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Dec 1, 20235 min read

A greener gift guide for the holidays | 2023 edition


Image source: Monika Stawowy on Unsplash


The most eco-friendly purchase is the one you didn't make, but with the holidays upon us, most of us will do some degree of shopping for gifts. So in the spirit of giving, I offer up this list of gift ideas with a focus on sustainability.


In general, I recommend shopping locally, supporting small businesses, and choosing quality over quantity. While the items in this guide aren't necessarily from local or small businesses, they are from businesses that actively practice sustainability in multiple forms.


Gifting an experience can also be a welcome alternative, especially for people who seemingly have everything, have limited space, or cringe at the thought of bringing more stuff into their lives. Some experience ideas:

  • A membership to any number of local establishments, whether a gym, yoga studio, or pickleball club, or perhaps a local theater or art museum (museum gift shops, btw, typically have well-curated selections, often featuring local artists)

  • For young families, a membership to the area zoo, children's museum, or science center

  • A membership to MasterClass with access to over 180 classes across a variety of categories (currently you can get two one-year memberships for the price of one at $120)

  • Creative classes or workshops for glassblowing, pottery, cooking, writing, acting, photography, woodworking, or whatever interest suits the recipient

  • A spa day or massage

  • The gift of time can be used for housecleaning, yard work, cooking, babysitting, or any special skill you can provide

  • The gift of giving itself: Allott each family member with funds that they can then donate to the non-profit organizations of their choice


Not featured on this list? Items from the Big A, since its overall emissions have risen by almost 40 percent since announcing its Climate Pledge in 2019. Bah, humbug.



Image source: Patagonia

The women's down With It parka ($349) comes in the beautiful blue above, plus several other colors, like this plum and of course black. Considering that it'll last for years and years, the price is quite reasonable.

  • 100% recycled polyester shell and 100% recycled down fill

  • Made in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory


Tip: Check out the Worn Wear section of the Patagonia website for great deals on used items.



Image source: Allbirds

The Wool Lounger slip-on ($105) looks super comfy, comes in several color combos, and is available for both women and men. This fluffy version ($57, regularly $115) also looks cozy and is currently on steep markdown.

  • ZQ certified Merino wool upper that meets high standards of animal welfare, environmental care, and social sustainability

  • SweetFoam® midsole made with sugarcane-based green EVA

  • Castor bean oil-based insole foam



Image source: prAna

The North Loop hooded sweater ($110) hits the right balance of relaxed yet polished and comes in a small selection of muted shades. The cotton knit will keep it in rotation practically year round.



Image source: Conscious Step

Socks are always going to be on my list, and what makes these unique is that every purchase supports a non-profit partner. Choose gift boxes, like socks that protect the planet, or individual pairs that plant trees, protect cheetahs, save lgbtq lives, or support safe space exploration.

  • GOTS Certified Organic Cotton

  • Fairtrade Certified

  • Certified Vegan

  • 1% for the Planet



Image source: Frank and Oak

How about a holiday hug in the form of a cozy sweater, like this olive cardigan made from 50% yak wool and 50% merino wool ($112.99, regularly $189)? Or a boxy-fit merino wool turtleneck in a plummy brown ($76.99, regularly $129)? Or maybe a pullover in a biodegradable fleece ($88.99, regularly $149)? There's a men's version, too, at the same price.

  • 100% responsible sourcing

  • Non-mulesed, cruelty-free merino wool

  • Biodegradable fibers made from renewable raw materials found in seaweed and natural cellulose

  • Carbon-neutral delivery

  • Certified B Corp


Image source: Lodge

For a gift that will last a lifetime, it's hard to beat cast iron, and Lodge is a reputable brand at a reasonable price point. The 12-inch skillet ($29.95) is a classic, and the 7-quart enameled dutch oven ($119.95) is the perfect size for roasting a whole chicken. It comes in the festive red above, as well as off-white.

  • Made in the USA

  • Made without PFOA or PTFE (forever chemicals)



Image source: WÜSTHOF

Slotted fish spatula

Probably one of the worst-named kitchen tools—and one of the most used tools in my kitchen—a fish spatula handles so much more than just fish. It offers more finesse than a regular spatula and is much more adept at flipping eggs, pancakes, and burgers. Just make sure to buy a well-made version, like the 6-1/2-inch fish spatula from WÜSTHOF pictured above ($65).



Image source, clockwise: EcoPeaceful, ANDYKEN, Homelux Theory, Zero Waste Outlet

Silicone lids and storage bags

I'm a big fan of silicone lids and bags and have given them as gifts on multiple occasions. See my recommendations in this post.



Image source: Leaf

Here's a treat for anyone still using disposable plastic razors. Leaf razors are easy to use and come in a variety of styles, finishes, and kits. Pictured on the left is the single-edge kit ($79, regularly $91.00), and on the right is the triple-blade, pivoting head kit ($113, regularly $119).



Image source: Baleen

Find quality, affordable, handmade jewelry with clean designs and the right amount of flair. From left to right: Drizzle earrings ($42), Kinfolk necklace ($52), and Iris earrings ($54). Styles available in gold-filled, gold vermeil, gold plated, and sterling silver metals. Check out their curated goods, too.

  • Recycled metals

  • Zero-waste manufacturing

  • Recyclable packaging

  • Carbon-neutral shipping



Image source: Coyuchi

For a bit of pampering, this unisex waffle robe ($98) would be great, especially when paired with a Turkish bath towel ($68), which is perfect for travel since it can double as a scarf/wrap and takes up much less space in a suitcase than a traditional towel.


Image source: Cotopaxi

Give a jolt of joy in the form of a brightly hued pack from Cotopaxi. Go small with the Kapai 3L hip pack ($50), midsize with the Dimi 12L Kids' Backpack ($60), or pretty darn big with the Allpa 42L travel pack ($210). Plenty of other sizes and colorways are available on the site.

Tip: Check out the Cotopaxi Mas Vida website for great deals on used items.



Image source: Gazelle

Phones, tablets, and laptops are far from eco-friendly, but inevitably these items frequently show up on wish lists. Gazelle provides great deals on refurbished name-brand models to help keep e-waste out of landfills.


Celebrate sustainably and enjoy the holidays!




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