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Looking for the best eco friendly gifts for teens that we *guarantee* they won’t secretly return as soon as January 2nd rolls around?
We’ve crafted the ultimate list of sustainable gifts for teenagers who refuse to keep anything that’s not ethically made and inherently cool, ahead.
For more ideas, don’t forget to check out the best sustainable and eco-friendly gifts for kids, for her, and for him.
This post is about the best eco gifts for teens & young adults in 2023.
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Let’s not deny it any longer. Brainstorming on the best gifts for eco friendly teens — whether it’s your little brother, sister, cousin, niece, or best friend’s kid — is notoriously tricky.
We’ve all desperately tried to pick “the ultimate” present for the under-18 person in our lives in the hopes that they won’t roll their eyes at it as soon as they tear up the beautifully wrapped box, but with no luck.
It’s not a secret that environmentally conscious teens understand that holiday gift-giving is rife with waste. After all, Gen Z cares about sustainability more than anyone else – and is starting to make others feel the same.
However, still, we throw away roughly 25% more trash between Thanksgiving and the New Year than any other time of the year –this accounts for 25 million extra tons of garbage. It’s no wonder why eight out of ten teens now prioritise the environment when shopping.
So ultimately, when picking unique eco friendly gifts for teens, it should all come down to ethics, quality, style, and, of course, the cool factor. In other words, we have to ask a few important questions.
- Will this gift serve your teen over the years?
- Who made the product and are they paid fairly and treated respectfully?
- What is this gift made of? Are the materials eco-friendly?
We love a good challenge! That’s why we rounded up a list of 25 eco friendly gifts for young adults that check all the aforementioned boxes.
What gifts do eco friendly teens actually want in 2023?
In 2023, teens are seeking thoughtful and sustainable gifts that align with their values and support their desire to make a positive impact on the environment. For example, reusable water bottles, made from materials like stainless steel or glass, help reduce plastic waste.
Chic accessories like belts, wallets, or bags made from upcycled or organic materials, allow them to express their style sustainably. Consciously-made self-care products are also very popular amongst teens.
What are the best luxury eco gifts for teens in 2023?
Ethically-made jewelry, sustainable turntables, stylish sunglasses, and high-end audio products like headphones or speakers made from sustainable materials are the ultimate luxury eco friendly gifts for young adults.
But, remember, when picking the perfect eco gifts for teens, it’s always important to consider their own hobbies and likes. Pay attention to what they use in their day-to-day lives to find the ultimate teen-approved present this year.
This post is about the best gift ideas for teens & young adults.
The Best Gifts For Teens In 2023.
1. Best Gift For Music Loving Teens
On the hunt for sustainable gifts for teenagers who absolutely love music?
Enter: Headphones made from post-consumer and upcycled materials. Think FSC® certified wood, REGRIND® silicone, and bamboo!
Not only do these sleek headphones provide a superior auditory experience, but also, your music-loving teen be jamming out in style.
Price: From 49.99+
Ethics: Post-consumer and upcycled materials, members of one tree planted and the forest stewardship council
Location/Shipping: USA
Cool Gifts for Teenagers from Marlay:
2. Ethical Teen Fashion
Let’s deck the halls with ethical threads, shall we? Super versatile clothing basics made from certified organic cotton are the best option!
Our favorite slow fashion brands use organic farming practices that ensure a reduction in harmful chemicals, promoting a healthier planet and a healthier you.
Plus, all GOTS-certified staples are also certified by Fair Trade USA, a guarantee that every stitch represents fair wages and safe working conditions for the hands that brought these outfits to life.
Price: From $38+
Discount Code: SKL10
Ethics: Organic cotton, Fair Trade USA, Global Organic Textile Standard,
Location/Shipping: USA, ships worldwide
More Ethical Teen Fashion Brands:
3. Best Journals For Teens & Young Adults
Oh, journaling–the best way to keep a treasure trove of memories, practice self-love and so much more!
According to dozens of studies, the people who journaled saw the biggest reduction in symptoms like depression, anxiety, and hostility.
So rest assured that it’s the perfect eco gifts for teens who want to express themselves.
Price: From $18+
Ethics: B Corporation Certified, BBB Accredited Business
Location/Shipping: USA, ships worldwide
Best Thoughtful Notebooks for Teens:
4. Best Gifts For Teens With A Phone
What is the eco-friendly gift idea for teens with a certain obsession for infinite scrolling? An extremely stylish phone case!
Crafted by Pela, a brand with a heart as green as the plants they’re inspired by, this case boasts a composition derived from flax shive and plant-based biopolymers.
