Giving gifts fills us with a sense of happiness and joy. Wouldn't it be great to add to that joy by giving gifts that are good for the planet? You could wrap them in recycled paper or find gifts with eco friendly packaging materials. Take it one step further by choosing eco friendly gifts to reduce your carbon foot and give your loved ones meaningful gifts that they aren't just going to toss after a short time.
We've gathered up some of the best eco-friendly products that are sure to make your friends and family smile. We've included gifts in a range of prices to fit every budget. Here's a look at what we'll cover in case you want to jump ahead:
Table of contents
Ready to find the perfect eco-friendly gifts for the people in your life? Let's start with our top 5 recommendations for the best eco-friendly gifts.
Our 5 favorite eco-friendly gift ideas
If you need a quick idea for the perfect gift, here are our top recommendations for even the hardest to shop for person in your life.
- Best eco-friendly appliance: Lomi Countertop Composter
- Most unique eco-friendly gift: Recycled Wine Bottle Platter with Spreader
- Best gift for someone who loves their phone: Pela Compostable Phone Case
- Best gift for the person who always has snacks: Reusable Sandwich Bags
- Best gift someone who loves their morning coffee: Zero Waste Coffee Cup
9 gifts for eco-friendly people under $50
Whether you have a smaller budget to work with or just want to get them one more thing, here's our top eco friendly gifts for under $50.
1. Blooming Lollipops
If you're looking for a gift for that person with a sweet tooth, they'll love these botanical-flavored lollipops. They'll get creative flavor combos like lavender-lemongrass and strawberry basil. What's really unique is that these lollipops have seeds embedded right in the sticks!
Price: $20
Why we recommend it: Not only do they get delicious lollipops, they'll be able to grow edible plants in their own backyard when they're done.
2. Cork Yoga Mat
Most yoga mats are made out of plastic of some sort. While yoga and other floor exercises are good for your health, using a standard yoga mat isn't great for the planet. A great gift idea for the yoga lover in your life is this mat made from natural materials-cork and natural rubber. So they don't have to give up their yoga practice to reduce their carbon footprint.
Price: $48.96
Why we recommend it: This yoga mat is grippier than your average mat, even when it's wet. No more slipping during down-dog.
3. Zero Waste Shower Bundle
This zero-waste kit includes a shampoo bar, conditioner bar, soap dish, and soap saver bag. Everything they need to get started with their zero waste shower routine. You can choose the bar duo and the soap dish to customize the gift for whoever you choose.
Price: $47.46
Why we recommend it: The shampoo and conditioners are scented with essential oils and are free of harsh chemicals that so many hair products have. Good for the environment and their skin.
4. Zero Waste Reusable Coffee Cup
This one is for the coffee lovers, especially if they take their coffee on the go. Don't worry about them dropping this glass travel cup thanks to the grippy cork band. This reusable coffee cup makes it possible to grab their coffee from their favorite cafe without all the extra plastic waste.
Price: $27
Why we recommend it: Because this travel mug is made from a durable, tempered soda-lime glass, it won't hold on to any odors. This means a delicious cup of coffee every time.
5. Recycled Wine Bottle Platter with Spreader
If you are looking for a truly unique gift, you've found it. This platter is made from recycled bottles gathered from roads and parks. They are perfect for serving cheese or hors d'oeuvres and come with a cork-topped cheese knife.
Price: $24
Why we recommend it: This makes a perfect gift for the person who loves to host parties and gatherings. They definitely make for an interesting conversation piece.
6. Reusable Sandwich Bags
Snackers rejoice! These eco friendly sandwich bags allow you to pack your lunch or bring your favorite snacks along without all the extra plastic waste. They come in a bunch of fun colors and patterns and get a set of four, two large and two small, so they're perfect for lunch or snacks.
Price: $16.97
Why we recommend it: Not only are these adorable and functional, but they are easy to clean since they are dishwasher safe.
7. Zero Waste Kit
If someone in your life has expressed an interest in living a more sustainable lifestyle, this kit is the perfect gift for them. It has everything from food storage bags and beeswax wraps to metal straws and mesh produce bags.
Price: $38.99
Why we recommend it: Going zero waste can be overwhelming. This kit is the perfect starter kit.
8. Solar Power Bank
This solar charger is great for the person in your life that always seems to have a dead battery. Not only is it solar-powered, but it has wireless charging, meaning they don't have to lug around a bunch of cords with them. It also has a compass and flashlight so it makes a great gift idea for the camper in your life.
