Consider giving low and zero waste gifts this year! These spread sustainable living cheer without spreading waste—or as little waste as possible.
It’s long overdue that we all ditch the disposable gifts and instead look for those that are reusable and timeless, so they won’t end up as ghosts of Christmases past by haunting landfills.
We’ve pulled together a succinct roundup of plastic-free Christmas gifts across a range of budgets, so all you’ll need to worry about is what zero waste gift wrapping you’ll use with them—because plastic wrap just isn’t it.
For more low impact gifting ideas, check out some of our other guides: eco-friendly 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: Plastic-Free Gift Ideas For 2024
- Slippers Jump to section
- Coffee Makers Jump to section
- Christmas Sweaters Jump to section
- Makeup Jump to section
- Pajamas Jump to section
- Candles Jump to section
- Upcycled Homewares Jump to section
- Gift Baskets Jump to section
- Reusable Shaving Kits Jump to section
- Toys Jump to section
- Beauty Jump to section
- Chocolate Jump to section
- Accessories Jump to section
- Art Supplies Jump to section
- Clothing Jump to section
- Donation On Their Behalf Jump to section
- Wine Jump to section
- Coffee Mugs & Water Bottles Jump to section
- Wallets Jump to section
- Digital Membership Jump to section
- Zero Waste Books Jump to section
Slippers
Price Range: $69–$109
Let’s slide into our list of zero waste gift ideas with a gift that’s shoe-in to be a Christmas favorite: sustainable slippers.
A pair of Kyrgies’ slippers are handcrafted by local fair trade artisans in Kyrgyzstan, using OEKO-TEX-certified wool from mulesed-free sheep. Any scrap felt left over from the shoe-making process is reprocessed and reused. With a non-slip vegetable-tanned leather sole and comfortable elastic stretch, the Tengries are a durable, comfortable win for any number of people on your gift list.
My Personal Review of Kyrgies’ Tengries:
“I own a pair of their indoor slippers, as well as the more versatile Tengries, whose naturally-tanned leather outsole sole means they’re suitable for indoor and outdoor use. I mostly use mine around the yard—like going to get the mail and puttering in the garden. They are light and comfortable, and the body and insole wool keeps them smelling fresh even after months of use.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Coffee Makers
Price Range: $99
Considering billions of disposable coffee cups end up in landfills each year, a plastic-free coffee maker is a great gift for caffeine-loving zero wasters.
Pure Over has un-bean-lievable accessories for the conscious caffeine addict in your life. With a built-in glass filter, their best-selling Brew Kit XL+ uses cake filtration to extract the taste of the beans rather than a pesky paper filter. Our testers confirm that it makes an excellent and pure tasking cup of joe, completely customizable in strength based on how many grounds you add.
My Personal Review of Pure Over’s Brew Kit XL:
“I love my coffee uncomplicated—no frills, just the essentials. That’s why I adore the minimalist design of Pure Over’s all-glass coffee maker. It’s not just aesthetically pleasing; its simplicity makes it incredibly easy to clean and maintain. With no filters, no moving parts, and no brewing excess, it’s as straightforward as it gets. Once you figure out your preferred amount of coarse coffee grounds, you can brew consistently delicious coffee every time.
Personally, I opt for the single-serve version to help control caffeine intake, but if you’re brewing for more people or want a second cup waiting, the Brew Kit XL is a great choice. Just a heads-up, the glass doesn’t keep the coffee hot for long, so you’ll need to sip fast. Also, the handles are a bit fragile—I had to glue ours back on, so treat it gently.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Christmas Sweaters
Price Range: $58–$398
From sourcing to creating, the Certified B Corp Outerknown has an environmental commitment that warms our hearts (and the rest of our bodies!) Made from recycled wool and recycled plastic, their Precidio Poncho looks downright to die for, especially with its large pockets your loved one will be able to stuff their hands in to keep the fingers warm, too.
Pact’s organic GOTS-certified cotton sweaters are created in a fair trade factory in India and come sans plastic packaging. The Luxe Knit Boatneck Sweater is a classic rib-knit crew to take your loved one from a Christmas Eve dinner out with family, through their winter Hallmark movie binge all weekend after.