The base of the case is compostable, returning to the earth without a trace when its time is done.
What’s more, If your screen cracks while wearing the case and our liquid screen protector, Pela steps up and covers the repairs.
Price: From $39.95+
Ethics: Compostable, Sustainable Lifestyle, Vegan, 1% Go Profit Is Donated To Ocean Cleanup And Preservation Initiatives
Location/Shipping: USA, ships worldwide
Shop By Phone Type:
5. Best Ethical Shoes For Teens
Ethical shoes will forever be one of the best eco friendly gifts for young adults!
Starting with the materials, these wear-me-everywhere shoes are crafted from sustainable resources, a blend of innovative vegan materials that prioritize kindness to animals, the environment, and your style.
Plus, the top-rated brands below carry the B Corporation Certification, a badge of honor representing their accountability, transparency, and environmental stewardship.
Price: From $79+
Ethics: Sustainable materials, fair working hours & wages, B Corporation Certified, Butterfly Marked Certified, vegan
Location/Shipping: Brazil, ships worldwide
Best Sustainable Sneakers for Teenagers:
6. Best Gift For Cozy Fashionistas
Go ahead, name one teen who doesn’t love donning organic cotton sweatpants & eco hoodies, they are practically their “uniform.”– and one of the best gifts for eco friendly teens, of course.
Crafted from the finest organic materials like cotton, linen, and tencel.
What’s more, their designs celebrate diversity, inclusivity, and a strong sense of community. It’s a beautiful blend of fashion, sustainability, and social responsibility!
Price: From $60+
Ethics: Organic materials such as cotton, linen, tencel, made sustainably in Los Angeles, women-owned, Climate Neutral Certified
Location/Shipping: USA, ships worldwide
Best Sellers For Teens:
7. An Epic Reusable Water Bottle
Reusable water bottles are not only extremely sustainable but can also be oh-so-cool –if you pick the right one that fits the teen’s personality to a T.
Known as one of the most practical sustainable gifts for teenagers, this zero-waste option is made from BPA-free, FDA, and EU approved materials.
And the colors are absolutely amazing! Hydration has never felt so reassuring.
Price: From $39.95+
Discount Code: SKL30 for 30% off
Ethics: Premium materials made to last, BPA free, FDA & EU approved materials,
Location/Shipping: Australia, ships to Canada & USA
Best Sustainable Water Bottles for Teens:
8. Trendy Cold Weather Accessories
Help the teen in your life get cozy and sustainable in 2023 trend-driven cold-weather accessories for slow fashion brands like Colorful Standards – scarves, beanies, and socks.
Made from 100% organic cotton and 100% recycled merino wool, they are a blend of warmth and eco-friendliness.
Packed in recycled FSC packaging, the company also uses labor practices, ensuring fair treatment and wages, while minimizing waste with their zero-waste commitment.
Price: From $40+
Ethics: 100% organic cotton, 100% recycled merino wool, recycled FSC packaging, ethical labour practices, zero waste
Location/Shipping: USA, ships worldwide
Cold Weather Must Haves For Teens:
9. Best Sunglasses For Teens
Your quest to find amazing eco friendly gifts for girl teens and boys is officially over.
Pela’s sunnies offer full UVA/UVB protection and are manufactured with 33% less CO2 emissions, 34% less water usage, and 82% less waste compared to conventional sunglasses and packaging.
Plus, as they protect your eyes, they’re also protecting our oceans, with 1% of profits donated to Ocean Cleanup and Preservation Initiatives.
Price: From $64.95+
Ethics: Compostable, Sustainable Lifestyle, Vegan, 1% Go Profit Is Donated To Ocean Cleanup And Preservation Initiatives
Location/Shipping: USA, ships worldwide
Best Sunglasses For Teens:
10. Best Eco Friendly Self Care Sets For Teens
The Detox Market offers an array of sustainable gifts for teens for every self-care need!
Curated to perfection, these kits include highly moisturizing, soothing, and pure products, all crafted from natural, non-toxic ingredients.
A worry-free, toxin-free cleansing ritual that pampers your body and soul, how amazing is that!?
Price: From $20+
Ethics: Pure ingredients, cruelty-free formulas, eco-conscious processes
Location/Shipping: USA, ships worldwide
Best Sustainable Skincare Gifts for Teens:
11. Best Organic Period Panties For Teens
Statistics point out that 60% of pre-teens said their self-esteem plummeted or lessened around puberty, while 63% felt embarrassed when they got their first period.
So let’s help your favorite teen feel comfortable with their body during that time of the month with the WUKA First Period Pack.
