2024 Holiday Gift Guide for the Eco-Conscious Consumer

I’m not sure how, but the gift-giving season is back upon us. I love this time of year to show people just how great eco-conscious gifts can be! These are my top picks for holistic, eco-friendly, and non-toxic gifts that I’ve curated through research and personal recommendations. Whether you’re looking for family members, your partner, friends, or even yourself, this list has something for everyone.

This post contains affiliate links.

The Best Gift Cards to Give for Christmas

Gift cards are great for when you have no clue what to get for someone, but have an idea of where they like to shop. This is always a better option than getting someone a gift you’re unsure of. With a gift card, there’s a higher chance they will get something they like, and they won’t have to return something you bought for them that didn’t work out!

I feel like it goes without saying that the best gift cards you can give are places where the person you’re shopping for likes to shop. Obviously not everyone is into the whole eco-conscious and non-toxic living thing, but there are options you have as a gift giver to give a gift you feel good about, while also exposing your recipient to something new. For example, instead of giving a beauty guru friend a gift card to Sephora, you could give one for a clean beauty store like Credo. Or instead of Amazon, gift an EarthHero or Healthillie card. Below is a list of small businesses and stores that offer gift cards.

Eco-Conscious Marketplaces That Offer Gift Cards

Experiences to Gift This Season

  • tickets to a movie, concert, or show – this is so versatile and can be tailored to someone’s interests.
  • sporting event tickets – great for sports lovers and dads.
  • skydiving or zip-lining – for the adventurous ones.
  • cooking class – great to do with a partner!
  • art class – pottery, painting, etc., for the crafty one.
  • art museum pass – perfect for the artsy friend.
  • candle-making class – a nice date night or GNO (if you’re local, Glassnote Candle Bar is great for this!)
  • spa day – for the luxurious one. great gift for mom!
  • national park pass – for the adventure and nature lover (these are also very affordable).
  • wine tasting – (if you’re near the Milwaukee area, check out Nonfiction Wine!)
  • children’s play date – (if you’re near the Milwaukee area, check out Little Village Play Cafe!)
  • weekend getaway – great for couples.
  • master class subscription – for those who want to learn a new skill.

Milwaukeeans! Looking for local businesses to support this season?

Check out this blog post!

small businesses to support in milwaukee

The Best Handmade Gifts

Handmade gifts don’t have to be this intense DIY project that takes you hours, but if you’re a crafty person, putting the time and love into making something is a great way to use your skills and create a meaningful gift! A lot of times going this route can save you money and waste.

  • candles
  • knitted scarves or hats: a great way to make a personalized gift!
  • paintings or drawings
  • homemade vanilla extract
  • homemade infused liquor kit
  • dessert in a jar: layer your dry ingredients and write instructions on a jar to make your fave cookies!
  • body scrub
  • recipe book: gather your favorite cozy recipes. could be handwritten or printed!
  • to-go utensils kit
  • embroidered clothing: a great way to personalize something.
  • hot chocolate mix: pair this with thrifted mugs for the sweetest gift.
  • candied nuts: if you’re not the best at baking, this is an easier option to gift a tasty treat.
homemade candles for holiday gifts

Thrifty and Secondhand Gifts

I know not everyone appreciates a good thrift like I do, but finding a great gift secondhand can be just as good or even better than buying something new. This is always a fun way to shop for gifts because you could end up finding something even better than what you had in mind. I posted a reel about this on my Instagram, but here’s a recap of things I covered that make great secondhand gifts:

  • cookie jars: make your fave cookie recipe and gift it with the jar!
  • vintage cocktail and wine glasses: you can even make a cute cocktail kit.
  • thrift glass jars and fill them with homemade candles or body scrub (this is what I’m doing this year!)
  • picture frames: be sure to insert a photo of you and the recipient or a cute drawing.
  • books: this will save you so much money.
  • casserole dishes: when you bring a dish to pass for the holidays, you can let the host keep the dish!
  • jewelry and trinket dishes: pair this with a piece of jewelry.

And here’s the reel if you’d like to see the actual inspiration. I guarantee your local thrift store has all of these items.


Sustainable and Non-Toxic Gifts for Men

Many of my gift recommendations can be for anyone! but I thought it would be helpful to have a small section specifically for guys. If you’re someone who has a granola boyfriend like me or wants to expose the men in your life to a little eco-conscious living, these are some great options.

