We’ve all got that crunchy, eco-friend, right? Or maybe, like me, you are the eco-friend in your group! We are, admittedly, very hard to shop for. We don’t want the latest gadget or even a plastic gift card, but we do appreciate a thoughtful gift. Here’s some eco-friendly holiday gift ideas for your crunchy friends.
Eco-friendly Holiday Gift Ideas
When possible, your eco-friend appreciates you shopping small and supporting local businesses, so I’ve included a lot of small and women-owned businesses in this list. It’s also been a really difficult year for small businesses and they truly need our support.
Most of your eco-friends probably have a dish brush and Stasher bags. Although those are great gifts, I tried to include eco-friendly gift ideas that are slightly off the beaten, sustainable path.
Beauty Gifts
Undereye masks: As a *ahem* late 30s woman, I can admit I’m self-conscious of my undereyes. But most undereye masks are single-use and an expensive luxury. These reusable undereye masks can be used with any eye cream, serum or moisturizer to lock in hydration, plump and depuff.
Soap subscription: I know soap can be a kind of a ho-hum gift, but we all need it! Let’s at least make a useful gift as luxurious and beautiful as possible. This soap subscription from Indigenous, woman-owned Morning Mist company fits the bill. The subscription is sent every three months and is truly the prettiest soap I’ve ever seen. They also sell gorgeous lotion bars too.
Hairbrush cleaning tool: Ok, ok, I know this is a little weird, but this hairbrush cleaning tool is something that would make a great stocking stuffer (especially for us long-haired hippies!) and it fills a need. I’ve been wanting one of these for a while and Santa might come early this year. 😆
Useful Gifts
Charcoal water filters: Ok, this isn’t the sexiest of gifts, but it’s so useful! I love the taste of filtered water, but I don’t love all the waste that comes with it– even with a fridge water filter, you often have to buy new filters. Enter: charcoal water filters. They last so long, can be put in the compost when done and they’re inexpensive. I use these water filters every day and I’m eyeing the water bottle size filters too.
Tube squeezer: I’m so very guilty of being the person that doesn’t squeeze the toothpaste from the bottom and just goes all gorilla fist on it. I also love getting the very last drop out of products. This tube squeezer is pretty and functional. It would also be cute to add to a basket of beauty products or even some specialty food items like wasabi or tomato paste.
Electric lighter: Electric lighters are a must have for your eco friend. They’re useful and can be pared with your favorite candle for a little extra gift giving oomph. There’s lots out there, but this is by far the prettiest I’ve found and it fits in your pocket.
A Gift for the Readers
Bookshop.org gift cards: Ok, I know I said I don’t want a plastic gift card, but I will take a digital bookstore gift card! I’m an avid reader and although I utilize my public library, they don’t have everything! And with Bookshop.org, every sale supports local bookstores. They also have carbon-neutral deliveries and I appreciate the fact that books can be passed around and re-gifted to Little Free Libraries and friends!
If you want to order a book for your eco-friend instead of letting them choose, I’ve been eyeing this one by Nancy Birtwhistle, winner of the Great British Baking Show and eco warrior.
Nature-inspired Gifts
Seeds, bulbs or plants: If your eco-friend is like me, they’re into gardening. But as much as I love it, it’s an expensive hobby. I’d LOVE the gift of seeds or bulbs this time of year. Bonus: you’ll think of the giver every time you see the plant! I like to get my veggie seeds from the Alliance of Native Seedkeepers. I like to flower seeds from Sow True Seeds. And I like plants from Palm and Pine AVL.
National Park Passes: And speaking of walking, your eco-friend probably appreciates a National Park. What’s better than an annual pass to more than 2,000 recreation areas?! Up to 100% of the proceeds are used to improve and enhance visitor recreation services too. Bonus!
Allbird Shoes: This one is for my walking friends and specifically my walking buddy and husband, George. We’ve been walking every afternoon for a few months now and he does not have the right footware for it. Allbirds are one of my favorite shoes because they have a low carbon footprint, they’re super comfortable and machine washable. I’m getting him this pair.*
Extra bonus: shopping through these links will get you a free pair of socks! Add a pair to your cart and they’ll show as free at checkout.
Your eco-friend may also just really want to spend time with you! Local restaurant gift certificates, movie theatre passes or a walk in a local garden is also a nice, experience gift.
What other eco-friendly holiday gift ideas would you add to the list?