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A greener gift guide for the holidays | 2024 edition

  • The Garbage Lady
  • Nov 18, 2024
  • 13 min read

Updated: Nov 19, 2024


Image source: Kari Shea on Unsplash


The most eco-friendly purchase is the one you didn't make, but with the holidays upon us, most of us will inevitably be shopping for gifts. So, in the spirit of giving, I offer up this list of gift ideas with a focus on sustainability. "Buy better, buy less" is also a guiding factor.


In general, I recommend shopping locally, supporting small businesses, and choosing quality over quantity. While many items in this guide aren't necessarily from local or small businesses, they are from businesses that source materials responsibly and have a positive social impact.


For more inspiration, see the 2023 gift guide.


All products recommended on this website are independently reviewed. This website receives no payment or other compensation for recommended products, and this website is not affiliated with any suppliers of the recommended products.



Image source: Brands as listed below

Wooden toys for little ones

I have neither small children nor grandchildren, but if I did I would likely treat them to these brightly colored options.

  • Lovevery The Block Set ($90) is made from FSC-certified wood and water-based paints and finishes, and shipping is carbon neutral. Ages 12+ months.

  • Plan Toys Balancing Cactus ($35) is made from chemical-free rubberwood, formaldehyde-free glue, organic pigments, and water-based dyes. Ages 3+ years.

  • Hape All Seasons Kids Wooden Dollhouse ($229.99, on sale for $126.99) is made from FSC-certified wood and water-based paints and finishes. (The roof has solar panels!) Ages 3+ years.



Image source: Bears for Humanity

Plushies without microplastics

Bears for Humanity makes stuffed animals from organic GOTS-certified materials, so you can give safe hugs and snuggles without the synthetics that shed toxic microplastics. From left: 14" Beige Sherpa Teddy ($50), 10" African Lion ($40) and 12" Spotted Giraffe ($35). The 11" Flatty Bear ($25) comes in red (shown) or blue and is so dang dimply cute and perfectly packable.

  • Fabrics are GOTS-certified 100% organic cotton ethically sourced from small-scale farms using regenerative practices

  • Eco-friendly dyes are natural, low-impact, and water soluble

  • Hypoallergenic materials are free from harmful plastics, chemicals, pesticides, or heavy metals

  • Hand sewn and stuffed by women and men from underserved communities who are paid livable wages; member World Fair Trade Organization

  • For each purchase made, a teddy bear is donated to a child in need



Image source: Pendleton

Pendleton wool blankets and throws

Pendleton® is known for its craftsmanship and timeless, iconic designs that honor indigenous people and national parks. Designed to last a lifetime, their wool blankets and throws will be an ongoing provider of comfort and warmth to the recipient. From left: The gorgeous geometry of the Blue Ridge Blanket ($299) is based on historic patterns from the Appalachian region. If patterns and color give you pause, the refined Solid 5th Avenue Merino Throw ($199) in charcoal is simple and chic. For a restrained hit of color, the 5th Avenue Acadia Park Merino Throw ($199) is a classic, and the similar Acadia National Park Throw with Carrier (not shown) is currently on sale ($139.99, regularly $199). Or go bold with the special edition Schoolhouse X Pendleton Canebrake Blanket in fireside ($349 - $539). Check out the equally intriguing winterwood and moss colorways.

  • OEKO-TEX® certified

  • Made in the USA with wool sourced from growers across the USA

  • Supports the American Indian College Foundation, the Northwest Native American Center of Excellence, the National Park Foundation, and other philanthropic efforts



Image source: Truly Garden

Truly Garden hori hori garden knife with sheath

I don't personally own one of these, but a friend recently raved about hori hori knives being the best ever gardening tool since the multipurpose design deftly tackles digging, planting, and weeding. This one by Truly Garden (on sale for $29.95) is the top pick in a Bob Vila review. It was also featured on the Bob Vila's 12 Best Lawn & Garden Products of 2023 and in The Huffington Post's 24 Gardening Products That Have Rave Reviews For A Reason.

