of Food Huggers, which I’d been considering buying for a long time now—individually, along with other thoughtfully curated gift bundles. Each piece felt high-quality, ethically made, and incredibly useful.”
Reviews by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Online Gift Vouchers
Price Range: Varies
‘Tis the season for giving, not guessing. We’re always ones to vouch for online gift vouchers. They have a bad rap as being impersonal, but we’d rather have someone pick out exactly what they need before giving them something that will lie around unused (and subsequently end up in the trash.)
If you’re all about that zero waste sentiment, we recommend a digital gift voucher to one of our favorite zero waste online stores, the ZeroWasteStore.com. Their online gift vouchers give your loved one access to all kinds of personal care and home essentials, like bamboo hair brushes and shampoo bars.
EcoRoots is another shop to help you get grounded in sustainable giving. There, your gift recipient will be able to browse for over 50 different bathroom, beauty, and home goods. Supporting a women-owned small business is just the icing on the (fruit) cake.
Tree Planting
Price Range: Varies
The most sustainable Christmas gifts aren’t those that go under the tree—they’re the tree itself! Invest in biodiversity and carbon sequestration this Christmas tree-son.
Arbor Day Foundation’s Give-A-Tree cards plant a tree in honor of your family, friends, and associates. They have recycled cards for all sorts of celebrations, including holidays, birthdays, and other special occasions.
Meanwhile, One Tree Planted has tree-planting kits where loved ones get in on the action themselves. They receive their own seeds to sow, and One Tree Planted plants a tree of the same species in their honor—just in case they don’t quite have that green thumb.
Wonderful ideas in here, thanks for the inspiration! I usually give homemade things like marmelade with fruits from my garden. Love the idea to gift a tree that is planted! Will try to remember that for next year 🙂
Gifting subscriptions is such a great idea! Thanks for this great post.