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16 Experience Gift Ideas for a Sustainable Holiday Season
 

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.


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.


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


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


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.


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. 


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.


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. 


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. 


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. 


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. 


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. 


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. 


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.


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.


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. 


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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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.


RELATED READING YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:


 
The Best Non-Toxic & Sustainable Gifts for Kids Ages 2- 12 (2024)
 

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only ever add brands & products we truly believe in. Thank you for supporting the brands who are making the world a better place!

an eco-friendly & Sustainable Gift Guide for Children

Looking for a sustainable children’s gift this holiday season? We’re here to help!

Our carefully curated gift guides are designed to make your holiday shopping experience not only enjoyable but also more accessible than ever. Whether you're searching for the perfect present for your children, niece, nephew, or grandchildren, we've got you covered. We take great pride in selecting products that genuinely make a positive impact on the world. Each item in our guides is thoughtfully chosen to reflect our commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. We prioritize gifts that treat our planet & makers with love, ensuring that your gifts don’t just bring joy but also contribute to a better future for everyone :)

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, enhancing the holiday experience for both the giver and the recipient.

p.s. check out our favorite eco-friendly toy brands

our top picks for sustainable gifts for kids:

1. Curious Kingdom Buildable Playsets

Brand: Playper

Price: $15-35

Ages: 3+

Playper offers a delightful collection of toys that are bursting with silliness and charm, designed specifically to captivate the imaginations of young children. This innovative company was founded by a trio of parents from the entertainment industry who sought to provide eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastic toys.

Their mission is to inspire creativity and imaginative play in children while minimizing environmental impact. Playper’s first toy line, known as the Curious Kingdom, includes an enchanting array of buildable playsets that invite kids to engage in storytelling and exploration. Among the captivating offerings in this line is a beautifully designed castle complete with intricate details, a functioning catapult perfect for launching imaginative adventures, and a dragon trainer set that encourages role-playing and fantastical scenarios.

Plus, the Curious Kingdom features a unique set of Story Starters cards, which serve as a fun and interactive prompt for storytelling. These cards inspire children to weave their own narratives, making playtime an opportunity for creative expression that both kids and parents will appreciate. With Playper toys, children can immerse themselves in a world of creativity, laughter, and endless possibilities.


2. Recycled Scooter

Brand: Micro Kickboard

Price: $100-150

Ages: 2 - 12

This scooter brand has quickly become a favorite among toddlers and young children, capturing the attention of both kids and parents alike! Crafted from environmentally friendly materials, this particular scooter is made from recycled fishing nets and plastic, making it a great choice for eco-conscious families. Additionally, a portion of the annual sales contributes to 1% for the Planet, supporting various environmental initiatives.

All parts of these scooters are designed to be replaceable, which not only helps prevent the scooter from ending up in a landfill but also allows it to be easily repaired as needed. This thoughtful design means that when your child outgrows their scooter, you can pass it down to a younger sibling or friend.

The scooter is available in two sizes: the Mini model is perfect for children aged 2 to 5 years, while the Maxi model is designed for kids aged 5 to 12 years. With its sturdy construction and focus on sustainability, this scooter is sure to provide hours of fun and adventure for little ones during their early years!


3. Plastic-Free Playhouses

Brand: Make It Cute

Price: $220

Ages: 2 - 6

Make It Cute is on a mission to transform a beloved classic into something truly magical: the children's playhouse! Driven by their unwavering commitment to using eco-friendly materials and making a positive impact, they’ve created an enchanting line of Play Decor™ that's not just adorable, but also safe for little ones and gentle on our planet.

The playhouse is available in two styles: the Modern Farmhouse and the Cottage. Each design exudes its own unique charm and character, making them perfect additions to your play areas. What truly sets these playhouses apart are the interchangeable Decor Kits that you can purchase separately. These kits allow you to easily switch up the decor to match the seasons & special occasions. Whether you prefer the sleek, contemporary lines of the Modern Farmhouse or the quaint, whimsical feel of the Cottage, you’ll find that both options provide a delightful space for imaginative play and creativity!


