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The Best Zero-Waste Gifts

With the holiday season just around the corner, finding the perfect gift for your loved ones can be challenging. But why not make it an opportunity to spread some eco-friendly cheer? This year, consider ditching the excessive packaging and plastic-wrapped presents for thoughtful zero-waste gifts that are not only sustainable but also meaningful. Our list of 10 zero-waste gift ideas will help you celebrate the season in a way that aligns with your values. From plantable stationery and reusable storage bags to natural skincare products and tip books, these gift ideas promote a zero-waste lifestyle while supporting local businesses and artisans. Each item on our list is not only practical but also beautiful, making them a perfect choice for the conscious consumer in your life. This holiday season, let's prioritize sustainability and show our loved ones that giving thoughtful gifts doesn't have to come at the planet's expense. Join us in embracing the joy of giving sustainably and discover a world of thoughtful zero-waste gift ideas for a truly meaningful holiday season.

Our Top Picks for Zero Waste Gifts:

1. Sustainable Straw Paper Print

Price: $11.50-17.25

Printed on low-waste paper made from wheat straw left after harvest with archival inks, these unmatted prints feature original illustrations - and we just love the Woodland Meadow one! Find them in two sizes (8x10 and 5x7) and packaged in a vegetable-based clear sleeve with a recycled cardboard backer. A great way to sustainably decorate a zero-waste home! Click here to see all eight pieces of artwork - we don't want you to miss out on the sweet Mushroom print.

Not to mention, 10% of profits are donated to LGBTQ+ and ecological organizations. Looking for more eco-friendly gift ideas? Small Victories specializes in plantable seed cards, original illustrations, pronoun badges, and accessories!

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2. Refillable Holiday Candles

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.

The company is a B Corporation that is also a member of 1% For The Planet and Leaping Bunny certified.

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3. Eco Gift Boxes by Superbee

Price: $149

The gifts that keep on giving! Check out these gorgeous gift boxes from SuperBee - a social enterprise that empowers women and supports animal care foundations! Perfect for zero-waste beginners to pros, these bee-autiful sets are packed with eco goodies for every room in your home - from vegan toothpaste tabs to stylish beeswax wraps, handmade with love. Can it get better? YES! Each gift box includes a surprise gift! Available in S, M, L.

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4. 101 Ways to Go Zero Waste Book

Price: $12.99

Goodbye, Amazon — we like to support small businesses like EarthHero! This one by Kathryn Kellogg is an excellent book for beginner and intermediate zero wasters. It’s got SO many great tips for reducing the amount of waste in your home… and so many things we wouldn’t think of! And, of course, it’s printed on FSC-Certified Paper and with soy-based inks. Shop gifts like this on  EarthHero, an online marketplace for eco-friendly goods from over 200 brands. They even have a curated collection of zero-waste goods.

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5. Refillable Non-Toxic Makeup from Elate Cosmetics

Price: $8-40

A vegan and animal testing-free brand, Elate sells refillable blush and eye shadow compacts. Refills are sent out in seed paper envelopes that grow flowers when planted – super cute. The brand also offers lipsticks and other makeup with less plastic packaging, made from Forest Stewardship Certified bamboo and glass. Their packaging materials can be sent back to be effectively recycled – something that often isn’t possible for cosmetics through home recycling systems.

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6. Rechargeable Candle Lighter

Price: $30

Know someone who burns a lot of candles in their home? Here is a zero waste alternative to traditional butane lighters! This lighter comes with a lithium-ion battery that can be charged by simply hooking up a USB to the computer. You’ll know it is completely charged up and ready to go once the green light disappears. The lighter uses plasma lighting technology, so you don’t have to refill it. Plus, it’s meant to last forever, and they are shipped in recyclable packaging.

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7. Colorful Reusable Storage Bags

Price: $10-34

Stasher bags are one of the most versatile reusable items you can have in your kitchen.

These bags are made from platinum silicone and are completely free of BPA, BPS, lead, latex, and phthalates.

They come in many different sizes, and tons of gorgeous colors!

I think any zero waster in your life wouldn’t mind owning a few more Stasher bags.

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8. Zero Waste Cleaning Kit

Price: $32

A perfect zero waste starter kit with plastic-free cleaning products for the home & kitchen!

This zero waste cleaning kit comes with dish soap, bamboo soap dish, and wooden cleaning brush.

Everything is made from sustainable materials, organic & vegan ingredients, and is biodegradable.

It even ships in plastic-free, recyclable packaging.

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9. DIY Composting

Price: $100-220

Say goodbye to kitchen waste with this backyard composting system from SubPod!

Subpod is a below-ground vermicomposting option that has dual chambers, smell-proof, pest-proof and effective at creating and maintaining the perfect compost.

The Subpod mission is to make composting part of daily life with their easy to use system and of course, their packaging is home compostable!

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10. Green Onion Regrower

Price: $54

How cool is this kitchen gadget?

