Looking for the best eco-friendly holiday 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 environmentally conscious teens 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 eco-friendly holiday gifts for teens
Let’s not deny it any longer. Brainstorming on the best eco-friendly gift ideas for 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 eco-friendly holiday gifts for teens, it should all comes 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 21 sustainable, teen-approved gifts that check all the aforementioned boxes.
What to get a teenager who cares about the environment?
If you are looking for foolproof eco-friendly gift ideas for teens, you can always choose products that aim to reduce the environmental pollution that stems from our closets, beauty arsenal, home, etc. Some great options are sustainable socks and beanies, eco-friendly clothing, biodegradable phone cases, fair trade jewelry, self-care kits, and, of course, vintage items.
This post is about eco-friendly gift ideas for teens
Best eco-friendly holiday gifts for teens who love the environment
The perfect gift for nature lovers in your life! This collection box protects oceans, protects rainforests, and plants trees through Oceana, Conservation International, and Trees for the Future.
Complete with three unique pairs of sustainable socks, this gift box is the ultimate gift that gives back. Made with organic, Fairtrade-certified cotton, these socks are as good for you as they are for the planet. Go green and protect the earth for generations to come in these bold styles.
Price: $44.95
Ethics: Fair Trade Certified, Vegan Certified organic cotton, OEKO-TEX Certified and Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS) Certified
Location: USA
Shop Conscious Socks Here
I have yet to meet a teen who doesn’t love a good beanie. Made from 100% Recycled Polyester and PET bottles, this company wants to show that fashion can be done differently: in touch with nature, fair & responsible.
And without the use of toxic pesticides and fertilizers. They believe it’s just a matter of mindset and seeing the bigger picture which is exactly why it belongs in your eco-friendly holiday gifts for teens checklist.
Price: $25.00+
Ethics: Made in the USA, GOTS Certified, Fairtrade Cotton, Peta Approved
Location: USA
Shop Earth Hero Here
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.
Ello’s aesthetic collection of reusable water bottles made of stainless steel guarantees to keep our drinks cold for up to 24 hours with ice. Plus, you can find many more options crafted from 50% recycled plastic, and straws that feature Guardian® Anti-Microbial Technology.
Price: $17.99
Ethics: Insulated Stainless Steel & recycled materials, Fda-Approved
Location: USA
Shop Ello Cooper Here
If you are on the hunt for sustainable gifts for teens who are obsessed with exploring the world, this super flashy backpack is your one-way ticket to their green heart.
Aside from using 100% repurposed nylon that was rescued from landfills, the Certified B Corporation equipped it with a weight-distributing harness system, numerous compartments, padded laptop sleeves, and extremely secure zippers.
Did we mention the numerous color options?
Price: $195
Ethics: Certified B Corporation, sustainable and recycled materials, donations
Location: USA
Shop Cotopaxi Here
Did you know that writing in a journal can be as effective as cognitive-behavioral therapy when it comes to reducing the risk of depression in young adults?
There are, indeed, tons of scientific studies on the benefits of daily journaling. And luckily for you, this is the World’s FIRST-ever climate-positive notebook! It is Made from sustainable stone paper, produced out of reused stones from construction and factories.
On top of that, is tear-resistant (bye paper cuts!), water-resistant, and extremely durable to keep up with your lifestyle. This notebook pretty much has superpowers.
Price: $26.99
Ethics: Sustainable materials, B-corporation, Safelabour, plants trees
Location: USA
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 eco-friendly holiday gifts for teens, of course.
Colorful Standard’s Unisexhoodie (tons of colors) are made from 100% organic cotton and are a perfect sustainable addition to a teen’s closet.
Plus, the outside of the fabric is densely knitted for a smooth feel and clean look but brushed on the inside for a soft and comfortable feel.
Price: $88
Ethics: 100% Organic Cotton, Environmentally Friendly Dye – Oeko-Tex®, PETA Approved Vegan, Made in Portugal
Location: USA
Shop Colorful Standard Here
Kotn’s sustainable socks and wear-me-everywhere men’s clothing are to die for, but their sweatpants collection will excite every eco-conscious teen in your life.
