Christmas is a time for giving, but sadly, it's also a super wasteful time.
Americans return about $95 billion worth of gifts every year. Lots of that stuff—especially clothes and electronics—ends up in landfills. That's a big environmental problem.
Since more of us are trying to be greener, it's smart to think about what we buy because our Christmas gifts have a real impact on the planet. We can make a positive impact with unique gifts, but mindless shopping really hurts the environment.
Below, see 12 eco-friendly Christmas gift ideas to help you give more consciously this year.
The Surprising Amount of Waste the Holidays Create
Just like Thanksgiving and Halloween, Christmas creates a lot of waste. Think about all the plastic decorations, the mountains of wrapping paper, the Christmas lights, and the travel involved. And don't forget the big holiday meal! All of that adds up to a significant environmental impact.
In fact, the holidays are a huge travel time in the US, nearly a third of Americans travel, generating about 70 million metric tons of greenhouse gases. That's a lot.
So, can we make a difference? Absolutely!
12 Eco-Friendly Christmas Gifts They'll Actually Love
Finding eco-friendly gifts everyone will love can be challenging. To help you out, here are 12 of our favorite eco-friendly gift ideas for this upcoming holiday season
SHAKA CLASSIC Bundle
Something thoughtful, useful, and maybe… a little different? How about an eco-friendly beach towel? Seriously! These aren't your grandma's bath towels.
Check out the Shaka Classic Bundle – four LARGE, incredibly soft towels for only $100 (that's a $60 savings!). They're seriously absorbent, shake the sand right off, and are way smaller than regular towels when packed.
And because they're made from 100% recycled Turkish cotton, they get softer with every wash. Plus, the colors are gorgeous – they'd look amazing draped over a chair or used as a picnic blanket.
It's an eco-friendly Christmas gift that keeps on giving, both in terms of use and its impact on the planet.
Recycled Books
Giving books as Christmas gifts is a classic idea, and it's even better when you're repurposing books.
Instead of buying a brand-new book, buy one secondhand or a new one you've been wanting to read. Read it carefully (no bath-time dunks, coffee spills, or dog-eared pages), and then, once you're done, wrap it in recycled paper and give it to someone else.
It’s a great way to share a good read and reduce waste. You've likely done this before, but now you can feel good about it—it's a simple and effective way to be more environmentally friendly.
Green Kitchen Essentials
We create a lot of waste in our kitchens, but there are easy ways to reduce it. Try to give a gift of less waste with reusable items. Reusable napkins are a great place to start—they save paper and trees! Beeswax wraps are another fantastic, eco-friendly option for food storage. These are both practical and eco-friendly gifts that help your loved ones live more sustainably.
Organic Mesh Tote & Beach Bag
A super strong, yet soft bag that's perfect for the beach, groceries, the gym—you name it! Remember when everyone used plastic bags? Those days are over, especially in big cities. Now, sustainable tote bags are everywhere – people use them for everything from groceries to carrying around their stuff every day.
This Organic Cotton Long Handle Carry Tote is huge (27" x 13"), has comfy long handles, and is made from 100% organic, sustainably sourced cotton. That means it's durable, but will eventually biodegrade completely because it's 100% plant-based.
The double-stitched handles can handle even the heaviest loads, so it's great for hauling groceries, sports gear, beach essentials, or anything else you need to carry.
Cleaning's easy—just machine wash on gentle and hang to dry, it even gets softer with every wash. It's the kind of Christmas gift idea that's as versatile as it is eco-conscious, making it a truly thoughtful choice.
Bamboo Blanket
You might be amazed at how many things are now made from bamboo—even reusable straws. Bamboo fabrics, in fact, are some of the softest on the market today, which makes them perfect for cozy blankets. A bamboo blanket makes a super soft and eco-friendly winter gift. It's biodegradable and super comfy—the perfect winter present.
Eco-Friendly Gift Basket
Homemade gifts are always special, and everyone loves a yummy treat! Why not make an eco-friendly gift basket? Use reusable containers like jars to make it even cuter and greener. Some great ideas for the basket are homemade cookie mixes, spice blends, or jams—all delicious and totally thoughtful.
Cork Black Hat
A hat makes a great Christmas gift—it's practical, stylish, and shows you put thought into the present. This Shaka Love Cork Hat is even better because it's eco-friendly and supports a good cause! Made from 100% organic cotton, sustainably sourced cork from Portugal, and recycled polyester mesh, it's incredibly comfortable and stylish.
The cork's natural water resistance makes this hat ideal for all sorts of outdoor fun, from surfing and family beach days to hiking on sunny trails. But here's the best part, 10% of profits directly support environmental protection efforts through organizations like 1% for the Planet and the Surfrider Foundation.
A gift that looks good, feels good, and does good.
Eco-Friendly Watches
Finding the perfect eco-friendly watch for a Christmas gift doesn't have to be hard. Look for watches made from recycled metals, sustainable wood, or even upcycled ocean plastic—so stylish and planet-friendly.
Also, consider how it's powered: solar-powered watches are battery-free, or choose a cool mechanical watch that you wind yourself. Finally, look for a durable watch from a brand that offers repairs—because a long-lasting watch is the most sustainable choice.
Black Eco-Hoodie Sweatshirt
Beat the winter chill this holiday season with a gift that's as warm as it is eco-friendly. Our unisex eco-hoodie fleece sweatshirt is so incredibly soft and comfortable, made from a luxuriously soft blend of 50% organic cotton and 50% recycled plastic bottles (RPET), is the perfect present for anyone who appreciates both warmth and sustainability. Made in the USA and perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy nights in, or winter walks.
Find the perfect size for your loved one—Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, and 2XL are available, but supplies are limited this holiday season!
Sustainable Self-Care Gifts
A gift box filled with natural self-care products makes a wonderful and sustainable present. It's a special way to encourage someone to prioritize their well-being, which is so important for mental health. Think luxurious, natural soaps, lotions, bath bombs, or essential oils—all packaged sustainably, of course.
Zero-Waste Gift Box
A zero-waste gift box is a fantastic way to help someone start living more sustainably. Fill it with useful, eco-friendly essentials like reusable shopping bags, beeswax food wraps, bamboo utensils, and a set of glass straws. Just make sure they don't already own similar items.
Recycled Metal Jewelry
Shopping for a jewelry lover this Christmas? Think twice before buying something new. Mining precious metals is incredibly damaging to the environment because one gold ring can create 20 tons of waste. Instead, look for vintage jewelry or pieces made from recycled metals.
These are just as beautiful, often more unique, and much better for the planet. You can easily find amazing options online at Etsy or from other sustainable jewelry brands. You'll find the perfect earrings, necklace, bracelet, or ring without harming the environment.
What eco-friendly Christmas gifts are you giving this year? We'd love to hear your ideas! And do you have any tips for making the holidays a little greener?
Don't forget to share this article with your friends—let's help everyone find awesome sustainable gifts this year.