You can give the present of saving money while also protecting the environment. These eco-conscious gifts help cut down on waste and keep single-use plastics out of landfills and oceans. Better yet, they’re reusable, removing the need to buy disposable items again and again.
There are many online shops selling green gifts. While we include shopping links, don’t forget that discount stores and local farmers markets often carry excellent, budget-friendly choices.
Scroll through our suggestions below for inspiration and links to buy them, plus more thrifty and planet-friendly ideas.
Food & Drink
Whether dining out or preparing meals at home, this is where a lot of consumer waste happens, so eco-friendly swaps in the kitchen and on the go make a big difference. Takeout containers and single-use water bottles account for nearly half of ocean waste. Even better, reusable items save money each time they’re used.
1. Reusable Bottles/Cups
Choose reusable bottles that fit your needs (car holders, bike cages, hand carry) and maintain the temperature you want. Make sure they’re BPA/BPS free. This is a terrific sustainable present: people spend about $5 a week on bottled water. Prices range from $3 to $20.
2. Produce/Reusable Silicone Storage Bags
Reusable produce bags keep fruits and veggies fresher for longer. Americans waste an estimated $240 billion of food per year — nearly $1,900 per person. You can find adorable sets for about three for $15. Pack lunches in silicone reusable bags and stop buying single-use plastic bags. They’re microwave and dishwasher safe.
3. Reusable Coffee Filter
If you love coffee, enjoy it without the guilt. There are reusable filters for nearly every coffee maker. Instead of single-use plastic pods, fill reusable K-cup alternatives — packs of four run about $11. For drip machines, an organic cotton coffee sock can be rinsed and reused for well over a year ($14).
4. Beeswax Food Wraps
Cling film isn’t the only option. Beeswax wraps keep food fresh and, with proper upkeep, a single sheet can last a year. They make ideal stocking stuffers and cost a bit more than a box of plastic wrap while lasting much longer. Often made from organic cotton, they’re safe for kids’ items and can be hand washed. See some cute examples.
5. Reusable Dishcloths
The pandemic taught us the value of a good dishcloth. Swedish-style dishcloths dry quickly, are long-lasting (makers claim one equals 17 rolls of paper towels), biodegradable, and resist bacteria growth better than sponges. A popular 10-pack costs $19 — that’s the equivalent of about 170 rolls of paper towels you won’t need to buy.
Household
Home gifts are a lovely way to show you care during the holidays, and they can also express concern for the planet.
6. Dryer Balls
A set of six wool dryer balls cost about $10 and can eliminate the need for liquid fabric softener and dryer sheets for three to four years. Some are scented with essential oils for a pleasant fragrance.
7. Window Solar Charger
Using sunlight to power devices instead of grid electricity is appealing. While charging everything may not be hugely costly, the savings add up. Portable solar chargers begin around $20, and window-mounted models start at about $38.
8. Programmable and Smart Thermostats
Programmable thermostats let homeowners set heating and cooling schedules so energy isn’t wasted when no one is home — a great first step that can save $50–$100 per year. However, research shows 40% of owners never program them, which is where smart thermostats help. These Wi‑Fi devices learn your preferences and run with minimal input. Smart thermostats can start at $60 and often pay for themselves in just over a year.
9. Rechargeable Lighter
Disposable lighters are common and hard to recycle. A rechargeable electric lighter uses an arc instead of a flame and a single charge can last for months. Rechargeable lighters start at about $13 and endure for years.
10. Smart Sprinkler Controller
If someone has an irrigation system, this can yield big water savings. The EPA notes that a neglected irrigation system can waste up to 25,000 gallons annually. Smart sprinkler controllers use weather data to avoid over- or under-watering and are often app-controlled. Systems start around $100.
11. Rechargeable Batteries
Giving batteries might sound boring, but rechargeable batteries are one of the best green presents. An 8-pack of rechargeable AA batteries costs about $15 and can last several years with basic care. Comparable single‑use packs cost around $8 and are disposable.
12. Hydroponic Greens Garden
Growing salad greens indoors using hydroponics is straightforward — no soil or backyard required. You can spend from $20 to much more on advanced systems, so a starter kit is a smart choice. Truth be told, this garden-with-fish-tank combo ($100) is near the top of my wish list. No more buying bagged greens at the store!
