Eco Friendly Gifts for Everyone On Your List

Eco Friendly gifts for 2020

As consumers, it’s our responsibility to support brands that make ethical and sustainable practices the centerpieces of their missions. Still, it can be difficult to find eco friendly gifts for our loved ones in advance of the holidays.

Enter the 2020 Green Gift Guide!

My hope for this year’s Green Guide is that it gives you the motivation to support companies committed to ethical and eco practices as you shop for your loved ones this holiday season.

I hope, too, that the Guide gives you some gift ideas to put on your own Christmas list so that you receive fewer trinkets that you don’t really love and more items you will love on for the long haul. 

[A note from Stephanie: This article contains affiliate links, which means I receive a teeny-tiny portion of a sale should you decide to purchase.]

A quick disclaimer …

The most eco friendly gift is the one you didn’t buy, as buying new should always be a sustainable minimalist’s last resort.

Make, bake, upcycle, and repurpose first.

And if you don’t know someone well enough to give them a thoughtful gift? Don’t give any gift at all.

[Related: How to Host a Minimalist Christmas.]

11 Eco Friendly Gifts for Everyone on your List

1. For the kids: Sustainimals stuffed animals

Sustainimals makes stuffed animals made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic.

But wait: How can a stuffed animal made from plastic be soft and snuggly?

Sustainimals may even be softer and snugglier than conventional stuffed animals, and that’s thanks to the magic of plastic. They are safety tested and have no small parts or choking hazards, either. 

Sustainimals’ arctic collection that brings attention to animal issues surrounding melting glaciers. You can choose from a polar bear, a snowy owl, an arctic fox, and more.

Even better? 20% of proceeds from each sale are donated to the Natural Resource Defense Council.

2. For the mixologist: Itemerie’s hand hammered Boston shaker

Have a crafty mixologist in your life? If so, he or she needs this hand hammered Boston shaker. It’s hand beaten by skilled artisans in the United States and Mexico from 100% recycled copper for a rich, shiny finish.

This shaker stands out, as it is both timeless yet makes a statement simultaneously.

Want to gift a set? Pair the Boston shaker with Itemerie’s matching double-sided jigger, which facilitates expert pours with a 2 ounce and a 1 ounce cup soldered together. 

Prefer Audio?

You can find this episode of The Sustainable Minimalists podcast (and much more!) wherever you listen to podcasts.

Apple Podcasts     |     Google Podcasts     |     Spotify     |     Stitcher

3. For the wannabe environmentalist: Earth Hero’s Eco-living gift box

This eco-friendly gift box bundle from Earth Hero includes everything your loved one needs to tackle plastic in his or her home, including:

• a bamboo utensil set
• resealable sandwich bag
• Swedish dishcloths
• reusable straw and cleaning brush
• natural food storage wraps
• a stainless steel lunchbox
• handmade green tea
• eucalyptus soap

Each product is made from ethical and eco-friendly materials that are plastic free. Each purchase donates 1% to environmental non-profits, too.

I love this gift set because it sets up the receiver with everything he or she needs to start on a journey toward low waste living. If you were to buy all the items inside the box separately, it would get expensive. But Earth Hero makes it easy for you as the giver because it’s all packaged in an adorable, compact manner.

From November 25 to December 2, Earth Hero will run its Black Friday sale with 20% off site-wide and 5 trees planted with every order. (Just use code MAMAMINIMALIST at checkout!)

4. For the Remote Learners: Spiral-lined notebooks made of recycled paper

Recycled paper can have a tremendous impact on the environment because leaning into recycled paper options keeps standing trees standing.

I love this set of 3 notebooks from Emerging Green because they are made of 100% premium recycled paper with a compostable kraft paper cover. And because they have 240 pages in each, they will likely last a long time.

 These notebooks come in a pack of 3, so I plan to split the pack up and put one in each child’s stocking this year.

5. For the scarf lover: Zesst’s organic cotton Dreamsoft blanket scarf

Adore a comfy scarf? Me too!

Zesst’s Dreamssoft blanket scarf can be worn three ways: as a scarf, shawl, or blanket all in one. It’s not bulky, either, as its lightweight construction makes it easy to wear and care for.

The scarf is GOTS-Certified and is made with at least 70% organic cotton. Each scarf is guaranteed to be free from more than 100 harmful chemicals used in standard textile production, too.

I love that the scarf is cozy like a large throw but soft like a wrap at the same time.