My Personal Review of Outerknown’s Shelter Waffle Henley:
“This ones crafted from merino wool and recycled cashmere, it’s incredibly soft and cozy, and so an ideal winter layer (which I very much appreciate during my Wyoming winters) that’s both stylish and practical. I love wearing it on its own as a top layer or, on super cold outings, under one of their Blanket Shirts – whose durable and thick weave had me so obsessed that I own three and wear one literally every day at some point.”
Reviews by Christopher Ryan, SJ’s Menswear Tester
My Personal Review of Pact’s Knit Short Cardigan:
“The Knit Short Cardigan has basically become my ultimate cozy piece. I wear it for everything – popping to the garden to feed my quail in the early morning, as an extra layer when I’m going out for dinner, and just staying comfy while working from home. It’s so flexible, and even though it’s loose-knit, it’s been holding up way better than I expected. No frayed edges or pulled threads! This exact style is no longer available, but the Luxe Knit Cropped Cardigan is a close match and has the added advantage of buttons on the front.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Makeup
Price Range: $4–$118
If you know your friend or family member’s best color, try the award-winning 3-in-1 Balmies from Axiology. Or, if you don’t, splurge on the Balmie Trio Set with hopes that at least one of the colors is a match.
For a wider range of products, including face makeup and foundation, take a dab at Dab Herb, whose full cosmetic range features entirely non-toxic ingredients and reusable packaging. The French Makeup Set lays a great foundation for building a better makeup routine, so this might be a great option if your loved one is still building their natural makeup kit.
My Personal Review of Axiology’s Balmies:
“With just nine simple ingredients, I feel good about using these on my skin, and I love how versatile they are. Not just for lips, but for cheeks and eyes too – who doesn’t love a multi-use product? They’re also the perfect size to toss in my bag, making on-the-go glam a breeze!”
My Personal Review of Dab Herb’s Herb Foundation:
“Full disclosure: I rarely wear foundation. I was blessed with excellent skin, so foundation is just one of those cosmetic items I’ve never felt particularly inclined to use. But I did test out Dab Herb’s Herb Foundation and really like it because it feels so lightweight, I don’t feel like I’m actually wearing foundation. It’s also super smooth and blends perfectly into my actual skin, so my face doesn’t look cakey and fake like foundation can often do.”
Reviews by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Pajamas
Price Range: $72–$138
According to our product testers, MagicLinen pajamas are pretty darn magical, being made of soft and breathable 100% linen. Whether your loved one loves to lounge around feeling cute in a matching gingham Linen Pajama Set or prefers to keep it subdued and simple with a waffle-knit sweatshirt and shorts, MagicLinen’s modest range has a little something for everyone.
My Personal Review of MagicLinen’s Luni Linen Pajama Set:
“Honestly, MagicLinen’s smooth and breathable European flax is the perfect sleep fabric, it’s super light and breathable. I love this set for summer sleeping, and found that it gets softer over time. Because I need ANOTHER reason not to want to get out of my PJs!”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Candles
Price Range: $12–$123
Siblings takes this classic gift idea and adds their own unique twist by offering refillable candles. Housed in a compostable bag, the coconut oil simply needs to be heated and filled in whatever upcycled container is on hand, or in the functional ceramic candle vessel that comes with the Starter Set.
For something more traditional in form but still unique in style, beEsom candles are crafted from local organic beeswax and pure essential oils to give you the choice of 17 scents. From tealights and pillars to glass terrain candles, their range is absolute fire (literally). Once burned, the recycled glass jars can be upcycled.
Upcycled Homewares
Price Range: $4–$140
Looking for gifts made from recycled materials?
Always the Adventure fits the bill as snugly as their Recycled Climbing Rope Can Cozies safely cradle a can of kombucha or beer. Not only are they 100% made of retired climbing ropes, but they’re hand-scrubbed and shipped carbon-neutral in repurposed packing materials. With limited runs and ever-changing colors, these make for some truly unique upcycled gifts, especially for the climber or outdoor adventurer in your life.
If cans aren’t your giftee’s thing at all, but recycled presents are, opt for one of their storage caddies, bowls, coasters, or scrap rope collages, which are made from all the offcuts that are too short to be made into anything else.
Gift Baskets
Price Range: $15–$218
Zero waste gift boxes take the work out of gifting by offering pre-made bundles of goodies that will also help your loved one live a little bit more sustainably. They’re perfect for those new to zero waste living or those you’re trying to encourage to make a sustainable shift.
