Image Credit: Laura Elizabeth

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The Best Sustainable Mother’s Day Gifts

Mother's Day is just around the corner, and what better way to show your love and care than by gifting something thoughtful and sustainable? Instead of opting for conventional presents, why not choose something unique that aligns with your mother's values and supports a more eco-friendly lifestyle? In this article, we have curated a list of 10 thoughtful and sustainable Mother's Day gifts that will not only make your mom feel special but also contribute to a greener planet.

From beautiful handmade jewelry to non-toxic candles, each gift on our list is carefully selected to prioritize sustainability without compromising style and quality. We understand that every mother is different, with unique tastes and preferences, which is why we have included a wide range of gift ideas to suit diverse personalities. Whether your mom is a nature enthusiast, a health-conscious individual, or a fashion-forward trendsetter, our list has something for everyone.

Benefits of sustainable gifts

Sustainable gifts offer numerous benefits, not only for your mom but also for the environment. Firstly, these gifts are often crafted with care and attention to detail, making them unique and special. They show that you have considered selecting something that resonates with your mom's personality, interests, and values.

Secondly, sustainable gifts are designed to minimize harm to the environment. They are often made from recycled or upcycled materials, reducing the demand for new resources and minimizing waste. By choosing sustainable gifts, you support companies and artisans prioritizing ethical and eco-friendly production practices.

Lastly, sustainable gifts can inspire others to make more conscious choices in their own lives. When your mom receives a meaningful and sustainable gift, she may be encouraged to explore other ways to reduce her carbon footprint and embrace a more eco-conscious lifestyle. The ripple effect of your gift can extend beyond Mother's Day, positively impacting the environment and society as a whole!

The impact of traditional Mother's Day gifts on the environment

Traditional Mother's Day gifts, such as flowers, chocolates, and perfumes, may bring joy to moms worldwide, but they often come at a significant environmental cost. Let's take a closer look at the impact of these conventional gifts:

1. Flowers: While beautiful and fragrant, many flowers are grown using harmful pesticides and chemicals, which can pollute water sources and harm wildlife. Additionally, the vast amount of water required to grow flowers, especially those out of season, contributes to water scarcity in many regions. Moreover, transporting flowers over long distances generates carbon emissions, adding to climate change. Read more about sustainable flowers here.

2. Chocolates: The production of chocolate often involves deforestation, as cocoa beans are primarily grown in tropical regions. Deforestation not only destroys vital habitats but also contributes to climate change. Additionally, the chocolate industry has been associated with child labor and unfair wages in some regions, highlighting the ethical concerns surrounding its production. Read more about sustainable chocolate here.

3. Perfumes: Many perfumes contain synthetic chemicals that can harm human health and the environment. These chemicals can persist in the air and water, contributing to air pollution and water contamination. The production of perfumes also requires large quantities of natural resources, including water and energy. Read more about non-toxic perfumes here.

Considerations when choosing Sustainable Gifts

When selecting sustainable gifts for your mom, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind:

1. Quality and durability: Look for well-made gifts built to last. Opt for durable materials that can withstand the test of time, reducing the need for frequent replacements. We included brands known for their quality!

2. Ethical production: Choose ethically produced gifts, ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions for the artisans and workers involved. Look for certifications or labels that indicate ethical sourcing and production practices. All brands listed here are known for their ethical manufacturing.

3. Eco-friendly materials: Seek out gifts made from sustainable materials, such as organic cotton or recycled metals. These materials have a lower environmental impact compared to their conventional counterparts.

4. Minimal packaging: Consider gifts that come with minimal or eco-friendly packaging. Excessive packaging contributes to waste and adds unnecessary materials to the landfill. Opt for products that use recycled or recyclable packaging materials.

5. Support local and small sustainable businesses: Look for gifts from local artisans and small businesses prioritizing sustainability and ethical production practices. Supporting local economies and businesses helps create a more resilient and sustainable community. It’s always nice to do some shopping in your own community, first!

Besides gifting one of these beautiful, sustainably-made goods, we also encourage shopping secondhand or gifting experiences. For example, many vases are ready to find a new home at a thrift store you can fill with local flowers.

our favorite Eco-Friendly & sustainable mother’s day gifts:

1. Gift Card to Sustainable Fashion Brand PAKA

Price: $25-200

How about letting your mom treat herself to some new sustainable clothes from Peruvian brand PAKA? PAKA has created a natural, sustainable clothing line for those who love the outdoors.They believe using eco-friendly materials like their super soft Royal Alpaca that can connect consumers more to nature and sustainably support small communities. We love that PAKA is a certified B-Corp that works hard to create a better, sustainable future for the fashion industry!

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2. Non-Toxic Candle

Brand: Grow Fragrance
Price: $34

Grow Fragrance is a North Carolina-based brand that creates certified 100% plant-based and toxin-free candles and air and fabric fresheners. It has a great selection of beautiful scents for every ambiance, including a few limited editions that you can only get at certain times of the year. And if yo3.u are not sure which scent to choose, Grow Fragrance has a helpful quiz that you can take to determine which one is best for your mom!

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3. Sustainable Passport Holder

Brand: Poppy Barley
Price: $119

What a great idea this is for the Mama who loves to travel with her family! This leather passport holder comes in five different colors and 3 sizes (2 - 4 - or 6 passports). Poppy Barley is a Canadian brand and B-Corporation founded by two sisters in Edmonton, AB. Their company is committed to rethinking every step to create sustainably made, fairly-priced products designed to be used & worn on repeat.

