31 Eco-Friendly Gifts That Give Back (2024)
Find the perfect eco friendly gifts with this list of sustainable gift ideas that reduce waste and give back to the environment.
As outdoor enthusiasts, it’s our job to do what we can to reduce our impact on the planet, and even better, to help others do so as well. This list of eco friendly gifts features sustainable products that can help you and your loved ones reduce waste while supporting brands and organizations that are working to make the world a better place.
You vote with your dollars and every purchase you make is a statement of the kind of world you want to live in. So whether you’re looking to reduce waste in your life this holiday season or help a loved one become more eco-conscious, this eco friendly gift guide will give you plenty of ideas.
Here are 31 eco friendly gifts that give back, cut back on waste, and will help you and your loved ones be more environmentally friendly this holiday season.
Eco Friendly Gifts That Reduce Waste
Our favorite environmentally friendly gifts that reduce single-use plastics and other waste.
1. Stasher Bags
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The Bearfoot Theory team and I are all about items that reduce trash and dependence on single-use items, and Stasher Bags are a favorite for saying no to zip lock bag waste. They’re made of silicone, easy to clean, and a convenient way to pack your lunch or store leftovers. You can even bake or boil in them, which is great when you don’t have a microwave (hi you van lifers) and some of Stasher’s silicone bags stand up by themselves so there’s no risk of spilling dinner.
Stasher Bag is a certified B Corp and member of 1% For The Planet, meaning a portion of their annual sales goes towards supporting environmental non-profits. Plus, we love their Instagram for eco-minded and plastic-free inspiration.
2. Hydro Flask Water Bottle
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With all the great options for reusable water bottles nowadays, there’s really no need (or excuse) to buy plastic single-use ones. The Hydro Flask wide mouth bottle with a straw lid in the 32 oz size is one of my personal favorites. It’s a good size for all-day hydration, keeps your drinks hot or cold, has a straw for easier drinking, and it’s easy to clean and carry. If you’re looking for something smaller or a bottle without a straw, Hydro Flask has lots of different styles.
We also love Hydro Flask because they support non-profit organizations focused on building, maintaining, restoring, and providing better access to parks.
3. YETI Rambler Tumbler
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The YETI Rambler Tumbler will keep your coffee or tea hot (or cold) for hours and is perfect for drinks on the go. It’s spill-resistant, fits nicely in your cup holder if you’re on the road, and the lid comes apart for easy cleaning. Fill it up at home or at your local coffee shop instead of using a disposable to-go cup which often isn’t recyclable.
4. To-Go Ware Bamboo Utensil Set
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Single-use plastic utensils are a big source of unnecessary waste. To help cut back on the number of plastic forks, spoons, and knives that make their way to landfills, keep a reusable utensil set in your car or bag.
This set is made from sustainable bamboo and the bag is made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles, so you can use them again and again. They’re also a great choice for camping and backpacking trips!
5. GRAYL Purifying Water Bottle
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Say goodbye to single-use plastic water bottles, no matter where in the world (or backcountry) you are. GRAYL water bottles purify water from sketchy spigots, hotel sinks, rivers, lakes, and more to make clean, safe drinking water wherever you are – in only 8 seconds! I took this water bottle to South America and didn’t have to buy a single plastic water bottle my entire trip. love the Grayl for its simplicity and speed – no filter attachments or extra items you need to carry – water gets filtered right in the bottle.
6. Bee’s Wax Food Wrap
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A natural alternative to plastic wrap for food storage, Bee’s Wrap lets you swap out single-use plastic bags and wrap. Bee’s Wrap is washable, reusable, and fully biodegradable. One of the greatest benefits of Bees Wrap is it’s naturally antibacterial, so it will help keep food fresh longer. Bee’s Wrap are handy in the kitchen and on road trips for an eco-friendly food storage option.
7. Kula Cloth Reusable Pee Cloth
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This Kula Cloth reusable pee cloth is an eco friendly gift that reduces toilet paper waste and encourages Leave No Trace practices. The outside is waterproof and the inner side is antimicrobial and absorbent. It’s perfect for hiking, backpacking, and camping, and you simply throw it in the wash when you get home.
I’m honestly obsessed with mine. I also love that Kula often supports organizations, artists, and individuals working to diversify outdoor spaces. Be sure to check out their Kula for a Cause patterns which donate 10-30% of the proceeds to various organizations as well.
Looking for other gift guides?
8. Earthly Co Notpaper Towels
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This has quickly become one of our favorite eco-friendly swaps – no more single-use paper towels necessary with these reusable notpaper towels.
These are reusable, washable, and ultra-absorbent made of 100% cotton that can simply be thrown in the wash after use. They naturally cling together so you can even roll them up around a paper towel holder for easy access.
9. Reusable Swedish Dishcloths
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Swedish dishcloths are a great alternative to kitchen sponges which are often made of plastics. These Swedish dishcloths made by FEBU (For Earth by Us) come in a variety of fun patterns perfect for gifting. They’re made out of cotton so they’re naturally biodegradable, they don’t scratch so they’re safe for all surfaces, and they’re quick drying. They can be reused again and again for everything from washing dishes to wiping down countertops. Simply thrown in the washing machine for a refresh.