  • Little Seed Farm Bourbon Beard Oil: This organic beard oil is great for taming your scruff.
    • Use code SUSTAINABLEKAY for a discount!
  • Leaf Shave Leaf Razor: The gift of a plastic-free and luxuriously close shave.
  • Canvas Toiletry Bag: Made with heavy-duty organic cotton. What guy doesn’t need one of these?
    • Use code SUSTAINABLEKAY for a discount!
  • HiBar Zero Waste Deodorant: This deodorant is more unisex and works great. Good ingredients and plastic free.
    • Use code SUSTAINABLEKAY for a discount!
  • Hydroflask Water Bottle: If your man is still drinking out of plastic bottles, do him a favor.
    • Use code SUSTAINABLEKAY for a discount!
  • Vivobarefoot Tracker Boot: Vivo makes “minimalist” shoes that are actually good for the health of your feet. They also use recycled materials and have a take-back program! A great gift to spoil your man.
  • United by Blue Convertible Backpack: This backpack is so universal. I have it in black! It truly is a “Mary Poppins” bag that has never-ending storage without being too bulky.
    • Use code SUSTAINABLEKAY for a discount!
  • Ridge Wallet: This wallet is built to literally last a lifetime. I got one of these for my boyfriend a few years ago and it still looks brand new!
  • Thrive Market Snack Box: Is your man a foodie? Build him a snack box! Great gift for boyfriends, dads, or anyone really. Or even better, get them a Thrive Market subscription for never-ending snacks.
    • Discounts applied with link! (Free gift and 30% off your first order)

Gifts for Everyone: My Eco-Conscious Favorites

Obviously, thrifted gifts and handmade things are fun, but I get that they’re not for everyone. Here’s a list of great gift options organized by dollar amount. As always, I so appreciate it if you use my referral links! (:

For those wanting to shop my recommendations in more of a “store format”, I have a list on my Amazon storefront with many of these products mentioned here.
Want a broader list of all of my favorite brands? Check out my links and discount codes page!

Gifts for $20 or Less

gifts for 20 dollars or less
  • House of Marley Headphones: These headphones are made with recycled materials. This brand offers wired and wireless options, but the wired ones are only $15! I have them and they work great.
  • Bee’s Knees Natural Lip Balm: Made with beeswax and comes in a cardboard tube.
    • Use code SUSTAINABLEKAY for a discount!
  • Kooshoo Hair Accessories: This brand makes the best hair ties and scrunchies. Plastic-free, made with organic cotton, and super durable.
    • Use code SUSTAINABLEKAY for a discount!
  • Cocokind Ceramide Serum: This skin care product is great for winter and works well for all skin types.
    • Use code SUSTAINABLEKAY for a discount!
  • Brew It Like Becca Coffee E-Book: The perfect gift for coffee lovers. Lots of great recipes and tips on how to make amazing coffee!
  • Ellekin Eco Claw Clip: Made with cellulose acetate, which is a plant-based bioplastic! A cute eco
    hair accessory.
    • Use code SUSTAINABLEKAY for a discount!
  • Summer Solace Lucid Dreams Balm: This temple balm is made with regenerative tallow. Perfect for a good night’s sleep. Pair it with this sleep mask for a gift set!
    • Use code SUSTAINABLEKAY for a discount!
  • Yummy Colors Childrens Book: This book is adorable and is a great way for kids to learn more about the health benefits of food.
    • Use code SUSTAINABLEKAY for a discount!
  • Paw Soother Dog Healing Balm: Pets need gifts too right?! This paw balm is great to have for winter.
    • Use code SUSTAINABLEKAY for a discount!
  • Link Felt Dog Toy: Your dog deserves good quality non-toxic toys. Made with natural felt.
    • Use code SUSTAINABLEKAY for a discount!
  • Stasher Bags: These silicone bags are a great way to eliminate plastic and take things on the go.
    • Use code SUSTAINABLEKAY for a discount!
  • Plaine Products Travel Set: This is perfect for someone to give Plaine a try or for someone who travels.
    • Use code SUSTAINABLEKAY for a discount!
  • Bamboo Toothbrush: Simple, but a great useful stocking stuffer.
    • Use code SUSTAINABLEKAY for a discount!

