Whether it's something you already have, not your style, or not your size, you've probably received a holiday gift that you didn't actually want at some point in your life. You may have even ended up putting it in the back of a cupboard, or worse, throwing it away 🙁
I think we can all agree that waste from holiday gifts are... snow joke.
The great news is that eco-friendly gifting isn't rocket science.
So, if you're ready to feel lighter about the environmental impact that your best eco-friendly gifts will have on the planet this holiday season, here are our top tips for sustainable gifts that will make everyone and the planet holly and jolly 🎄
Tip #1: Let's not complicate gifting — just ask what they want
The best way to make sure your gifts for eco-friendly people don't end up in the landfill (or the cabinet) is to ask the person what they need or want. This way you ensure the gift will be used and loved for a long time.
Pro tip: Include the gift receipt.
We're sure you are an excellent gift giver, but sometimes even when we know what the person wants, the present you pick might not be the perfect match. We're big fans of adding gift receipts with any pressies for this exact reason.
Tip #2: Regifting
This may be a little faux pas, but if you have something that you have never opened or simply aren't using anymore and it's in wonderful condition, why not regift it? Perfect for gift ideas for environmentally conscious friends.
The key here, of course, is to make sure it's in good condition and that the person you're gifting it to will actually like it.
Finding something you already own at home saves you time, money, and keeps more items out of landfill. That's a win for zero waste!
Tip #3: A plant lover's dream - propagation station
House plants are all the rage and I'm sure that you have at least a few. Instead of trimming back those little baby plants that pop up, simply clip them off and stick them in some water to let them root.
Then once they have rooted, take a pot, glass jar or bowl you already own, add soil and pot the plant.
Pro tip: If you are feeling extra festive, personalize the pot with painted designs or tie a ribbon (reused, of course) around to wrap it up.
Tip #4: You can't go wrong with baked goods
In my humble opinion, one of the best parts of the holiday season is all the freshly baked cookies, cakes and desserts.
Whip up your special recipes with love and we're sure that your friends and family won't miss the candle you buy them every year because their bellies will be full of cookies and holiday cheer instead.
Juuuust make sure to find out any dietary restrictions before you begin baking up a storm.
Tip #5: Help them be more eco-friendly
If your friends and family are interested in starting the journey to lower their environmental impact, there are plenty of eco-friendly gifts out there that will help.
For beginners, we recommend a water bottle, coffee mugs, food storage containers, bags or, loose tea and a steeper. These are all very easy ways to reduce plastic waste and replace plastic bottles.
For intermediates, we suggest a compost bin for their counter. Composting helps to reduce methane gas emitted from rotting food.
Tip #6: Gift a bike
Looking for a bigger gift? If your friend or family member is interested in lowering their emissions (and getting a workout in along the way), a bike is a great gift! Check out platforms like TradeMe or Ebay for pre-loved options that help the planet and your wallet.
Another low-impact present idea that can help someone get from point A to B, is to purchase a public transportation pass to help reduce their car use.
Tip #7: Donate your gift allowance
There are always people and animals out there that need our help.
You can combine the money that you and your family or friends would've spent on sustainable gifts this year and donate it. Contact your local community center or non-profit organizations, they are sure to have programs during the holiday season for you to help other community members in need.
Tip #8: Cool and casual - Metal water bottles
A classic and well-loved sustainable gift is a metal water bottle! Not only are they stylish and practical, but they help limit plastic waste. There's a staggering number of plastic bottles discarded every day, so gifting metal bottles is a sustainable and reusable replacement (and it actually keeps your drink cold)!
Tip #9: Made with love – Handknit scarf
This is more than grandma's go-to: hand making any sort of garment with organic cotton would make anyone feel appreciated and cared for!
Not only is this gift ideas for sustainable living, but it also keeps its wearer warm and less likely to need to crank up the heat, which is not only better for the environment but also for your electricity bill!
Tip #10: The gift that causes a buzz – Beeswax wraps
Sustainable gifts that are also aesthetically pleasing? Sign me up! These wraps serve as a low impact swap for plastic waste for food storage.
These wraps are reusable, and you can pick from a large variety of colors and patterns, meaning you can personalize them depending on the person you're gifting to!
Tip #11: Show of a lifetime – An experience
Whether it's a concert, festival, or even a pottery class, gifting someone an experience is an amazing way to create zero waste gifts that show people you care.
There are so many different experiences you can give your loved one, and we recommend getting electronic versions of tickets so there isn't any paper waste!
Tip #12: That's my jam – Homemade preserves
Pickles, jams, sauces – oh my! The way to a person's heart is through their stomach, so get out those mason jars!
Creating homemade preserves is an easy and delicious option for gifts for environmentally conscious people that combines a personal touch with sustainability.
Tip #13: Bar up – Beauty bars
Give your friends and family sustainable gifts without compromising quality. You can give plastic-free, solid bars that can save space in your loved one's bathroom (and give them great hair while they're at it)!
Just one of Ethique's shampoo bars replaces three full bottles of shampoo while staying plastic free, making it a great addition to any eco-friendly gift guide!
Tip #14: Get thrifty – Thrifted clothes or items
You can find so many great best eco-friendly gifts at antique shops and thrift stores that friends and family would love. Whether it's a new golf cap for dad or a vintage designer dress for your BFF, thrifting is a great low impact way to find sustainable present ideas!