  • FSC-certified beechwood handle, durable leather sheath, and 420 stainless steel blade with serrated edge

  • Truly Garden is a US-based, veteran-owned small business and partners with Trees.org to plant a tree with every purchase



Image source: Swings N' Things

Organic cotton hammocks from Swings N' Things

My husband loves a hammock; it's one of his favorite places to hang when the weather is nice. I couldn't remember where we got ours, so I did some digging and found Swings N' Things, the self-professed hammock experts. They offer many options that are handcrafted in Colombia from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton. From left: The Flora kingsize classic hammock ($239.90) in a vivid flowers colorway and a neutral zebra pattern. The Modesta kingsize Columbian hammock in latte ($159.90) is also certified climate neutral.


No place to hang? Consider a hammock stand. Prices start at $178.95 and options include powder-coated or polished steel, sustainably harvested Scandinavian spruce, and FSC-certified larch.



Image source: Brands as listed below

Ethically sourced, responsibly made jewelry

The Good Trade did the research and found 15 jewelry brands that offer high-quality pieces sourced ethically with eco-friendly practices, at a variety of price points. Clockwise from top left:



Image source: Cuyana

Cuyana leather jewelry case

Good jewelry deserves a good case. The travel jewelry case from Cuyana ($98) comes in four colors and features a pebbled Italian leather exterior and a suede lining. Also available in a larger version ($148).

  • LWG certified leather ensures compliance along measures such as traceability, energy and water consumption, waste management, and effluent treatment.


Tip: Check out Cuyana Revive for great deals on pre-loved bags and small leather goods.



Image source: Savannah Bee Company

Savannah Bee Royal Jelly Body Butter®

I ran across this product while visiting friends in Sedona, AZ, and IT'S AWESOME! Sure, you can buy individual jars (1.65oz for $18 or 6.7oz for $30), but why not go big and get the Queen Bee Body Butter gift set ($125), which includes all four varieties: chamomile & myrrh, tupelo honey, rosemary & lavender, and original (blackberry & rose).

  • Free of parabens and other harmful chemicals and never tested on animals

  • Global honey harvesting from beekeepers with ethical practices and transparent supply chains

  • Sustainable packaging

  • Supports the Bee Cause Project



Image source: Pela

Pelacases for iPhone and Android

One of my sons introduced me to Pela plastic-free, compostable phone cases for iPhone and Android. Choose from a wide range of styles, including festive holiday designs, retro vibes, and funky patterns. Most cases sell for $65 but be on the lookout for buy-one-get-one-free (BOGO) offers, and don't skip the sale items.

  • Made from flax shive and a plant-based biopolymer designed to fully compost naturally in under 6 months without harming the environment

  • Each order includes an extra envelope you can use to send your old phone case to Pela for upcycling or recycling

  • Pela's mission includes sustainability and social impact, and the company has donated over $1 million to non-profit and for-purpose organizations, including Save the Waves, Ocean Conservancy, and the World Wildlife Fund



Image source: Wiki images

Books!

Books are a commonly exchanged gift item in my family. In fact, six of the titles above were gifts. A thoughtfully selected book from your local bookstore would pair beautifully with a throw blanket, something cozy to wear, or a nice selection of teas and a locally made stoneware mug. Here's a roundup of some recent favorites:

  • Nonfiction, Indigenous American philosophy: Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer.

    A poignant reminder that the natural world is an incredible, awesome place, deserving of and reliant on our reciprocity.

  • Historical nonfiction: The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny, and Murder by David Grann. An unbelievable adventure were it not true. So detailed you'll be able to smell the scurvy.

  • Historical fiction: Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel. Winner of the Man Booker Prize and the National Book Critics Circle Award for Fiction. Stride alongside Thomas Cromwell in the court of that awful King Henry VIII and don a hair shirt for good measure.

  • Essay collection: Men Explain Things to Me by Rebecca Solnit. Furious and funny, but definitely not hysterical. This is powerful rage-reading for the feminist.

  • Art: Wolf Kahn: Paintings and Pastels 2010 – 2020. Pick this up off the coffee table and take a stroll through the vividly colored landscapes of this German-born American artist.

  • Historical non-fiction, true crime: Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America by Erik Larsen. A tale of a creepy real-life serial killer interspersed with trivia about the Chicago World's Fair of 1893.

