12 Sustainable Gift Ideas Under $50
For some, shopping for the perfect holiday gift is a treasure hunt they look forward to all year. For others, you just can't wait to get have it off your plate. You want the perfect gift to be unique, fun, and affordable all at once! But how do you know if that special someone in your life has what they need?
If you want to make your holiday season more eco-friendly this year, this gift guide is for you. Featuring 12 thoughtful gifts under $50 to help you do just that without breaking your budget, each from a company committed to zero-waste, fair trade practices so you can shop joyfully and sustainably this holiday season.
Reusable Canvas Tote
Price: $24
Shopping with reusable bags is not only good for the planet, they are also easier to load and unload and are much more sturdy than plastic to keep your goods safe. Your loved one will never leave their shopping bag at home again with our certified Fair Trade organic Terra Tote! It's lightweight and versatile with durable straps and a hook to keep it closed – the perfect shopping companion.
Reusable Storage Bags
Price: $15
Speaking of reusable bags, single-use plastic is a major source of waste in American kitchens. Reuseable silicone bags and beeswax wrap offer the same safety and convenience in a more sustainable living fashion. Help your friends and family reduce their carbon footprint in the new year with a starter set for Christmas.
Gift Boxes from Certified B Corporations
Price: Starting at $35
Gifts for Good is a woman-owned business and Certified B Corporation—just like Parker Clay— dedicated to empowering the world to help people and the planet through gift giving. You can shop a variety of gift sets that support sustainable causes. Each purchase can fund a cause like mental health access, animal welfare, children in need, and women's rights.
Sustainable Coffee
Price: $18
Hailing from Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee, Parker Clay's coffee subscription is the perfect way to enjoy the perfect morning drink all while supporting a sustainable, ethical brand.
Our single-origin coffee beans feature notes of caramel and citrus with a bold yet smooth finish. Get it a single bag to fill a coffee lover's stocking, or sign them up for a subscription so they never have to worry about running out. This great gift is one you can be sure won't go to waste!
Reusable Water Bottle
Price: Starting at $26.95
For those who may hydrate with more than all-day-caffeine, consider a high quality reusable water bottle.
Did you know that every minute, almost 1,000,000 single-use plastic water bottles are purchased worldwide? Carbon-neutral, B-Certified company Klean Kanteen is on a mission to replace those single-use plastic bottles with a water bottle that can be used over and over again. Find the best gift from their wide variety of colors and sizes.
Reusable Straw
Price: $19.95
Single-use straws are another major source of plastic waste filling our landfills and oceans—Americans use over 500 million straws every single day, in fact. While this a problem that's growing in public awareness and some businesses have begun to offer more sustainable options, your eco-conscious friends and family will be thrilled to have their own portable reusable straw so they can be part of the solution.
No more floppy paper straws or awkward sippable lids – Final's convenient foldable straw is made of stainless steel and silicone with a case made from post consumer recycled plastic.
Sustainable Yoga Mat
Mat Price: $49.99
Strap Price: $48
Although yoga mats should be replaced every 6-12 months, most people keep using their mats until they're worn thin. Chances are, your yogi needs a new mat too. Try this sustainable yoga mat and upgrade it with a premium Maleda Leather Yoga Strap for a touch of luxury.
Sustainable Fashion
Price: Starting at $29
Clothing is a popular holiday gift. If you have someone on your list hoping for some new fashion wear this year, consider making your purchase an ethical gift.
Patagonia has been leading the way amongst sustainable fashion brands before it was cool—and now, they're actively fighting climate change through donating 5% of proceeds to environmental causes like Clean Water Action or organic farming initiatives through Better Life Projects. A Patagonia gift is not your average t-shirt – they use exclusively 100% organic cotton and sustainable materials, and work with farmers that employ only the best eco-friendly farming practices. Additionally, they utilize and are committed to paying their workers a living wage.
Compostable Phone Case
Price: Starting at $49.95
Pela makes phone cases from a blend of flax straw and bioplastic elastomer, a plant-based biopolymer. Each case can decompose completely under normal composting conditions and comes in a variety of stylish options for most Apple iPhone and Android models. With both the "cool factor" and practical function of a protective case, you can't beat this eco-friendly gift idea.
Sustainable Skincare Products
Price: $42
Pamper a man in your life with "The Deep" reviving mask from Caldera + Lab. Their mission is to make skincare products that are good for people and for the planet. They offer an entire men's skincare line including high quality serums, moisturizers, masks, and cleansers that are 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and non-GMO.
With a goal to build a men’s skincare brand that was uncompromising in its commitment to social and environmental wellbeing, they are now one of only 70 US-based personal care companies to receive the prestigious B Corp certification.
Upcycled Stocking Stuffer
Price: $32
Cozy, feel-good Christmas gifts make the best stocking stuffers. What makes them even better? Upcycled and recycled materials that are good for the earth! These soothing therapeutic heat pillows are handmade using upcycled organic cherry pits sewn into cute red-striped or navy-checked cotton.
Thrifted Gift
Price: You Pick!
According to research from online thrift store, ThredUp, over half of consumers would love a used gift to cut down on emissions and waste. Consignment shopping is in, and there are more ways than ever to give new life to used items from reclaimed furniture and home decor shops to boutique thrifted clothing. If you're a treasure-hunting shopper, this idea is for you!
Still not sure what to give? Consider a gift card.
Price: You Pick!
One downside of giving gifts is that sometimes the receiver doesn't actually want it. Rather than resorting to a last-second Amazon find for a loved one who may be particularly hard to shop for, consider a thoughtful note of appreciation and a gift card to a favorite local restaurant or shop. Supporting local businesses helps the economy and the environment, and offers the gift of a memorable and meaningful experience.