13 Eco-conscious Christmas Presents Ideas
As Christmas is just around the corner, so you might already be thinking about what you’ll gift your loved ones this year. Here are 13 gift ideas for the special people in your life.
If there’s one thing I hate about the holiday season is the consumerism it involves. So, I usually take this opportunity to gift something sustainable and eco-conscious to my loved ones. Also, I always wrap the presents on paper bags/boxes or old newspaper pages that I have lying around the house.
This way I am giving a new purpose to something that has been previously used and saving the money/resources needed to purchase brand new wrappers.
Here are 13 eco-conscious Christmas gifts for your loved ones:
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GUPPYFRIEND Washing Bag
A GUPPYFRIEND Washing Bag is this large bag where you put your synthetic clothes, before putting these in the washer. Its purpose is to prevent microplastics from getting into the ocean and being mistakenly eaten by wildlife.
When you wash synthetic clothes (like gym wear, for example), small microfibers come out. They’re like tiny bits of plastic, that will be flushed into the system and end up at the river or the ocean.
Even though I’ve been hearing about this product for a few years now, this was one of my latest eco purchases. I’ve recently joined the gym, which means I’ll be using more synthetic fabrics regularly.
In case you’re wondering, yes… you’ll find some plastic fibers at the bottom of the washing bag. Here’s a tip: remove your clothes carefully and ditch the beads in a safe place.
So, if you’re also concerned or know someone concerned about the plastic that ends up in the ocean… this is without a doubt a great eco-conscious gift. And a sustainable swap that one can easily integrate into their daily routines.
Reusable Coffee Capsules
This one is for the coffee lover in your life. Coffee drinking is a hard habit to ditch. Fortunately, there are simple gestures that can make it more eco-friendly. Like fair trade coffee beans (or grounded coffee) and reusable coffee capsules.
It’s pretty easy to find reusable coffee capsules these days at different price ranges. At your local zero waste store or even at Amazon.
The perks? Besides the environmental purpose, reusable capsules represent huge money savings and give us the chance of trying different coffee blends.
Now, you just need to find out which coffee machine your beloved ones have and get the compatible capsules for it. I usually get mine at Mind the Trash, but check with your local eco-friendly store before placing an order. Oh, feel free to add a bag of ground coffee beans.
Reusable Cotton Produce Bags
An absolute staple and such an easy way of reducing plastic waste. Reusable Cotton produce bags are super easy to find and they have a small price.
Making it the perfect Christmas stocker, Secret Santa gift or a must item if you’re putting together a reusable kit.
This is that kind of product that you’ll find at every zero waste store and big supermarkets. It’s available in different sizes and finishes. So, feel free to mix and match!
Stainless Steel Reusable Straws
Plastic straws are a big issue (and a hazard) when it comes to the planet and wildlife. You’ve probably seen the pictures by now, so I’ll spare you the details.
Whether you use these on a regular basis or not, it’s good to have a couple of ones around. You never know when a guess will come around or you’ll have to use one because of a dental procedure (that’s my case).
Reusable straws are easy to find and they’re available in different materials. I prefer the ones in stainless steel, as they’re more durable and you can put these in the dishwasher.
Just make sure it comes with a cleaning brush so that your loved one can effortlessly clean it.
Where can you find it? At any zero waste store, Amazon, and big supermarkets.
Work & Stationery
Refillable BIC Pen
Everybody needs a pen. So, why not make it a little bit more sustainable?!
As an inveterate writer myself, I always hated the act of throwing an empty pen into the bin - hoping there was a chance to refill it (given its case was still in mint condition).
BIC, one of my favorite pen brands, has listened to my wishes and recently launched a refillable BIC pen. Its body is made of metal and it comes with two additional refills (besides the ink that originally comes inside the pen).
Even though the pen case is slightly heavier than the plastic one, you’ll get used to it in no time. And the writing experience is exactly the same that we’ve been having all these years with the standard BIC pens.
The best part? Besides all the eco-friendly reasons and its plastic-free packaging, the kit retails for less than 5 euros. Making it an affordable present to everyone on your list.
Eco-friendly Notebook
OK, I know what you’re thinking. If paper is less harmful to the environment than plastic, so where’s the need to get a more eco-friendly notebook?
Well, for several reasons. First, paper can’t be recycled endlessly. Second, as you only get to use the same sheet only once or twice - its environmental footprint can be considered higher than a plastic bag (if this one is used several times).
While notebooks with crisp white paper sheets are still the large majority, recycled or rechargeable options are becoming easier to find. At your local zero waste or stationery store.
Plus, it’s a really nice gift to carry around meetings. Passing along a sustainable message without having to talk about the subject.