Personal Care
We don’t always consider the environmental cost of self-care, yet personal care is an easy area to go green without sacrificing quality. An eco-friendly bathroom item is a meaningful gift because every use will remind them of you.
13. Shampoo & Conditioner Bars
Solid shampoo and conditioner eliminate plastic packaging. While we accept bar hand and face soaps, this takes it a step further. Prices vary widely — from $3 to $15 or more per bar, but they last for 50–75 washes — about the same as at least two bottles of liquid shampoo.
14. Low-Flow Showerhead
Low-flow showerheads deliver the same satisfying shower while using 40–60% less water. That immediately reduces water and energy bills, making them excellent green gifts. Good options range from $22 to $100.
15. Reusable ‘Cotton’ Swabs
Not glamorous, but highly practical: reusable swabs mimic Q-tip function while being made from medical-grade materials rather than cotton. The company claims one reusable swab prevents 1,000 disposables from reaching landfills. They come in recycled-material cases, are easy to clean, and cost under $12 each.
16. Silicone Baby Bibs
Silicone is an eco-friendly material that wipes clean, reducing laundry loads. Some bibs have deep pockets to catch spills. Choose 100% silicone to avoid BPA and other chemicals. These adorable bibs run about $13 apiece and last for years.
17. Reusable Makeup Remover Pads
Reusable makeup pads replace disposable cotton rounds, wipes, or paper towels and can also apply products. They typically come with a small laundry bag and can be composted at end of life. Reusable rounds cost around $15 and last a couple of years — only slightly more than a month’s supply of disposables.
18. Reusable Razor
Razors used to be reusable, but modern designs combine safety and sustainability. They offer sleek looks and inexpensive replacement blades. A good starter razor is around $30. Replacement blades (for example, 10 for $10) are far cheaper than buying disposables weekly.
19. Silicone Toothbrush
About 500 million toothbrushes are discarded in the U.S. yearly. Instead of a fully disposable brush, consider options made with bamboo or replaceable-bristle designs. A silicone toothbrush is antibacterial, costs about $10, and only requires new bristles rather than a whole new handle.
20. Reusable Odor Eliminators
Charcoal-filled bamboo sachets absorb smells from shoes, gym bags, and lockers so you won’t need sprays or deodorizers. Be tactful when gifting them. A two-pack of charcoal bags costs about $11 and can last two years.
More Eco-Friendly Gifts (That Cost Pennies)
Thoughtful, memorable gifts don’t have to be expensive. Here are inexpensive options that feel personal and keep costs low.
21. Family Recipes
Holidays bring out sentimentality around food. Gather cherished family recipes from cooks (and bartenders) in your clan. Ask older relatives for the stories behind the dishes — those anecdotes are gifts too.
Write or type recipes and bind them together; use a favorite photo or illustration for the cover; and consider updating the collection each year. It will become a treasured keepsake.
22. Jar of Cookie Mix
There are countless cookie-in-a-jar recipes online. Layering ingredients in a clear jar makes a pretty, ready-to-give gift. Attach baking instructions — the recipient supplies the wet ingredients, and you’ve done the rest.
23. The Gift of Music
Though cassette mixtapes are dated, curated playlists on streaming platforms still make a heartfelt, personal present. We used customized playlists as wedding favors for a remote wedding and kept getting compliments.
24. Family Crossword Puzzle
Sites let you design a crossword or word-search for free. Create clues from family catchphrases, memories, nicknames, and harmless embarrassing moments — and add zero carbon footprint.
25. Gift of Time
Often people just want your company. Commit to a monthly visit, a weekly walk, or a Sunday morning call — and follow through. That time is a gift for both of you.
The Extra Sustainable Step of Giving
Spend a minute thinking about how you wrap the present. Are you using fresh wrapping paper, tape, and single-use bows? If items can be boxed, decorate and reuse boxes instead of creating waste.
Follow my grandmother’s example and skip tape on boxes — secure them with ribbon or twine instead. Opt for cloth ribbons that can be reused. That’s true sustainable gifting.
Contributor JoEllen Parker writes about lifestyle and culture topics. She once owned a small coffeehouse in St. Petersburg, Florida, and has hosted a community arts program on local radio for nearly 30 years.
