Tis’ the season for family, friends, and good times. Right?
Unfortunately, it can also mean the time for unparalleled consumerism and waste. No, we’re not going to tell you to stop buying presents or just re-gift things around your house (although not a bad idea). We would, however, like to make it a little easier for you to continue to share gift-giving traditions while keeping the planet in mind.
That’s why we’ve created this zero-waste holiday gift guide!
Before choosing a gift from this list, first, consider the person you’re giving it to and whether it is something they will actually use and something that will add to their life and work for them and not end up as clutter or at the back of a shelf. To make sure the resources that have gone into the gift are best used, it needs to be tailored to them and their lifestyle.
In order to create this zero-waste holiday gift guide, we made sure each item met the following criteria:
- The zero waste swap is made of zero waste materials that can go back into the Earth after its life is over.
- Made by a sustainable and ethical company with a transparent business model.
- Made under fair trade and respectful working conditions.
So in the spirit of giving, we present to you some of the best zero waste gift ideas, hopefully making your shopping experience as stress-free (and plastic-free) as possible.
This post was created in partnership with Zefiro, our sponsor who we absolutely adore. This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase something through our links we may earn a small commission – at no additional cost to you – that helps to fund Sustainably Kind Living. Thank you for your support!
Our 21 Favorite Zero-Waste Holiday Gifts
1. The Perfect Market Bag
Our favorite Zero Waste Shop, Zefiro (based in Chicago!), has created the perfect market bag for all the things. This would be a great zero waste gift in and of itself, but you can also stuff it full of seasonal fruits and veggies for a really cool gift!
Did you know that Americans use over one billion plastic bags per year?! But with this sustainable French Market bag, you can do your part to decrease that number (and look good doing it). This bag is perfect for a trip to the market or running errands. It’s easy to store in your car for those last-minute trips as well.
Price: $10.00
Ethics: 1% of annual sales support environmental causes around the world, 100% compostable,
Size Range: Many colors to choose
Shop The French Market Bag Here
“It’s not about being perfect. Nobody is. It’s about being conscious that our actions matter. What we buy matters, What we waste matters, What we send to the landfill matters. What ends up in our oceans and ends up in our fish, matters. Every small step we take, makes a difference.”
Carley Pulford, Zefiro
2. The Perfect Mug for Cold Mornings
What’s better than a cup of hot tea or coffee on those super chilly winter mornings? This eco-friendly ceramic mug created by Anne Gates Studio is a dream for all seasonal drinks. With its solid craftsmanship, it’s sure to be one of your favorites! This zero-waste mug is dishwasher and oven safe.
This is a great gift by itself, however, another fun option would be to pair it would some zero waste tea and/or zero waste tea ball.
Price: $42.00
Ethics: Women-owned, climate neutral, 1% given back to environmental causes around the world
Shop the Lunar Phase Ceramic Mug Here
3. Gorgeous Zero Waste Makeup
Makeup is a surprisingly popular gift, so why not make it eco-friendly, zero waste, and non-toxic!? We have a full guide to shop from for the best zero waste makeup brands here – but I’ll chat a little bit about this amazing brand we are featuring on this roundup.
These gorgeous zero waste makeup items come from Elate Cosmetics. Made from COSMOS Certified organic ingredients, this kit comes with 1 eyeliner pencil, 1 lip pencil, and 1 black mascara. The pencils are made with California cedarwood that is PEFC certified and guarantees sustainable forest management, with a corn bioplastic lid. The mascara is packaged in sustainable bamboo that can be industrially composted.
Price: $63.99 for this 3-piece set
Ethics: COSMOS Certified Organic ingredients, Certified B Corp, ~90% organic ingredients, fair-trade ingredients that support the ethical and fair treatment of employees along the supply chain
Shop Elate Cosmetics Here
4. A Zero Waste Kit Made For Him
This Self-Care Gift Box, made for him, comes from Arcadia Natural. This zero-waste gift box is customizable and comes with Soap, Deodorant, Cologne, Beard Oil, or Balm- with 7 scents to choose from. Bonus, the box is 100% recycled and reusable.
Price: $30.00
Ethics: Made In The USA, Handmade in Small Batches
Shop Zero Waste Gift Box here
5. The Coolest Propgation Station Ever
Do you have a serious plant lover on your hands this year? These amazing cedar propagation stands would be a really thoughtful zero waste gift! These are sold in a pack of three and come with cedar blocks and glass tubes – perfect for making new plant babies.
