35 Sustainable Gifts That Environmentally Conscious Friends Will Appreciate

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If you’re trying to be a more conscious consumer these days, you may be looking for gifts that are both thoughtful and useful. While spending time together is often the best no-waste gift, you sometimes want to give something more tangible to your recipient. Whether it’s Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or a milestone birthday, eco friendly and sustainable gifts are a great idea for both your recipient—and the planet!

Fortunately, more and more companies are focusing on creating products that are sustainable. In fact, many companies seek independent third-party certification, indicating they have met a number of sustainability goals. These certifications include labels by organizations such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Fairtrade, OEKO-TEX, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), and more.

But it’s not just about certification. Sustainability really is about the big picture in everyday life: Sure, you want to give your recipient something you feel good about. But you also want it to be something your loved one will actually use. If it’s an item that just ends up tucked in the back of the closet or drawer, that’s not really an earth-friendly option after all.

No worries if you’re stumped! We’ve done the work for you and rounded up creative eco friendly and sustainable gifts for every one on your list throughout the year. From edibles and spirits to kitchen tools and zero-waste products, we’ve got ideas for every budget, with many options less than $10.

Read on to find our favorite eco-friendly and sustainable gift ideas for everyone on your list this year:

If you’re trying to be a more environmentally conscious consumer these days, you may be looking for gifts that are thoughtful, useful, and less wasteful. While spending time together is often the best zero-waste gift, you sometimes want to give something tangible. Whether for Earth Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or a milestone birthday, eco-friendly and sustainable gifts are a great idea for both your recipient and the planet.

Fortunately, more companies are focusing on creating sustainable products. At the same time, many companies are also claiming their products are more "green," "sustainable" and "zero waste," without solid proof to back it up. That's why it's important to seek gifts that have received independent third-party certification, indicating that they meet certain attributes around sustainability. These certifications include labels by organizations such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Fairtrade, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), and Certified B Corporation.

But it’s not just about the certifications, though. Sustainability really is about the big picture in everyday life: Sure, you want to give your recipient something you feel good about. But you also want it to be durable and something your loved one will actually use so they don't end up in the landfill after a year or two. To make the work easier for you, we've rounded up the best eco-friendly and sustainable gift ideas for everyone on your list throughout the year. From affordable food ideas and spirits to luxury kitchen tools and gifts for plant lovers, we’ve got ideas for every budget, with many options under $10.

Jute Market Tote

This beautiful tote is pretty and stylish enough to take anywhere, not just to the grocery store or farmer's market. It's handsewn from jute, a fiber crop that doesn’t require fertilizers or pesticides to grow.

Reusable Beeswax Food Wraps

Introduce your loved one to the beauty of this reusable beeswax wrap. The plastic-free kit, from a woman-owned small business in Vermont, comes in three sizes and each piece can be reused for up to a year with proper care (just rinse and air dry).

Extra Virgin Olive Oil Tin

Foodies will adore this amazing Sicilian olive oil from a fifth-generation farm-to-table operation. The company uses subterranean drip irrigation to water (claiming to save up to 85% of water consumption) and practices "zero-waste efficiency," with every waste element reused to achieve carbon neutrality. Plus, the olive oil is just plain delish!

Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Help your loved one ditch single-use water bottles by giving this super-reasonably-priced and sturdy 40-ounce water bottle. With a lid designed to be leakproof and a built-in straw (with a cover, so it doesn't get dirty), your recipient can stay hydrated at school, work, or even on the trail. It also has a lifetime warranty and comes in five fun colors, including black.

Cotton Mesh Produce Bags

Encourage your loved one to ditch plastic produce bags at the grocery store. These organic cotton bags, with drawstring tops, can be machine-washed and air dried, so they'll last for several years. They're made by a Certified B corporation.

Bamboo Coffee Filters

These filters are packaged in recycled paperboard. They've also been certified compostable by the Biodegradable Products Institute. Pair this with the Melitta Bamboo Pour-Over Canister Set for the perfect coffee lover's gift.

Sul Vulcano Etna Rosso

This Sicilian vineyard does not use herbicides or chemical fertilizers and was supposedly one of the first wineries in Italy to produce all of its electricity from solar energy. They also utilize the Nomacorc Ocean cork, which they claim is made entirely of ocean-bound plastic. This is a silky red, but there's also a savory white, as well as several other varieties.

Everyday Recycled Scissors

Got a crafter? They'll appreciate the fact that these sturdy everyday scissors have a handle made from recycled plastic. Plus, they come with a lifetime warranty.

Electric Rechargeable Lighter

A disposable lighter is handy for candles, campfires, and fire pits. But did you know there are nearly a billion disposable lighters sold annually? Because they can’t be recycled and must be purchased again and again, that’s a lot of lighters in landfills. Electric lighters are charged by USB and don’t blow out if you’re lighting in a windy location. Super-handy!

Wool Dryer Balls

Your loved one will be able to ditch plastic dryer balls with this useful gift. This wool dryer ball set, made from 100% New Zealand wool, can help reduce drying time, especially on large loads, and will supposedly last for up to 1,000 uses.

Reinvented Kimono

This gorgeous one-of-a-kind kimono is handmade by artisans in India. Fashioned from repurposed vintage saris, this silk robe is sure to become a favorite wrap for Sunday mornings or spa days.

3-Tool Bundle with Hanger

For the gardener who appreciates quality, this set is crafted from boron steel and European FSC-certified ash wood handles by a fifth-generation company. They have a lifetime warranty, so they're destined to be passed on rather than end up in the landfill like so many cheap garden tools.