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4. Non-Toxic Perfume Gift Set

Brand: Sana Jardin
Price: $49 (value $60)

Sana Jardin is a socially conscious, luxury fragrance house crafting sustainable eaux de parfum and candles, all with delightful scents. As a true luxury brand, its fragrances are created by world-renowned Master Perfumer Carlos Benaim using only the finest ingredients. The Summer Fragrance Gift Set features 3 of their top-selling enchanting and exotic scents: Berber Blonde, Revolution de la Fleur, & Venus of Verbena.

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5. Mama-Friendly Handmade Jewelry

Brand: Laura Elizabeth
Price: $165

I absolutely love Laura Elizabeth’s collection of necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings. And for all the mamas out there with babies and toddlers, Laura even has a collection of non-toxic, durable, and “tuggable” jewelry that is not only safe for little ones to put in their mouth, but also sturdy enough for you to wear and not worry about it breaking. Everything is made by hand in Los Angeles out of recycled metals, and some of her pieces are even made using real plants!

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6. Organic PJ Set

Brand: Printfresh
Price: $98+

Moms deserve to relax in comfort and luxury!

A pajama set, nightgown, or robe is a great gift idea for just about any mom.

Printfresh is a woman-owned luxury sleepwear brand offering whimsical prints on 100% GOTS certified organic cotton and screen printed by hand by their ethical partners in Jaipur, India.

Designed with inclusivity in mind, their sizes range from XS petite to 6X, and they also offer women’s, men’s and all-gender silhouettes.

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7. Reusable Water Bottles & Coffee Tumblrs

Brand: Klean Kanteen
Price: $35 - 37

This brand has some of the sweetest prints for your mom’s new to-go beverage container. Klean Kanteen is a Certified B Corp brand, Climate Neutral Certified, and Family and employee-owned! They use 90% post-consumer recycled stainless steel with a chip-resistant Klean Coat™ powder coat finish that is dishwasher safe!

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8. Non-Toxic Skincare Set

Brand: Ilia
Price: $52 ($61 value)

One of the best clean cosmetic brands on the market, Ilia now has a non-toxic skincare line to go with your favorite makeup!

This mini skincare set is ideal for travel and features their Cleanse Soft Foaming Cleanser, Base Face Milk, Lip Wrap Overnight Treatment.

Free from animal testing, Ilia runs a recycling program so that your empties never see landfill.

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9. Sustainable Flowers

According to this article in ideas.ted.com, flowers are annually a 55-billion-dollar industry in the USA. Most of the flowers we buy don’t come from the USA, most come from Columbia, and the environmental impact of growing and transporting them is much greater than we realized - and exposure to toxic chemicals for labor in the floral agriculture industry is high! Luckily, we have an article that covers all the ways you can purchase flowers sustainably because we know how much mothers appreciate a beautiful bouquet.

These lovely flowers pictured here are from one of our favorite online flower shops, Bouqs!

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10. Sustainable Chocolate

The chocolate industry is profitable thanks to a high-demand product with hard-to-regulate production.

Many companies underpay their workers, provide unfair working conditions, and often use child labor. Thankfully, we don't have to stop eating chocolate to combat this.

This Mother’s Day, we can make a difference by supporting ethical and fair trade chocolate brands instead!

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DIY Sustainable Gift Ideas

If you're feeling creative and want to add a personal touch to your Mother's Day gift, consider these DIY thoughtful and sustainable gift ideas:

1. Handmade cards: Get crafty and create a personalized card using recycled paper or cardboard. Add color with natural dyes from flowers or vegetables, and write a heartfelt message to show your love and appreciation.

2. Herb garden kit: Create a DIY herb garden kit using recycled containers, organic seeds, and soil. Include instructions for planting and caring for the herbs so your mom can enjoy fresh flavors in her cooking.

3. Homemade candles: Make eco-friendly candles using soy wax, essential oils, and reusable glass jars. Customize the scent and design to suit your mom's preferences and create a calming ambiance.

4. Photo album or scrapbook: Gather cherished family photos and create a photo album or scrapbook that captures special memories. Use recycled or repurposed materials for the cover and pages, and add personal touches with handwritten captions and decorations.

5. Personalized recipe book: Compile your mom's favorite recipes into a customized book. Use recycled paper and materials for the pages and cover, and include handwritten notes or illustrations to make it extra special.

These DIY gift ideas showcase your creativity and thoughtfulness, minimize waste, and promote a sustainable lifestyle.

How to wrap your sustainable gifts

Once you have selected the perfect sustainable gift, it's essential to consider how you wrap it. Traditional gift wrapping often involves single-use paper, plastic ribbons, and excessive decorations, contributing to waste. Instead, opt for eco-friendly wrapping alternatives:

1. Reusable fabric: Wrap your gift in a beautiful piece of fabric, such as a scarf or a tea towel. It adds an elegant touch, and your mom can reuse it in various ways.

2. Recycled paper or newspaper: If you prefer traditional wrapping paper, choose recycled or eco-friendly options. Look for wrapping paper made from recycled materials, or use old newspaper to wrap your gift creatively. We also have a post dedicated to sustainable wrapping paper.

3. Natural elements: Incorporate natural elements like twine, dried flowers, or leaves into your gift wrapping. These elements add a rustic and eco-friendly touch while avoiding unnecessary waste.

4. Gift bags: Invest in reusable fabric or paper gift bags that can be used repeatedly. These bags are eco-friendly and convenient for your mom to reuse for future gifts or other purposes.

