Zero Waste Gifts for the Holidays! Eco-Friendly Gift Guide 2021

The holidays are here and with that usually comes excess waste, but it doesn’t have to be that way!

First off, I think asking someone what they want for a gift is great and should be commonplace. Yes, surprises are cool, but what if the person doesn’t like what you got them? That item will end up in the trash, in a pile collecting dust, or at best, the thrift store. You don’t have to ask them for exactly what they want, just some ideas so you get them something useful.

Here is my 2021 eco-friendly gift guide. This year I wanted to focus on the smaller zero waste brands you might not have heard of as well as some small businesses that aren’t necessarily eco, but any small business is less polluting than Amazon, Walmart, Target, and so forth.

Speaking of, if you especially want to avoid Amazon this holiday season, read all the way to the bottom for some zero waste shops you can browse instead of browsing Amazon.

If this list still isn’t enough ideas for you, here is my 2019 gift guide full of some of the big name zero waste brands and my 2020 gift guide which is full of zero waste stocking stuffer ideas.

Last thing before we jump in, here is a list of ways to have a more eco-friendly holiday season this year:

• DIY upcycled holiday decorations

• Wasteful things to avoid this holiday season

• How I make zero waste Christmas cards!

• Vegan holiday food recipes

• The true cost of Black Friday

• Real vs fake Christmas trees, which is better?

• More tips for a low waste holiday season

Now, let’s jump in!

Beauty/cosmetics

1. Face theory: vegan skincare, cruelty free, and limits plastic usage

2. Sunbutter: Australian based sunscreen, comes in aluminum tins

3. Sea & Summit: USA based sunscreen, comes in bamboo or recycled plastics

4. EIR: natural and unisex skincare

5. Butter me up Organics: natural house cleaning products also makes cosmetics

6. Raw Love: reef safe sunscreen made in Hawaii

7. Sun Tribe: natural zinc sunscreen that comes in tins

8. Butterbean Organics sunscreen and more (use code EMMA832)

9. Raw Elements sunscreen and more

   1. Check out my full sunscreen review video here for more information and thoughts on these brands

10. Period underwear:

    1. Modibodi (Australian based, also make pre-teen)

    2. Thinx (also make pre-teen and maternity)

    3. Wuka, European made

       1. For more thoughts on period underwear, check out my initial unboxing and try on here or my thoughts after a few months of testing them here

11. Glad Rags reusable pads and menstrual cups

12. The Other Straw reusable bamboo toothbrushes. The head is removable so you only have to replace the head vs the whole brush

13. Get Flossed: reusable floss holder made from bioplastic

14. Blue Heron Botanicals lip balm in plastic-free packaging

15. The Witchery Skincare: natural , unprocessed, and locally made

16. Bottle None shampoo and conditioner bars (US and Canada)

17. The Coconut Crush: Las Vegas made shampoo bars, body scrubs, and bath bombs

18. Nix mouthwash: reusables bottles, just order the concentrate to save waste!

    1. Watch this video for more of my thoughts on Nix/how it works

19. Yay for Earth: locally made, small business selling lotion and serums

20. Booda Organics: lotions and more made with raw ingredients

21. Coco Kind: plant-based and cruelty free skincare for all

22. The Rebrand: minimal, clean beauty in refillable packaging

23. The Last Swab: the world’s first reusable cotton swab

24. Wabisabi Suds: natural soaps and body butters

25. Badger shaving cream solid bar soap

26. Huppy toothpaste tabs

27. Noice: dental gel that comes in glass

28. Everist: a shampoo concentrate for those who prefer liquid soap to bars

Cleaning

1. Happy Husks: compostable sponges made from cellulose and coconut husks

2. CONCENTR8ED: cleaning bar concentrates to reduce water and plastic consumption. They also have compostable cellulose sponges now!