RELATED: More Gardening Gift Ideas

Countertop Bamboo Compost Bin

If your recipient loves to garden, this thoughtful gift helps them collect kitchen scraps until you can cart them outside to the big compost bin. The bin holds up to a gallon of scraps and comes in a dozen fun colors to match any kitchen. It also has a replaceable hemp filter to control odors and is dishwasher-safe.

Art Sparkling Water Maker

Does your recipient love sparkling water? Save them a trip to the grocery store and eliminate the purchase of all those single-use plastics or cans of carbonated water. This handsome machine requires no electricity to run and the CO2 cylinders, which add the fizz, can be returned and refilled to further reduce waste. One cartridge can carbonate up to 60 liters of water, keeping all those disposable bottles and cans out of the landfill. There are even all-natural flavor drops to jazz things up!

Drinking Glasses

These stunning Moroccan glasses are handblown and made from recycled glass. Sold by a woman-owned small business, which curates and sells only handmade products that honor the heritage of artisans around the world, this set of six glasses comes in three gorgeous colors (blue, amber, or green).

Glass Jug

Elevate your gift by adding the matching recycled glass handblown cone jug. At 36 ounces, it's the perfect size for lemonade, water, or iced tea, and it perfectly coordinates with the glasses, also made by artisans in Morocco.

Reusable Paper Towel Set

These reusable dishcloths, sometimes known as Swedish dishcloths, can dry faster than traditional kitchen clothes. This set of six, from a woman-owned small business, is dishwasher and machine washable. According to the retailer, each towel can replace 17 rolls of single-use paper towels. Plus, these are the prettiest patterns you've ever seen! The set also comes with three peel-and-stick hangers so you can keep your towels at your fingertips.

Glass Straws

If your recipient uses straws, why not give this set of pretty glass straws? They're made in the USA by a small business, and they're certified lead- and BPA-free. Made from extra-strong borosilicate glass (like those clear dishes your grandma used to use), they can be easier to clean and feel nicer than those sharp metal or bendy silicone straws.

Jar Wooden Storage Lids

Help your recipient get their pantry organized. You can turn any Ball Mason jar into a handsome storage container that will last for years. The acacia wood lids, which come in a five-pack, form an airtight seal with Ball wide-mouth jars (sold separately). The acacia lids also come in regular mouth sizes, which look gorgeous paired with the pretty vintage-style Ball jars if you really want to elevate your gift.

Mini Backpack

This cute little backpack is just right for toting a phone and a few essentials. Plus, you'd never guess it's made from plant-based faux leather.

Cloth Napkins

Cloth napkins can be used for years and years, and these 100% organic cotton ones are made in a Fairtrade factory and are GOTS-certified. Plus, they come in a bunch of pretty stripes and solids.

Indoor Hydroponic Garden

This is the perfect gift for either foodies or gardeners. This petite hydroponic garden uses no soil (only water) and has a built-in LED light so your recipient can grow plenty of their favorite herbs to spice up any meal.

Stack and Store Jars

Clear mason jars are a favorite way to organize everything from pantry items to crafting supplies. But this set makes it even easier to keep everything super neat and tidy. Your recipient will love how they stack neatly and seal tightly with a silicone gasket for an air-tight seal that keeps food fresher for longer. Plus, they'll last!

Recycled Wine Bottle Platter with Spreader

Handmade by a small business in Wyoming, these recycled wine bottles get a second life as a serving platter. They come with a cork spreader and make the perfect mini-charcuterie platter.

Reusable Cotton Rounds

Give your beauty lover this kit of reusable rounds, made from 30% cotton and 70% wool. They're ideal for face washing, removing polish, or applying toner. Then just toss them in the washer instead of throwing them out like you do cotton balls or cotton swabs.

Reusable Paper Lunch Bag

Who knew paper could be so stylish? Yes, paper! This reusable lunch bag has an insulated lining and is partially made from "supernatural paper," a material created from tree cellulose.

Mason Bee House

Your recipient will love attracting solitary beneficial bees, such as mason bees, to their garden. This FSC-certified wood and bamboo tube house will provide a welcoming place for these native pollinators.

Repurposed Sari Patchwork Apron

Your favorite home chef will adore this sari patchwork apron, upcycled from gorgeous saris and sewn by artisans in Bangladesh. Each apron will be as unique as your recipient.

Recycled Coffee Yarn Socks

Wait, what? Yes, these socks are made from recycled coffee grounds combined with recycled plastic bottles. They're not only colorful and insulating, they're the ultimate (and in our opinion, a super unique) example of repurposing.

Radiant Stainless Steel Tumbler

Help your recipient leave behind the single-use plastic water bottle. Some people prefer a tumbler to a mug, and this sleek stainless steel tumbler fits nicely in the hand. It's designed to be leakproof and keep your recipient's beverage hot or cold for hours. Plus, it comes with a silicone straw.

Sea Glass Charm Necklace

If you're looking for a unique piece of jewelry, this handmade recycled seaglass necklace is a lovely gift. It's elegant and understated and handmade by a small woman-owned business. It comes on a sterling silver chain.

30-Cup Dispenser Water Filtration System

This 30-cup dispenser is so much prettier than many water dispensers. Designed by the always-stylish Drew Barrymore, it's the perfect way to help your recipient enjoy fresh water without purchasing single-use plastic bottles.

Monarch Sanctuary Wildflower Mix

Your loved one will adore bringing all the bees and butterflies to their garden with this wildflower seed mix. It's specially formulated to include milkweed, a host plant essential to the survival of Monarch butterflies, which are experiencing population decreases.

Chocolate Truffles

This small woman-owned business uses chocolate directly sourced from small Peruvian Farms, along with Rainforest Alliance Certified cocoa. In addition, the company claims to be carbon neutral.

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