By choosing sustainable wrapping alternatives, you can extend the eco-consciousness of your gift from the inside out.

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Image: Bearaby

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Sustainable Valentine’s Day Gifts

If you’re in need of some positivity and joy to get you through the rest of January, it might be time to start thinking about, and looking forward to, Valentine’s Day! Now, maybe more than ever, it’s so important to celebrate the happy times of the year and surround ourselves with friends and family when we can. Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to remind your loved ones how much you appreciate them, but also to treat yourself with self-love and kindness. Whether you’re in a long-term relationship, dating someone new or just trying to show yourself some love, this is the perfect chance to express your feelings of love, gratitude and appreciation.

While it has been turned into an overly commercialized holiday, Valentine's Day does have deep historical roots. Also called Saint Valentine's Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, Valentine's Day is celebrated annually on February 14. It originated as a Christian feast day honoring one or two early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine and, through ongoing folk traditions, became a significant cultural, religious, and commercial celebration of romance and love all over the world.

What makes Valentine’s Day unsustainable?

From the 20th Century, Valentine’s Day has become more about the ‘stuff’, and less about the sentiment. There is a big focus on the gifts, as well as cards, candy, flowers, and decorations. As the holiday grows bigger each year, so does the pressure on people to buy more for their Valentine! According to the National Retail Federation, Valentine’s Day 2021 saw $21.8B spent on gifts for partners, friends, and even pets in the U.S., with the average person spending $165.

From foil balloons that don’t biodegrade to the bunches of flowers thrown away days after purchasing, Valentine’s Day is riddled with unsustainable practices. For example, approximately 145 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged each year in the U.S. It takes 1 tree to produce 3000 cards, meaning over 48,000 trees are cut down to make Valentine’s Day cards each year for the U.S. alone. Another reason that Valentine’s Day is so unsustainable is due to the fact that many products are created purely for this one day, often as a novelty item, so they hold very little relevance for the rest of the year. This leads to people throwing away gifts after receiving them and adding to the extreme waste issue, which, in turn, adds to the climate crisis.

Can you have a sustainable Valentine’s Day?

Living a sustainable life shouldn’t mean that you have to miss out on celebrations with your loved ones and fun holidays. Taking a more mindful approach to the day can help you avoid unsustainable traditions and come up with more meaningful ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year. 

If you ditch the one-day novelties, avoid buying too much, and really think about something your partner would love and treasure for a long time, you’re already on track for a much more sustainable Valentine’s Day! 

While gifts are a wonderful way to show your love to the special person in your life, there’s nothing stopping you from coming up with something different this year. You could plan a romantic day trip together, make a home cooked meal to have on the day, or get crafty and make your partner something homemade!

Our top picks for sustainable Valentine’s Day gifts

If you’re looking for something special that will show your affection to your loved one, as well as showing some love to the planet, we’ve put together a list of sustainable gift ideas for Valentine’s Day. These gifts are eco-friendly and ethically produced, ensuring you’ll have a clear conscience and a full heart on February 14th.

1. Heart Necklace

$125

Jewelry makes a wonderful gift for Valentine’s Day, especially if it’s from an ethical, sustainable designer. The Laura Elizabeth Heart necklace is cast in 100% recycled brass, and can be either 14 karat gold or sterling silver plated, depending on your loved one’s preference. These necklaces are also ‘mama-friendly’ as the two-chain and double-looped design protects it from tugging toddlers! Plus, Laura actually makes each and every necklace by hand herself!

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2. Fair Trade Chocolate

Today, the average African cacao farmer only makes around $0.50-$0.84 a day. According to the Cocoa Initiative, an estimated 30,000 children and adults were subjected to forced labor somewhere in the cocoa supply chain over the five year period between 2013-2017. 

Fortunately, we have a post dedicated to the sustainability of chocolate, so you know what you buy beforehand!

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3. Weighted Blanket

$199+

A weighted blanket is perhaps not the traditional Valentine’s Day token, but is guaranteed to give your loved one what they most desire - a good night’s sleep! Bearaby have created these silky-soft blankets, naturally weighted to promote better, deeper sleep and describes them as “an all-over, calming cuddle”. Using only sustainable materials such as organic cotton and TENCEL, you and your partner can sleep soundly knowing your blanket is doing its part for the environment.

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4. Reusable Water Bottle

$35+

How cute is this Klean Kanteen water bottle? This Limited Edition 20 oz insulated water bottle is made from 90% recycled stainless steel. It is leak-proof, dishwasher safe, and its Climate Lock™ keeps contents iced for up to 59 hours! Klean Kanteen is a Certified B Corp brand, Climate Neutral Certified, and Family and employee-owned. If you want a reusable cup, this is the brand to check out. They also have this adorable heart print coffee tumblr!

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5. DIY ‘ Sand’ Candles

$36-281

Are you looking to create a romantic candle setup? Chameleon Sand Candles are the perfect way to bring that beautiful light ambiance to your evening in a non-toxic way. The sand-like mixture is plant-based and fragrance-free, allowing you to add your own essential oils to create a scent unique to your home. Another great thing about these candles is that you can use your own vessels repeatedly to avoid excess waste!

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6. Houseplant Subscription

$50+

Why give someone a bunch of flowers that only lasts a few days when you can give them a plant to own forever! As most millennials and Gen-Z’s know, what’s better than just one houseplant? Several. The Sill offers a monthly houseplant subscription box to help you bring the outdoors in and elevate your mood and space. Choose from classic or pet friendly plans, pick your ceramic planter and enjoy your monthly surprise easy-care houseplant!