Every piece is thoughtfully crafted in Egypt and Portugal, from the softest BCI Egyptian cotton. Not to mention the heavily brushed interior that adds extra loft and comfort. As for the color options, they have something for virtually every taste.
Price: $80
Ethics: Sustainable Fabrics, B Corporation, Non-Toxic Dyes, Fair Trade
Location: USA
Shop KOTN Here
What is the eco-friendly gift idea for teens with a certain obsession for infinite scrolling? A shinny, new case!
There are dozens of iPhone and Android options to choose from based on their aesthetic –from solid colors to floral prints and yes, even zodiac signs.
The brand uses Flaxstic® — an eco-conscious material made of compostable bioplastic elastomer and flax straw to create durable, flexible, and shock-absorbent cases.
Price: Starts at $39.95
Ethics: Compostable, Sustainable Lifestyle, Vegan, 1% Go Profit Is Donated To Ocean Cleanup And Preservation Initiatives
Location: Worldwide Locations & Ships Worldwide
Shop Pela Case Here
Honestly, can you think of better gifts for environmentally conscious teens who aren’t afraid to share their values and beliefs as loudly as possible like true sustainability activists?
We are talking about the good old patch! I love how these are back in style because patches are one of the most useful things out there! Breathe new life into thrifted or tired textiles. Iron or sew onto jackets, backpacks, hats, or any clothes and accessories.
Get creative, get crafty – and make your old favorite a new one! Iron-on or sew-on.
Price: $6.50
Ethics: B-certified corporation, Donation made to Environmental Foundation of your choice with purchase.
Location: USA, worldwide shipping available
Shop Happy Earth Brand Here
What was once created to match the colorful and over-the-top aesthetic of the 1980s has now officially reclaimed its status as a hair-must have every teen has in their arsenal.
KOOSHOO has created the world’s first 100% fair trade, plastic-free scrunchies that are a perfect little sustainable holiday gift for anyone with hair long enough to tie up into a bun or into a ponytail!
Protect their hair while protecting the planet.
Price: $20
Ethics: GOTS Certified Organic Cotton And Stretchy Natural Rubber, Compostable, Donations, Fair Trade
Location: USA, worldwide shipping available
Shop Kooshoo Here
Got a teen that loves to blast music but you’d rather drink tea and drink a book? Then this is the ultimate addition to your sustainable gifts for teens checklist.
Powerful 40mm dynamic drivers provide great bass and precise sound, with 10-12 hours of battery life and playtime.
The removable braided cable stays tangle-free, so you can convert to and from wireless without crazy cord knots! The travel-friendly foldable design is created from FSC-Certified Wood and recyclable aluminum.
Price: $79.99
Ethics: Post-Consumer And Upcycled Materials, Members Of One Tree Planted And The Forest Stewardship Council
Location: USA, worldwide shipping available
Shop House of Marley Here
Fair Trade & Sustainable Jewelry, like Fair Anita’s collection, will always be a fantastic gift idea for every occasion.
With over 8,000 talented women artisan partners around the world, it’s no wonder why their jewels are so unique and statement-making.
They are a B-corporation certified by Chicago Fairtrade. What’s more, they use up to 80% sustainable materials in designs which are then shipped in upcycled packaging.
Price: $18
Ethics: Fair Trade, B-Corporation, Empowers Women, Carbon Offset Program, Sustainable Materials, Upcycled Packaging
Location: USA
Shop Fair Anita Here
Keep their desk organized, and space beautiful, with the Geometric Wooden Phone Charging Dock from Oakwood!
Handcrafted from FSC Certified solid oak or walnut wood, this iPhone, AirPod, or Android charging dock keeps their tech securely in place and easy to locate – all while charging it so they’re ready to grab it and go.
It’s one of our most practical all aesthetic eco-friendly holiday gifts for teens (and adults).
Price: $48.99
Ethics: Family Business, a tree planted with purchase, Handmade, FSC Certified Wood
Location: USA, worldwide shipping available
Shop Oakywood Here
Unfortunately, 31.9% of teens have some type of anxiety disorder – high expectations, peer pressure, hormones, you name it!
