2020 Sustainable Gifting Guide
The holiday season is a beautiful time of year, but also a huge strain on Mother Earth! In the United States alone, we generate an extra 1 million tons of waste per week between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. A large part of that comes from the inevitable surge in holiday shopping, but it also doesn’t mean we need to completely abstain from gifting this season! This year, consider adding some sustainable sourced options to your wish list (or gift list!). We’ve compiled some of our favorite options from sustainable brands and brands that are actively working towards achieving sustainability in their businesses. We have options that can help you or others reduce waste in everyday life as well as just some fun gifts in general! Through our research and selections we aimed to find sustainable, ethically made gifts at a variety of price points to try and accommodate all budgets! Hope you enjoy :)
General Ideas:
Thrifted Clothes
Secondhand Records
Secondhand Books or from Small Bookstores (check out thriftbooks.com and betterworldbooks.com for online options)
Handmade jewelry (rings, necklaces, anklets, etc)
Under $10
Package Free Shop | Scented Candle Tins
Package Free Shop | Reusable Cherry Printed Dishcloth
Reusable Straws
Options We Love:
Under $30
Etsy | Mushroom forest themed incense hold and jewelry dish
Etsy | Men's Zero Waste Personalized Grooming Kit
Best Dressed x En Route Jewelry Earrings
Pearl Strawberry Beaded Necklace
Reusable Masks:
Options We Love:
Tentree Mask (Pack of 3) - Made of recycled materials!
Reusable Tupperware
Options We Love:
Tote Bags
Perfect for grocery trips, errands, school, or just weekend adventures! Find unique options on Etsy, the sources below, or considered looking up a tutorial to sew one yourself! You can also personalize with screen printing or painting – check out Youtube and Google for some great tutorials.
Options We Love:
Sierra Club x Parks Project Vote Environment Recycled Tote Bag
Etsy | Daisy flower canvas shoulder bags embossed floral handbag casual tote bag
Journals:
Whether it’s for writing your daily to do list, the draft a short story, note taking, or doodling, everyone deserves a cute journal!
Options We Love:
Under $50
Depop | Ethically Produced Beaded Bag
Nguyen Coffee Supply Coffee Bag Trio
Reusable Notebook (Erases w heat!)
Film Camera or Film
If you or a friend love the look of disposables, consider investing in a film camera! They’re a great sustainable choice to replace a typical disposable camera and actually pay off within just a few uses (yes we did the math). Check eBay and your local photography stores to pick out the perfect camera! Film itself can be expensive so it’s another great option to ask for or give.
Options We Love:
Kodak Vintage Retro M35
Olympus Stylus
Try to buy your film and/or camera from local photography shops but if you don’t have one near you Photo Dom Shop is a great option!
Under $120
Keepsie Kits: Zero Waste Travel Kits
Girlfriend Collective Black High-Rise Pocket Legging
Pretties Venice Red Venise Embroidery Straps
Desert Dreamer Smiley Happy Mind Recycled Crewneck
General Brands to Check Out:
Etsy Small Businesses:
Emma Handmades (Rings + Accessories)
Depop Small Businesses:
Earrings/Accessories:
@earringsbysun
@luvkid
@rainbow_bebe
@withloveap
@yinyangsun
Clothing:
Handmade/Designed by Seller:
@ellahannington
Vintage or Wholesale Thrift:
@aliceandben
@denisesarahxo
@earthangelthrift
@juicerack
@julianajaasma
@rewindthetape
@shanahall11
@thelookhaus
@yzabelb
Sustainable Shops:
Zero Waste Store - Zero Waste Products and Package Free Shop
Higher End Sustainable Companies:
Girlfriend Collective (activewear/athleisure)