10. Package Free Cotton Facial Rounds
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We love these reusable Organic Cotton Facial Rounds from the Package Free Shop that replace hundreds of single-use cotton pads and balls every year you use them! Each pack includes 10 reusable rounds made from 100% organic cotton that can be thrown in the washing machine. These are also a gentler alternative for your skin — win, win!
11. Reusable Tote Bag
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A small reusable bag is a handy eco friendly gift that will help your friends and loved ones reduce plastic and paper bag waste when grocery shopping and running errands. These reusable bags by Baggu fold up teeny tiny making them super easy to bring along anywhere you go, plus they come in lots of fun colors. Grab a 3-pack and cross multiple gifts off your list at once.
12. Simple Ecology Reusable Produce Bags
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In addition to bringing your own reusable grocery totes to the store, it’s also a great idea to bring these Simple Ecology Produce Bags to use in lieu of plastic produce bags. These muslin bags are great for loose fruits and veggies as well as any items you buy in bulk like rice, beans, oats, and other grains.
Produce bags also help keep your food fresher for longer while you’re traveling. If you’re looking for an eco friendly gift that reduces waste, these bags are a great option!
13. Compost Bin
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>> Read Next: 10 Easy Ways to Reduce Your Environmental Impact
Make composting a cinch with this eco friendly countertop compost bin. Food waste makes up over 23% of all waste, so composting is a big way we can each do our part to live more sustainably, plus it’s easy once you get it going! This carbon steel bin is odor-free, won’t rust, and is cute enough to leave right on the kitchen counter. Just empty it into your outdoor compost pile or tumbler every few days when it fills up.
Eco Friendly Gifts that Give Back
These eco friendly gifts give back in a variety of ways, so you’re not only purchasing a well-made product, but you’re also supporting a good cause.
14. ENO Giving Back Hammock
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Give the gift of relaxation this year with a hammock. ENO’s Giving Back DoubleNest hammock is light, compact, and big enough for two people. With every purchase of this hammock, ENO donates a portion of the proceeds to the corresponding organization.
15. Cotopaxi Bataan Fanny Pack
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The super lightweight and versatile Cotopaxi Bataan 3L Fanny Pack is an eco-friendly fanny pack. As part of Cotopaxi’s (Re)Purpose line, it re-uses leftover fabrics to keep them out of the landfill. I love this fanny pack for hiking, traveling, and everyday wear – it’s roomy enough for all of your everyday essentials.
Cotopaxi is a certified B Corp and they allocate 1% of their annual revenues to the Cotopaxi Foundation, which supports non-profit partners that work to alleviate poverty, provide education, and support refugees around the world. If you’re a fanny pack lover, get other fanny pack recommendations here.
16. BioLite AlpenGlow Lantern
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Handy for any camping trip, road trip, or even at home, BioLite’s AlpenGlow 250 Lantern is one of our favorite eco friendly gifts that give back. It’s made with a high efficiency, long-lasting LED and is rechargeable to help you avoid disposable batteries. It’s also water-resistant in case it rains and has a variety of lighting modes including dimmable warm white light, candle flicker, and colored lighting options.
Best of all, BioLite is working to bring clean, renewable energy access to communities in need while reducing CO2 emissions.
17. America the Beautiful Pass
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Give the gift of outdoor experiences instead of stuff this year. The America the Beautiful National Parks Pass provides access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites throughout the country. It’s good for a year from the month of purchase and covers admission for a driver and all passengers in a personal vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas or up to 4 adults at sites that charge per person.
As an added bonus, REI donates 10% of the sales of this pass to the National Parks Foundation which works to protect the parks we love.
18. MPOWERD Solar String Lights
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These MPOWERD solar string lights make a great eco friendly gift for the camping enthusiasts in your life. They can be strung up inside a tent, outside at camp to create a nice ambiance, and are perfect for camper vans as well. These high efficiency LED lights can be charged by the sun or via USB, plus you can use them to charge your phone and other small devices.
MPOWERD is a certified B-corp and works to provide clean energy to people around the world who need it most.
19. Gardyn Hydroponic Garden
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Gardyn Hydroponic Garden is an indoor vertical hydroponic growing system that allows you to grow dozens of organic greens, veggies, and herbs inside your house. Growing your own food is one of the most sustainable choices you can make, and this would make an amazing eco friendly gift.
I have a Gardyn myself and have been amazed at the results. Gardyn also donates their at-home grow kits to non-profits and other organizations that are working to make healthy food accessible to all.
*Get $125 off any Gardyn Home Kit with the code BEARFOOTTHEORY, which is automatically applied if you use our link to shop here*
20. TenTree Juniper Hoodie
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Made of organic cotton and recycled polyester, the TenTree Juniper Hoodie is an eco-friendly staple in our closet and makes the perfect holiday gift. They’re committed to ethically manufacturing all of their clothing and have incredibly transparent factory information on their website. Best of all? With each purchase, TenTree plants 10 trees, and so far they’ve planted over 80 million trees.