Price: $49.99
Why we recommend it: It can charge 3 devices at once so they'll never be caught with a dead battery again.
9. Socks That Plant Trees
Socks might not sound like one of the most exciting gift ideas, but who doesn't love a good pair of socks? Not only are these socks made with organic cotton, but for every pair sold, $1 is donated to the non-profit Trees for the Future. That's enough to plant ten trees!
Price: $15
Why we recommend it: These socks are stylish and comfy with the added bonus of giving back to the environment.
The 9 best eco friendly gifts between $50 - $100
If you're looking for something with a slightly higher price point, we've got the perfect eco friendly gifts for that special someone.
10. Pela Compostable Phone Case
Do you know someone who is constantly dropping their phone? It makes sense to get them an attractive and sustainable phone case to protect their phone. Unlike other phone cases that are made from plastic, Pela phone cases are compostable and completely biodegradable. This means there's no waste created in the manufacturing process and they don't become waste at the end of their life.
Price: $59.95
Why we recommend it: With so many designs to choose from, you'll be able to find one for everyone on your list. They're also super durable and comfortable to hold. And because you can compost them, you can toss them right into your Lomi composter to break them down.
11. Sustainable Leggings
Leggings always make a great gift idea. They are comfy and stylish, perfect for working out or just chilling at home. While many leggings are made out of synthetic fabrics, these ones from Girlfriend Collective are made from 25 recycled water bottles. They come in a wide range of sizes so you'll find the perfect pair for your gift recipient.
Price: $78
Why we recommend it: These leggings are squat-proof and sweat-wicking. Not only that, but they have a back pocket for your keys and cards.
12. Cork Hanging Planters
Houseplants are great for bringing a little bit of nature inside and they can even help clean the air in your space. Unfortunately, our plants usually get stuck in plastic planters, leading to more waste. Why not get the green thumb in your life these all-natural cork hanging planters? They're handmade and their neutral color palette and minimal design will go with any decor.
Price: $80
Why we recommend it: This planter is a great option for plants because the cork is naturally porous.
13. Recycled Glass Birth Month Flower Vase
These handmade vases make for unique eco friendly gifts. They are made from recycled glass decorated with the color of each birth month flower. It would make a great birthday gift, especially if you paired it with a bouquet of matching flowers.
Price: $75
Why we recommend it: They're made from recycled materials and handmade, meaning each vase is different from the next.
14. Unisex Convertible All-Dai Shoe
These sneakers are made of plant-based waste materials like algae and sugar cane. They're not only made from sustainable materials, but they've also got a classic, cute look.
Price: $98
Why we recommend it: The brand, Munjoi, is a carbon-neutral company so you can feel good ordering from them.
15. The Allweek Slipper in Suede
Madewell has a lot of sustainably sourced products, like their jeans and these soft and comfy slippers. They're made of faux fur and sustainable leather so they're perfect for indoors or outside.
Price: $78
Why we recommend it: Since they can be worn inside and outside, they're perfect for chilling in the house or for their coffee run or dog walk.
16. TUSHY Basic 2.0 Bidet Toilet Seat Attachment
Whether your friends and family are worried about another toilet paper shortage or they just want to cut their toilet paper usage, they'll love this gift. It installs in less than 10 minutes and requires no additional electricity or plumbing. It has a self-cleaning nozzle and offers the perfect amount of pressure and the right angle for a targeted spray.
Price: $69
Why we recommend it: This bidet cuts back on toilet paper usage by 80 percent which is great for their wallet and the environment.
17. The Signature Collection
Who doesn't love the gift of chocolate? With French Broad Chocolate's Signature Collection, they'll get a selection of delicious chocolates filled with local wildflower honey, farm-direct maple syrup, a puree of local red raspberries, and more. This is sure to be a favorite gift for the chocolate lover on your list.
Price: $64
Why we recommend it: French Broad Chocolate is a Certified B Corporation that makes mouth watering chocolate treats in a small factory in North Carolina. They also directly source their cacao, creating a deeper connection to the source.
18. Stasher On-The-Go 5-Pack
Arguably not the most fun gift, these silicone sandwich bags are extremely useful. With this set, you get 3 sandwich and 2 snack size bags. You can toss them in the freezer, the microwave, and even the oven up to 425 degrees! When you need to clean them, just throw them in the dishwasher.
Price: $55.99
Why we recommend it: While some reusable bags simply do a good job at holding your snacks, Stasher bags are leak free. Better yet, 1 Stasher bag replaces 260 single-use plastic bags every year.