Tip #15: For a good cause – Charitable donation
Some of the best gifts for sustainability lovers aren't items, they're actions! Donate in your loved one's name to a charity or organization that you know they care about.
Not only is this gift low-impact, but it's also a way to do good for others on a bigger scale.
We wish you a happy holiday season and hope that everyone enjoys your low impact presents!
Holiday gift guide
Get ready for a heartwarming holiday season with gifts you can feel good about. Our Ethique eco-friendly gift guide not only brings joy to your loved ones but also helps to make a positive impact all year round.
Once you have made your list and checked it twice, head over to our shoppable sustainable gift guide.
Stocking stuffers
Minis Available across our hair, face and body range, our minis are perfect eco-friendly gifts to introduce someone to your go-to Ethique products. Each mini lasts up to 20 uses 💚
Lip balms
Lip balms dedicated to doing good for the planet, for people and of course, for your lips. 94% of testers agreed that lips look supple and healthy-looking when using our lip balms.
For Mom(s)
Bliss Bar face cleanser
Treat Mom(s) to the Bliss Bar gentle solid face cleanser for a gentle and luxurious skincare experience that pampers skin while promoting relaxation.
For Dad(s)
Pumice, Tea Tree and Spearmint scrub bar
Help Dad(s) refresh and revitalize with the Exfoliating Pumice, Tea Tree & Spearmint soap bar. Perfect for an energizing shower and gentle exfoliation.
Tip-to-Toe shampoo & shaving bar
Enhance Dad(s)'s grooming experience with the ultimate zero waste multitasker, Tip-to-Toe 2-in-1 solid shampoo & shaving bar. This bar offers a close shave with its soft rich lather and refreshes hair.
For Him
Zesty lime & ginger soap bar
Treat him to the Zesty Lime & Ginger soap bar featuring lime and ginger essential oils for a refreshing, citrusy experience. It's perfect for both hands and body, making it an easy, sustainable gift.
Fresh Bodycare Discovery Pack
Help him find his perfect grooming matches with our Fresh Bodycare Trio Discovery Pack. It contains three refreshing minis from our body care range, including a soap-free body cleanser, an exfoliating body polish, and an aluminum-free deodorant, all designed to reduce plastic waste.
For Her
Lavender & Vanilla body cream stick
Indulge her with the luxurious delight of our Nourishing Lavender & Vanilla body cream stick, made with organic cotton packaging, scented with calming lavender and delicious vanilla, enriched with cocoa butter and glycerine for long-lasting hydration.
Lip balms
Nourish her lips with Juicy, a pink grapefruit and vanilla-scented lip balm that nourishes, leaving them soft and supple, and comes in eco-friendly, home-compostable packaging.
For Your Best Friend
Gingersnap face scrub
Give your best friend the gift of radiant skin with Gingersnap Gentle Solid Face Scrub, a bar that gently exfoliates with ginger and cinnamon, leaving their skin super-soft and glowing.
Lavender & Peppermint soap bar
Treat your best friend to the Refreshing Lavender & Peppermint Soap Bar, one of our most popular gifts for eco-friendly people.
For Secret Santa
Discover the perfect plastic-free gift for your Secret Santa with our Discovery Packs, offering a variety of sustainable gifts to help them find their ideal eco-friendly match and wonderful for travelling.
For furry friends
For all good dogs on the nice list
Bow Wow is our nourishing solid shampoo bar that helps clean and refresh fur.
For all good dogs that need something gentler
Shampooch is our unscented solid shampoo bar that helps gently clean and soften fur.
For all good dogs that want some extra shine
Pawfector is our softening solid conditioner bar that does an incredible job to leave dog fur super soft and snuggly.
For people who have it all
Opt for a thoughtful homemade holiday card or maybe pop on your apron and bake up some festive goodies instead.
Last minute gift
Gift cards
Our virtual gift card options are the perfect way to gift someone exactly what they would like without any additional waste, plus there is no shipping time ;)
For Ethique fans
Storage trays
Do their bars have a forever home? Our storage trays and Travel Tin are not only stylish and chic, but they also help bars last longer by keeping them dry between use. Plus, the tin is perfect for on-the-go.
Lip balms
Lip balms dedicated to doing good; for the planet, for the people and of course, for your lips. 94% of testers agreed that lips look supple and healthy-looking when using our lip balms.
Gift cards
Our virtual gift cards are the perfect way to give someone exactly what they would like without any environmental impact.
For Ethique newbies
Discovery Packs
The best place to start with our plastic-free range? Our Discovery Packs are designed to help anyone find their best matches.
Fresh Body Care Trio Discovery Pack
Three refreshing body care minis to pamper your skin without the plastic waste.
Luxurious Face Cleansing Trio Discovery Pack
Three skincare minis to gently cleanse and moisturize skin. Our Luxurious Face Cleansing Trio Discovery Pack contains three pH-balanced, soap-free minis from our award-winning solid skincare range.
Have them take our hair quiz!
Our new hair quiz will help them find their perfect haircare routine and they can send you their results or screenshot them! Take our quiz.
Have any questions or need a hand selecting the perfect sustainable gifts for someone? Simply email our team of Miracle Workers at hello@ethique.com or drop our team a DM on social :)
Happy Holidays🎄
-Team Ethique