4. Anywhere Chairs

Brand: Pottery Barn

Price: $100 - 219

Ages: 2+

One of the favorites among our little ones is undoubtedly these charming reading chairs! Available in an assortment of fabrics, colors, and playful prints, these chairs come with slipcovers that can be personalized to add a unique touch for each child. A fantastic feature of these chairs is that the slipcovers zip off easily, making them a breeze to clean since they are machine washable.

The chair featured here is crafted from high-quality, durable cotton-twill, ensuring both comfort and longevity. Additionally, this fabric is GREENGUARD Gold Certified, indicating that it has undergone rigorous testing and is free from over 10,000 harmful chemicals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it a safer choice for your little ones’ environment. While some styles of these chairs are made with an outer polyester cover, we highly recommend opting for the cotton covers and avoid having to wash polyester which can release thousands of micro and nano plastics into the water.

*These chairs come in 3 different sizes depending on the age of your child.


5. Balance Board

Brand: Blueberry & Third

Price: $69

Ages: 2 - 7

Does your child have a zest for sensory adventures or an unstoppable urge to move? If so, the Balance Board could become a thrilling addition to their playtime!

This amazing toy offers endless fun while also working wonders for regulating their vestibular and nervous systems.

The benefits of using the Balance Board extend to enhancing children’s balance, fortifying gross motor strength, and improving coordination—all essential components of healthy development through active play. Plus, it is crafted from sustainably sourced birch wood that is certified NAF (No-Added Formaldehyde), and finished with water-based coatings that are both eco-friendly and safe for children.


6. Recycled Toys

Brand: Green Toys

Price: $13-53

Ages: 2-6

One of our all-time favorite sustainable toy brands for children is Green Toys! This innovative company takes a unique approach to playtime by ensuring that every single toy design is crafted from 100% recycled plastic, with a primary focus on repurposing milk jugs.

To create their products, these milk jugs are carefully collected, thoroughly cleaned, and then reprocessed into raw recycled plastic. The process involves using food-safe, mineral-based color dyes, ensuring that the toys are not only safe for children but also environmentally friendly. Every toy is proudly manufactured in the United States, supporting local jobs and reducing the carbon footprint associated with long-distance shipping.

Green Toys offers a delightful variety of playtime options, ranging from colorful watering cans perfect for imaginative gardening to fun and buoyant boats that make bathtime a joyous experience. Their thoughtfully designed toys cater to various interests and developmental stages, ensuring that every child can find a toy they will cherish and enjoy!


7. Non-Toxic Art Supplies

Brand: Eco-Kids

Price: $5 - 30

Ages: 3+

Eco-kids is a leading brand known for offering eco-friendly and non-toxic art supplies specifically designed for children. Founded by a family in Portland, Maine, Eco-kids began its journey with a single product: eco-dough, a play dough recipe that Cammie, the owner, fondly recalls her mother making during her childhood. This nostalgic inspiration laid the foundation for the brand's commitment to safe and sustainable crafting materials.

Over the years, Eco-kids expanded its product line to include a variety of creative supplies, all of which are made using non-toxic ingredients that are carefully selected for their safety and environmental friendliness. For instance, their eco-dough is crafted from non-GMO flour, combined with vitamin E to promote skin safety, as well as natural essential oils that provide delightful scents without harmful chemicals. Each product reflects Eco-kids' dedication to promoting creativity in kids while ensuring their art experiences are safe and enriching. With a focus on sustainability and quality, Eco-kids continues to be a trusted choice for parents seeking environmentally conscious art supplies for their little ones.


8. Pretend Play Toys

Brand: PlanToys

Price: $20 - 60

Ages: 2+

This sweet toy brand is an excellent choice for fostering creativity in imaginative children, whether they aspire to be future veterinarians, chefs, or anything in between.

PlanToys is committed to sustainability, which is evident in every aspect of their operations. They utilize eco-friendly materials, sustainable manufacturing techniques, and promote a mindful approach to play.

The core of PlanToys' success lies in their innovative use of rubber trees, which are harvested once they no longer produce latex. Instead of letting the wood go to waste, they take the leftover materials, including sawdust and wood chips, and transform them into a unique product known as “PlanWood.” This material is created through an advanced thermal process, ensuring that it is both sturdy and safe for children. In addition, PlanToys employs a chemical-free kiln-drying technique to finish their products. This process not only enhances the durability of the toys but also prioritizes the health and safety of young playtime experts. As a result, parents can feel confident that these toys are built to last for years, providing endless opportunities for imaginative play.


