Gifts for Environmentalists: 18 Top Picks Christmas 2022

Whether your loved ones are new to a green lifestyle or years into zero-waste living, impress them with these fantastic eco-friendly gifts for environmentalists.

1. Gifts for Environmentalists: Reusable Kitchen Goods

If your loved one doesn’t already have a full set of eco-friendly kitchen products, this is a great place to start. Reusable straws and portable utensils for on-the-go days are affordable, easy gifts that can go a long way. Glass, stainless steel and bamboo utensils are available on Amazon**. Other kitchen ideas include reusable containers and lunch boxes for children. If you notice your loved one is using paper towels and napkins at home, consider picking them up a reusable set of matching placemats, napkins and kitchen towels.

2. Houseplants

Houseplants are great gifts for environmentalists. They come in all shapes and sizes and can last for years to come. Anything from small succulents to larger indoor trees can make a house feel like a home. Not to mention, houseplants are affordable and easy to find. Pop into your local flower shop or supermarket next time you’re looking for a last-minute gift.

When possible, choose plants that are grown locally or within your region. This cuts down on travel and shipping costs and reduces carbon emissions.

3. Sustainable Clothing

Clothing is a classic present, and the number of sustainable clothing brands is growing every day — making this an easy go-to gift for the environmentalist in your life. Pick up a sustainably sourced and ethically produced shirt, dress or coat, and the person you’re buying for will appreciate the thought you put into their gift.

4. Gifts for Environmentalists: Vintage Pieces

Check out local antique stores and vintage shops and pick up something funky and meaningful. You can find gifts ranging from clothing, collectibles, clocks, mirrors and books. Pre-owned items are great gifts for environmentalists because they do not create unnecessary waste. Plus, you can find some great pieces that are full of character. 

5. Eco-friendly Beauty Products

Sustainable, eco-friendly beauty products are increasingly easy to find and make easy gifts to please environmentalists. Help your friends or family members find new favorite must-have products by gifting them zero-waste lotions, eye shadows, lip balms or make-up brushes. You can also consider giving mini versions of the products so they can experiment. 

6. Homemade Gifts

Homemade gifts are great gifts for environmentalists they are personal and really show how much you care. Crochet a sweater or scarf, paint a canvas or create a picture book. There are tons of video tutorials available online offering step-by-step instructions on how to make homemade gifts and start doing different handicrafts.

This type of gift doesn’t necessarily need to be physical. You can offer lessons for your own skills, such as tennis or piano playing.

7. Gifts for Environmentalists: Food Baskets

Food baskets never go out of style. Make a basket of ethically sourced chocolate, dried fruit and nuts. Look for fair-trade and organic chocolate brands like Theo Chocolate or Alter Eco Foods and keep in mind that not all nuts are eco-friendly. Steer clear of almonds, cashews and pistachios in favor of more sustainable nuts, like:

• Peanuts
• Walnuts
• Pecans
• Brazil nuts
• Hazelnuts
• Chestnuts

If wine and cheese is more your style, an environmentalist will appreciate the gift if you choose organic cheese from a farmer’s market or another reliable local source.

8. Green Bathroom Products

Zero-waste bathroom products make great presents because they can be used up and don’t create unnecessary waste. You can find zero-waste, all-natural shampoo and conditioner bars on Amazon**. You can also check out your local co-op or sustainable living store for bamboo toothbrushes, reusable makeup wipes and more.

9. Eco-friendly Subscription Box

Give your loved one a fun subscription box that delivers eco-friendly goods regularly. That way, they can have fun experimenting with new products while saving time buying or making home goods. Grove and MightyNest are great places to start. 

Before choosing a subscription box, consider where it comes from and how the goods are packaged — that ensures you’re giving your environmentalist loved one a present they will cherish. Shipping long distances adds to carbon emissions, and excess packaging can easily end up in landfills. Do your research to find a subscription box in your region that uses eco-friendly packing methods.

10. Gifts for Environmentalists: Candles

Candles are calming, peaceful and practical to have around in case of storms and power outages. You can get candles made from sustainably sourced beeswax or soy wax. Look for candles with sustainable packaging and natural fragrances. 

Instead of buying, you can also turn this gift into a fun project and try making candles at home. The receiver will appreciate the time and effort you put into making something for them.

11. Museum Tickets

Check out current art exhibitions and shows in your area. Museums are usually relatively affordable and accessible. They make for a great zero-waste gift for environmentalists and an experience you can enjoy together. 

12. Ceramics

Another excellent gift for environmentalists is a handmade ceramic. Explore your neighborhood market or look online to see what local artisans have to offer. A nice vase or set of mugs can be beautiful around the home and last for a long time. You can even take a class and make something yourself.

13. Gifts for Environmentalists: Water Bottles

Another useful and affordable option is to get your loved one a sturdy, good-quality reusable water bottle. This choice helps your environmentalist reduce plastic and stay hydrated on the go. If you want to make it more exciting, fill the water bottle with flowers (organic and fair-trade, when possible) or a pair of tickets to a fun event. You can also get matching water bottles for the whole family.

14. Shaving and Beard Kits

A reusable razor with replaceable blades is a thoughtful, practical gift for the environmentalist in your life. This zero-waste gift is great for anybody who shaves. Zero-waste shaving and beard kits can be found online and at many local shops that focus on sustainability. You can also choose to make your own shaving cream for a more personal touch.

15. Concert Tickets

Surprise your loved ones with tickets to see their favorite artist in person. You can go with them, or buy them an extra ticket to take someone else. Either way, it’ll be an experience to remember. Gifts of experience are great for environmentalists and keep things low waste.

16. Gifts for Environmentalists: Donations of Time or Money

Make a donation in your loved one’s name. Research environmental organizations worth supporting and learn which causes they are passionate about. This is a zero-waste gift everyone can feel good supporting.

You can also give the gift of your time. For example, if you know someone who just had a baby, volunteer to cook and clean around the house for a couple of days here and there.

17. Amtrak Tickets

Get your favorite environmentalist train tickets or travel vouchers so they can enjoy scenic Amtrak routes. These make great gifts because the receiver can use the tickets on their own schedule. Giving them the experience of travel helps people save money as well.

18. Weekend Getaways

For a more elaborate present, take your loved one on a weekend getaway! It does not need to be an extravagant, expensive trip to Paris. Look into romantic bed and breakfasts, cute towns or big cities in your area. If you’re the adventurous type, check out nearby state and national parks for hiking and camping.

Read more:

• Minimalist Gifts: 28 Ideas That Don’t Add to the Clutter
• DIY: 8 Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas for Friends and Family
• 10 Sustainable Christmas Gift Wrapping Ideas: Waste Less Paper

** Links to retailers marked with ** or underlined orange are partially partner links: If you buy here, you actively support Utopia.org, because we will receive a small part of the sales proceeds. More info.

Tags: Christmas Green Living Guide Holidays Sustainability Waste

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