19. Unpaper Towels and Holder
Using paper towels creates a lot of unnecessary waste. These fun printed fabric towels can replace the need for paper for your gift recipient. It comes with 24 unique towels and a holder.
Price: $96
Why we recommend it: You don't have to worry about lack of absorbency with these towels. Users say they absorb spills with ease and hold up to being washed in your machine.
Top 9 unique eco friendly gifts ($100+)
If you have someone on your list with more expensive taste, we have 9 more gifts that they'll think are the best eco friendly gifts.
20. Lomi Countertop Composter
If there's someone on your list who has been talking about wanting to compost their food scraps but doesn't have the time or space, Lomi is the perfect gift for them. Lomi is an electric composter that makes composting in even the smallest apartment easy and quick. All they have to do is toss in their food scraps, push a button, and within a few hours, they'll have nutrient-rich dirt for their plants.
Price: $499
Why we recommend it: Lomi is a small countertop kitchen appliance that doesn't take up much space. It makes composting quick and simple.
21. Women's Downdrift Jacket
This jacket is perfect for the person on your list who loves to get outside no matter the temps. Patagnia's NetPlus fabric coats are made from recycled discarded fishing nets collected from fishing communities in South America. It'll keep them nice and toasty in the coldest of temps with its 600-fill Recycled Down.
Price: $329
Why we recommend it: It has a classic heritage-inspired look, but doesn't skimp on warmth and durability.
22. Men's Trail Runner SWT Mizzles
These shoes are perfect for the person who loves to hit the trail, even in wet conditions. They've got the right amount of grip and are made to handle whatever the trail throws at you. They have a durable, water-repellent finish to help them from getting soggy. The perfect gift for the hiker or trail runner in your life.
Price: $155
Why we recommend it: These shoes are perfect for someone looking to lower their carbon footprint. They're carbon neutral thanks to sustainable practices like using more natural materials and funding high-impact carbon projects.
23. Blueair Air Purifier
More and more people are spending an increased amount of time at home so it's important that the air quality in their homes is at a healthy level. A lot of air purifiers are noisy and use up a lot of electricity, making them less eco friendly gifts. This Blueair air purifier doesn't use up a lot of electricity and they'll barely notice it's on since it's so quiet.
Price: $316.99
Why we recommend it: Not only does it help their house smell better, but it'll help keep their home healthier. It's also great for people with pets or allergies.
24. Lifepack Backpack
For the person who likes to travel, hike, or carry a lot of stuff with them, this backpack is anti-theft and solar-powered. It's perfect for hiking in the woods, chilling on the beach, or traveling the globe.
Price: $145
Why we recommend it: This pack is made from Shore-Tex, a fabric made from ocean bound plastic. So it helps protect your belongings and the planet.
25. Bamboo Bathrobe
Who doesn't love lounging around in a comfy bathrobe? This bamboo bathrobe is super soft and luxurious and they'll feel like they're at a fancy hotel every time they wear it. They might not want to ever take it off.
Price: $164
Why we recommend it: Even though it's made of sustainable materials like bamboo and organic cotton, it doesn't sacrifice comfort.
26. Re/Done Comfort Stretch Ultra High Rise Stove Pipe
If you have someone in your life that loves luxury fashion, but not the crazy amount of waste that comes from fast fashion, get them these jeans. Re/Done takes old worn-out jeans, deconstructs them, and uses the fabric to make new jeans. While they may be pricey, they will last for many years, perfect for some looking for more sustainable living ideas.
Price: $265
Why we recommend it: Re/Done's jeans come in a variety of styles and are a creative solution to the sustainable denim problem that creates a lot of waste.
27. Patagonia Men's Better Sweater 1/4-Zip Fleece
Combining a sweater-knit aesthetic with Better Sweater fleece, this quarter zip looks good and is easy to care for. This fleece is made from 100% recycled polyester and will keep them warm without harming the planet.
Price: $129
Why we recommend it: Patagonia is very vocal about their commitment to sustainable sourcing, materials, and production. With transparency in their production process and sourcing, you'll feel good purchasing from them.
It can be difficult to find gifts for the person who wants to live a more sustainable lifestyle, but hopefully, this list made it a little easier to narrow it down. Whether you get them some great eco friendly appliances or something to keep them cozy, just make sure you wrap them in eco friendly wrapping paper!
If you're looking to further reduce your carbon footprint, we have a lot more information on our blog.And while you're at it, see what users are saying about Lomi. You'll want to grab one for yourself while you're there!
Written by: Sarah Kendal