6. For the hygge-obsessed: Sam & Lance’s happy holidays box

SAM & LANCE an online ethical marketplace owned by two women who support women-owned companies and female artisans.

This gift box features products made by women and boasts a sampler of the company’s favorite products, including:

• organic cotton socks
• organic tea
• a scrunchie
• hand cream
• a journal

The box and its packaging is all recyclable or biodegradable and for every holiday box sold the company will donate a meal to the Native Women’s resource centre of Toronto.

7. For the capsule wardrobe lovers: Amour Vert’s Veja Esplar tennis shoe

These sneakers are perfect for anyone who is intentional about bringing versatile items into his or her wardrobe, and that’s because they can effortlessly be dressed up or down.

And if you have a person in your life who shies away from flashy labels and bright colors, these sneakers may be for her.

The Veja Esplar is made from organic cotton, wild Amazonian rubber, and up-cycled materials in innovative processes. Amour Vert is committed to sustainability, too, because they manufacture items in limited quantities as a means of reducing waste.

Honorable mention: 

Amour Vert also boasts a swoon-worthy collection of ethically-sourced, 100% wool sweaters for women:

8. For the snackers: Ziparoos reusable storage bags

Here’s a product for everyone, because everyone snacks.  Ziparoos reusable storage bags have cool designs, are easy to clean, and are leak-proof. They are perfect for sandwiches, snacks, freezing, school supplies, travel and so much more.

The best part? One Ziparoo bag used over and over again can save approximately 300 disposable bags from entering  landfills.

I love that Ziparoos are affordable (just $10.99 for a set of 4!) I love, too, that they are incredibly sturdy and do not rip at the corners like many bags do.

For an extra 15% off Ziparoos, through December 31, click here, or use code MamaM15 at checkout.

9. For the loungers: Parachute’s classic bathrobe

Have you ever stayed in an upscale hotel? If so, there was likely a soft, thick robe waiting for you in the closet.

Parachute’s classic bathrobe reminds me of a fancy hotel bathrobe because it is luxurious, well-weighted, and warm.

Parachute is known for using the finest natural materials available without harmful chemicals or synthetics, and their classic bathrobe is no exception. It is made from 100% long-staple Turkish cotton at 4550 grams per square meter, which means it is weighted for year round use in all climates. 

With two slouchy front pockets, a snug waist tie and cozy shawl collar, this super plush bathrobe is the ultimate in relaxation wear.

Honorable Mention: Parachute’s waffle lounge set 

If you aren’t in the market for a robe but are in the market for loungewear, check out Parachute’s waffle lounge set. It’s a matching shirt and pants combo for women that are comfortable enough for at-home wear but is also appropriate for venturing out of the house. 

This set is perfect for women like me who are home all day and want to be fashionable yet comfortable.

Match the crewneck pullover top and easy, versatile joggers together, or pair separately with streetwear for an effortless outfit.

10. For the plastic-free champion: Ethique’s hair sampler

Ethique is a Certified B Corp that offers sustainable and ethically-sourced products made from natural ingredients with compostable packaging. Zero-wasters as well as non-toxic devotees adore Ethique’s package-free and vegan beauty products, too.

Buy your loved one this set of 5 shampoo bars packaged in a compostable box, as it’s a great way to experiment with Ethique’s shampoo bars without any plastic in sight.

Ethique also sells samplers of their body soap and face soap, too.

11. For the Tech Savvy: Nimble’s wireless charging device

Everyone needs an extra charge for their tech. And if the charger is made from natural and recycled materials, that’s even better!

Nimble has created a wireless charging device made from hemp and recycled plastic. (Even the packaging is plastic free!)

Charging your phone or AirPods is as simple as placing your tech on top of the charging device. iPhones, Samsungs, and Androids are all fair game and, because the device is wireless, it is slim and easy to transport.

If you are wondering how fast Nimble’s wireless charger will actually charge your phone, the answer is quite quickly. Nimble’s wireless pads use advanced circuitry and built in thermal management which equates to safe, efficient charging without a noisy fan.

The final word on eco friendly gifts

Finding eco friendly gifts tends to be easier when you start early.

If we procrastinate, most of us will head to Amazon and panic buy whatever we can find.

This year, consider making, baking, upcycling, or shopping early so that you have the best chance of gifting thoughtful and sustainable gifts to your loved ones.

Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season!

Want more eco friendly gifts? Find 2019’s ideas here. 

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