This period starter kit was created to ensure a stress-free start to periods and thus, it includes the WUKA ultimate organic bikini brief, a guide to growing up great, and a hand-made in Nepal washbag for easy carrying.
As the brand mentions “Our award-winning underwear will give your girl confidence in lessons, sports, or sleepovers.”
Price: From $20+
Ethics: Organic Cotton, recycled nylon, B Corporation Certified
Location/Shipping: USA, ships worldwide
Best selling period panties for teens:
12. Best Stir It Up Turntable For Teens
What are the best eco friendly gifts for young adults who love vintage elements? Wireless turntables!
Meticulously designed using post-consumer and upcycled materials, these turntables are equipped with speakers to give their vinyl the gorgeous sound it deserves.
They offer over 20 hours of playtime for all-day listening. Plus, look how darn stylish they look.
Price: From $199.99+
Ethics: Post-consumer and upcycled materials, members of one tree planted and the forest stewardship council
Location/Shipping: USA
Best Eco Friendly Tech Gifts for Teens:
13. Best Jewelry Kits For Teens
If you’re looking for unique eco friendly gifts for teens who embrace their artsy side, these jewelry-making kits are the perfect option.
With high-quality materials and easy-to-follow instructions, your favorite young adult will be able to creatively express themselves, making beautiful pieces for themselves or to gift to a loved one!
Price: From $45+
Ethics: Gold plated earwires, brass wire, paulownia wood, stainless steel, B Corporation Certified, BBB Accredited Business
Location/Shipping: USA, ships worldwide
Best DIY Gifts For Teens:
14. Best Non Toxic Candles For Teens
A beautiful addition to any home, let these non toxic candles serve as a reminder that they can do and be anything.
Made from pure, organic ingredients and infused with natural essential oils, the coconut Wax candles promise a serene and aromatic experience. All you have to do is pick the right scent!
Price: From $20.00+
Ethics: Vegan, 100% essential oils, woman-owned
Location/Shipping: USA, ships worldwide
Best Sustainable Candles for Teens:
15. Best Anti-Anxiety Gifts For Teens
According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly 1 in 3 of all adolescents ages 13 to 18 will experience an anxiety disorder.
Gift serenity and mindfulness with one (or multiple) anxiety relief gifts! Including ‘A Workbook For Anxiety’ to guide the journey, ‘Therapy Dough’ to knead stress away, and the ’90 Day Mindfulness Challenge’ for daily mindfulness exercises, there’s something for every need.
Your teen will be equipped with practical tools and practices, aiming to alleviate anxiety and promote mental well-being with each mindful moment.
Price: $25
Ethics: Made from cardboard, B Corporation Certified, BBB Accredited Business
Location/Shipping: USA, ships worldwide
Best Selling Anti-Anxiety Gifts For Teens:
16. Best Phone Accessories For Teens
For the most practical eco-friendly gifts for girl teens and boys, look no further than phone accessories!
Skillfully handcrafted from FSC Certified solid oak or walnut wood, this dock beautifully cradles your iPhone while keeping it charged and within arm’s reach.
Thanks to micro-suction tape technology, docking and undocking your device with a single hand is a breeze.
To top it all off, the spacious tray, lined with plush woollen felt, adds functionality, providing a dedicated space for your keys, wallet, or other tech essentials. With a natural wood shine and classic design.
Price: From $48.99+
Ethics: Family Business, a tree planted with purchase, handmade, FSC Certified Wood
Location/Shipping: USA
Best Eco Friendly Chargers For Teens::
17. Best Pillows For Teens
No, we are not referring to just any pillow!
The Pink Petals Relaxation Set includes Jasmine & Amber Shower Steamers, handmade in Virginia; a Kind Heart Moisturizing Lotion Bar, intricately detailed and scented with rose and ylang-ylang.
And, of course, the Pretty in Pink Lavender Eye Pillow. Made from 100% cotton and filled with whole flaxseed and dried lavender, it’s the perfect companion to help you unwind and attain a sense of calm.
Price: From $29+
Ethics: 100% cotton, B Corporation Certified, BBB Accredited Business
Location/Shipping: USA, ships worldwide
Best Selling Pillows Teens Love:
18. Best Ethical Jewelry For Teens
We found the ultimate luxury eco-friendly gifts for young adults who cherish stylish and timeless ethical jewels!
Aurate NY’s earrings, rings, and necklaces are crafted exclusively from precious metals, ensuring timeless beauty and lasting quality.
With SI clarity, the gemstones radiate brilliance while reflecting our commitment to sustainability.
Lastly, the brand strives to maintain a carbon-neutral footprint.
Price: From $60+
Ethics: Precious metals only, SI Clarity, sustainably made, carbon neutral
Location/Shipping: USA, ships worldwide
Best Luxury Eco Gifts for Teens:
19. Best Handbags & Wallets For Teens
Casual yet refined, Faherty’s lineup of handmade handbags and leather wallets is equal parts stylish and sustainable.
You can find amazing, slim, bi-fold leather wallets that feature a needlepoint pattern designed in collaboration with Native American artists.
Gorgeous seagrass basket bags and hand-crocheted raffia bags for a fun-in-the-sun attitude.
In other words, they are the best eco gifts for teens who love making a sartorial statement.
Price: From $108+
Ethics: Recycled and renewable fabrics, we converted 85% of our bags to Vela bags which are made from FSC-certified and recyclable paper instead of plastic, 1% for the planet
Location/Shipping: USA, ships worldwide
Best Handbags & Wallets For Teens:
20. Teen Approved Makeup
Specializing in 100% vegan cosmetics, each River Organics product is handcrafted from meticulously sourced, organic, and EWG-verified ingredients.
From blushes, bronzers, concealers, and highlighters to lip glosses and eye shadows, the brand offers a full spectrum of clean beauty essentials to cater to your makeup desires.
The key ingredients? Lab-made conflict-free mica, organic cacao butter, and nourishing macadamia nut oil.
Price: From $11.99+
Discount Code: SKL15 for 15% off
Ethics: Cruelty Free, vegan, conflict free ingredients
Location/Shipping: USA, ships worldwide
Best Selling Teen Makeup:
21. Best Decor That Teens Are Loving
From Squishy Gummy Bear Lights to soothing sensory night lights, here’s the perfect opportunity to score some amazing eco friendly gifts for teens.
Plus, the lambs are very affordable so you can take the boredom out of any room and at night without breaking the bank.
Price: From $29+
Ethics: B Corporation Certified, BBB Accredited Business
Location/Shipping: USA, ships worldwide
Best Eco Friendly Decor Gifts For Teens:
22. Non Toxic Nail Polish
Help the teen in your life maintain an enviable chip-free manicure with non-toxic nail polishes!
Made with natural and sustainable ingredients, such as plant-based oils and extracts, these formulas aim to nourish and strengthen the nails.
The best part? The vivid colors are completely free of formaldehyde, toluene, and phthalates.
Price: From $14+
Ethics: Safe ingredients, naturally nourishing formulas, and salon-quality results
Location/Shipping: USA, ships to Canada
Best Selling Nail Polish:
23. Best Hair Accessories For Teens
Meet the world’s first 100% fair trade, plastic-free scrunchies! These amazing biodegradable hair ties are made from GOTS-certified organic cotton and natural rubber.
So, when composted properly, they will completely go back to the soil in just seven years.
Price: From $12.99+
Ethics: GOTS Certified Organic Cotton, stretchy natural rubber, compostable, donations, fair trade
Location/Shipping: USA
Best Selling Teen Hair Accessories:
24. Creative Gifts For Teens
Honestly, who doesn’t love sew-in patches? Even more so if the designs reflect our own interests in a fun and creative way.
Price: From £6.00+
Ethics: Organic cotton, handmade, made to order, choice of iron on or sew on application
Location/Shipping: UK, ships worldwide
Best Gifts From Rebel Patch:
25. Best DIY Fun Kits For Teens
Last, but not least, some of the best sustainable gifts for teenagers who love DIYs!
From Sushi making kits with all the essentials for crafting delectable sushi rolls right at home to Tie Dye kits that help design vibrant and funky tie-dye patterns on shirts, totes, or any fabric of their choice, the options are so many!
Oh, and let’s not forget the Fortune Cookie set that lets your teen create their own personalized fortune cookies, each filled with heartfelt messages or quirky predictions.
Price: From $33+
Ethics: B Corporation Certified, BBB Accredited Business
Location/Shipping: USA, ships worldwide
More DIY Kits For Teens:
This post was all about eco-friendly holiday gifts for teens & young adults.
There you have it–our foolproof list of the best eco-friendly gifts for teens who cherish the plant and all its inhabitants while wanting to look as cool and stylish as possible.
From self-care gift sets and jewelry-making kits to wear-me-everywhere joggers, phone cases, and patches, these sustainable gifts for teens promise to delight everyone on your checklist.
If you liked this post on eco friendly gifts for teens & young adults, you’ll definitely want to check out these other posts from SKL:
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