   1. This video is chock full of information on what an eco bar even is and how to use each of the bars from CONCENTR8ED

3. Earth Breeze: laundry sheets that come plastic free

4. Dropps active wash low waste laundry pods

5. TruEarth: laundry sheets that come in cardboard

6. Lazy Coconuts: plastic free laundry sheets

7. Molly’s Suds low waste laundry powder

8. Ethique stain remover, shampoo bars, and more

9. Kind Laundry laundry sheets, wool dryer balls, and more

   1. I have TWO laundry reviews on my channel full of info on 10 brands, so watch the first one here and the second one here

10. Who Gives a Crap: recycled and bamboo toilet paper and tissues

11. Whole Roll: recycled toilet paper

12. Cloud Paper: recycled toilet paper

    1. To find out more about what makes toilet paper eco-friendly and which brand is right for you, watch this video

13. Tushy Bidets: bidet attachments, toilet paper, and more

    1. Here’s my initial thoughts about the Tushy and how to install it

14. Stain remover bars:

    1. Aisle

    2. BunchaFarmers

       1. This video has info on what makes a stain remover eco-friendly and how to properly use the bars for the best results

15. Petal: refillable foaming hand soap

16. The Nami Shop: reusable cotton rounds, scrubby pads, and unpaper towels

Decor/home

1. B&I Metal Designs has personalized metal decals for any occasion

2. Wanderlust Pottery has homemade ceramics

3. Branching Together makes home décor from upcycled materials like reclaimed wood and 5 gallon buckets to name a few

4. Photographer’s prints

   1. Dendler Photography: that's right! We sell our prints now! We may be videographers primarily on the internet, but we both fell in love with photography first. Support our work using the link above and have beautiful art from our travels

   2. Little Island Takara (Laura) one of my good friends from Okinawa who sells beautiful works of art from her travels

5. Or support photographers buy getting the gift of a photoshoot

6. Local artwork like paintings, woodwork, yarn work, etc.

7. Stars and Strings Macramé/Crochet

8. Subluceo Soy Candles that are cruelty-free and vegan

9. Sheets and Giggles low waste bedding made of eucalyptus, recycled plastic, and more

10. Emily Iris Degn: art, photography, homemade and foraged goods

11. Pure Earth Pets: eco-friendly pet necessities

12. Eco-Friendly Crafts: eco art supplies

13. Made Trade: natural and eco-friendly bedding

14. ECOS Paints: eco-friendly house paint

Jewelry

1. Ana Luisa: nearly 100% recycled gold and silver jewelry plus lab grown diamonds

   1. This video has more information about Ana Luisa and what pieces I love

2. Lackadazee: recycled body jewelry like nose and ear cartilage

   1. Here is my quick review on Lackadazee and what makes jewelry eco

3. Earth Blooms: made from local plants, this jewelry captures delicate nature

4. Eden Reflex Jewelry: rings made from upcycled spoons

5. Stockholm Rose Designs: ethical jewelry made in Sweden with recycled materials

6. Clay and Aloha: handmade clay jewelry

7. Happy Glass Co: upcycled glass turned into jewelry and home décor

8. In the Pines: handmade sterling silver jewelry

9. Aloha Sea Candy: handmade made from upcycled sea glass (AKA litter)

Food/Health

1. Subscription to Imperfect Foods (this link gets you $80 off)

   1. Watch this video for Imperfect Foods review and unboxing

2. Subscription to Misfits Market (this code gets you $10 off: COOKWME-FK9NXXNJYIS)

   1. Here are my initial thoughts on Misfits Market PLUS a comparison between Misfits Market and Imperfect Foods

3. A handwritten family recipe book. I received this as a wedding gift and I cherish it! It’s full of recipes from great-grandparents, parents, aunts, and is so special. You can even add your own recipes too and pass it down one day.