One trip to the grocery yields weeks of green onions!

It’s easy - all you have to do is insert each of the unused end pieces into this kit's growing lid.

It is lined with naturally absorbent coconut fiber so just add water. Your onions will continue regrowing up to 3" per week.

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A Guide to Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Christmas Trees

Having a Christmas tree for the festive season is a tradition that dates back to the 15th century. It all started in present-day Germany, but as centuries passed, it became widespread all across Europe. The tradition was later exported to the United States in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. 

Still to this day, most families who celebrate Christmas love having a decorated tree in their homes during the holidays. But now that we can choose between real and artificial trees, many people wonder which option is better for the planet. 

For the longest time, I thought that fake Christmas trees were more eco-friendly as I believed it was bad to chop down trees to enjoy them for just a few weeks. Was I right? Read on to find out!

In this article, you will learn about how sustainable both real and artificial trees are, and how you can minimize the environmental footprint of your tree whichever you choose to have.  

How sustainable are real, natural Christmas trees? 

The environmental benefits of real Christmas trees 

Trees are some of the most important resources we have on our planet: they help combat climate change and come with many benefits for ecosystems and wildlife. But does that mean that cutting down a tree to enjoy it for a few weeks at most is bad? Not really. 

According to Anne Mari Cobb from the Soil Association Forestry, the majority of Christmas trees are grown as horticultural crops and are not sourced from pre-existing forests. It means that by picking a real tree for the holiday season, you are not contributing to deforestation and habitat loss. 

Buying a Christmas tree from a properly managed farm can even help support forests, wildlife, and ecosystems. In fact, out of the 350 to 500 million Christmas trees growing on farms in the United States, only 30 million of them are harvested each year. So for each tree that is cut for the holidays, there are more than 10 times as many trees left standing on the farms. 

What’s even better is that every time someone purchases a real Christmas tree, farms plant one to three seedlings in its place. As a result, when you buy a real tree, you are financially supporting those farms and helping them maintain forests. 

These forests are vital for countless species that depend on them to survive, like mammals, birds, and insects. They also provide many benefits to the local environment as they help purify the air and groundwater and they stabilize the soil. 

Trees also absorb CO2 and remove it from the atmosphere: it is estimated that Christmas tree farms in the US sequester around 35 million tons of carbon dioxide per year. This number is equivalent to the amount of CO2 generated to provide electricity to three million people for a year!   

Another great thing about real Christmas trees is that they are entirely biodegradable and can be recycled when we no longer want them. For instance, trees can be chipped and used as mulch in parks and gardens. They can even be used as bird nesting grounds or fish habitats, and they are great for preserving freshwater marshes and preventing beach erosion.    

But there are issues we cannot ignore

As with most mass-produced crops, the majority of Christmas trees are heavily treated and sprayed with pesticides and fertilizers during their growing phase. 

63% of Christmas trees produced in the United States are grown in six states (Oregon, Michigan, California, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Texas). In these six states alone, trees are sprayed with around 270,000 pounds of pesticides every single year.  

Not only is the quantity of pesticides used astronomical, but most of those pesticides are also highly toxic to human health, wildlife and ecosystems. Farmers are exposed to high levels of chemicals, which may lead to serious health issues in the long run. 

Pesticides and fertilizers also end up in the soil, groundwater, and nearby waterways. Over time, this can cause eutrophication, a process by which a body of water contains too many inorganic nutrients. As the quality of water deteriorates, eutrophication can create dead zones where aquatic fauna and flora cannot survive. 

Another issue is that Christmas tree farms rely on huge petroleum-driven equipment to harvest their trees. Since the farms are incredibly massive and contain very few roads, the harvested trees are often helicoptered out of the fields.   

Then, machines are used to wrap them in twine, and the Christmas trees are loaded onto trucks and trains to be shipped to distribution centers around the country. Some farms use refrigerated trucks or containers, which have an even bigger environmental footprint. 

Finally, according to the Carbon Trust, the carbon footprint of a natural, 2-meter-tall Christmas tree that is sent to a landfill is 16kg of CO2. This is 80% more than if the tree is replanted or chipped to be reused in the garden (around 3.5kg of CO2). 

And the issue is that, after the holiday season, a large portion of (natural) Christmas trees are discarded in landfills. Plus, when a tree decomposes in a landfill, it releases greenhouse gas emissions, including methane which is more than 25 times as potent as CO2 at trapping heat in the atmosphere, thus contributing to global warming. 

Are artificial trees better for the environment? 

In the United States, around 10 million fake Christmas trees are bought every year for the holidays. But are they more eco-friendly than real trees? 

The main benefit of artificial trees is that they can be reused for many years, if not decades if stored and taken care of properly. And the longer we keep and use them, the more their environmental impact is reduced. 

However, we need to take into account the fact that their total environmental footprint is substantial and we cannot ignore it. 