9. Eco-Bricks

Brand: Once Kids

Price: $20 - 120

Ages: 4+

How amazing are these eco-friendly, plastic-free alternatives to Legos? Eco-Bricks™ are designed for kids who have a passion for building, exploring, and unleashing their creativity. Each brick is meticulously crafted from FSC-certified sustainable wood, ensuring that this product is not only fun but also a responsible and eco-conscious alternative to conventional plastic toys that often end up in landfills. And don’t worry about getting rid of your Legos - these ones are compatible and can make a great addition to your kid’s collection.

Unlike conventional plastic building bricks, which can take hundreds of years to decompose, these Eco-Bricks™ are fully biodegradable. They break down naturally over time, leaving no harmful residues behind. This eco-friendly feature not only protects the planet but also sets a positive example for children, teaching them the importance of caring for the Earth and our shared resources. Plus, kids can unleash their artistic flair with crayons, markers, paints, or other art materials to create one-of-a-kind masterpieces that reflect their unique personalities!


10. Sustainable Kids Clothing

Not every child is thrilled about receiving clothes as gifts for Christmas, but there are definitely some who appreciate it! For those young fashion enthusiasts, there are numerous fantastic sustainable clothing brands that offer unique and stylish options. This post highlights a variety of these brands.

If you’re looking for the perfect gifts for tween girls, we also have some wonderful selections specifically tailored to their tastes and preferences. From trendy outfits to cozy, sustainable fabrics, you'll find options that are both fashionable and kind to the environment.


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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.


check out our Other Holiday Guides This SEason:

 
Be Festive This Season with These 6 Organic Holiday Pajama Brands
 

Image: Printfresh

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only feature brands that align with our values and contribute to a better world. Thank you for supporting these brands - and us!

The Best Organic Holiday Pajamas For Christmas 2024

Get ready to wrap yourself in comfort and sustainability this holiday season with these exciting collections of organic holiday pajamas! As the chill in the air sets in, it’s the perfect time to elevate your cozy vibes with sleepwear that not only looks festive but also champions the environment.

Whether you're kicking back by the crackling fireplace, sipping steaming hot cocoa, or enjoying blissfully lazy mornings with your loved ones, these pajamas will keep you snug all season long.

We made sure to include organic matching pajamas for the entire family!

What are Organic Holiday Pajamas?

Organic holiday pajamas represent a unique category of sleepwear that is crafted from materials grown and processed without the use of harmful chemicals, pesticides, or synthetic fertilizers. These pajamas are predominantly made from organic cotton, a material renowned for its exceptional softness and comfort, making them an ideal choice for chilly nights spent cozied up at home or festive gatherings with family and friends.

The production of organic textiles follows stricter guidelines, ensuring that the process is environmentally responsible. This means that not only are consumers treated to high-quality sleepwear, but they can also feel good knowing their choice is contributing to a healthier planet. You can learn more about organic cotton in this post here.

One of the standout features of organic holiday pajamas is their breathability and softness. Unlike conventional pajamas that may contain irritating chemicals, organic options are more gentle on the skin, making them suitable for people with sensitivities or allergies.

Our Top Picks for Organic Holiday Pajamas:

1. Printfresh

Get ready to embrace the holiday spirit with Printfresh’s delightful holiday collection featuring matching Christmas pajamas in an array of your favorite festive prints and patterns. Plus, your beloved pet can join in on the festive fun with their coordinating cotton bandanas! 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 for women range from XS petite to 6X!


2. Pottery Barn

You might be surprised to learn that Pottery Barn offers a delightful selection of organic cotton pajamas, perfect for the holiday season! They have a range of festive pajama options that cater to the entire family, ensuring everyone can celebrate in comfort and style. However, it's important to pay close attention when browsing their collection, as some of the pajama styles are crafted from conventional cotton. So, if you're specifically looking for organic cotton options, make sure to check the labels carefully to find the ideal festive sleepwear for your loved ones!


3. Burt’s Bees

For those who are looking for affordable family matching pajamas made from organic cotton, Burt's Bees is a great brand to consider.