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Read more about sustainability in flowers here!

7. Bouquet of Flowers

$35+

If flowers are more your partner's thing, you can opt for a sustainable alternative from Bouqs. They partner with sustainable farms that minimize waste, recycle water, and protect workers’ well-being. This also means their flowers stay fresher and last longer. Choose from roses, lilies, tulips, sunflowers, or even succulents to surprise your loved one this Valentine’s Day!

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8. Fireside Favorites

$119

Are you a camping couple or love a beach BBQ? Spend Valentine’s Day doing what you do best with all the added perks this year. This gift set from Packed With Purpose has everything you need for cuddling up by the fire, including a polar fleece blanket made with 100% recycled materials, organic popcorn kernels, milk chocolate s’mores bar and gourmet hot chocolate mix!

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9. Redwood Succulent Heart Kit

$59

Made in California, this succulent kit is perfect for DIYers and plant lovers. The kit features a heart-shaped frame crafted of reclaimed redwood and six succulents. Not only is it a gift that lives on through the years, but knowing it is eco-conscious and reusing reclaimed natural materials makes it even better!

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10. A Getaway for Two

$100+ per night

Getaway’s cozy cabins provide restorative stays in nature where your loved ones can take a break from work, wifi, and routines.

This is the perfect gift for those people who prefer experiences to things, are hard to shop for, enjoy the outdoors, or just deserve a little retreat from their busy life.

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11. Non-Toxic Nail Polish Gift Box

$53

It took Sundays a whole year to develop the perfect 10-free, non-toxic, vegan, and cruelty-free formula that could still deliver high-shine and long-lasting brilliant color.

Their gift boxes allow you to choose three colors, making it a great customizable gift for your partner!

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set from Uye Surana

12. Ethical Lingerie

Unfortunately, the majority of lingerie sets on the market are made unethically, at the cost of the planet.

They fall apart after a few wears and you quickly need to repurchase new ones. 

The good news is that you can find undies & bras in line with your values.

Many brands are making fancy, more sustainable lingerie sets, produced with workers’ wellbeing in mind.

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13. Reusable Bags for V-Day Treats

It’s no secret we love Stasher bags here at Sustainably Chic!

Stasher is one of the best alternatives for resealable plastic bags. They have tons of sizes for snacks, sandwiches, fruits, and vegetables. They are microwave-safe, waterproof, and dishwasher-safe - plus, they make great for gift giving because who wouldn’t want to receive yummy treats in a colorful bag they can reuse?!

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14. Gift Card to A Sustainable Online Marketplace

Not sure what to gift this year for Valentine’s Day? Gift Cards are always a great solution to this dilemma! We have a list of amazing online marketplaces focusing on sustainable goods only. If your partner is interested in living zero-waste - or a bit more eco-friendly - then this is a perfect start for them!

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About the Author

Sarah King is a freelance writer with a focus on vegan fashion, sustainability and ethically made clothes.

She campaigns for change in the fashion industry through her blog and on her Instagram page.

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The Best Sustainable Wrapping Paper

Unwrapping gifts is undoubtedly one of the best parts of the holiday season. Whether you're swapping secret Santas or celebrating with your kids during Hanukkah, gift wrap is what makes the giving season so special.

However, aiming for a more sustainable holiday season can complicate the subject of wrapping paper. From the waste it creates to the plastic it's made with, gift wrap is one of the least sustainable aspects of the holiday season—yet many people aren't aware of the true implications.

Read on to find out why ordinary gift wrap isn't sustainable and how to swap it for options that are more eco-friendly (without sacrificing the spirit of the season).

Why Isn't Normal Wrapping Paper Sustainable?

The obvious problem with conventional wrapping paper is that it creates a considerable amount of waste. Earth 911 estimates that 2.3 million pounds of gift wrap winds up in landfills each year. 

This is the case even when people aim to recycle their gift wrap. That's because many people assume wrapping paper can be recycled since it's a form of paper when in reality, the shine and glitter on gift wrap makes it unrecyclable. These sparkling additions may look festive, but they're made from plastics that can't be recycled.  

And when someone tosses something unrecyclable into a recycling bin? It doesn't just send the gift wrap to the landfill—it contaminates the entire batch. In other words: Wrapping paper from a single gift can send an entire truckload of recyclables straight to the landfill. Yikes.  

Another thing to consider about the glitter and shine on wrapping paper is that it results in microplastics. These tiny particles of plastic can infiltrate our waterways and threaten bird and marine life. That's also the case for bows and ribbons, which are often made from, or coated in, different types of plastic. 

Similarly, wrapping paper on a gift is often secured with plastic tape. If a type of wrapping paper is recyclable, but it has plastic tape or a shiny metallic bow attached, it will likely still wind up in landfill, even if you put it in the recycling bin. 

Lastly, conventional wrapping paper is often made from virgin paper, meaning it may have contributed to deforestation, pollution, and massive water consumption. It's especially disheartening to think we're wrapping our gifts in material that directly degrades the environment when landfills and recycling bins are full of material that could've been repurposed three times over into beautiful, sustainable gift wrap.

 The truth about conventional wrapping paper is grim, but it doesn't have to negatively impact the holiday season and the way we give gifts to loved ones. 