Most fake Christmas trees are made from metal and polyvinyl chloride (also known as PVC), a type of plastic that can contain harmful substances like lead and other toxins. During its whole life cycle, PVC causes serious problems for human health as well as the environment. 

To produce PVC, manufacturers use a lot of chlorine, which contributes to the depletion of the ozone layer and is the building block of many environmental issues. 

Producing PVC also creates dioxin, a persistent organic pollutant that accumulates and stays in the environment for long periods of time. It is believed to be one of the most toxic chemicals we can find.   

But that is not all: PVC is also made from petroleum. The oil industry is one of the least sustainable in the world, massively contributing to water, air, and soil pollution as well as global warming.  

We should also take into consideration where artificial Christmas trees are manufactured: around 80% of them are produced in China, where electricity is usually generated by burning one of the most polluting fuel sources, coal. Once they are made, they are then shipped across the world in diesel-fuel-powered ships to reach their final markets.

So both the production and transportation processes generate huge quantities of CO2 emissions. In total, it is estimated that a two-meter fake Christmas tree has a carbon footprint of around 40kg of greenhouse gas emissions. 

Finally, an issue we should not ignore when it comes to artificial trees is that even though they can be reused many times, the average family keeps them for about five to six years. Plus, according to a 2017 survey, 14% of people said that they prefer discarding their fake tree after only one use. 

Because of the materials artificial trees are made from, they cannot be recycled or composted. As a result, those that are thrown away end up in a landfill where they will stay for hundreds of years. In the meantime, they will shed tiny particles of plastic that will pollute the nearby environment and be ingested by local wildlife. 

So, should you buy a real or a fake Christmas tree? 

This question is not simple. There are positives and negatives on both sides, whether you choose a natural or a fake Christmas tree. Choosing the more sustainable option will depend on your lifestyle, your circumstances, and what is available to you. 

If we take a closer look at the numbers, we can see that artificial Christmas trees have a carbon footprint that is 2.5 times larger than that of a real tree discarded in a landfill. But if the natural tree is recycled into mulch or burned (not sent to landfills), the carbon footprint of a fake tree is 10 times bigger. 

In other words, an artificial Christmas tree is a more eco-friendly option if it will be reused for at least 10 holiday seasons compared to if you were to buy a commercially grown tree every year. 

To sum up, a real tree has a lower environmental footprint per holiday season, but the longer a fake tree is reused, the more its impact is reduced.  

However, we also need to take into account our individual situations. If you already have an artificial Christmas tree, it makes more sense to keep reusing it year after year instead of buying a natural one. 

But if you do not already have a fake tree, it might be more sustainable to buy a real one if you have access to locally grown trees nearby and you can recycle it after Christmas. On the other hand, if you live in a tropical climate, choosing a real tree might not be the best option as it would need to be shipped halfway across the world to arrive in your home. 

Also, ask yourself if you have the space to store an artificial tree in your home. If you live in a tiny apartment with no storage space, a fake tree might not be practical and you may prefer a small natural one. 

Finally, would you be able to recycle or dispose of a natural tree responsibly? If you cannot burn or compost it, and your city does not offer to take them back to recycle them, you should probably go for an artificial tree. But only if you commit to reusing it season after season. 

Helpful tips for a more sustainable Christmas tree

In the end, whether you choose to buy a fake or a real tree for the holidays, there are different things you can do to help reduce the environmental footprint of your Christmas tree. 

How to make your artificial tree more eco-friendly?

Since fake trees have a significant environmental footprint if only used once, the best thing you can do if you choose to buy an artificial tree or if you already have one is to reuse it for as many years as possible. 

So try to take good care of it and make sure to store it properly when not in use. Commit to using it for many years, ideally decades. Even better, pass it down to the next generation. This will drastically reduce its environmental impact!

To be able to reuse it for many years, invest in a high-quality tree that will stand the test of time, and that you will be able to repair if it breaks. 

If you can find an artificial tree second-hand, it is even better as no new tree has to be produced and you are giving a new life to a pre-loved one. From thrift stores to online marketplaces, there are many places where you can buy a used Christmas tree. 

If you cannot find a second-hand tree, you could choose a new tree that is made with recycled materials or wood. These are less common than plastic trees, but they are a lot more unique (and sustainable)!

You could even build one yourself using natural materials or upcycled elements you can find in nature, like branches and pine cones. This would be a super fun project if you love being creative, so check Pinterest for DIY Christmas tree ideas.

How to choose a more sustainable, natural tree?

If you and your family prefer a real tree to a fake one, there are also many things you can do to make it more eco-friendly. 

For instance, you could buy a still-living tree that still has the root ball attached and replant it once the holidays are over. Of course, this only applies if you live in an appropriate climate and have a garden. But it is a great option because the tree will be able to continue to provide fresh air and a home for wildlife for many more years.  

Similarly, if you live in an apartment with a balcony, you can buy a potted tree that you will be able to bring inside for the holidays and leave outside for the rest of the year. 