During the holiday season, Burt's Bees provides delightful matching pajama sets that celebrate both Christmas and Hanukkah. These festive pajamas are thoughtfully designed for every family member, from adults to children. They are perfect for capturing cherished memories in fun family photos! Plus, Burt's Bees goes the extra mile by offering matching outfits for the family dog or cat.


4. L’oved Baby

L'oved Baby's holiday pajamas are thoughtfully crafted from GOTS-certified 100% organic cotton, ensuring both comfort and sustainability. With a wide array of approximately a dozen cheerful and festive prints, there is bound to be a design that appeals to everyone's taste. For infants and toddlers, the cozy footie pajamas are not only designed for warmth and snugness but also come complete with an adorable matching hat to keep their heads toasty during chilly nights. These pajamas offer a perfect blend of style, warmth, and eco-friendliness for holiday celebrations.


5. MORI

*Modal

MORI is dedicated to crafting exceptionally soft baby clothing made from high-quality fabrics that prioritize the well-being of both babies and the environment. While the pajamas offered by MORI are not made from organic cotton, they utilize Modal fabric, renowned for its silk-like softness and breathability. This makes it an excellent alternative to traditional viscose pajamas, providing a gentle touch against a baby's sensitive skin. Plus, they ship all their products in recyclable kraft paper bags.


6. Hanna Andersson

*OEKO-TEX Cotton

Hanna Andersson is a popular brand that offers a wide range of clothing for babies and children. They use natural materials like OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 cotton in much of their clothing, which is designed to be durable and long-lasting, even after multiple washes. Many moms swear by this brand, as the clothing can be handed down from one child to another. In addition to their clothing collection, Hanna Andersson has a Pre-Loved section on their site, which is a wonderful way for them to participate in circular fashion.


Tips for Keeping Your Organic Holiday Pajamas Cozy and Fresh!

To keep your organic holiday pajamas feeling fabulous for years to come, a little TLC goes a long way.

First things first: always check those care labels! Organic materials are special, so treat them right by washing in cold water on a gentle cycle. This helps prevent shrinkage and keeps the fabric looking and feeling amazing.

When it comes to detergent, say goodbye to harsh chemicals and hello to eco-friendly options that care for both your pajamas and the planet! We have a post on non-toxic laundry detergents here.

Now, let’s talk drying — while it’s tempting to toss them in the dryer, air drying is the best choice that saves energy and gives your pajamas that gentle treatment they deserve. If you do use the dryer, opt for a low heat setting to protect those fibers. And skip the fabric softeners; instead, try dryer balls for a naturally soft finish that cuts down on drying time!

Finally, let’s make sure your Christmas PJs stay in tip-top shape! Store them in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight to dodge fading. In a tight space? Fold them neatly or use stylish garment bags made from breathable materials to keep them looking sharp and wrinkle-free.

Click here for a full run down on how to properly care for your organic cotton clothing!


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WANT TO FIND MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS?

The Brand Directory features hundreds of sustainable brands approved by us!

We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.


RELATED READING YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:

 
9 Places to Buy Sustainable Gift Wrap for the Holidays (2024)
 

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated, so we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only add brands & products we truly believe in. Thanks for supporting the brands who are working to make the world a better place!

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.


2. 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.


3. 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.

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4. 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.


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!


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.


7. 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?


8. 100% Recycled Craft Paper

If you are seeking to add a personal touch to your wrapping paper, consider using Kraft paper as it provides a great opportunity for customization. Plus, involving kids in the decorating process can make it a fun and engaging activity.

Triplast's Brown ECO Kraft Paper is an eco-friendly option that can be used for gift wrapping, arts and crafts, and packaging.

This Kraft paper is made from 100% recycled material, making it fully recyclable and biodegradable, thus minimizing its impact on the environment! The paper is flexible and can conform to any shape or size, with clean and crisp fold lines that prevent tearing or fraying.


9. Printed Kraft Wrapping Paper

Here's another fantastic option for kraft wrapping paper that is already fully printed.

Although kraft paper may not be the most sustainable choice for gift wrap, it is completely recyclable unlike traditional wrapping paper, which is a big plus.

Plus, we appreciate the rustic and classic look it adds to gifts.

This wrapping paper set comes with 6 different prints and 10 feet per roll!


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.