With 16 top-rated plastic-free products, this basic Zero Waste Starter Kit from ZeroWasteStore.com has everything needed to start the low-waste journey: toothbrushes, plastic-free loofahs, shampoo bars, and more.
If you’re looking for more specific ideas, EarthHero has abundant options from numerous brands. From tea variety boxes and a pasta box to the holy grail of zero waste living tools in the form of their Hero Essentials Kit (a major money saver compared to buying all its inclusions individually), EarthHero helps make shopping even easier.
Reusable Shaving Kits
Price Range: $59—$199
Leaf Shave put their own unbe-leaf-able spin on these classic personal care tools by blending the all-metal no waste build of the safety razor with the spring-loaded pivoting head design of modern razors. All the glide with none of the waste of those pesky plastic heads, because once the blade dulls, all you have to do is change that.
Equipped with a shaving soap bar and shaving oil, the Everything Bundle has almost everything needed to get rid of that itchy stubble. They also have more simple shavers, including a single-edge razor and dermaplaner.
My Personal Review of Leaf’s Leaf Kit:
“If you’re not keen on ditching your modern razor just yet, Leaf’s got the perfect solution. Their reusable pivoting head razor keeps all the best bits—multiple blades and a spring-loaded head—without all the disposable plastic. I found it super easy to use, even for those awkward spots like the inside of my armpits. Plus, it left my skin feeling great, no razor burn in sight.”
Reviews by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Toys
Price Range: $7–$140
Know a mother out there trying their best? Give them something they will really appreciate: the gift of temporary peace and quiet.
Lovevery stocks play kits and sustainable toys that give just that by keeping the little ones busy for hours. Since they’re crafted using kid-safe, OEKO-TEX-certified materials, moms can take a little break without the anxiety of their little ones ingesting harmful chemicals or pieces. Crafted from FSC-certified and sustainably harvested wood, The Pull Pup is one of their most popular options.
Plan Toys also has a great selection of gifts made from recycled materials, including reclaimed rubber and upcycled sawdust. Conveniently grouped into categories using stage-based play considerations, like learning toys and dexterity toys like the adorable Balancing Boat Toy, Plan Toys are carefully planned out to also aid in child development.
My Personal Review of Lovevery’s Storyteller Playkit:
“My son and daughter tested out the Storyteller Play Kit, which includes a fort / puppet theater, animal puzzle, inspiring book, and more. Not only did it keep them (bearing in mind one is 3 years old and the other 6 years old) occupied and entertained for hours, but I could see how it inspired and encouraged their imagination. It also made for a great little hide and seek spot!”
Review by Shelby Loeppky, SJ Writer & Product Tester
Beauty
Price Range: $4–$47
Ethique offers an impressive range of products that cover both skincare and haircare needs. From solid moisturizer sticks and face cleansers to dog wash and gift bundles, they have it all in solid, plastic-free form.
For anyone new to low-waste beauty, their Discovery Pack of shampoo bars is a perfect gift—it’s a sampler of their best formulas, so your loved one can find their ideal match without the waste.
My Personal Review of Ethique’s Shampoo & Conditioner Bars:
“As a very early customer, I’ve tried almost all the shampoo and conditioner bars from Ethique over the last several years. For shampoo, I really like the Frizz wrangler and the Calming Solid bar for run-of-the-mill hair washing. They foam up perfectly and do as good a job as conventional shampoo. I can’t say I notice a ton of difference between the two but maybe that’s just me.
“For conditioner, I struggled with some of the earlier formulas and moved away from them for ages but recently tried them again and was pleasantly surprised with the Guardian Bar for Dry Hair which did a pretty good job of taming the curls and the frizz and leaving my hair feeling nourished. I’d say the conditioner bars are still not as good from a functionality perspective as a really good liquid conditioner though.”
Review by Joy McConnochie, SJ Co-Founder
Chocolate
Price Range: £2–£60
The Raw Chocolate Co. stocks single bars and affordable gift bundles alike, all packaged in pretty little plant-based films and compostable bags. Add a bar or two to the stocking as a little something extra, or go all out for those with a real sweet tooth in your life and opt for one of their Chocolate Hampers with enough chocolate to last a year (for those with strong willpower).
Accessories
Price Range: $11–$349
The cork leather handbags and wallets from Carry Courage aren’t just minimalist-chic; they’re also plastic-free. The extra special cork exterior is harvested from trees in sustainable forests that never need to be cut down. The Advocate Zipper Tote is a plastic-free Christmas gift we’re advocating for.
Now, the only obstacle left is finding that ever-elusive hair tie. KOOSHOO’s Fair Trade organic cotton and natural rubber hairbands and scrunchies make for delightful stocking fillers. They are biodegradable—bringing less guilt when they inevitably break or go missing.
My Personal Review of Carry Courage’s ADVOCATE Tote:
“I love the ADVOCATE Tote; it has become one of my favorite bags. The cork material looks stylish and is easy to clean, so I don’t stress about setting it down on dirty surfaces. I take it to the farmer’s market every weekend during the season because its roomy interior is perfect for filling with fresh produce.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Art Supplies
Price Range: $5–$36
Kids are sure to enjoy the finger paints by eco-kids. The food-safe, non-GMO organic fruit and vegetable extracts will ease parents’ worries if a little (or a lot) ends up in their mouth. Since they’re mailed in powder form (just add water), they can be packaged in compostable paperboard pots.
If you’d rather a thoughtful gift that isn’t as potentially messy and headache-inducing, the Dinosaur Eggs Beeswax Crayons are a safer bet. These come packaged in a creative PCR-recycled egg carton and FSC-certified paper from a wind-powered factory, so while we can’t promise walls will be safe from them, the planet at least will be.
Clothing
My Personal Review of Nuuly’s Fashion Rental Service:
“I trialed a one-month subscription of Nuuly. The first thing I noticed was how low waste the packaging is. It consists of a reusable zippered cloth shipping bag and nothing else—no poly mailers, no paper, no plastic garment bags, no hangers. The whole process was super easy. Just unzip, wear as many times as desired, repack, affix the included shipping label, and drop at any UPS store or drop point.
“Honestly, the most difficult part of the process was selecting just 6 items from their amazing catalog. I was happy with literally everything I got and fell in love with the gorgeous Farm Rio dress I included. It was exactly the wardrobe refresh I needed for a summer vacation and I’ll definitely be using this rental service again in the future. Only downside, you have to send them back!”
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. Thankfully, my skin quickly gets used to it, and then I barely notice anything but its incredible softness, so it’s still one of my favorite pieces to layer with.”
Reviews by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Donation On Their Behalf
Price Range: Buyer’s choice
The gift of charitable giving can be one of the most heart-warming non-physical gifts. Who doesn’t like the feel-good realization that they’ve indirectly supported a good cause?
After all, non-physical gifts are even better when the contribution is to a cause they really care about. If you don’t have any specific ones in mind, use a flexible donation platform—like MyCause Australia and Global Giving.
Wine
Price Range: $60+/ month
No need to whine about gift buying this year—at least not when Winc’s wine subscription service is here to keep on giving (so long as it doesn’t spoil someone’s New Year’s resolution).
Every month, your loved one will be surprised with a curated selection of top-rated wines—including red, white, sparkling, and rose—from around the world. They offer many organic and certified sustainably sourced bottles, too.
And don’t worry about signing them up for something that will prove to be as hard to get out of as a timeshare if they don’t love it. Winc allows customers to pause, skip, or cancel anytime, no questions asked.
Coffee Mugs & Water Bottles
Price Range: $18–$90
Dads are notoriously tough to buy for, but what about something that supports his morning (or whatever time of day) routine.
We’re talking about zero waste coffee of course, and a reusable coffee mug for that on the go cup of joe. The colorful and insulated options from Klean Kanteen do more than help keep our planet clean of plastic. They also keep drinks hot or cold all day. The family-run Certified B Corp makes 95% of their products using recycled stainless steel, and Climate Lock vacuum insulation. Though they are well-known for their water bottles, their insulated tumblers are also steaming hot picks.
Speaking of well-known, Hydro Flask makes some of the best reusable water bottles and coffee canisters on the market. With the option for customization, all options can be turned into personalized reusable gifts. If someone you know likes their espresso before their Prosecco, give the 24 oz coffee mug a shot.
