Showing appreciation to those you love most should never come at the cost of our planet. The best thank-you an eco-conscious friend can receive is the gift of a healthy planet for generations to come, and while you can’t necessarily control the future, you can still do your part today to contribute to a sustainable lifestyle. For those young, environmental activist and eco-warriors just stepping into the sun, the best eco-friendly gifts below are ideal for supporting sustainability and green living – at a cost that’s budget-friendly towards your bank account as well!
Eco-Friendly Gifts
Incipio Organicore Cases
These organic smartphone cases are actually made out of plants. That doesn’t mean they’re flimsy, though–they can protect your phone when dropped from heights up to six feet. These cases are organic, biodegradable and compostable. Plus, they come in five trendy shades to suit just about anybody’s taste. They’re currently designed exclusively for the Samsung Galaxy S20, but hopefully, if the product gets popular enough, they’ll be available for alternative smartphone models in the future, too!
GravityLight Portable Self-Powered LED Lamp
Most lights need some form of electricity or battery to function. But this self-powered lamp generates light using nothing more than the force of gravity. Amazing, right? Each light is attached to an empty bag which you can fill with anything that weighs enough to power the unit–a dumbbell, a bag of rice, rocks, whatever you have handy. It will glow for up to twenty minutes while the bag slowly drops.
While these lights aren’t quite as bright as those we’re accustomed to in the common household, they are a perfect tool to keep handy in case of power outages, or in spaces that aren’t wired for electricity, like basements and garages. They’re also portable, so you can take them on camping trips and other outdoor excursions for easy, reliable light.
USB-Rechargeable Batteries
Disposable batteries are terrible for the environment. When they pile up in landfills, they release dangerous chemical elements into the atmosphere, leading to pollution in our soil, water sources, and air. That’s why rechargeable batteries like these should become a staple in every eco-friendly household. The Pale Blue brand sells batteries in four commonly used sizes: 9V, AA, AAA, and D. They stand apart from other rechargeable battery brands by charging up super fast and lasting for ages.
These batteries discharge when they’re not being actively used, conserving energy and guaranteeing long battery life. Once a battery is drained, it can be recharged a thousand times, which means a single pack of four batteries can replace more than 4,000 of their disposable counterparts! So in addition to saving the environment, this is a gift that will save you a hefty chunk of change, too.
FinalStraw 2.0 Portable Collapsible Straw
Traditional plastic straws have become officially uncool. Many cafes and bars have stopped offering them to customers entirely, replacing them with biodegradable alternatives or simply requiring us to sip from the rim of our glasses. Straws do serve more than a merely cosmetic function, though; they can help to prevent staining of the teeth, and avoid spillage when we’re on the go. So why not stay prepared for any circumstance and arm yourself with a portable, reusable straw?
These stainless steel straws are collapsible and come in a super convenient key-chain carrying case, so you can take them with you everywhere you go. Plus, they come in lots of fun, bright colors, so you can buy a family-pack and never question which straw belongs to which person in your household. This is an eco-friendly gift your friends will rave about!
MSR TrailShot Pocket-Sized Water Filter
This portable one-handed pumping mechanism filter makes a wonderful gift for the outdoorsy adventurer in your life. It’s lightweight and compact, functioning simultaneously as a filter and water bottle, so it’s ideal for cyclists, hikers, campers and trail runners. It’s also a great tool to have on hand for emergency preparedness, as it will eliminate harmful elements from any water source without the use of iodine or chlorine.
Durable Aluminum Racing Toy Car
It’s never too early to encourage kids towards environmental consciousness. The Enduro Racer is by far one of the coolest toy cars on the market today, and not just because it’s made from 100% sustainable materials. It’s designed to perform like a dream, with sophisticated steering and suspension to rival any modern sports car. It’s also highly durable, ready to withstand almost any form of abuse a child could put it through.
The Enduro Racer doesn’t just have to be for kids, either. This item would make a great gift for any environmentally conscious adults who love sports cars. Use it as a desktop paperweight, or let your inner child free and race it through your house. Go ahead, we won’t judge you!
Bongo Bamboo Retro Bluetooth Speakers
These speakers have such a sleek and trendy retro design, they’d make a great gift even if they weren’t eco friendly. But the fact that they’re made from renewable bamboo is more than just icing on the cake–the material has superior acoustic properties and it’s lightweight, so you can take the party with you wherever you go! It will connect via Bluetooth to almost any device imaginable, and emits powerful but high-quality, balanced sound. You’ll be shocked at how much volume this small accessory can produce.
Bios Biodegradable Cremation Urn for Humans
Without a doubt, one of the most challenging gifts to select is a condolence gift for a friend who has recently lost a loved one. It’s hard to know what to say to offer comfort and compassion in these times, let alone how to express your sympathies through an inanimate object.
The Bios biodegradable urn will fit the bill by turning a painful loss into a beautiful completion arc in the circle of life. By placing the ashes of a loved one in the urn and planting it, you can foster the rebirth of their spirit in the form of a tree. The urn itself will decompose over time, leaving no trace, but at the point of purchase, it will come loaded up with everything needed to create a living memorial (except the ashes, of course). It makes the planting process as simple as can be with clear, user-friendly instructions. The kit comes with pine seeds, but these can easily be substituted if you prefer a different plant species.
Dropps Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent Pacs
There are those among us who would prefer a practical gift over a stylish tchotchke any day. These eco-friendly detergent pods will make easy work of any laundry load, designed to clean and refresh, remove stains, and preserve color. It’s lightly scented with pure essential oils, and everything in this container, including the detergent itself and the box, is fully biodegradable. These natural, non-toxic detergent pods are compatible with any washing machine, so there’s no good reason not to use them in place of your regular detergent.