4. Ever so Qwrkee: plant-based nutrition like plant milks, snacks, and more

Fashion

1. Genusee: Recycled plastic glasses made from water bottle used in Flint Michigan

2. Jute Plant Bag: made from 100% jute fiber that is biodegradable and recyclable

3. The Apple Pine: vegan pineapple leather bags made from pineapple leaves after harvest

4. Belange Handmade: high quality fashion pieces dedicated to reducing material waste

5. Kintobe Bags: made from recycled polyester, nylon, and algae

6. Woven Futures: slow fashion brand that celebrate Latin American culture and textiles

7. Kula Bags: vegan, and eco-friendly backpacks

8. Evie Swim: ethically and sustainably made activewear/swimwear

9. Indosole: flip flops made from recycled tires, natural rubber, and vegan

10. Parafina: Eco-friendly eyewear made with 100% recycled materials

11. Kent: undergarments made for the health of the planet and our bodies

12. Organic Basics: eco-friendly basics like tees, socks, sweats, and more

13. Grunbag: bags made from repurposed materials

14. Madewell: eco clothing retailer from jeans to swimwear to bags

15. Tentree: sustainably made clothing for all and plants trees per purchase

16. Allbirds: known for their sustainable shoes (sneakers) but also clothing

17. Alohas: sustainable shoe brand

18. Terra Thread: organic and fair trade bags

Experiences

1. Yoga classes (Yoga with Maja)

2. Cooking class

3. Skiing, snowboarding, swimming, etc. lessons

4. Subscription to Skillshare

5. Language class

6. Massage, spa, manicure

7. Road trip or vacation

8. Teaching Brainiac tutoring

9. Get someone a custom website for marketing or small businesses from someone like Andrew Heindl

Tech

1. Pela phone cases: phone cases made from wood pulp that actually decompose

   1. Proof that they actually decompose AT HOME in less than a year in this video!

2. Pela screen protector: the world’s first eco screen protector

3. 15:21 cork phone cases

4. Rechargeable lighter from the USB Lighter Company: non-disposable cartridges or batteries!

5. Nimble: thoughtful tech made from sustainable sources

For the outdoor enthusiast

1. Kula Cloth: microfiber, silver-tech cloth to limit toilet paper use on the trail

2. Patagonia recycled plastic, animal free, down jacket

3. Recycled towels from Nomadix

4. Bioplastic spice container for easy spice access on the trail or camping

5. Solemate Socks: eco-friendly made in the USA, made of wool to keep your warm and dry outdoors

   1. Check out more of my (and Dan’s) favorite outdoor gear here for your outdoor enthusiast gift ideas!

Zero waste specific

1. Chico bags reusable and compact grocery bags and produce bags

2. The Market Bag: reusable, durable, and spacious bags

3. Your Green Kitchen fabric bowl covers to save food and plastic waste

4. Baggu: reusable bags and face masks

5. Klean Kanteen: bottles, cups, mugs, tumblers and more made with little-to-no plastic

6. Stasher Bags: reusable bags of all sizes made from silicone

Want to avoid Amazon but don’t know where to shop?

These websites are great too if I didn’t mention something that piqued your interest. Just head to one of these sites and browse for the perfect eco gift for your friends and family!

1. Earth Hero: an eco-friendly online marketplace that has done the work vetting these brands so you can trust what they have to offer. They also focus heavily on the packaging

2. The Zero Waste Store: working to make zero waste shopping more convenient so that everyone can shop low waste

3. Wild Minimalist: founders who believe heavily in second-hand shopping but sometimes you can’t find what you need used, that’s where they come in

4. Coconut and Cotton (UK): founder Lucy was inspired by testing low waste products and reviewing them for others to try

5. Hippie Haven: this business not only focuses on social good online, but also in their in-person store and standing up for more than just eco justice

6. Little Plastic Footprint (US & CAN): helping everyday people make easy, everyday eco swaps without sacrificing quality and effectiveness

7. Eco Roots: strong believers in the impact of individual action, they want to offer quality products to everyone

8. Package Free Shop: sourcing products from eco-minded individuals and brands and working to keep millions of pieces of trash from the landfill

9. Eco Girl Shop: this online platform not only sells items to you, but also plants trees per order!

10. Etsy

11. Thrift stores

12. If you have to use Amazon (I get it), use Amazon Smile! This allows you to pick a charity of your choice for a donation to be sent to.

    1. Here are my top zero waste swaps you can get from Amazon if you’d like to shop my recommendations :)

What to thrift

1. Books

2. Games

3. Christmas Décor

4. Home décor

What to DIY

1. Hot cocoa mixes

2. Make them a meal or dessert

3. Upcycle old shirts into rugs, makeup remover pads, bags, etc.

4. Painting, or other artwork

5. Woodwork

6. Anything that you consider a talent of yours!

Still didn’t see something you were interested in? Here are some other brands reviews and other gift ideas from my channel:

• Eco-friendly dog poop bags that actually decompose for your pet parents

  • More ideas for living zero waste with a pet here

• Eco-friendly sock brands

• How to use food scraps to dye fabric

• How to recycle paper at home

• Vegan candy brands

• My top zero waste swaps

• My favorite second hand finds

• My top zero waste bathroom essentials

• My top zero waste laundry essentials

• My favorite zero waste travel essentials

• What’s in my zero waste home?

• Which zero waste period products are the best?

• Brand review update: re-reviewing some eco brands

Thank you so much for reading along, I hope these gave you some ideas for a more eco-friendly gift giving season. Of course, these can be used for any holiday, birthday, anniversary, or a just-cause gift.

As always, remember that your small actions have a big impact in the long run :)

Emma