My Personal Review of Hydro Flask’s 32 Oz Wide Flex Straw Cap Water Bottle:
“Hydro Flask bottles have been my trusty companions for the past ten years. I just upgraded to a wide mouth with a flex straw cap, and I love how easy it is to sip from. They’re pretty much unbreakable—unless a landscaping truck runs over one (RIP my first). Just be careful with packing it in your backpack as it’s not as leak-tight as the regular caps.”
My Personal Review of Klean Kanteen’s TKWide Water Bottle:
“Klean Kanteen’s water bottles are impressively crafted. They use recycled stainless steel that is notably tough, and the textured powder coating gives me a better grip, reducing the likelihood of drops. So far, this bottle has shown far fewer dents than my other ones”.
Reviews by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Wallets
Price Range: $35–$169
Reusable gifts never go out of style. Bellroy’s sleek, minimalist designs are perfect for men who want a functional wallet with a refined look, crafted from eco-friendly leather. Those like the Hide & Seek are high-quality and super slim, fitting in any back pocket with hardly any bulge due to their lower-capacity nature.
If something vegan fits their ethical demands better, Pixie Mood’s recycled women’s wallets come in beautiful colors and textures. We especially like the pebbled texture of styles like the Aiko Wallet, an ideal mid-size wallet that can still easily fit in a pocket in case your lady loved one doesn’t always carry a purse.
My Personal Review of Bellroy’s Hide & Seek Wallet:
“For a minimalist wallet, check out the bestselling Hide-&-Seek, which I personally own. It’s perfect if you like to keep it slim and simple, since it holds all our cards with ease, with a secret cash compartment. Fair warning: if you carry a lot of bills, this isn’t the wallet for you, as its secret hidden cash sleeve can’t handle a wad of cash. But if you’re like mr and just like to keep some emergency money on hand, it’s perfect.”
My Personal Review of Pixie Mood’s Jane 2-in-1 Crossbody:
“The Jane 2-in-1 Crossbody is a total game changer! I love how it combines the functionality of a wallet and a mini purse. If I only need my wallet, it’s easy to unclip and the magnetic closure keeps everything secure when attached. Plus, the faux nubuck leather looks adorable and pairs effortlessly with any outfit, all while avoiding the ethical concerns tied to genuine leather.”
Reviews by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Digital Membership
Price Range: $70–$150 (yearly)
Gifts don’t have to be physical things. A digital subscription provides all the practicality and entertainment we’ve come to know in the modern world with none of the plastic waste. Here are some ideas:
- Headspace: With all the stress in the world right now, guided meditation gifts are not only thoughtful but almost necessary. An ever-growing body of research points to the benefits of meditation and this app makes it simple and effortless.
- Audible: For a more productive subscription that can be enjoyed any time of day, try the world’s most comprehensive audiobook service. All downloadable offline with no monthly limit.
- Spotify Premium: For $99 you can give the gift of ad-free, downloadable offline music for a whole year. How’s that for one of the best reusable gifts?
Zero Waste Books
Price Range: $5–$23
Erin Rhoads’ Waste Not focuses on simple and everyday ways you can reduce waste. Or for the foodie in your life, Anne-Marie Bonneau’s Zero Waste Chef takes a bite out of food waste, one of the most prolific forms of household waste.
I love the idea of giving a subscription box. This is such a great idea for friends who live sustainably and like to receive something sustainable but don’t know what they want. This way it is a surprise for both the giver and receiver.
This is such a great list – something for everyone! I love sustainable gift giving and find the consumerism of gift giving season difficult. My daughter gets so many gifts, I’ve had to tell people to stop giving her ‘stuff’, it just ends up as clutter. She doesn’t need so many things but they get offended, maybe now I can offer an alternative.
WOW! Great article. Can I recommend checking plantable pencils, as well, that are made from 100% recycled newspapers, They are designed to include chili, tomato, coriander, mustard, or fenugreek seeds. Once the seed pencils become too short for use, they can can be planted in soil along with water and sunlight, to sprout into a plant.
Thank Jad, great idea for a gift! Might be the same as Sprout World? If so – we cover them here
Very helpful and insightful. I talk about these often but will come back to this list. Thanks.
Waooo, thank you so much for these awesome gift ideas. I have picked two of these ideas for me.
Good blog post, by the way.
So happy to hear these ideas were helpful!