Another sustainable option is to choose a Christmas tree grown on an organic farm. Organic farms do not spray pesticides and other harmful chemicals on their trees, so it is a lot better for the environment. 

Unfortunately, only one-tenth of the 30 million real trees sold every year in the United States are organic or certified natural. So it is more complicated to find organic trees, but it is definitely possible. 

So check if there is an organic tree farm in your local area, you never know! But if organic trees are not available to you, try to find ones that are FSC-certified, or at least, grown locally. 

Some companies also allow us to rent a tree for the festive season. After Christmas, they take it back and replant it until the following year. The tree can be re-rented for seven years on average, and after that, it will be planted for good so that it can continue to absorb carbon from the atmosphere.

Finally, make sure to always dispose of your tree in a responsible way, and do not send it to a landfill. There are more than 4,000 local Christmas tree recycling programs in the United States, so check if your city offers to take your tree back. 

You can also compost it, or chip it and use it as mulch in your garden. And, you can even chop it into firewood so that it can heat your home during the winter. 

Conclusion

Both real and artificial Christmas trees have a negative impact on the planet, though natural ones also seem to benefit the local environment. 

Real trees have a much smaller carbon footprint per season, but if an artificial tree is used year after year, for more than a decade, it becomes more sustainable than its natural counterpart. 

No matter which tree you decide to choose for Christmas, there are different things you can do to make your tree more sustainable. That way, you can feel about your choice and enjoy the holiday season even more!

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About the Author

Eva Astoul is a French freelance writer, specializing in content related to sustainability, simple living, and a growth-focused healthy lifestyle. She runs her own blog, Green With Less, to inspire people to live a more minimalist and sustainable life.

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Our Favorite Affordable, Sustainable Gift IDeas

If you’re on a budget, have a lot of gifts to buy, or are looking for smaller gifts to send through the mail, this gift guide is for you. All of the eco-friendly and ethically-made gifts on this guide are under $50.

The joy of gift-giving doesn’t have to break the bank!

Why Affordability is Important to sustainability

Affordability and accessibility is a crucial part of true sustainability. If it’s not accessible to the majority, then “sustainability” is just another exclusive term for the elites of our society. That’s why—while we also don’t believe that a $5 t-shirt can be truly sustainable either—we strive to recommend sustainable and ethical brands and products at lower price ranges as much as possible.

P.S. If you’re looking for more affordable and eco-friendly brand recommendations, check out our post on affordable sustainable clothing brands, or check out this article on the best places to buy and sell vintage and secondhand!

Our Top Picks for Affordable, sustainable gifts Under $50:

Wooden Pin from Small Victories

Price: $10

A fun little stocking stuffer for your nature-loving friend, this cicada wooden pin from Small Victories is made with maple wood from fast-growing trees sourced from responsibly managed forests.

Did you know these musical insects emerge in synchronized cycles every 13 to 17 years across Eastern North America? We're sure you are familiar with their unique sound!

Small Victories, based out of Easthampton, MA, specializes in plantable seed cards, original illustrations, pronoun badges, and accessories. Plus, 10% of the profits are donated to LGBTQ+ and ecological organizations.

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Gift Card to Wearwell

Price: You choose!

Wearwell is a curated marketplace, membership, and styling service that would be a perfect gift for the sustainable fashionista in your your life. You can choose your gift card amount or gift a one-year membership to wearwell (for $96). Then, your loved one can cash in their gift card for clothing, accessories, home goods, or a membership and get 10% off every order, free shipping and returns, access to stylists who can help them decide on what looks are best for them, and more perks.

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Undies from Subset

Price: $18-20

I absolutely love my Subset undies and bralettes—they’re so comfortable but also cute.

They’re all Fair Trade Certified and made out of 95% GOTS and OEKO-TEX certified organic cotton, combined with 5% elastane for comfort and stretch. They come in a range of neutrals along with beautiful, limited-edition hues.

Oh, and for the soon-to-be-moms out there, they have a new maternity collection as well!

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Toiletry Bag from Anchal

Price: $36

The cross-stitch toiletry bag is made from GOTS-certified cotton and canvas lined. The beautiful cross-stitch design comes in 6 colors. Anchal is women-owned, with Fair Trade products that support artisans in India. The toiletry bag has a front pocket, as well as the main compartment, for storing small items and ones you need to reach easily – we love multi-pocket bags.

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You can read more about why we love Obakki here.

Aubergine Scarf from Obakki

Price: $37

This beautifully vibrant, modal-blend scarf benefits the community of Obojil, Uganda, where the only water source is a contaminated stream that takes over two hours to reach and makes everyone sick. When Obakki sells 500 of these limited-edition scarves, 100% of the net proceeds will go directly toward drilling a water well in Obojil, changing every life for the better. They have several different gorgeous patterns and bold colors!