 In fact, there are dozens of brands focused on creating eco-friendly wrapping paper. The following seven brands boast a range of sustainability perks in their gift wrap, including cotton materials, renewable fibers, compostability, and more. We also include options for recyclable, plastic-free tape and adhesives, plus bows and other gift additions made from renewable resources.

our top picks for eco-friendly wrapping paper:

1. Wrappily

Wrappily is a company that’s deeply informed about the ills of ordinary gift wrap. That’s why all their gift wrap is made from repurposed newsprint, making it 100% compostable and recyclable. Newsprint has a robust recycling rate of 75%, and such fibers can be recycled up to seven times—the highest recyclability rate of any material in the United States! 

All these eco-friendly positives aside, their wrapping paper is adorned with cute, colorful, and creative designs, some of which are double-sided.

They also have accessories like twine made from hemp and cotton ribbon. We also love that they offer a DIY macrame gift topper. With this craft kit, you can create a macrame decal and attach it to the outside of the present for a truly unique, creative, and memorable gift.

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2. Noissue 

Finding eco-friendly gift wrap for your small business can be a challenge, but Noissue makes it easy.

Their selection of mailers, tissue paper, totes, tags, stickers, and more can all be customized with your own design and branding, giving your customers a sustainable way to keep you top of mind.

While their bulk gift wrap is foremost for businesses, it could also be a helpful asset for charities, schools, or events that require gifted invitations or thank yous.

All of the products at Noissue also belong to a circular framework—meaning they’re either compostable, recyclable, or reusable. Noissue emphasizes the circular economy as a core sustainability feature because it reduces the consumption of finite resources while helping businesses grow in a way that benefits both the environment and society. What’s not to love about that?

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Of the Earth Seed Paper

3. Etsy

You already know Etsy is a haven for recyclable gifts, but did you know they have a large selection of sustainable gift wrap, too?

A search for eco-friendly wrapping paper on Etsy returns over 5,000 results, and the variety is vast.

Choose from sustainable gift wrap options like Furoshiki Japanese wrapping cloths, hand screen-printed paper made from renewable fibers, and gift wrap handmade from grass and mango leaf.

You can also find sustainable and upcycled ribbon to wrap it all together.

Be sure to check out their options for sustainable, recyclable tape, too. This one is an adhesive you can activate with water, making it totally plastic-free. As a bonus, many Etsy sellers display their ethical manufacturing and product sourcing standards.

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4. Wrappr

If you want a truly unique gift wrap idea, look no further than Furoshiki—the art of wrapping gifts with scraps of fabric.

Wrappr’s Furoshiki wrapping cloths are made from materials like organic cotton and recycled polyester and can be easily reused again and again.

These wraps are available in multiple colors and patterns in four different sizes (19.5 x 19.5 to 51.18 x 51.18 inches).

You can find multiple How-To tutorials for gift wrapping different presents with their fabric, and there's no need to buy plastic tape or extra accouterments for this already-lovely gift. The best part about Furoshiki is that it's a gift in itself. The person you're gifting it to can reuse the Furoshiki for storing special items or regifting with style.

use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC for 20% off your purchase

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5. Veo

Veo sells a wide range of sustainable home and lifestyle items, but their gift wrap is especially impressive.

You can find eco-friendly packing tape in cheetah print, sustainable folded gift tags, damask fabric gift wrap, and of course, recyclable wrapping paper.

The wide range of designs and materials makes it easy to personalize gifts, and we love that you can filter by different levels of sustainability in your search—including plastic-free, recycled materials, and more. 

Another reason to love Veo is their mission. Not only do they sell a wide range of zero-waste and eco-friendly materials, but they also have a blog named “Eco Inspo,” where they share tips on all things conscious (and affordable) living. It’s important to know that a company is actually practicing what they preach, and that’s never a worry with Veo. Sustainable and trustworthy? Now that’s something we can get behind!

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6. Bee’s Wrap

Food gifts are inescapable during the holidays, and whipping up a batch of homemade goodies is more sustainable than buying a plastic-laden gift on Amazon. 

That being said, you can take the eco-friendly nature of your gifted food item a step further with Bee’s Wrap.

Made from organic cotton, beeswax, organic plant oil, and tree resin, Bee’s Wrap replaces plastic containers that can leach chemicals into your food when heated (not to mention their eventual death in the landfill).

If you’re vegan or abstain from bee products for other reasons, Bee’s Wrap has a dedicated section with vegan food wraps. Last but not least, we just love the assorted packs available from Bee’s Wrap. These packs offer a range of sizes and patterns—perfect if you’re planning on delivering a big batch of cookies or bread to different loved ones.

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7. PaperSource

Have you ever heard of stone paper?

Yup - this paper is made from stones - not trees!!

Stone wrapping paper is eco-friendly, water-resistant, and cuts like butter.

It’s also reusable making it even more plant-friendly.

PaperSource has over 20 different prints of stone paper, as well as hemp twine and plantable gift tags.

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8. Olsen + Olsen

Olsen + Olsen food wraps are another Beeswax food wrap company, albeit with their own designs and variations. Beeswax food wraps eliminate single-use plastics, like Ziploc bags, but they’re just as water resistant (and more breathable). This family-owned company is committed to creating a food container alternative that’s all-natural and free from plastics and silicone. 

Olsen + Olsen’s wrappers come in a range of bright colors and patterns, so there’s truly something for everyone.

We love that this gift wrap itself is a gift because the person can reuse it in their own kitchen once they’ve finished the sweet treat you made for them. These wraps last up to a year, after which they can either be composted or used as a fire starter. 