Reusable Coffee Cup
One of the simplest ways to reduce your carbon footprint is to stop using disposable cups for coffee and tea drinks. This sustainable coffee cup is as eco friendly as can be, made from BPA-free, non-toxic materials. The cup itself is tempered glass, which is extra durable, with a sustainably sourced cork band to shield your hands from extreme heat or cold. The splashproof, ergonomic lid offers a smooth sip and is ideal for travel. My favorite feature is that this model, unlike most travel mugs, is microwave safe, so you can keep sipping on your favorite beverage all day long. This is a foolproof eco-friendly gift!
Fresh Air Odor-Free Kitchen Compost Bin
Composting is a great way to repurpose waste in your home, converting trash into fertilizer for your houseplants or garden. But let’s face it: composting can be pretty gross sometimes. This compost bin removes all of the ick factors from the process. It opens at the push of a button, so there’s no need to get your hands dirty. Even better, it’s designed with your sensitive nostrils in mind, allowing for increased airflow inside the bin that will slow the rate of decomposition and prevent foul odors from filling your kitchen. Made of recycled steel and BPA-free recycled plastic, the entire mechanism can be cleaned in the dishwasher, so even the most squeamish neat-freaks couldn’t object.
The Original Puffy Camping Blanket
Escape the daily 9 to 5 – it’s time your eco-friendly pals submerged themselves into nature’s beauty once more. Living sustainably doesn’t have to mean living uncomfortably, though; With a Rumpl blanket, your tree-hugger can stay warm and dry wrapped up in a junior, 1-person, or 2-person sized blanket. The blanket is lightweight and portable, with even the largest size never surpassing 4 pounds, making it an easy add-on during a hike or a camping trip. Even the most eco-friendly one will appreciate this comfy, cozy gift, from its many vibrant color options to its green construction featuring 100% recycled materials.
Nimble Eco-Friendly 10-Day Fast Charger
The modern world forces us to depend on our digital devices, even those most conscious of our environmental footprint. The eco friendly charger allows those feeling green to embrace their environmentalist tendencies without needing to reject all the staples of modern life. This sustainable charger, built from plants, supports the environment just as much as it supports your devices: 26,800 mAh of power delivers 10 days of power to separate Apple, Nintendo, or Android products quickly and efficiently. For the hippie with a smartphone in hand, the fast charger is truly the best of both worlds.
UCO 5-Piece Lunch Kit
Packing lunch for school or work is generally healthier for your body than the traditional cafeteria grub, but plastic utensils, wrappers and cardboard storage is no gift to the environment. Sets like the 5-piece lunch kit allow the eco-friendly professional to treat not just their body, but the Earth like a temple. The utensil set is derived from 90% natural materials with 0 BPA or phthalates, allowing your loved ones to feel good about the food contained within. Available in 3 uniquely gorgeous color options, it is sure to save the eco-conscious mind a fair amount of change on their daily lunch as well as preserve the planet for a little bit longer.
Reusable Food Storage Bag
Plastic bags are a traditional part of the brown paper bag lunch but are far from a sustainable or economic storage option. Rather than continuously shelling-out on damaging single-use bags, gift your eco-conscious loved ones the reusable food bag. Each bag is easy to maintain, being dishwasher safe and keeps food fresh for longer thanks to its pinch-lock seal. When mealtime arrives, the bag can be popped into the microwave, the freezer – wherever need be. Beyond looking better than their bland counterparts, it will save their eco-friendly owners hundreds on restocking their single-use bags and contributes to the global green movement through reducing harmful plastic creation.
Waterlily Portable Power Generator
Out in the wilderness, the perils of your stressful daily life escape you. However, sometimes even on your outdoor retreat, you need to plug into the outside world. When your adventurous eco-warriors need some power for a call back home or to charge their MP3s, the Waterlily USB is the portable, hand-crank power source for the job. Charge devices from any time or place, no matter where the trails take you; wherever you go, the water power generator ensures that you’re never completely powerless.
Soma Filter Glass Carafe
Your green friends want to know their water is fresh and pure without investing in costly, environmentally harmful plastic bottles – and you’ve got just the gift to help them. The Soma water filter is a beautiful, sleek carafe capable of filtering 6 cups of water at once, effectively and sustainably. Remove chlorine, copper, and other toxins from your usual water source for a smooth, delicious drinking experience; Once the carafe is empty, easily refill it and repeat the process again. It is an elegant addition to the modern kitchen that eco-friendly ones can take pleasure in using. Even the most hectic homes can enjoy this sustainable gift, thanks to its large water capacity and its shatter-resistant design. So why wait? Show the environment that you care-afe!
Umbra Modern Wooden Trash Can
Recycling old goods is a small but powerful method for reducing your carbon footprint, so the eco-friendly souls in your life will always appreciate a gift that encourages family and friends to do just that. The wood wastebasket makes for a beautiful finishing piece in a modern green office or bedroom, but its value goes beyond aesthetics – with this visual reminder, colleagues, friends, and family are reminded to recycle their plastic and paper goods for reuse. The wastebasket can store up to 2 gallons of recyclable materials: that’s 2 gallons of plastic, cardboard, wood, and paper that doesn’t need to be claimed from nature once again. This environmental gift is an incredible balance of function and beauty, making it one that is sure to satisfy for years to come.
Presenting a loved one with a thoughtful gift is one of life’s most rewarding pleasures. But these days, it’s important to stay mindful of the environmental impact of each and every one of our purchases, whether we’re buying for ourselves or for others. Luckily, eco-friendly gifts are having a real moment right now, so it’s easier than ever to find the perfect sustainable product that says: “I care about the environment–almost as much as I care about you!”