So why not help them “Hack their Nervous System” and Regulate stress while promoting self-acceptance with a deck of cards filled with mindful practices and tools to cope with whatever life throws them?
This deck includes 60 different cards featuring activities to help reduce stress and promote self-awareness, like holding, breathing, and tapping exercises.
This may be a cliche, but a good scarf never goes out of style. Next up on our sustainable holiday gift guide for teens is this stylish unisex scarf by Colorful Standard.
Made from 100% *RECYCLED* Extra Fine Merino Wool. Modern, simple, and everlasting. A “zero waste” garment knitted from luxuriously soft, extra-fine, Italian-spun merino in 20 stunning colors.
Price: $70.00
Ethics: 100% Recycled Extra-Fine Merino Wool, Environmentally Friendly Dye – Oeko-Tex®, Woolmark Certified Yarn, Made in Portugal
Location: USA
Shop Colorful Standard Here
Looking for sustainable gifts for teens who love everything vintage? Bring the old-school vinyl back to life with the modern innovation of the Stir It Up Bamboo Turntable by House of Marley.
The streamlined design is made from sustainable materials like bamboo and recyclable aluminum, with a built-in pre-amp that’s compatible with any House of Marley speaker.
It features a 33/45 RPM knob, replaceable cartridge, anti-skating control, and belt-drive turntable. Plus, it’s manual, with an auto-start and stops, so your teen controls the vibes.
Price: $229.99
Ethics: Post-Consumer And Upcycled Materials, Members Of One Tree Planted And The Forest Stewardship Council
Location: USA
Shop House of Marley Here
We all know that one artsy teen who is always in the middle of a DIY project.
This Wire Jig Earring Making Kit is here to help them make stunning wire jewelry with one all-in-one set. There are 3 different designs available, but as soon as they get the grip of it, the options will be unlimited!
No worries, the kit has everything they need to reach pro-level status and brag about to their online and real-life friends.
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: $34.95
Ethics: Organic Cotton, Recycled Nylon, And More
Location: UK, worldwide shipping available
Shop Wuka Here
Your quest to find eco-friendly holiday gifts for teens is officially over. Bonnie Clyde’s sustainable sunglasses are bright, bold, and unapologetic – just like them.
They use premium Italian plant-based cellulose, nylon 100% UV protection lenses, and stainless steel core & Hinges to craft their street-style-approved sunnies in LA.
This one, in particular, is emboldened with a “don’t look at me” memo at the arm for an extra oomph.
Price: $189
Ethics: Eco-Friendly Materials, Independent Team Of 4, Made In LA
Location/Shipping: USA
Shop End Clothing Here
Groundies creates the best of the best barefoot shoes for teens who don’t want to forgo style for comfort and vice versa.
Their innovative TrueSense® technology makes their barefoot running shoes ultra-comfy and abrasion-resistant – not to mention extremely fashionable.
Every pair is ethically made in Europe with high-quality and robust vegan upper materials. On top of that, the brand is also Climate-neutral.
Price: $75.00
Ethics: Climate-Neutral, Sustainable & Vegan Materials, Supports “Plant-For-The-Planet”
Location: Germany, worldwide shipping available
Shop Grounds Here
Last but not least, a fantastic gift set –which is always one of the best eco-friendly gift ideas for teens who love to pamper themselves in the most sustainable way possible.
This zero-waste beauty & makeup set is natural, vegan, and cruelty-free and includes a handmade soap bar, the Sisal soap pouch, 8 Bamboo reusable makeup remover pads, one cotton mesh laundry bag and 11 bamboo makeup brushes with a travel cotton bag.
Plus you can choose the soap scent!
Price: $35
Ethics: Sustainable & Biodegradable Materials, Zero-Waste Packaging
Location: UK, worldwide shipping available
Shop Etsy Here
This post was all about eco-friendly holiday gifts for teens
There you have it–our foolproof list of the best eco-friendly gift ideas 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 travel bags, these sustainable gifts for teens promise to delight everyone on your checklist.
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