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Choosing More Sustainable Gift Wrap

Gifting and opening presents is an essential part of the holiday season, but ordinary wrapping paper simply doesn’t meet sustainability standards. Fortunately, these options make it possible to still participate in the giving season while doing our part for the earth, too.

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About the Author

Michelle Polizzi is an independent writer and storyteller with 7 years of experience creating content online. Her writing has appeared in leading publications like Bitch, WELL+GOOD, Insider, and Healthline, and she covers topics like sustainable living, mental health, and intersectional feminism. Currently, she's pursuing an MFA in creative writing.

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avoid buying stuff with these experience gift ideas

Gift giving has become a staple of the holiday season or any special celebration. As such, this practice has become somewhat unsustainable, largely due to the number of unnecessary items bought. This year, instead of buying physical gifts for others, why not give experiences? In this article, we cover a wide range of experience gift ideas so you can find an eco-friendly gift for anyone, no matter the time of year or celebration.

What Are Experience Gifts?

Experience gifts are gifts that provide experiences instead of something material. These gifts require active participation from the recipient. Experience gifts can provide inspiration, education, and fun. 

An experience gift can be anything that you can “do.” If the gift isn’t a physical object, it’s most likely an experience gift. This can look like a ticket to their favorite vacation destination, a cooking class, or membership to their favorite yoga studio. 

Why Are Experience Gifts More Sustainable?

As a society, we frequently buy things that we don’t need and are often produced in unsustainable ways. When it comes to gift giving, this can often be a wasteful practice. We tend to buy gifts for people that they didn’t ask for, aren’t needed, and oftentimes, aren’t used. 

The corporations producing our favorite gifts, like fashion, beauty, and food brands, are significant environmental polluters. Traditional brands use plastic and synthetic materials, don’t pay their workers fair wages and produce unsustainable quantities of products that often end up in the trash. 

This gets tricky because we all want to give gifts to celebrate holidays or milestones. Giving gifts to our loved ones is how many of us show we care. What we choose to give, however, can have a major environmental impact. Choosing experience gifts over material items is one of the more sustainable ways to give gifts. 

Experience gifts don’t require the production of anything new. The businesses you support for experience gifts are often smaller or local companies, artists, and teachers, and they most likely don’t produce material things.  

We can also use experience gifts to provide education or a new perspective. Experience gifts not only have a lower environmental impact, but they tend to be thoughtful and personalized, giving your loved ones something that they will truly value and use. 

Plus, experience gift ideas can help you spend quality time together. You can book an activity that can be shared with your loved one, or with their family. 

Overall, when choosing experience gifts, prioritize locally-run or led options that use sustainable business practices when relevant. 

These are Our Top 16 Sustainable Experience Gift Ideas: 

1. Get Tickets to a Show or Concert 

This is an ideal experience gift for the person in your life who loves the arts.

You can get tickets to the ballet, their favorite artist's upcoming concert, a symphony, a play, or a comedy show. 

The options are somewhat endless, with thousands of shows happening throughout the year.

This is a great gift to enjoy together and will give them something to look forward to.

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2. Book a Refundable Getaway

A refundable getaway may be the perfect gift If you’re looking for something bigger and more intimate for your partner or family member.

Choose refundable or changeable plane or train tickets and accommodation. This will make it easy to surprise your loved one without having to confirm the travel dates before booking. 

This doesn’t have to be a faraway or expensive getaway either.

You can take them camping or on a staycation if a nearby getaway is a better fit.

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3. A Guided Outdoor Adventure 

For the adrenaline lovers in your life, booking an outdoor experience is the perfect sustainable gift.

Book a guided hike, trek, or climbing experience. Schedule a boat or hot air balloon ride. 

To be as sustainable as possible, look for locally-led experiences.

You can find numerous options on platforms like Get Your Guide and Airbnb.

For bigger tours or treks, support a sustainable tour company like G Adventures. 

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4. Create Coupons for Personal Experiences

If you’re looking for budget-friendly experience gift ideas, why not make your own coupons for thoughtful things you can give them? This is a great gift idea for intimate partners, close friends, or immediate family. You could create a coupon for an at-home massage, a home-cooked meal on the night of their choice, a picnic in the park together, or even offer to do all the house chores for a few weeks. Think about your skill set, and their interests, and see what you can create.

You can design the coupon for free, and without paper, on platforms like Canva. 

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5. A Travel Gift Card

A gift card to a booking platform is a wonderful gift for the travelers in your life. If you know they like to stay at Airbnbs, or they use a specific booking site to find accommodation, get them a gift card for it. 

Alternatively, you can also purchase a gift card for certain airlines, train operators, or car rental companies. Just make sure you’re choosing companies you know they frequently use so that the gift card doesn’t go to waste. This way they can use the gift card when they want and will think of you on their next trip.

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6. Do a Beverage or Food Tasting

For the foodies in your life, there’s no better experience gift than food and beverage tastings. If they live locally, you can even do this together. If they don’t live locally, it’s easy to find something in their area that they can enjoy. 

Book a wine, beer, or spirit tasting for those who love to drink. You can even book something at a nearby vineyard. Alternatively, you can also find great coffee or tea tastings. When it comes to the foodies, look for a food tasting or food tour you know they’ll love. You can find numerous tastings easily on Airbnb or through a local search. 

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7. Treat Them to a Dining Experience 

This can be a fancy or cost-effective sustainable gift idea.