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Statement Roll-On® Bracelets from Aid Through Trade

Price: $38 for Set of 3

Aid Through Trade (one of the founding members of the Fair Trade Federation!) is the original creator of the famous Roll-On® Bracelet. Now, the brand employs over 200 female artisans in Nepal. All of their Roll-On® Bracelets are made with the highest quality glass beads and hand-dyed cotton thread and come with a lifetime guarantee. They fit most wrists and come in a variety of colors.

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Hamesha Socks from FAZL

Price: $29

These super cozy socks are hand-knit in the Himalayas of India using indigenous designs that have been passed down from mother to daughter. Fair Trade and vegan, the socks are made from acrylic yarn which is super durable and long-lasting, and doesn’t come with the itch that a lot of winter socks do. And the team at Fazl is in the process of transitioning to even more sustainable materials. Plus, every purchase gives back to an orphaned child in India.

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Mediterranean Turkish Towel from QuiQuattro

Price: $45

This lightweight and versatile towel is hand-loomed out of 100% Turkish cotton and non-toxic, AZO-free dyes - a great gift idea for the jet-setter in your life because it's compact & easy to travel with, whether you're headed to the beach or resort (or just to the pool down the street!). Plus, with each purchase, you support a micro-business in Turkey & give back to the communities they work with to promote women's education.

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Free to Protect Tote Bag from The Tote Project

Price: $36

All of The Tote Project’s canvas tote bags and pouches are made out of organic cotton and water-based, eco-friendly inks.

They’re all ethically made in India by a fair trade social enterprise, and 10% of their profits give back to fight human trafficking and support survivors.

They truly have some of the cutest designs!

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Organic Cotton T-shirt Hair Towels from Sunrise Bliss

Price: $30-39

Handmade from 100% GOTS certified organic knit cotton and low-impact dyes, these soft, absorbent t-shirt towels dry hair quickly while leaving you with less breakage, tangles, and frizz. They’re super lightweight, too, so they’re great for everyday use as well as travel. They come in three different sizes for various hair lengths. You can read more about why I LOVE these towels here and here!

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Variety 6-Pack of Lip Balm from Zambeezi

Price: $21

Zambeezi’s six organic and Fair Trade flavors will leave your loved one’s lips looking and feeling as luscious as ever!

The flavors include: gingery Lemongrass, tangy Tangerine, delightful Wild Rose, tantalizing Sweet Basil, naturally-protecting Suncare and moisturizing Honeybalm. Each purchase helps to regenerate communities and ecosystems.

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Superwhisk & Matcha Kit from Golde

Price: $50

Golde’s Pure Matcha is made with 100% pure, shade-grown green tea leaves from Uji, Japan. It’s great for lattes, smoothies, and more. This kit comes with a Superwhisk, which is a USB-rechargeable whisk that instantly froths your favorite superfood lattes to perfection. It’s handheld and rechargeable, so it’s perfect for your caffeinated friend on the go.

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Champ Portable Charger from Go Nimble

Price: $49.95

This would be a great gift for your friend or family member who is always on their phone. Eco-friendly tech is still pretty difficult to find, so I’m always excited when I find tech accessories made from more sustainable materials.

This one from Go Nimble is made from recycled aluminum and plastic. It will work with both Apple and Android devices and you can get up to 80% charge in 30 minutes!

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Colorful Mini Porcelain Vase from Made Trade

Price: $22

How sweet is this vase?! It will surely add a cheery pop of color to a desk, windowsill, or countertop. Artisans handcraft them out of clay porcelain in the ancient kiln city of Jingdezhen, China. (Jingdezhen’s was a major kiln site in the 11th century — over 1,000 years ago!)

Made Trade carries an entire collection of gorgeous vases if you want a different size, color, or design.

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Unique and Thoughtful Sustainable Gift Ideas for Vegans

Looking for the perfect gift for the vegan in your life? Look no further. In this article, we offer a range of unique and thoughtful gift ideas that are sure to bring a smile to any vegan's face. Finding a gift that aligns with a vegan lifestyle can sometimes be a challenge, but we've done the hard work for you. Whether you're shopping for a seasoned vegan or someone who is just starting their plant-based journey, our suggestions cater to all tastes and preferences. From vegan recipe books to cruelty-free fashion accessories, we have curated a selection of gifts that not only show your thoughtfulness but also support a vegan lifestyle. Our goal is to inspire and help you find the perfect gift that will be cherished and put to good use. So, get ready to get creative and surprise your vegan loved ones with gifts that are both practical and heartfelt. Let's dive in and explore these unique gift ideas that will make any vegan feel appreciated and loved.

What is a Vegan Gift?

Vegan gifts are completely free of any animal products. This means you won’t find materials like wool, leather or even honey in any of these listed gifts. Another important part of a vegan gift is being cruelty-free, which means the product was not tested on animals. We made sure to include vegan gifts of all kinds from fashion accessories to clean beauty products. Any animal lover would be pleased to know these products are being kind to not only the animals, but the planet, as well!