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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15 Best Etsy Shops for Sustainable Art, Jewelry, Gifts, and More
 

Etsy Shops Selling Sustainable Goods

Etsy has become one of the best places on the web to source handmade, local, and now sustainable goods. From shampoo bars and waste-free kits to upcycled art and apparel, Etsy provides an eco-friendly alternative to Amazon and other ecommerce giants that create more waste and cause more harm.

These days, Etsy also makes it easy for shoppers to identify and understand the different sustainability aspects of the stores they’re shopping from. Sustainability attributes are a newer, optional listing component that sellers can add to their listings. Shoppers can then search for these traits, such as “recycled” and “reusable” for example, and find products that match what they’re looking for.

Additionally, Etsy has committed to their own sustainability practices, becoming the first large ecommerce site to offset the entirety of their carbon emissions. They’ve also become partners with EcoEnclose, a company that makes it easier for sellers in the USA to use affordable, eco-friendly shipping options. That way, becoming a more sustainable seller on Etsy doesn’t cut into small business profits, and buyers can be part of the shift towards more environmentally friendly practices.

If you’re ready to support smaller businesses and make your lifestyle more sustainable in the process, get started with these 15 Etsy shops.

Our Top Picks for Sustainable Etsy Shops:

1. Me Mother Earth

Me Mother Earth is a Las Vegas-based sustainable living company that donates a portion of its proceeds back to ocean conservation.

They sell a variety of cleaning items, such as wooden and coconut scrub brushes, quick-dry diatomite soap dishes, foaming soap dispensers, dishwashing soap bars, and more.

They also have personal hygiene products like eco dental floss and bamboo toothbrushes for a more sustainable oral care routine.

Plus, you can find a homemade, nontoxic laundry stain remover stick along with other unique home essentials.


2. Hive and Honey Farm

Hive and Honey Farm is based in Minnesota, and they make full use of their honey farm’s byproducts by making beeswax candles, lip balms, and natural wood butter, which is designed to help you clean and polish wood surfaces. This Etsy seller’s main product is a range of beeswax food wraps for keeping food fresh without the plastic.

Their bees wrap comes in a range of sizes, with starter variety packs, food storage bags, and wraps for topping glass jars and bowls. 


3. Bunzow Glass

This Idaho-based Etsy shop was started by two former bartenders who wanted to repurpose some of the glass waste generated by the service industry. Now, they make upcycled drinkware, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and eco decor made from liquor and beer bottles.

All of the glassware they source is cut, shaped, and polished by hand. Since their company was started in 2016, they’ve diverted 10,000 bottles from their local landfill and helped buyers make more sustainable jewelry and lifestyle choices.


4. Happy Earth Boutique

This sustainable, natural, and non-toxic boutique sells pillow sprays, potpourri, yoga mat spray, shower mats, and bath salts.

All of these scented items are made using only essential oils, with no harsh chemicals.

One of their most innovative products are their toilet fizzies, which use baking soda, citric acid, and essential oil to create a fizz when they come into contact with water, gently cleaning the toilet without using harsh ingredients.


5. Manic Earth

Find reusable paper towels made from 100% cotton flannel in this Etsy shop based in Charleston, South Carolina.

You can buy a six-pack or a twelve-pack in a wide variety of playful designs and colors, from rainbow smiley faces and pickles to monstera leaves and sushi. These towels are absorbent and easy to wash and reuse, making them the perfect alternative to single-use paper towels that add waste to the environment—not to mention the cost savings in a product that can be used 10,000 times.


6. Purple Turtle Co

If you’re looking for a place to buy eco-friendly gifts, Purple Turtle Co has you covered. Their Etsy store sells a range of gift sets that can help someone kickstart a more sustainable lifestyle. Their health and beauty gift set contains a bamboo toothbrush and comb, a wooden soap dish, a makeup remover pad, and other essentials. They also have plant propagation kits and grow-your-own herb boxes, in addition to candle making kits. These DIY boxes stand out because they offer instruction guides on how to get started with a new hobby and incorporate it into your daily life for lasting, mindful habit


7. Linen by MN

Linen by MN is a handmade linen apparel company that can help you on your journey toward ditching fast fashion. This shop is committed to sustainability by using ethical production, fair trade practices, and eco-conscious sourcing. This shop also relies on locally-sourced, environmentally-friendly packaging for all their shipments. Find linen dresses, pants, tops, aprons, and more apparel, with most of their items being tailored and handmade according to your specific measurements. Choose your color, send your sizes, and wait for the perfect-fitting linen piece to arrive at your door.