LeFrik Backpack
As one of the best eco-friendly purchases I’ve done so far, and given its versatility, I had to include it on the list.
For me, LeFrik does the best sustainable backpacks. Extremely light and thoughtfully designed according to its purpose. In case you don’t know, their products are made out of recycled plastic bottles. Giving it a new (and meaningful) life to something that could easily end up in the landfill.
My favorite happens to be the Handy model. Perfect for those who have to carry the laptop (and plenty of other things) around town.
Plus, you get a 10% off on your first order if you sign up for their newsletter. Win!
24 Bottles Tumbler
Out of all the reusable coffee tumblers I’ve tried so far, the ones from 24 Bottles proved to be the most reliable.
I know, it’s not the first time that I talk about it here in the blog… but I’ve recently found their 600ml version that is also reliable, but that gives you the chance of carrying a larger quantity of water/beverage with you.
Unlike other tumblers I’ve tried before, the ones from 24 Bottles don’t leak and they keep their content’s temperature (whether it’s a hot or cold beverage) for hours.
So, yes… if your beloved one isn’t exactly the biggest coffee or tea lover there is, this tumbler can always be used to store cold water for when you go on a hike or you have to run errands around town.
You can purchase 24 Bottles products directly on their website, Amazon, or even at your local store. If you live in Madrid, Ecomania Online has a nice selection of 24 Bottles products. As a reader of The Sustainablist, you get a 10% discount when using SUSTAINABLIST at the checkout (not an affiliate code).
Photo credit: 24 Bottles
Beauty
HAAN Hand Sanitizer
We all have to carry one these days, so why not make it more eco-friendly? Out of all the hand sanitizers I’ve tried since the pandemic hit, the ones from HAAN have been the most pleasant in terms of texture and formula.
Besides killing most of the virus in our hands, its formula has 99,5% natural ingredients and leaves a delicate smell. As it’s a spray hand sanitizer, it’s non-sticky and has quick absorption.
What do I like the most about it? Besides its formula, I would have to say its compact size and that it’s a refillable product.
On the brand’s website (as well as in other stockists), you’ll be able to find the different scents available and the matching refills. So you can enjoy your hand sanitizer for longer.
If you can’t find this brand available in your local market (or if HAAN doesn’t ship to your country), you can always try to find a local sustainable alternative.
Like the ones from The Singular Olivia (in Spain) or the ones from Merci Handy (Europe).
Reusable Cotton Pads
Another staple that is easy to add to one’s daily routine. Most of us use cotton rounds daily, whether is to remove makeup or to apply skincare products - using it for a few seconds, then ditching it in the bin.
Reusable cotton pads can be purchased at any zero waste store. But with beauty brands becoming more aware of this product, you can find similar alternatives at Amazon, Sephora, Zara Home, Natura, and so on.
I have different cotton rounds, depending on the purpose I am giving these. I prefer the ones from Natura to apply toner, the ones from Mind the Trash to remove face masks, and the ones from Garnier to remove my eye makeup.
Another similar, yet useful, alternative are those small reusable towels like the ones from Makeup Eraser. I have a couple of ones that came with my favorite makeup remover balm, which I use daily to clean my entire face. Usually, as the first step of my face cleansing routine.
Soap Bar
An oldie but goodie, and with all the hand washing we’ve been through since the pandemic started… a soap bar is always welcome. Especially if it has a natural formula or if it was sustainably made.
A soap bar is a simple yet effective eco-friendly swap that one can put into practice. Plus, it’s super affordable and easy to find.
I know you might not want to offer a standard supermarket soap bar, so I’ll leave you a few options that I like to use every now and then.
Like these beautiful handmade soaps from The Singular Olivia or the ones from LUSH. If you have the time, do some research and try to find out a local soap creator near you.
Biodegradable Makeup Sponge
If there’s one thing that really annoys me when it comes to the beauty industry is how contaminating it can be. And I am not just talking about the formulas or the ingredients used, I am talking about packaging and what we can do with it when we can no longer use that product.
One of the things that need to be replaced every now and then is a makeup sponge or beauty blender. Luckily, EcoTools just launched a biodegradable makeup sponge. So one can keep using its favorite makeup products, without having to worry about the planet the next time the sponge needs to be replaced.
This brand also has a big range of makeup brushes and some of these can be used for multiple purposes. Because less is more.
And now, something for a special someone…
La Bienhecha bag
Made in Málaga with love, La Bienhecha is a Spanish brand specializing in recycled leather goodies. That’s right, recycled leather.
From handbags to purses. All handmade by women, in a large array of colors and models, and you can even ask for your items to be customized. It’s the perfect gift!
Need more ideas? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Just check the related posts below.
