The holidays are soon here, and with that comes Christmas shopping, gift wrapping, a lot of stress, and often a lot of excess waste.
With the planet in mind, here are some sustainable, recycled, and eco-friendly gifts and inspiration that anybody can appreciate and enjoy. Click through for fun, easy-to-find, and useful gifts that also help the environment!
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Paraffin-free candles
Candles are sometimes made from toxic materials or contain some level of chemicals that give them scent.
Soy candles are paraffin-free, biodegradable, non-toxic, and usually blended with non-allergenic essential oils for fragrance. A great eco-conscious alternative!
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Organic cotton linen
100% cotton linen is a dream to sleep in, as well as a lovely ethical and eco-friendly gift to give. They can be a bit pricey, but can last a lifetime.
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Handmade colorful rug
If your friend or family member is a sucker for all things home decor, a colorful rug is a great option.
Handmade rugs can be made from all types of recycled materials and fabrics, and are each as unique as the next.
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Artisan purses with a story
There are countless organizations and charities that aim to make the world a better place.
In exchange for money, many sell artisan goods such as bags, scarves, and jewelry, that all give back to a specific cause.
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Handmade bowl
Handmade bowls are not only beautifully handcrafted and unique, but also very purposeful.
You can put anything in them, making them a great and gorgeous eco-conscious gift!
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Coconut wood spoons
Coconut wood spoons are a great gift for friends who love to entertain and cook up a storm.
These rustic-looking eco-friendly spoons are made from coconut shells and make a great addition to any kitchen.
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Handwoven grass baskets
Handmade from natural materials, handwoven baskets and bowls are a lovely way to add an ethnic touch or pop-of-color to any home or room.
In many cases, these artisan goods have been made in developing countries to which proceeds are often sent back to. It’s a gift that gives back!
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Cork yoga mat
These yoga mats are also biodegradable and sustainable.
Cork is a buoyant material that gives an elastic-like feel, which makes it great to exercise on and light to carry.
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Biodegradable yoga mat
These mats are free from ozone diminishing materials and made without any latex. If your yogi friends are super eco-conscious, a biodegradable mat is the way to go!
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Reusable water bottle
Billions of water bottles end up in landfills each year. To save the world from any more unnecessary plastic waste, treat your loved ones to reusable and eco-friendly water bottles.
Nowadays you can find reusable bottles easily, so there’s no excuse not to buy them and help save the planet. Every little bit helps!
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Reusable coffee cup
There are metallic ones that keep your coffee warm longer, collapsible ones that fit in any bag, fun and colorful ones—you name it.
Help your relatives and friends save the planet from wasting any more plastic and get them a thermal mug for the road.
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Recycled chopping board
And by recycled we mean made from cut-off wood pieces that otherwise would have gone to waste.
Every kitchen needs a cutting board or two, so why not gift a gorgeous and eco-friendly one?
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Recycled plastic swimwear
Batoko is an ethical fashion company that makes all their swimwear from recycled plastic. Also, they ship worldwide!
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Ethical clothing
Buying 100% organic and ethical clothing helps the planet, as well as the designers and makers behind the garments.
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Handmade jewelry
Handcrafted and fair trade jewelry is not only unique, but also environmentally friendly.
Treat your loved ones to natural and one-of-a-kind pieces that speak to their personality and support local communities.
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Cotton tote bag
Plastic bags are a thing of the past (or they should be). This Christmas, gift reusable and washable tote bags and help reduce plastic waste.
There are endless colors and styles to choose from, just make sure they are 100% cotton.
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Jute bag
In comparison to tote bags, jute bags are perhaps a more durable option.
Jute bags are often bigger in size, which is also very handy (especially when grocery shopping).
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Packing cubes
To further reduce plastic waste, fabric packing cubes are a great way to maximize space in luggage and help separate clothes, shoes, and accessories.
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Eco diaper bag
Most parents rely on their diaper bags to carry the essentials for any outing with their small children.
If you know any new parents who could really do with a new bag, get them a lasting and eco-friendly diaper bag.
It’s a win-win situation for the parent and the planet!
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Beeswax wrap
This is a very handy and practical gift that allows you to wrap and seal anything from Tupperware to a sliced lemon.
Beeswax wraps are made from sustainable beeswax (obviously), organic cotton, tree resin, and jojoba oil. And as an added bonus, it’s 100% biodegradable.
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Organic cosmetics
Think how good organic soaps, face creams, moisturizers, shampoos, and body scrubs are for the skin, and how much your loved ones would enjoy them!
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Shea butter
Many organic cosmetics have shea butter in them, but there’s nothing quite like 100% shea butter.
It is made from shea trees and is high in vitamins and fatty acids that are great for softening and moisturizing the skin. In some parts of Africa, people use it for cooking.
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Lush products
A place where you can buy organic and natural cosmetics (on a budget) is Lush. The store sells handmade cosmetics and has branches around the world.
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Lush bath bomb
One of the store’s most popular products is its bath bombs.
Packed with essential oils, these bath bombs not only moisturize skin but turn into beautiful colors and fun bubbles when dropped into water.
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Organic makeup brushes
For your makeup-loving friends, buying them organic makeup brushes is a fabulous way to support their passion and do so consciously.
In some stores it is possible to find makeup brushes made from recycled aluminium, bamboo, or even synthetic bristles. According to Travel for Difference, that is.
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House plants
It does not get any greener than house plants. Not only do they help us breathe, but they adorn any space with a pop of color and they breathe life into any room!
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Long-living house plants
Cacti are a perfect gift for all green thumbs and plant lovers.
It’s an easy plant to take care of and has a long life span, an ideal gift for friends you wish stay in your life forever.
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Degradable phone cover
Almost everybody owns a phone, and although the devices are hard to make eco-friendly, there are ways to protect them with the planet in mind.
Biodegradable and plant-based phone covers are now a thing, and make for a fantastically sustainable and useful gift.
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E-readers
This one is for your tech- and book-loving friends and family.
E-books and e-readers are not only ideal for saving trees, but are light and handy to carry around too.
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Eco-friendly wrapping paper
Once you have all your gifts bought, it’s time to wrap them up!
Continue with your eco-friendly and green theme and wrap your presents in recycled paper and natural materials.
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Homemade goodies
If you are a natural baker (or not), making delicious goodies to give to your friends and family is a great homemade gift to give for Christmas.
Not only does it remove the stress from finding a gift, but its a delicious way to feed your loved ones!
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Vacation at an eco lodge
If you’re more into gifting experiences, what about a weekend escape to an eco-friendly lodge or vacation home?
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Bike rental subscription
Many cities around the world have bicycle rentals that allow you to pick up, use, and park a bike all with the simple use of an app.
If you want to help reduce pollution, get your friends and family on the green road, and get them a membership for grab-and-go bicycles.
See also: Easy eco-friendly gift wrap alternatives.
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