8. Naturel USA

Shop owner Melissa started Naturel USA to combat the plastic shampoo and conditioner bottles filling up landfills worldwide. This Illinois-based shop has a wide range of zero-waste shampoo bars for all kinds of needs and concerns, including dry scalp shampoo, curly or dry hair shampoo, and purple toning shampoo for highlighted hair. She also has dry shampoo, starter kits, saver trays and bags that protect the bars, along with scrub-infused soaps that are vegan, handmade and cruelty-free.


9. Fripp Designs

This Etsy shop sells unique, hand-crafted art in the form of t-shirts, mugs, prints, and more.

Since each of their items are small batch and handmade at home, they make a great alternative to art and clothing you can buy at a major retailer.

This Georgia-based shop makes art in a blend of music, sports, aviation, and automotive themes, making it the perfect place to find gifts for car hobbyists, pilots, musicians, and so much more. 


10. Wild Harvest Studio

This shop makes organic cotton and hemp loungewear items like tank tops, yoga pants, jumpers, and beyond.

All of Wild Harvest Studio’s clothing is handmade, small batch, and one of a kind.

These pieces are also hand dyed with nontoxic plant dyes and printed with botanical and nature-inspired patterns. Since these pieces are custom made to order, the shop owner helps reduce textile waste. Plus, the natural fibers used in all her clothes are designed to last, helping extend their life cycle and fight back against fast fashion.


11. SimpleEcology

SimpleEcology is a sustainable lifestyle brand that helps people make easy, eco-friendly swaps.

They have a wide array of organic cotton totes, lunch bags, gift bags, aprons, and grocery bags.

Additionally, this family-run business sells reusable nut milk bags for creating your own almond milk, straining your own cheese and yogurt, or making loose leaf tea. Creating these products on your own helps reduce your consumption of single-use plastic and also saves money and resources.


12. ArtistRitasStudio

ArtistRitasStudio is a one woman artist shop that creates hand painted, customized pet portraits on salvaged wood boards.

Simply select your desired dimensions, make your purchase, and send in a photo of your pet with any additional specifications.

Florida-based Artist Rita also creates one-of-a-kind paintings of tropical wildlife, sunsets, and other nature scenes on palette wood, providing a sustainable alternative to the plastic-filled, easy discardable art that’s often found in big box stores.


13. Honeywild Apothecary

This natural skincare brand creates conscious, sustainable products that support people and the earth. Owners Laura and Kate have a five-acre property where they grow their own flowers and herbs and forage wild resources for their products. They also use honey and beeswax harvested on their own land in partnership with a local beekeeper. Their products include mineral sunscreen, everything balm, organic lip balm, botanical bath salts, and cold process soap—all of which are made in small batches to maintain a high level of quality. Everything they make is also free from sulfates, parabens, artificial fragrances, aluminum, and synthetic preservatives.


14. Ocean Plastics

This brand takes one of our environment’s greatest threats—microplastics in the ocean—and turns it into beautiful jewelry and accessories. In addition to cleaning up their local Florida beaches, these Etsy shop owners are also bringing awareness to the issue of microplastics by showing just how prevalent they are. The plastic debris are set in eco resin and shipped with plastic-free packaging and seed paper that you can plant to watch wild flowers grow. Lastly, a dollar of every sale is given to the Surfrider Foundation, which helps clean up and protect oceans and beaches.


15. Cork Culture USA

Cork Culture USA is an Etsy shop that makes wallets, purses, jewelry, bags, and accessories out of cork. As a biodegradable and recyclable material, cork comes from cork trees, whose forests sequester carbon and bolster biodiversity.

These cork goods are also a great alternative to leather, which is often tied to the environmentally degrading cattle industry, or faux leathers made from plastics. Cork Culture’s bags have a variety of colorful and interesting designs, from flowers and geometric shapes to plants and art.


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.


MAKE SURE TO PIN THE PHOTO BELOW TO SAVE THIS POST FOR LATER!


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.


RELATED READING YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: