Inside: Looking for affordable, eco-friendly gift ideas for a loved one? Whether the giftee uses or does not use eco-friendly and sustainable products, these thoughtful and surprisingly affordable products are great gift options that won’t break the bank.
It is simple to shop mindlessly due to online shopping, next-day shipping, and sales available for every holiday in the U.S. Eventually, most of the items end up in the trash can. According to the latest available data, municipal waste generated in the U.S. tripled between 1960 and 2018, nearing 300 million tons in the latter year.
Let’s make a difference and choose eco-friendly and sustainable items when purchasing and gifting.
What are eco-friendly products?
Eco-friendly products promote green living and are not harmful to the environment. They are often considered sustainable, organic, non-toxic, biodegradable, or recyclable. They are usually made from recycled paper, metal, plastic, and glass or obtained from cotton or bamboo.
The list of eco-friendly products is limitless, ranging from organic clothing to stainless steel water bottles, reusable shopping bags, and clean beauty products.
We all play a crucial role in promoting environmental sustainability and lowering our carbon footprint by choosing eco-friendly products. It’s a small change that can make a big difference.
Benefits of eco-friendly products
- Reduce landfill waste
You are reducing landfill waste using eco-friendly and reusable products instead of one-time-use products.
- Eco-friendly products are usually safer
Eco-friendly products are usually made with natural or organic ingredients.
- Saves money
Using reusable items like water bottles, period underwear, or reusable paper towels will save you plenty of money.
13 affordable, eco-friendly gift ideas
Avoid using single-use plastic straws everywhere you go, and use these reusable straws with their carrying case. Each straw features a soft silicone tip that’s comfortable against lips and teeth and can extend to change the size. This gift is perfect for people on the go and those who prefer using a straw while enjoying their favorite beverage.
These reusable drinking glasses are an excellent gift for people who love to drink iced coffee, lemon water, greens, or smoothies. Avoid waste with these aesthetically pleasing reusable drinking cups that are BPA-free and environmentally friendly.
Avoid single-use plastic water bottles; keep hydrated with this stainless steel water bottle. I suggest filling the water bottle with water, leaving it in your refrigerator daily, and drinking from it. Keep refilling it when you finish the water; it is ready to go when heading out. This gift is perfect for everyone since everyone needs to hydrate daily.
B2P’s bottle-shaped design is created with recycled material and is 100% refillable for extended use. Effortless writing and quick drying. This gift is perfect for those who enjoy writing in their planners, journals, or writing to-do lists.
One charcoal bamboo pad can replace thousands of disposable cotton rounds. These bamboo pads are perfect for removing makeup. They are reusable and machine washable, and they help reduce waste. Great for home and travel-friendly. Makes an excellent gift for make-up lovers.
Dried, cracked hands can be noticeable and embarrassing. Get rid of dried hands with this Tree to Tub shea butter hand cream. This hand cream is perfect for all ages, genders, and skin types, including sensitive. Vegan, cruelty-free, and nature-friendly. Fully biodegradable formulas that come in recycled or recyclable packaging.
Lip balms are a must all year round! These organic balms are great for any gender and perfect for Christmas, birthdays, or special occasions. Lip balms come in four different flavors and are 100% organic. Each lip balm tube contains beeswax, coconut oil, shea butter, and aloe vera and keeps lips moisturized and protected.
8. Activist Skincare Trial Kit
Activist skincare is vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, and ethically made in a studio lab in Los Angeles. Skincare is clean, green, and works. The trial kit included seven minis for three weeks of a complete am/pm regimen with a customized skin type.
A more sustainable way to mask in your skincare routine. Avoid using a one-time-use mask; use this reusable silicone sheet mask. Add your favorite serums or moisturizers, apply the mask, and lock them in. This is a great gift for the ones who enjoy their skincare routine and enjoy a spa day at home.
This reusable silicone baking mat makes the perfect gift for the ones who enjoy baking. Avoid using aluminum paper, which is a one-time use, and instead use this reusable silicone mat for dinners and pastries. No cooking sprays, oils, or parchment paper needed.
- Easy to care for houseplant
Studies show that plants can improve air quality. An easy-to-take-care-of plant is a snake plant. Snake plants produce oxygen at night and remove carbon dioxide during the day, which helps improve air quality. A snake plant is a household favorite and looks beautiful in a decorative basket.
- DIY gifts
You can make many DIY eco-friendly gift ideas for your loved ones at home. These items are made with natural ingredients, including candles, body scrubs, body soap, and lip balms.
- Experience
Gifting a loved one an experience is a great idea to avoid adding clutter. These can include an event, a class, horseback riding, or a boat ride. Your area has plenty of ideas for gifting a loved one an experience they will love and remember.
Need more gift ideas?
10 Affordable Minimalist Gift Ideas for Kids to Avoid Clutter
15 Affordable Best Minimalist Gift Ideas Without the Clutter
Final Thoughts
Buying, gifting, and using eco-friendly and sustainable products benefits our planet. These affordable, eco-friendly gift ideas are earth-friendly and will save money. Whether the receiver uses eco-friendly, sustainable, or reusable products, these gift ideas are perfect for anyone and any occasion. Other gift ideas that will save you time and money are gift cards, consumables, and money. Although these may feel like they are not thoughtful, you are avoiding gifting items that may add to clutter.
What affordable eco-friendly products are your favorite to give on special occasions?