As we head into this holiday season, we want to help equip you to take your gifting to the next level. This is a special guide with a variety of suggestions and ideas gathered from our team to help you give in a way that’s better for our planet (and for us all). We’ve included ideas for experiential gifts, for zero-waste/climate-friendly goods, as well as places to find such goods.
Experiential Gifts Ideas
Family Vacation Travel Fund
Put money into a family vacation savings account for everyone to use on the next group trip. Your family can use it for things everyone can enjoy together, like renting a boat for a day out on a lake or a delicious meal out at a nice restaurant.
Class/Activity Gift Certificate
For friends and family you know well (and know what they would enjoy), you can gift them a certificate to take a pottery/art class or a fitness class or even a hair salon certificate.
For any senior citizens in your lives, you could gift grocery store gift certificates (you can pick one with a nice hot prepared food selection so that grandma/grandpa can enjoy some food they don’t have to cook themselves).
For acquaintances, co-workers or anyone you know less well, movie theater tickets are a great option.
For nature lovers, you can gift a pass to the National Parks.
Digital Subscriptions
You can gift a Google play gift card that recipients can use on any subscription (games, reading, music, etc.). If you already know what they like, you can gift them specific subscriptions for Spotify, Headspace, Audible, etc.
Gift of Time
If you have friends that are busy parents, you can gift them a few hours of home cleaning/organizing or handy-person services like assembling furniture, hanging shelves or repairs. You could also offer to take the kids out to the zoo or offer a free night of babysitting to give them some free time to relax.
Zero-Waste/Climate-Friendly Goods
Zero-Waste Beauty Products / Toiletries
Shampoo, conditioner and lotion bars
Tangie has great options (also sold at Earth & Me locations mentioned below)
This lotion is in backyard compostable packaging!
Bath and shower bombs
Lush has options in zero packaging
Plastic free makeup
Poppy & Pout has plastic free lip care
Axiology has plastic free makeup options
For Foodies
For Travelers
Great looking, practical 100% recycled travel bags, everyday bags, and backpacks
For Sneaker Lovers
Recyclable sneakers and socks
For Boating Enthusiasts
Sea Bags are made from reclaimed and recycled boat sails, and are perfect for any boating or beach excursion!
For Plant Lovers
Gift plant propagations from your collection, in a reused container with a nice repurposed ribbon and care instructions written on something recycled
For Fashionistas
Gift certificates to secondhand retailers like Thredup or Poshmark
Gifts from secondhand marketplaces of popular brands like Madewell, Patagonia, The North Face and lululemon
Rareform recycles billboards into one of a kind products. Everyday tote bags, crossbody bags, travel accessories, and more
And don't forget to get 'em a Trashie Take Back clothing reuse and recycling bag!
Local Shopping / Stores / Brands
Closiist - Variety of sustainable, local gifts you can order online
Ecolustre - Online store for eco-friendly jewelry handcrafted by US designers
Precycle - Package free grocery and product store in Brooklyn (they also deliver in Manhattan and BK and offer gift certificates)
Sustainable Village - Refill store in the East Village with a variety of low-waste/low-plastic goods offered in-person and online
Earth & Me - Offers eco-friendly essentials online and in-person at Brooklyn and Astoria (Astoria location is closing in December 2024) locations
Made Trade - Climate Neutral Certified online retailer with a sustainable holiday shop featuring a curated collection of handcrafted and sustainable gifts
Nude Foods Market - Groceries, personal care, gifts and more packaged in reusable, returnable containers with locations in Boulder and Denver, CO (delivery to locations on the Front Range, CO).
thriftbooks - Check out their holiday gift guide with bestselling holiday titles