Price: $42.00 for a Pack of 3
Ethics: Handmade, plastic-free, all-natural, vegan, eco-friendly, cruelty-free
Shop The Cedar Propogation Sets Here
6. Underwear with Protection and Style
This has been one of my favorite zero waste gifts to gift the period-having humans in my life. I personally use this brand, so I fully trust its ability to be amazing. Wuka is the name of this brand and they come from the U.K. (with worldwide availability). They are leakproof and designed to completely replace pads, tampons, and liners. They are better for the planet and your body!
Price: $29.00
Ethics: Sustainable alternative to single-use period and incontinence problems
Size Range: XS-6XL
Shop Wuka Period Underwear
7. Keeping Cozy All Winter Long with this Scarf
This scarf is amazing! Made by Colorful Standard, this eco-friendly scarf is so soft and made with 100% RECYCLED extra-fine Marino wool so you will love to feel it against your skin. Wool is naturally breathable and antibacterial, so it is a winter essential for those who welcome wool into their wardrobe. It is available in many colors, so there is one for everyone to enjoy!
Price: $70.00
Ethics: Precise labor cutting, OEKO-TEX certified, 100% recycled wool
Range: Many colors to choose
Shop 100% Recycled Scarf Here
8. A Cork-Tastic Hat For All The Adventures
Looking for an everyday hat to gift this year? Give Tiradia Cork hats a try! This zero-waste hat is made for the outdoors. It is waterproof, adjustable, and durable. You really never need to worry about this hat since cork is vegan, hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, waterproof, lightweight, durable, biodegradable, and recyclable.
It comes in 4 rich earthy colors that are sure to compliment everyone.
Price: $45.00
Ethics: Sustainably sourced materials, vegan, biodegradable, and compostable
Range: 4 colors to choose from
Shop the Day In Day Out Hat Here
9. A Zero Waste Bathroom Kit
This really cool zero-waste bathroom gift set comes from Green Estate on Etsy and is a great gift for those who are looking to learn more about a zero-waste lifestyle. Everything in the photo is included: zero waste razor, makeup pads, bamboo toothbrushes, and more!
Price: $60.99
Ethics: One tree planted for every purchase via Eden Reforestation Project
Shop The Zero Waste Bathroom Kit Here
10. Everything your Face Needs this Winter
DewMighty has created a zero-waste miracle square. It moisturizes and nourishes your face with a single product. If your skin feels dry (winter and masks), a little rub of this product will soothe your irritated skin without leaving a greasy feeling. Cute little tins are also available to take your bar on the go with you.
Price: $45.00
Ethics: Zero waste, Cruelty-free, and Vegan
Shop The Magic Serum
11. Make Composting Convenient and Cute
This Zefiro canister is proof that composting can be easy. It is stainless steel with a charcoal liner on the underside of the lid to keep food odor contained. With its farmhouse look, it’s a perfect zero waste gift for anyone looking to start on their compost journey! Give the gift of black gold this year!
Price: $34.00
Ethics: 1% of all sales support environmental causes around the world, sustainable materials, zero waste
Shop Farmhouse Compost Bin Here
12. The Bag that Says ‘Take me Everywhere’
Tirada Cork has crafted the ultimate zero-waste “take anywhere” bag. It’s perfect for running errands or a casual night out. It is versatile, which makes it a great zero waste gift! And because it is made of cork, this tote is waterproof, lightweight, anti-microbial, and durable.
Price: $58.00
Ethics: Handcrafted, sustainable materials, vegan, women-owned
Range: 3 colors to choose from
Shop Farmer Tote Bag Here
13. A Zero Waste Starter Kit
This zero-waste starter kit from Hippy Monkey is a great idea if you are looking to help someone on their sustainable journey. This kit is made of bamboo, cotton, konjac, and organic cotton materials. In this kit, you’ll find a bamboo cutlery set, organic cotton produce bag, soap saver pouch, and more. There are three box options at different price points to suit your needs.
Price: $43.92
Ethics: Made in the USA, Sustainable Materials, Sustainable Packaging
Shop Zero Waste Starter Kit
14. A Zero Waste Kit For The New Parents!
If someone you love has just had (or is expecting) a new baby, this zero waste gift may just be what you are looking for. If the new mommy is looking to nurse, this little box is full of the goodies she needs: nursing pads to protect her clothes from milk leakage, an organic cotton mesh to wash them, a food-safe waterproof pouch to store anything she needs, a scrunchie to keep baby from pulling at her hair, and an eye mask to take naps while baby sleeps.