It’s also a fantastic way to support local businesses and enjoy some quality time.

You can make brunch reservations, or treat them to dinner at a restaurant they’ve been dying to try. 

For fine dining lovers, book a tasting menu for a memorable and tasty dining experience.

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8. Sign Up for a Class or Workshop

For the forever student, they might love a masterclass or locally led class to develop a new skill or further their education. Whether they are interested in learning how to play guitar, speak a new language, or perfecting Italian cooking, chances are there’s a class for them.

You can also choose a one-day workshop or series that’s less of a commitment. Some fun ideas could be an art class, mixology, floral arrangements, chocolate making, essential oil mixing, cooking, or gardening workshops. Browse online booking platforms or search for local teachers to find the perfect fit. 

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9. Gift a Spa Day

If your loved one is into self-care, or badly needs some rest, a trip to the spa is a great gift. You can either give them a gift card or book them a specific treatment or package. 

This could look like a massage, a facial, a wrap, or a mani-pedi if that’s more their style. Some additional rejuvenating treatments include acupuncture, cupping, float session, salt cave treatment, or a day at a bathhouse. 

To make this gift more sustainable, prioritize supporting locally owned and run spas or facilities. 

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10. Get a Park Pass

An annual or seasonal park pass is a wonderful experience gift for your outdoorsy friends. If they love to hike, gift them an annual national park pass. If they’re more into camping, maybe a camping pass would be a better fit. If they love to ski or snowboard, a season pass to their favorite mountain will always be appreciated. 

Most state or national parks have a seasonal or annual park pass you can purchase.

Find out what their favorite park is, or where they’ve been dying to visit and gift them a pass. 

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11. Give a Subscription to their Favorite Platform 

There are numerous online services these days that make amazing sustainable experience gifts. Gifting a subscription to a platform they’d love is an easy yet thoughtful gift idea. If they love a certain creator, podcast, or artist, see if they have a Patreon you can subscribe to on their behalf. If they like meditation, you can get them a subscription to meditation apps like Headspace or Insight Timer. For readers, choose a subscription to their favorite online magazine or an audiobook app like Libro. FM. If they love music and don’t have Spotify Premium, pay for their subscription for a year. If movies are more their thing, sign them up for a streaming platform. There are endless options for subscription services that fit all interests and budgets. 

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12. Sign Up for a Gym or Studio Membership

Another sustainable experience gift idea is a membership to a studio or gym of their choice. Maybe they love to boulder, go to CrossFit, do yoga, or are interested in taking dance lessons. You can purchase a membership or class package at the fitness studio or gym of their choice. 

If your loved one isn’t into a specific workout but wants to get active, sign them up for a flexible membership on platforms like ClassPass or an online studio. 

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13. Book a Cameo

Cameo is a platform that allows you to pay for personalized messages from celebrities and public figures.

If you’re looking for fun experience gift ideas, especially for kids or teens, purchasing a Cameo is a memorable one. 

Choose their favorite actor, athlete, or musician and help them craft a message your loved one will never forget. 

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14. Go to a Game 

For sports-obsessed friends and family members, an experience gift they’d probably appreciate is tickets to a sports game.

You can go together, or get them an extra ticket to bring someone of their choice.

Whether it’s football, soccer, or tennis, chances are you can find an upcoming game they’d love.

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15. Choose a Cultural Tour

A cultural tour can be an educational and memorable experience gift idea. You can find something for just about any interest, whether it’s a history, street art, architecture, or nature tour. 

Find a locally-led tour on a topic you know they’d love for a sustainable experience gift.

This is a great option if your loved one is on the road or has any upcoming travels.

You can find something in their area, no matter where they are.

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16. Gift them a Photoshoot

If your loved one has a strong online presence or likes to be in front of the camera, a photoshoot is a fun experience gift idea.

This way you can support local photographers while giving them something they can have forever. 

A wonderful place to find local photo shoots is on Airbnb experiences.

Some options include tours or cover certain locations while others can be personalized to suit your friends' interests. 

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About the Author

Alicia Briggs is a writer & editor specializing in slow travel & sustainable living. She has been a full-time traveler since 2018 and runs her own blog, Learning the Local Way, where she covers responsible travel tips and guides.

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A Guide To Sustainable DIY Holiday Gifts

Do you know how much additional waste is created between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day? In America, waste increases by approximately 25% during the holiday season producing an additional 25 million tons into landfills and that’s just one country. Aside from choosing sustainable wrapping options this holiday season, you can also help reduce consumer waste by making your own sustainable DIY holiday gifts.

Choosing DIY gifts is a great way to reduce waste because you can choose to use sustainable materials, packaging, and wrapping. You can shop thrift stores for unique glass jars for packaging, use foraged materials from your own backyard and shop for ingredients free from chemicals. Making sustainable DIY holiday gifts also allows you the opportunity to create something meaningful that your recipient won’t have already received. These gift ideas make great sustainable holiday teacher gifts, holiday party favors and would be perfect for your holiday host or hostess. 

Also don’t forget to make a few extra gifts of whatever you create, this way you can avoid the need for any last minute shopping and falling into the trap of just buying anything for a last-minute gift. Don’t worry, even if you’re not super crafty, there are plenty of ways to make your own sustainable DIY holiday gifts with very minimal skill or effort.

