6 Eco-friendly Gift Ideas | Sustainable and Personal

Not-so-fun fact: Household garbage increases by roughly 25% during the holiday season. This is unavoidable considering all the festivities, meals with friends and family, and gift-giving. 

The good news is there are ways to help preserve Mother Earth while still enjoying the holidays. One of those is to give gifts that have less footprint than their alternatives. 

Not only do these gifts reduce waste, they support ethical practices, and above all, could inspire our loved ones to do the same. 

Here are 6 eco-friendly gift ideas to help your holidays be more sustainable and personal. 

1.Custom canvas bags

In our fight against single-use plastic, canvas bags have become a necessity. 

For one, they’re reusable and durable. They come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, too, which can make for one hell of a fashion statement. 

Canvas bags can be easily personalized through embroidery as well, making them a unique reflection of your loved one. And, every time they use it, they’re reducing plastic waste which adds even more positive environmental impact to its everyday practicality. 

2. Eco-friendly beauty products

Eco-friendly beauty products come in various forms. 

For example, there are a lot of skincare products made with natural ingredients and makeup items from cruelty-free brands. 

There are also products that use minimal packaging, or better yet, no packaging at all.

By gifting eco-friendly beauty products, you’re not just presenting your loved ones with a chance to pamper themselves. You’re also introducing them to brands and products that prioritize environmental responsibility which, hopefully, inspires them to make more sustainable choices in the future.

3. Bamboo kitchenware

Bamboo is a highly renewable resource, making it an excellent material for eco-friendly gifts. Consider bamboo kitchenware like cutting boards, utensils, or reusable coffee cups.

Bamboo kitchenware is durable and, from my point of view, aesthetically pleasing. 

They also help send a message about the importance of sustainable materials. It’s a daily reminder in the heart of the home – the kitchen – that we can make choices that benefit our planet.

4. Solar-powered gadgets

Solar-powered gadgets are a delightful way to introduce your loved ones to the wonders of renewable energy. 

These devices, like solar-powered outdoor lights or portable solar chargers, harness the power of the sun, reducing the reliance on disposable batteries or grid electricity.

Gifting a solar-powered gadget is a practical and long-lasting gesture that maybe, just maybe, can nudge them towards a more sustainable living. 

Oh, and if you want to have solar panels on your home so you, too, can have a more positive impact on the environment, our buddies at Local Bunch can help set you up. 

5. Plantable stationery

A truly unique eco-friendly gift idea is plantable stationery. This special kind of paper is embedded with seeds. Once you’ve written your notes and no longer need the paper, it can be planted in the soil, where it degrades and gives life to new plants.

Plantable stationery turns a simple notebook or set of notecards into a potential garden, making it a truly unique gift. It’s an innovative way to encourage recycling and a love for nature.

6. DIY gifts

Crafting a gift from recycled or upcycled materials can be a fulfilling project that results in a truly personal present. It’s going to carry a personal touch that store-bought items simply can’t compete with. 

Whether you’re creating jewelry from old bike chains or turning an outdated ladder into a chic bookshelf, your efforts will surely be appreciated.

They demonstrate not only your creativity but also your commitment to reducing waste, making them a heartfelt symbol of love and respect for both your loved ones and the environment.

Conclusion

Choosing eco-friendly gifts is a beautiful way of endorsing sustainability and sharing that commitment with our loved ones. 

Each of the gifts recommended here carries a story of conservation and thoughtfulness, making them meaning on multiple levels. So, the next time you’re on the hunt for the perfect gift, consider these options. They’re not just good for the environment – they’re unique, personal, and full of heart.

Do you have other eco-friendly gifts that you have in mind?