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Lauren Rice

Sustainable Surprises: Low-Waste Gifts for the Whole Family

Updated: Oct 29


In a season where waste is increased by big celebrations and gift giving, the weight of sustainable living is never more taxing. To hopefully lift your spirits a bit, we’ve compiled a few lists of low-waste gift ideas for your family and friends this holiday season. These thoughtful and environmentally mindful gifts not only help to reduce waste but can encourage a sense of shared responsibility towards the planet. Join us in the journey towards a more sustainable and mindful holiday, one gift at a time.


Gifts that Keep Giving: Low-Waste Family Essentials

Reusable Produce Bags
  • Help reduce plastic waste by gifting a set of durable and washable produce bags for grocery shopping.


Stainless Steel Water Bottles

Bee's Wrap Holiday Print and kitchen supplies
Beeswax Wraps
  • Replace single-use plastic wrap with reusable and washable beeswax wraps for a reliable alternative in the kitchen. We love the Bee's Wax wraps but any kind will work.


Cloth Napkins
  • Washable napkins are a great way to connect style with sustainability by reducing the need for single-use paper napkins.

Kitchen Towels
  • Replace disposable paper towels with durable and washable towels for various household tasks. You can keep older towels on hand for household cleaning.


Stainless Steel Container and Lunchbox Set_Plastic free
Stainless Steel Lunchbox Set
Reusable Straws Set

Solar-Powered Outdoor Lights
  • Illuminate outdoor spaces with solar-powered lights, reducing the need for disposable batteries and contributing to sustainable energy practices.


Eco-Friendly Gifts for Kids

Used Books
  • Gently used books are always parent approved, encouraging reading and keeping waste out of the landfill.


Recycled Art Supplies
  • Encourage creativity while supporting sustainability by choosing art supplies made from recycled or eco-friendly materials.


Reusable Snack Bags
  • Encourage mindful habits early with reusable snack bags that reduce the need for single-use plastic.


Stainless Steel Washable Kids Plate and bamboo utensils
Stainless Steel Kids Plates
  • Make mealtime fun and eco-friendly with kids plates made of sustainable and dishwasher-safe stainless steel.


Solar-Powered Toys
  • Embrace the power of the sun with solar-powered toys that teach children about renewable energy in a playful way.



Wooden Toys
  • Reach for sturdy and timeless wooden alternatives to plastic, reducing the environmental impact of toy production.


DIY Craft Kits
  • Inspire a love for handmade creations with do-it-yourself craft kits that promote creativity.


Stainless Steel Bento Lunchbox with red bow
Stainless Steel Bento Box
  • Say goodbye to single-use plastics with a durable stainless steel bento box that ensures easy-to-prep, waste-free lunches.


Ocean-Friendly Bath Toys
  • Choose bath toys made from safe and biodegradable materials, minimizing the impact of plastic pollution on marine creatures.


Pre-loved Board Games
  • Make game night sustainable by gifting games from a second-hand store that might otherwise end up in a landfill.


Gifts with a Second Life: DIY and Upcycled Treasures

DIY Personalized Recipe Book
  • Create a custom recipe book filled with family favorites, personal notes, and photos, making it a cherished and eco-conscious gift.


Repurposed Wine Cork Coasters
  • Upcycle wine corks into stylish coasters, blending functionality with a touch of rustic charm for a thoughtful home accessory.


Upcycled Vintage Map Art
  • Create unique wall art by upcycling old maps into personalized pieces, highlighting locations that are special to you.


Homemade bath salts_Low waste gift idea
Homemade Bath Salts
  • Mix up batches of soothing bath salts using natural ingredients and present them in reusable, upcycled glass jars.


Handmade Upcycled Fabric Rag Rug
  • Weave a personalized rug from old fabric scraps, adding a touch of warmth and character to any room.


    DIY Beeswax Wrap Kit
  • Gift a kit with all the materials needed to make reusable beeswax wraps at home, promoting an eco-conscious alternative to plastic wrap.


Hand-Painted Mason Jar Piggy Bank
  • Transform ordinary mason jars into cute, personalized piggy banks for your kids to practice saving money sustainably.


Embracing Sustainability Beyond Material Gifts


Experiential Gifts
  • Consider tickets to a live performance or a movie



Digital Subscriptions and E-books
  • Reduce the environmental impact of paper production by gifting digital subscriptions to magazines, audiobooks, or e-books. This way, the joy of reading remains, but without the ecological footprint.

Tree planting at plastic detox

Plant a Tree in Their Name
  • Give the gift of a lasting impact by planting a tree in the recipient's name. Check out our partners, One Tree Planted a 501(c)3 non-profit organization which offers tree-planting programs that contribute to reforestation efforts.


Wellness Gifts
  • Encourage well-being by giving experiences like yoga, workout classes, or a spa gift card.


Classes
  • Provide the gift of learning through an educational experience. This could range from pottery to cooking classes, promoting sustainability and creativity.


Including sustainable gift-giving practices goes beyond the act of giving—it becomes a shared commitment to protect our environment. Realizing that not everything needs to be brand new, we can let the exchange of gifts be a reflection of eco-friendly values, a celebration of creativity, and deep gratitude for what we have already been given. May your holidays be filled with joy, warmth, and the fulfillment of knowing that your gifts provide a more sustainable and kind world.


Spread the gift of sustainability this year by sharing our blog, "Sustainable Surprises: Low-Waste Gifts for the Whole Family". Don't forget to shop our sustainable options perfect for gifting or hosting! Click below.




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