  • Cookbook: The Food Lab: Better Home Cooking Through Science by J. Kenji López-Alt. Winner of the 2016 James Beard Foundation Award. More than just pretty pictures and recipes, this cookbook teaches. You'll learn why water evaporates faster at lower temperatures and why some people's pee doesn't smell after they eat asparagus—or why they don't think it smells but it does.

  • Mystery: Endless Night by Dame Agatha Christie, the Queen of Crime™, and the best-selling fiction writer of all time. It follows a favorite theme of "a twisted character who chooses evil over good."

  • Popular science: Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams by Matthew Walker Ph.D. One takeaway: The next time you have major surgery, ask to be rescheduled if the surgeon didn't get a full eight hours the night before.

  • Science fiction, short stories: The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury, another celebrated author of the 20th century. Maybe the recipient will find a gift certificate for a tattoo tucked between the pages of this classic.


Image source: Pact

Pact: Cozy things to wear

Pact® does sustainability right and at a reasonable price point. All items featured here are 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton, made in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory, carbon neutral, and responsibly packaged in a completely recyclable paper bag that's FSC™ certified. Pact also partners with Give Back Box® so you can donate gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories to nonprofits that need them. Items don't need to be Pact-branded; you provide your own box and the shipping label is free.


Cozy things for her (top row, from left):

  • Cloud Brushed Fleece Cozy Set ($74) is available in six colors, and I'm torn between plum and celestial, a stellar blue green. I love a fleece pant in the winter, and it's hard to find one that isn't made from synthetic fibers.

  • For the lady traveler, check out the soft pants and wraps in the Airplane Collection. The name makes me laugh because the vibe is spot on, basically "jammies disguised with some self-respect." The Classic Airplane Set ($107) comes in seven colors, shown here in mahogany heather. The Airplane Tulip Hem Pant ($58, on sale for $48) is a chic, elevated basic that comes in black, charcoal, and taupe.

  • Cotton Velour Crew Pullover ($58, on sale for $46) and Wide Leg Crop Pant ($68, on sale for $54) look so plush and come in five different colors. Once again I'm drawn to celestial.

  • Staycation Sleep Set ($60) includes a contrasting tank and pant (with pockets!) and comes in four different mixed prints, shown here in berry sprig. Complete the look with the Staycation Short Robe ($48).


Cozy things for him (bottom row, from left):

  • There's a very strong chance I'll be getting my husband the Thermal Waffle Oversized Hoodie ($78, on sale for $46). His head is spare on the hair so the warmth of a hoodie is always appreciated. Out of the four colors available I'll probably go for the mahogany above.

  • Another contender, the Classic Fine Knit Hoodie ($88, on sale for $52) comes in four classic colors like this French navy heather. The ribbed detailing and integrated front pocket make it a bit more refined than a regular hoodie, but still relaxed.

  • Everyday Layering Long John ($28, on sale for $16) comes in six solids and two stripes. This is the only item that isn't 100% organic cotton; it contains 5% elastane for stretch and shape.

  • Turns out guys like to be comfortably classy on planes, because they too have their own airplane collection. The Men's Airplane Zip Bomber ($94, on sale for $56) is made from a soft brushed knit and comes in charcoal heather and mountainview (a sprucey green).

  • High Country Knit Quarter Zip Sweater ($118, on sale for $70) comes in charcoal heather (shown), plus camel and French navy heather.

  • Fireside Flannel Lounge Pant ($58, on sale for $34) has a drawstring waist plus pockets, and comes in three flavors of plaid, shown in pomegranate.



Image source: Darn Tough

Darn Tough Vermont socks

Darn Tough socks aren't just a veritable rainbow of stripes and color blocking—they're guaranteed for life. I'm wearing a pair as I type! While the socks featured here are made primarily from merino wool, like nearly all socks they also contain synthetic fibers like nylon and elastane. Better socks that last longer and are responsibly made help offset that downside, and the company is honest about its sustainability efforts. The company values are noteworthy, too.