Sustainable DIY Gifts For Personal Care Lovers

1. Bath Salts

By DIY in PDX

Typically a lot of bath kits and products come packaged in a ton of plastic, cellophane, and non-recyclable cardboard. The products themselves also usually contain a lot of artificial chemicals and dyes that are not actually good for your skin or the water supply chain. So instead, make your own bath salts infused with roses, lavender, or mint. This recipe uses only a few simple ingredients, and you can make these all up ahead of time before the holiday rush begins. 

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2. Shower Steamers

By Sustainable Cooks

If your gift recipient is more of a shower person, don’t worry; there’s a useful gift option for them too. This recipe for DIY shower steamers is a more natural, sustainable solution than traditional vapor rub and is great to gift in the winter months when colds and seasonal congestion are common. With three simple ingredients combined with the essential oils of your choice, these shower steamers would look great in a glass jar with jute twine and a personalized gift tag.

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3. Reusable Tea Bags

By Hello Sewing

Encourage your friends and family to slow down with a nice cup of tea to enjoy a quiet moment amidst the chaos of the holidays. Tea bags are filled with dozens of microplastics and nano-plastics that are harmful to our bodies and the environment. If you have a tea lover on your gift list, these reusable tea bags are so easy to make you don’t need a pattern and can even sew them by hand. This is a great way to upcycle leftover fabric from other projects, and you can gift this with some of your favorite loose-leaf tea for them to try. 

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Sustainable DIY Gifts For Homebodies

4. Pressed Flower Candlesticks

By Little Pine Learners

Candlesticks are a timeless classic in home decor, but this DIY project has been featured on all of the interior design feeds and blogs lately. Usually, decorated candlesticks are more of a splurge when bought in-store, but these are so simple to make that you will probably find yourself wanting to make these for every holiday. Using a little melted wax as your glue and sealant, you can select the flowers or botanicals used to suit each recipient's personal style and decor. If you have little ones at home, they can help forage for flowers, leaves, or greenery to use, and it is a great way to include the whole family.

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5. Stovetop Potpourri

By The Eco Hub

Give the gift of a cozy atmosphere for the holidays!

This stovetop potpourri looks great packaged in a mason jar, and all you have to do to use it is add water and simmer on the stovetop or in a crockpot.

Using natural ingredients like dried oranges and various spices and herbs, your recipient will have the heavenly smell of the holidays whenever they want.

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6. Festive Wreath

By Hearth and Vine

Nothing says decking the halls like hanging up a festive wreath indoors or outdoors. Making a festive wreath is an easy way to repurpose foraged materials into beautiful home decor. If you are not finding the natural materials you want outside, check a local garden nursery or craft store for a wreath that will be able to be reused year after year. You can create the wreath as minimal or embellished as you think your recipient would enjoy.

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7. Macrame Ornaments

By Macrame For Beginners

Pass on gifting molded plastic ornaments, and try making your own! Thanks to Macrame For Beginners, you can try 15 different holiday patterns for macrame ornaments. Traditionally, macrame uses hemp or jute cording, which is a more sustainable material for crafting. There are a lot of different techniques and patterns that are mainly just tying knots, so don’t worry if you’re not a super crafter. These ornaments look beautiful hanging on a tree, and your recipient will be able to enjoy them for years to come. 

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Sustainable DIY Gifts For The Aspiring Chef

Consumable gifts are a sustainable option because they can be used up and when made at home you can ensure the packaging is reusable or recyclable.

8. Finishing Salts

By Getty Stewart

Many gourmet recipes use finishing salts for added flavor and flair, but they’re typically expensive and not something many people keep on hand. These finishing salt recipes will last stored in a decorative glass jar and add a special touch to any recipe. You can customize the flavors to be sweet and savory or make a couple of both for a variety set. If you are in a hurry, don’t worry; there is an oven and microwave option in case you need a great gift in a hurry.

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9. Homemade Vanilla Extract

By The Daring Gourmet

Vanilla extract is an ingredient almost everyone uses in their holiday baking, so this recipe for homemade vanilla extract is sure to be a hit! Daring Gourmet is a great resource for the quality of ingredients required for the best extract and which vanilla beans produce different flavors.

This is a gift you will want to start in advance because it gets better as it ages but if you need you can always make a note with the date it can be used for optimal potency.

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10. Candied Nuts

By Sustainable Cooks

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire isn't just the opening line of a Nat King Cole classic; it's one of the many delightful seasonal flavors popular this time of year. All it takes is a little caramelized sugar, and you will have yourself a gift everyone will be begging for again and again. What's great about candied nuts is you can make this a nut variety or select your recipient's favorite and package it in a beautiful jar they can reuse after they've devoured all the candied nuts. This is a crowd favorite because it is delicious and simple to make. I always like to pair a filled jar with a thoughtful handwritten note and the recipe because, yes, they will be asking for it!

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11. Soup Mix In A Jar

By Wholefully

The holidays are always filled with cookies and decadent treats, so if you want something different, gift a ready-made soup mix! Since all the ingredients are shelf stable, your recipient can save their soup until after the holidays and think of you when they make it or have a nourishing meal ready to go during the hustle and bustle of the season. Plus, winter is prime soup season and perfect for a cold winter evening when you’re tired of holiday leftovers. 

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About the Author

Karmen Flores is a creative entrepreneur based in Michigan. Karmen shares all about plant-based and sustainable, intentional living on her blog Karmen Collective. From recommendations for all things plant-based to tips for living more sustainably, Karmen makes living with intention less intimidating and more accessible. You can connect with Karmen on Instagram @karmencollective and at www.karmencollective.com

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WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.

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