Price: $71.55
Ethics: Made in Canada, Made in Small Batches, Sustainable Materials, Sustainable Packaging
Shop The Zero Waste Parent Kit Here
15. Earrings That Are As Unique As The One You Love
Passion Lilie’s zero-waste earrings are designed with comfort and fit in mind. Each item is ethically handmade in small batches by craftspeople dedicated to preserving heritage techniques. They are lightweight and easy to match with any outfit.
Price: $32.00
Ethics: Zero waste, made with repurposed fabric, Made in the USA
Range: 4 different colors
Shop The Loop Earrings Here
16. Cotton Pads That Are As Cute As They Are Useful
Zero Waste Atelier has created the most darling reusable cotton squares that are perfect for zero waste gifting. These organic cotton squares come in a set of 6 and are suitable for sensitive skin. They can be used to remove even heavy makeup or to apply moisturizers and toners. Since both fabrics used are organic they are entirely safe to use on baby and children’s skin.
Price: $14.46
Ethics: Sustainable Materials, Sustainable Packaging, Made in Italy, Made in Small Batches
Shop Cotton Pads Here
17. Give The Gift of Upcycled Memories!
Rebel Nell is our new favorite sustainable jewelry brand and for good reason. They magically repurpose meaningful materials (like graffiti and the Big Heads from the Thanksgiving Parade!) into wearable art. Not only is their upcycling mission amazing, but they provide employment, equitable opportunity, and wraparound support for women with barriers to employment.
“We partner with local organizations to seek out women who have struggled to find and retain employment. We hire these women as Creative Designers, teaching them to craft unique, wearable art from fallen layers of graffiti while providing services to support on their way to self-sufficiency.” Isn’t this amazing?!
Price: Large range from $35.00 and up!
Ethics: Women-owned business, Repurposed Materials, Ethical & Sustainable
Shop Rebel Nell Here
18. Functionality Meets Style with this Wristlet
This Tiradia Cork zero-waste wristlet is the perfect size to hold keys, a phone, money, and more! The wrist strap is removable to create a clutch look as well. This is a great zero waste gift for any fashion lovers on your list!
Price: $55.00
Ethics: Ethics: sustainably sourced materials, vegan, biodegradable, and compostable
Range: 2 colors
Shop Tiradia Cork Step + Repeat Wristlet
19. Jardin Zero Waste Flower Tote
This 100% organic cotton Jardin flower tote by Aplat is the most gorgeous and thoughtful zero waste gift I’ve seen in a while. It doesn’t matter if your loved one enjoys picking flowers in the meadow or picking up flowers from the market, they will truly appreciate this zero waste flower tote. The two straps wrap around and tie in front for easy bundling, while the back-seam opening easily hooks on a wall or doorknob to hang vertically.
Price: $42.00
Ethics: Aplat is a zero-waste shop that uses zero-waste principles all throughout its business model, made in the USA in small batches
Shop Zero Waste Flower Tote Here
20. The Biggest ZW Tote Out There
This is the biggest shopping tote I have ever laid my eyes on and I am in love. This is all one would need to go shopping. It is extra-wide for transporting everything under the sun- just perfect!
“Double up on casseroles, dishes, and everyday grocery items. Perfect for picnics, weekend road trips, and camping. This long and shallow tote is great for gardening and foraging out in the wild.”
Price: $99.00
Materials: Made of surplus raw denim
Shop The Grand Zero Waste Market Tote Here
21. For The Absolute Best Christmas Cookies
I love making holiday cookies. Like, really love it! However, one thing that has always bothered me is the waste of parchment paper. Sheet after sheet just piling up in the landfills. But Zefiro has created an amazing solution with this silicone baking mat that works like reusable parchment paper! They completely remove the need for disposable pan coverings. And the cookies still turn out perfectly!
Price: $10.00
Ethics: 1% of annual sales support environmental causes around the world, zero waste
Shop The Zefiro Silicone Baking Mat
Did you enjoy this Zero Waste Gift LIst? Looking for more sustainable holiday content?
+ show Comments
- Hide Comments
add a comment