Top row, from left:

Bottom row, from left:



Image source: Bluekazoo

Jigsaw puzzles

I'm an avid puzzler, and was over the moon to discover that Bluekazoo has a line of Premium Sustainable jigsaw puzzles that are 100% plastic free. Two sizes available: 1000 pieces ($45, on sale for $29) and 250 pieces ($32 on sale for $19). From left: Cars and Trucks featuring artwork by Richard Scarry, Dog Park, Xmas Kitty, and Love You (sadly this mood is currently sold out).

  • Recycled FSC-certified paper stock

  • Reusable, compostable inner bag

  • Plant-based inks

  • Biodegradable stickers instead of cellophane wrap keep the box intact



Image source: W&P

W&P silicone ice cube tray with lid

This ice cube tray is made from premium food-grade silicone ($16) and makes cute little cubes that pop out easily. A stainless-steel frame keeps the tray from getting floppy when filled and the lid keeps things fresh and stackable. I have the white-speckled version and it happily reminds me of birthday cake. Maybe pair it with a favorite spirit, a sparkly set of drinkware, or some fancy bitters.



Image source: W&P

W&P clean kitchen storage set

Since getting the W&P ice cube tray above, I've learned that W&P is on a mission to replace toxic, single-use kitchen disposables with cleaner alternatives. Move over, Tupperware®, these smartly designed storage sets are not only plastic free but the prettiest I've seen. Choose from seven different colors and three sizes: 8-piece ($125), 13-piece ($185), and 20-piece ($279). I'm intrigued by the reusable stretch wrap.

  • Seal-tight glass bowls made from borosilicate glass and premium food-grade silicone

  • Silicone bags, reusable stretch lids, and reusable stretch wraps made from premium food-grade silicone



Image source: ChefShop.com

Specialty food items

How about some elevated pantry staples for the gourmand in your life? Browse the offerings of your local specialty food shop or farmers market, or take a physical or virtual trip to ChefShop.com in Seattle. Check out Chef's Pantries, featuring curated ingredients inspired by chefs, including one of my faves, Yotam Ottolenghi. Here's a longish short list of the flavor bombs I would gladly add to my pantry, clockwise from top left:




Image source: Earlywood

Kitchen utensils that aren't made of black plastic

Earlywood makes heirloom quality "buy it once" kitchen utensils and service ware from durable hardwoods. If you know anyone who is still cooking with toxic black plastic utensils, these would be ideal replacements. As part of its sustainability effort, the company donates $1 from every purchase to The Nature Conservancy to plant trees in the endangered Atlantic Rainforest of Brazil. Items that caught my eye:

  • Essentials Set ($58) includes 2 Large Flat Sautes (crucial for multi-tasking, suitable for serving salad), 1 Tera Scraper (the perfect cast-iron cooking utensil), and 1 Large Spreader (from cake frosting to peanut butter).

  • El Quatro Set ($64) includes 4 Large Flat Sautes that I'll be using for stocking stuffers.

  • Scraper Spoon ($41) combines the functions of flat spatulas and scrapers with a traditional wooden cooking spoon, so it's like three utensils in one. Plus it comes in both right- and left-handed versions.

  • Check out the unique, funky, special offerings at steeply discounted prices, too.



Image source: Brands as listed below

Dish towels

A fresh new dish towel is always a welcome addition to any kitchen, no cooking skills required. They can also serve as zero-waste wrapping paper. Clockwise from top left:


Image source: Bambu

Bambu pot scrapers

Years ago I had gifted family members with plastic renditions of these scrapers, before I knew that every scrape created teeny tiny shards of microplastics. This year I'm upgrading everyone to Bambu® pot scrapers made from sustainable bamboo ($15.95 for a set of 5). These work great for removing labels, too.

  • FSC®-certified 100% bamboo

  • USDA-certified 100% biobased


Image source: Boles Silver Design

Sterling silver toothpick

Here's another idea inspired by my husband, who likes to finish every meal with a toothpick. I found this sterling silver toothpick (aka hat pick for the cowboys out there) on Etsy ($28). There are other options out there, but I liked this one because the detailing makes the pick look more like an accessory than an instrument, and it doesn't look as stabby.


Image source: Terra Beauty

Terra Crystal nail file

Made from recyclable glass, the Terra Crystal nail file ($9) lasts longer than a traditional emery file and has a fine grit that leaves nail edges super smooth. No jaggedy spots, and zero plastic!

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