Sometimes it can be difficult to tell if a product is truly vegan so we hope this gift guide makes things easier for your holiday shopping!

our top picks for Sustainable, vegan gifts:

Socks that Protect Animals

Brand: Conscious Step

Price: $32

Conscious Step’s entire supply chain is GOTS and Vegan certified. With each Conscious Step purchase, a portion of proceeds are donated to the charity associated with that pair of socks. They have many different options when it comes to socks that give back to animals!

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BetterBone Chew Toy

From: The Kind Pet

Price: $19.99

The Kind Pet is a sustainable online pet store dedicated to reducing our pets’ and our own impact on the planet. With products like this vegan, nylon-free BetterBone chew toy (made with only sustainably forested wood floor and renewable sugarcane oil), the team is dedicated to sourcing low-waste pet products and advocating for sustainable pet ownership. 

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Organic Cotton Underwear

Brand: Pact

Price: $48 (6-Pack)

The best underwear we’ve tried! Pact’s underwear saves 72 galloons of water compared to conventional cotton ones. They are made with GOTS Certified Organic Cotton in a Fair Trade Certified Factory.

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A Harry Potter Vegan Cookbook

From: BetterWorldBooks

Price: $22

The perfect vegan gift for the Harry Potter lover…

BetterWorldBooks is a great sustainable place to purchase books from, and they have donated over 26,502,000 books, $28,430,000 for literacy and libraries, and have recycled and reused over 320,019,000 books!

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Lip-to-Lid Balmies

Brand: Axiology

Price: $38

Your new go-to for lips & eyes, Axiology has a range of shimmery, rich and creamy, sheer and soft textures, in a variety of gorgeous colors. These tubes are made from recycled aluminum, and arrive to you boxed in recycled card that can be either composted or recycled, depending on what’s available to you. The brand is not only free from animal testing and ingredients, but from palm oil too!

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Sumac Candle Gift Set

Brand: Obakki

Price: $23-93

Handmade by a family run business in Ishikawa, Japan, these elegant, sustainable, and vegan candles have been made in the exact same way since 1892. Made from wax that is harvested from the fruit of the Japanese Haze tree, their unique hollow wicks allow them to produce a bright, tall flame. These candles are available to purchase individually or as gift sets (some shipped in a beautiful reusable wooden gift box).

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Vegan Sneakers

Brand: SAOLA

Price: $90-140

SAOLA is a French footwear brand that makes its shoes out of recycled water bottles. Its men’s shoes are all sneakers that are 100% vegan, comfortable and ultra-light. Each pair is made with several recycled water bottles, diverting them from going to landfill. Their laces are all made of organic cotton.

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Date Night Clutch

Brand: Tiradia Cork

Price: $125

I love this stylish and versatile clutch from the female-owned business, Tiradia Cork. It’s ethically handmade in small batches in Portugal out of consciously sourced and high-quality natural cork. Not only that, but everything is sent to you in eco-friendly packaging and one tree is planted with each purchase.

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Vegan Silk Robe

Brand: Maylyn & Co.

Price: $185-230

Maylyn & Co. sets a high bar for luxurious, sustainable sleepwear and bedding. The brand designs everything to last using premium PETA-Approved Vegan and Organic fabrics that are ethically crafted in the Founder's home country, Persia. The Eco-conscious brand also takes pride in its innovative cruelty-free Vegan silk™ fabric, a plant-based alternative to animal-derived silk.

code: SustainablyChic for 10% off

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Apple Leather Backpack

Brand: Allegorie

Price: $575

Not only are Allegorie’s products made out of sustainable, plant-based materials and made under fair trade conditions, but they’re also PETA approved Certified Vegan.

Made primarily of apple leather, this Gala backpack is available in black and rose and has multiple pockets and sleeves to suit your loved one’s lifestyle. To read more about why we love Allegorie, click here!

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WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

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Sustainable Gifts for Her

Are you passionate about sustainability and looking for the perfect eco-friendly gift for the remarkable women in your life?

In this comprehensive guide, we have curated the ultimate selection of sustainable gifts specifically for the eco-conscious woman. From stylish and ethically sourced clothing to practical and innovative eco-friendly lifestyle products, we have it all covered. We believe in the power of conscious consumerism and its positive impact on the environment. That's why we have scoured the market to bring you a handpicked collection of gifts that align with your values, look great, and are functional. Whether you're shopping for your mom, sister, wife, or friend, these sustainable gifts are sure to impress. We have considered factors like materials, production methods, and eco-friendly certifications to ensure that each item meets the highest sustainability standards. Join us on this journey to find the perfect gift that not only makes her feel special, but also supports a more sustainable future <3

WHAT MAKES A GIFT SUSTAINABLE? 