21. Sand Cloud Towels & Beach Blankets
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A perfect eco friendly gift for the outdoor-loving beach-goer, Sand Cloud makes lightweight, quick-drying, sand-repelling towels and blankets for action-packed days at the beach.
Sand Cloud designs all of their products and packaging with sustainability in mind and 10% of their profits go straight to marine conversation.
22. Make a Donation
Sometimes buying a gift for an eco-conscious person is hard, especially if they request no gifts. Instead of buying something physical, why not donate to an environmental organization in their name? This is a thoughtful choice that will have a lasting impact.
If you’re unsure where to find a great outdoor environmental group to donate to, check out our blog post on the top environmental groups to support.
Eco Friendly Gifts Made From Sustainable Materials
These eco friendly gifts are made from sustainable materials such as organic cotton, recycled polyester, and other fabrics that have less of an impact on the environment.
23. lululemon Yoga Mat
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The eco-conscious yogi in your life will love the lululemon 5mm Reversible Yoga Mat made with sustainably sourced, FSC-certified natural rubber. This mat provides plenty of cushion and has a grippy side designed to keep you stable even when sweating. It comes in a variety of colors and designs so you’ll be able to find the perfect look for your loved one.
24. Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket
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I’ve worn the Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket for years and it’s one of my favorite pieces of gear. Super warm, windproof, and water-resistant, this jacket is incredibly lightweight and highly compressible making it easy to stuff in your daypack or in your car.
Insulated with 100% eco post-consumer recycled polyester with P.U.R.E.™ (Produced Using Reduced Emissions) technology, this jacket is also Fair Trade Certified sewn — an all-around amazing jacket that is also super sustainable. You can find a hooded version of the Nano Puff here.
25. Coalatree Evolution Hoodie
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The Coalatree Evolution Hoodie is made from recycled plastic bottles and coffee grounds and is ultra soft – it’s hands down the most comfortable sweatshirt we’ve ever worn. Note that Coalatree uses unisex sizing on some of their clothes, including this sweatshirt, so size down if you want a snug fit.
Coalatree is one of our favorite eco-friendly outdoor apparel brands. They use recycled materials and have factory standards that utilize sustainable energy and water-saving technologies as well as non-toxic production methods.
26. REI Co-op Big Haul 40 Recycled Duffel
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The REI Co-op Big Haul 40 Recycled Duffel is made responsibly with rugged recycled ripstop nylon for incredible durability for all of your adventures. With removable duffel handles, stowaway backpack straps, and side/end handles, it’s a very versatile piece of gear. It’s also one of REI’s best sellers and is a carry-on-friendly size with lots of handy interior and exterior organization pockets.
27. Coalatree Puffy Kachula Adventure Blanket
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Whether you want to cozy up around the fire or gaze up at the stars, the Coalatree Puffy Kachula Adventure Blanket is a warm and snuggle-soft addition to your life. Water, spill, and dog-hair resistant, this is a great eco-friendly blanket option that packs up super small (it can double as a pillow in a pinch). It comes with a hood, so this can be a super cozy poncho too! It’s made from recycled materials including bluesign® ripstop nylon.
28. Pela Compostable Phone Case
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Ditch your plastic phone case and upgrade to a Pela case, made from flax shive and a plant-based biopolymer. These phone cases are 100% compostable and come in a ton of fun prints, patterns, and solids for most phone brands. These phone cases are durable, protective, and an easy way to make a sustainable swap.
We also love that Pela is a certified carbon-neutral company and donates a share of profits to various organizations fighting climate change and other environmental causes.
29. Toad&Co Pajama Bottoms
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Pajamas are the perfect cozy gift, and why not choose a sustainably made pair for the holidays? These Toad&Co Shuteye Pajama Bottoms are made of 100% organic cotton, which uses 88% less water and 62% less energy than conventional cotton, and are grown without GMOs or toxic chemicals. There is also a men’s version available.
Toad&Co is one of our favorite sustainable clothing brands – they use eco friendly materials and partner with a variety of environmental organizations to give back and make the world a better place.
30. Boody Bamboo Underwear
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Eco-friendly underwear that is breathable, and comfy is sometimes hard to find – not with Boody Midi Briefs. Made of organic bamboo viscose, these undies are breathable, odor-resistant, thermo-regulating, and moisture-wicking to provide all-day comfort.
Organic bamboo is grown without pesticides, insecticides, or fertilizers making this the perfect next-to-skin layer – plus, bamboo is naturally regenerative (meaning it’s fast-growing and also helps prevent soil erosion) and requires way less water than other fabrics, like cotton.
31. Toad&Co Re-Form Flannel Shirt
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Upgrade your flannel game with this recycled flannel shirt from Toad&Co. This shirt is made 100% of recycled materials including recycled polyester (which comes from recycled plastic water bottles) and recycled cotton (which comes from salvaged cotton textiles – including Toad&Co fabric scraps!).
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I hope this list of eco friendly gift ideas helps make any gifting you plan on doing easier and less impactful this year. If you have any other sustainable gift suggestions share them in the comments below!