Gifts for $20 -$50

gifts for $25-$50

Gifts for $50-$150

gifts for $50-$150
  • Wonderstate Coffee Gift Subscription: Another great gift for coffee lovers. These beans are high-quality and produced in a 100% solar-powered facility in Wisconsin!
  • Plaine Products Day at The Spa Bundle: The best liquid refillable hair and body care on the market. You get shampoo, conditioner, hair repair, and beauty oil all in one bundle. Great ingredients too!
    • Use code SUSTAINABLEKAY for a discount!
  • Outlines Shower Liner System: This might not sound like a glamorous gift, but it is incredibly useful! This shower liner has two parts; “the keep” and “the replen”. The replen is a detachable 100% certified non-toxic PEVA piece that you send back to the company to be recycled at the end of its life. It’s very cool if you ask me. 🤓
    • Use code SUSTAINABLEKAY for a discount!
  • Bearaby Tree Dreamer Sleep Mask: This is a product that’s on my wish list. It’s a weighted sleep mask made with eco-friendly cooling Tencel fabric. It helps block out noise, light, and give extra comfort.
  • Olivewood Utensils Set: This beautiful utensils set is a great way to elevate a kitchen.
    • Use code SUSTAINABLEKAY for a discount!
  • Sweet Bee Organics Best Sellers Bundle: This is such a nice relaxing gift set (and I might buy it for myself lol). Made with high-quality ingredients by a wonderful company.
    • Use code SUSTAINABLEKAY for a discount!
  • Pela Phone Case: Ever heard of a compostable phone case? Now you have. Pela has options for every phone model in tons of colors and designs.
    • Use code SUSTAINABLEKAY for a discount!
  • Leaf Shave Leaf Razor: This is my favorite zero-waste razor of all time.
  • Staycation Sleep Set: This PJ set is made with organic fair trade cotton.
    • Use code SUSTAINABLEKAY for a discount!
  • Who Gives a Crap Subscription: Give the heartwarming gift of never-ending toilet paper. Just kidding lol, but not really. Who doesn’t need toilet paper, and why not get some that’s dye-free and tree-free? The premium bamboo tp is the best.
    • Use code SUSTAINABLEKAY for a discount!
  • Ettitude Waffle Towel Set: The softest and most durable waffle towels I’ve owned. Such a nice set to give as a gift.
    • Use code SUSTAINABLEKAY for a discount!
  • Ana Luisa Eden Earrings: This jewelry company is one of my favorites. They use recycled metals and everything is built to last.
  • Pact Cable Knit Crew Sweater: Pact makes such high-quality clothing. This sweater is on my wishlist!
    • Use code SUSTAINABLEKAY for a discount!
  • Solar Fairy Lights: We use these lights for camping and love them! They’re retractable for easy storage and are solar rechargable.
  • Prismo Blanket: This throw blanket is so cute. Fair trade and made with organic cotton.
    • Use code SUSTAINABLEKAY for a discount!

Gifts for $150 or More

gifts for $150 or more
  • Lumebox Red Light Therapy: This is one of the best at-home red light therapy units out there. It’s also a smaller option that can be taken on the go. How convenient!
    • Use code SUSTAINABLEKAY for a discount!
  • Air Doctor Home Air Purifier: Give the gift of clean filtered air. We have the 1000 and 3000 and love them.
    • Discounts are applied with link!
  • Lomi At-Home Composter: From the creators of Pela compostable phone cases, meet Lomi. This is not just a countertop compost bucket, it’s an actual machine that turns food scraps into compost!
    • Use code SUSTAINABLEKAY for a discount!
  • AquaTru Water Filtration System: This water filter makes a great gift for a new homeowner. Removes forever chemicals, microplastics, chlorine, and more from water.
    • Discounts are applied with link!
  • Almond Cow Plant Milk Maker: We got one of these as a gift a few years ago! Makes all different kinds of nut milk.
  • Herbal Yoga Mat: Beautiful yoga mat made with 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and natural rubber. Carrying bag included!
    • Use code SUSTAINABLEKAY for a discount!
  • 360 Cookware 3.5 Quart Sauté Pan: This is my go-to pan I use for everythinggg. It’s made with stainless steel and no harmful chemicals, and has handles! Love that this company is local to me.
    • Use code SUSTAINABLEKAY for a discount!
  • Xtrema Signature Saute Pan Set: I love that these pans are non-toxic and have a 10-year warranty! This gift set is great for just about anyone.
    • Use code SUSTAINABLEKAY for a discount!
  • Minimal Stone Dinnerware Set: Everything on Made Trade is just gorgeous. This is a complete dinnerware set handcrafted in Missouri.
    • Use code SUSTAINABLEKAY for a discount!

How to Sustainably Wrap Your Gifts

Are you wondering about the best way to wrap your gifts that doesn’t include a bunch of waste? I got you! Head over to this blog post for tips on how to wrap your gifts:

how to master eco-friendly gift wrapping

I hope this post gave you all the inspiration for conscious gifts. It can be easy to buy inexpensive stocking stuffers and cheap little gifts from the big box stores, but these gifts are way more meaningful and can be way better in terms of quality. This time of year is a great time to introduce your loved ones to new brands and products that are better for them and the planet.

What would you add to this list? Always remember that if you don’t know what exactly to get someone, you can always get a gift card! In my experience, it’s one of the best ways to reduce waste around the holidays. Stay tuned for more holiday and winter content (:

blog signature "Kayla"

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.