When selecting products for our sustainable holiday gift guides, we consider several important factors to ensure that each item aligns with our commitment to eco-friendliness and ethical practices:

1. Material Composition: The first aspect we examine is the materials used in the gift. We prioritize items crafted from eco-friendly, sustainable materials that minimize harm to the environment. This includes natural, biodegradable, or recycled materials that contribute to a healthier planet. We believe that the choice of materials is foundational to the sustainability of the product.

2. Ethical Production: Equally important is understanding who created the gift. We value transparency regarding the makers behind the products, ensuring that they receive fair compensation for their craftsmanship. Support for artisans and workers directly impacts their livelihoods and communities, so we actively seek out brands that uphold fair labor practices and ethical production methods.

3. Brand’s Commitment to Sustainability: We dive deeper into the brand’s overall commitment to sustainability. Our goal is to curate gifts from companies that go beyond surface-level eco-consciousness. We want to partner with brands that demonstrate a genuine commitment to sustainability in all aspects of their operations. This includes responsible sourcing, eco-friendly packaging, sustainable shipping practices, and community involvement through charitable initiatives. It’s vital that sustainability is woven into the fabric of their business.

4. Practicality and Longevity: Finally, we assess the practicality of each gift. We want to ensure that every item we recommend is not only useful but also durable enough to last for many years. We’ve all received gifts that end up collecting dust or are quickly discarded; instead, we aim to present gifts that are meaningful and can become cherished possessions. We seek out items that recipients will truly appreciate and that can even be passed down through generations.

By considering these factors, we strive to provide a thoughtful selection of gifts that are not only sustainable but also meaningful and practical.

our top picks for sustainable gifts for her:

Organic Cotton Sweater

Brand | Pact

Price |$74-138

Pact is a sustainable fashion brand known for its laid-back, well-made, easy-to-wear styles perfect for everyday wear that can be sported daily. They have a wonderful collection of cozy sweaters made from organic cotton in various colors, styles, and knits.

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Organic Waffle Robe

Brand | Coyuchi

Price | $98

An airy waffle weave made from GOTS-Certified Organic Cotton, this Coyuchi robe makes you feel like you're at the spa! It comes in nine different colors and ranges from sizes XS-XXL. Coyuchi has been a global leader in sustainable design, certified organic fiber sourcing, and creating luxury home textiles untainted by pesticides or toxic chemicals for over 30 years.

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Eco-Friendly Phone Case

Brand | Pela

Price | $50-60

These sustainable phone cases are soft to the touch and flexible, and they have a grippy texture to prevent you from dropping them. Pela cases are made of Flaxstic®, a combination of flax straw materials and compostable bioplastic elastomer. Compared to phone cases made of conventional plastic, Pela cases generate 80% less waste, and their production process uses 34% less water and releases 30% fewer carbon emissions into the atmosphere. 

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Festival Hat

Brand | tentree

Price | $50

tentree’s rimmed hats are made out of 100% recycled wool (certified by the Responsible Wool Standard) with a cork trim detail. They come in a variety of neutral colors and are perfect not just for festival season but for wearing throughout the whole year. P.S. tentree also has a great collection of baseball hats as well, along with lots of other casual clothing and accessories. They are also a certified B Corp and Climate Neutral Certified brand.

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Butternut Bakery Bundle

Brand | Siblings Co.

Price | $71

Siblings wanted to fix the wasteful candle industry by offering a more sustainable way of doing candles - refilling them yourselves. Their wax is a 100% natural blend of coconut and soy wax and uses non-toxic, cruelty-free fragrances and essential oils. The bags are 100% compostable and made using 99% plant-based materials!

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use code SC15NG for 15% off

Native Watch with Latte Dial

Brand | Nordgreen

Price | $224

The Copenhagen-based & B-Corp certified brand Nordgreen is on the mission of combining timeless Scandinavian design with respect for the planet & people. This watch will become your new everyday companion, powered by Japanese quartz movement for precision & made from recycled stainless steel for longevity. The Native Latte dial watch is available in silver, gold & rose gold with a delicate chain strap, an elegant mesh strap or a brown leather strap. Savor the rich, creamy hue that'll add a bold twist to your wrist.

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Piñatex® Didi Mini Clutch

Brand | Svala

Price | $220

This is a great gift idea for the woman in your life who loves classic, timless fashion. The Didi clutch mini is handcrafted in Los Angeles out of luxurious vegan metallic black Piñatex® and can be used as a clutch or a shoulder bag. The inspiration for Svala’s name comes from Iceland, where the founder, Helga's, mother is from. Svala means swallow in Icelandic; the swallow bird is a symbol of love, loyalty, freedom & hope in many cultures.

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code: SUSTAINABLYCHIC for 15% off your purchase

Sea to Skin Cleansing Gel

Brand | Activist Skincare

Price | $42

This refillable, artisan-made cleanser removes makeup and impurities while respecting the skin’s natural oils, leaving skin soft and dewy. A delightful self-care treat, it smells like a fresh ocean breeze and its gorgeous blue hue is thanks to natural spirulina extract. Vegan, cruelty-free, and nontoxic, Activist Skincare is a 1% for the Planet member. All Activist products are offered in sustainable glass packaging and low-impact refill pouches, which reduce CO2 & packaging waste.

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Wearwell Membership

Wearwell is a curated marketplace, offering everything from sustainable clothing and accessories to ethically made home goods and shoes. Shop from thousands of items for your loved ones or give a wearwell gift card to the eco-friendly person in your life, or anyone looking to break up with fast fashion for good. You can choose your gift card amount or gift a one-year membership to wearwell (for $96), which will give the receiver unlimited personal styling sessions, 10% off every order, free shipping + returns, and more.

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Artisan Jewelry

Brand | Obakki

Price | $27-136

We love Obakki’s collection of beautiful rings, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. Made out of sustainable materials such as recycled brass and upcycled cow horn, they offer both bold and minimalistic designs. Each piece is created by Obakki’s artisan partners in the heart of Nairobi and supports livelihood initiatives for these talented makers. All of their jewelry is available in either 18K gold or silver plated.

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T-Shirt Hair Towel

Brand | Sunrise Bliss

Price | $30-39

We LOVE Sunrise Bliss’s t-shirt hair towels for years now! Available in many different colors & patterns, as well as three different sizes for varying hair thicknesses and lengths, these towels are hand-sewn in the USA out of GOTS certified organic cotton. They absorb water while also prevent frizz and breakage. They even received received b/well magazine's Eco Excellence Award in the Hair Care for Her category!

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Hemlock Planter

Brand | Conifer Homewares

Price | $15-63

This planter is great for people who may overwater their plants! These indoor planters contain a clever reservoir system in the base to allow excess water to drain out. They are lightweight and 3D printed in Canada using plant-based materials from fermented organic matter such as sugarcane, corn starch, and tree fiber. Not to mention, they come in so many beautiful colors!

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Gift Card to Getaway

Give the gift of rest, rejuvenation, and free time to your friends and family this year. Getaway’s cozy cabins provide restorative stays in nature where your loved ones can take a break from work, wifi, and routines.

Their gift cards are redeemable across all locations, and are a 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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Soft Organic Biker Shorts

Brand | Aya

Price | $35

It can be difficult to find plastic-free activewear, but these biker shorts from Aya are the real deal. They’re made transparently in Peru out of 100% organic pima cotton, which is one of the softest kinds of cotton avialable. Not only that, but they are dyed with either low-impact synthetic dyes or 100% plant-based dyes (you choose!). They come with several third-party certifications, including GOTS and OEKO-TEX, and are completely biodegradable at the end of their life.

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Modern Chic Shoulder Bag

Brand | Tiradia

Price | $140

This natural cork shoulder bag is a great tote for all-day, everyday use — for taking to work, on a dinner date, lugging kids around, and more. Available in black or gray, you can dress it up or down to go with just about any outfit. All of Tiradia's accessories are ethically handmade in Portugal with sustainably sourced cork. The cork fabric used is as durable animal-leather but 100% cruelty-free and kinder to the planet.

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Chai Earrings

Brand: Laura Elizabeth Jewelry

Price: $175

Introducing an innovative take on jewelry: plant-based earrings! These stunning creations from LEJ are meticulously crafted using real star anise, resulting in a unique and eye-catching design.

Each pair is expertly cast in 100% recycled brass, making them an eco-friendly choice for the environmentally conscious consumer.

To enhance their allure, these earrings are plated with 14k gold, featuring an impressive thickness of 3 microns compared to the standard 1 micron found in many other pieces. This thicker plating not only contributes to an exquisite sparkle but also ensures that your jewelry maintains its brilliance and beauty over time, withstanding the test of everyday wear.

Handmade with care in the vibrant heart of downtown Los Angeles, each pair of LEJ earrings is a testament to craftsmanship and sustainability.

Plus, they are designed with your health in mind, being completely free from toxic heavy metals such as nickel, cadmium, and lead.

These earrings are the perfect gift for the chai latte aficionado in your life.

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Lucille Crewneck Sweatshirt

Brand: Hernest

Price: $87

Crafted with care in Portugal, this crewneck sweatshirt combines ethical production practices with sustainable materials, showcasing its eco-friendly TENCEL and organic cotton composition.

Designed for versatility, this soft and cozy sweatshirt is ideal for a variety of occasions, whether you’re enjoying a leisurely weekend at home, embarking on a road trip, tackling errands around town, or participating in video calls from the comfort of your living room.

Not only does it prioritize comfort, but its structured crewneck design elevates your look, making it a stylish choice that transcends casual wear. The fabric is gentle on the skin and breathable, ensuring you stay comfortable all day long.

Additionally, this sweatshirt is available in an extensive range of sizes, from XXS to 4XL, making it accessible for everyone to find their perfect fit.

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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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check out our other gift guides: