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38 Best Eco-Friendly and Sustainble Gifts

Unique ideas for all of your planet-loving friends and family members.

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Girlfriend Collective/Uncommon Goods

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Now more than ever, people are not only thinking about the price of the gifts they give others, but also the impact. When it comes to being a conscious consumer, you want to make sure you find eco-friendly and sustainable gifts that aren't just labeled as such. It's important that the companies are using best practices to make sure their products and the production of those products don't cause harm to people, a society or the environment.

Words like "eco-friendly," "green" and "sustainable" get thrown around often — but the environmental experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute don’t take such marketing terms at face value. "Sustainability, for us, is using the Earth’s resources in such a way that future generations can meet their needs," says Birnur Aral, Ph.D., executive director of the Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute.

Our list includes items that have at least one sustainable attribute (if not more!), including ideas that are reusable, sustainably sourced or made from recycled or repurposed materials. You'll find top eco-friendly products and selects from sustainable clothing brands, as well as some popular picks that anyone would love.

For more ideas, check out our 2023 Sustainable Innovation Awards winners.

1
Cool Gift for Anyone

Package Free Organic Cotton Hat with Dust Bag

Organic Cotton Hat with Dust Bag
1
Cool Gift for Anyone

Package Free Organic Cotton Hat with Dust Bag

$25 at Package Free Shop

Made from 100% GOTS Certified Organic Cotton, according to the brand, the muted color and simple design make it an easy wear for any outing.

2
For the Beauty Love

Forever Eye Mask

Forever Eye Mask
2
For the Beauty Love

Forever Eye Mask

Disposable eye masks can create a lot of waste, but Dieux Skin found a solution by creating a reusable eye mask that is compatible with pretty much any serum. Once you're done, just rinse them off, and reuse when you're ready.

3
Inexpensive and Cute

BAGGU Medium Nylon Crescent Bag

Medium Nylon Crescent Bag
3
Inexpensive and Cute

BAGGU Medium Nylon Crescent Bag

Baggu is known for creating those great reusable shopping totes we all love. But they also make other bags, like this stylish shoulder option, which is made from "recycled heavyweight nylon and recycled ripstop nylon lining."

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4
Get One for Yourself Too

Garnier Whole Blends Restoring Shampoo Bar

Whole Blends Restoring Shampoo Bar
4
Get One for Yourself Too

Garnier Whole Blends Restoring Shampoo Bar

Our experts rated this shampoo bar top pick because it has a lush lather and it has FSC-certified packaging, which means that it's made sustainability and recyclable.

5
Homeware You Can Feel Good About

Recycled Glass Drinkware

Recycled Glass Drinkware
5
Homeware You Can Feel Good About

Recycled Glass Drinkware

GreenRow is the latest initial from Williams-Sonoma, which focuses on sustainably-sourced products. The glasses you see here (they come in a set of four), are made from 100% post-consumer recycled glass.

6
2023 Sustainable Innovation Awards winner

Skullcandy Jib True Wireless Earbuds

On Sale
Jib True Wireless Earbuds
6
2023 Sustainable Innovation Awards winner

Skullcandy Jib True Wireless Earbuds

Now 36% Off

The brand upcycle headphones and earbuds returned by retailers and customers into refurbished products and recycles those that can’t be upcycled. Not to mention, the sound quality is great.

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7
Over 50,000 5-Star Reviews on Amazon

Reusable Notebook

Amazon’s Choice
Reusable Notebook
7
Over 50,000 5-Star Reviews on Amazon

Reusable Notebook

Now 14% Off

No need for excess paper here! All they have to do is jot down their notes and thoughts in this smart notebook, and they can be saved to an app in seconds, so they never get lost. It'll cut down on the amount of paper they use, which can help with carbon emissions.

8
A Good Gift for Moms

Burt's Bees Hand Repair Set

Best Seller
Hand Repair Set
8
A Good Gift for Moms

Burt's Bees Hand Repair Set

The brand is Certified Carbon Neutral, and announced plans to achieve net-zero plastic to nature by 2025. Impressive! But so are how well the products themselves work. This set, which includes two hand creams, cuticle lotion and gloves has rave reviews on Amazon for not only smell amazing, but really helping with dry skin.

9

Short Robe

Short Robe
9

Short Robe

Now 37% Off

All of the cotton garments from this brand — like this cute robe! —are certified organic by GOTS, meaning the entire manufacturing process follows organic guidelines. They’re also Fair Trade Certified. The robe itself is super soft, has a relaxed fit and is available in two other sweet patterns.

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10
Luxe Gift Idea

Classic Easy Tote

Classic Easy Tote
10
Luxe Gift Idea

Classic Easy Tote

When you invest in a leather piece, like this versatile tote, it lasts longer. And although the fabric isn't considered a sustainable material, buying it might mean you'll be shopping less because it's stood the test of time. That's win. But also,the brand manufactures mindfully, choosing factories that are near the raw materials so there’s less shipping involved.

11

50/50 Classic Hoodie

50/50 Classic Hoodie
11

50/50 Classic Hoodie

Now 60% Off

The brand claims this ultra-plush pullover is 100% biodegradable. On top of that, the brand is known for their inclusive sizing (XXS-6XL), and pretty color palette.

12
Good Idea for Families

Reusable Beeswax Food Wraps

On Sale
Reusable Beeswax Food Wraps
12
Good Idea for Families

Reusable Beeswax Food Wraps

Now 15% Off

If they are just dipping their toes into the sustainability pool, you can't go wrong with food wraps. They can get rid of their single-use plastic baggies and wraps, and still keep all of their food fresh. Plus, when it's time to get new ones, the brand says they can be composted or used as a fire starter.

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13

Indoor Garden

Best Seller
Indoor Garden
13

Indoor Garden

When you indoor garden, you're saving on gas and carbon emissions associated with transportation and getting some fresh food. The experts in our Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab loved this herb garden in particular because it can fit up to 12 plants, and you can also use your own seeds.

RELATED: Best Indoor Herb Garden Kits for Fresh Herbs All Year

14

Meal Subscription

Meal Subscription
14

Meal Subscription

Now 25% Off

Purple Carrot was named the best vegan meal delivery service in our experts' tests. Not only were the meals flavorful, but eating a plant-based, even just once a week, is great for the environment.

RELATED: Best Meal Delivery Services

15
TikTok Find

Drinking Glasses with Bamboo Lids and Glass Straw

Amazon’s Choice
Drinking Glasses with Bamboo Lids and Glass Straw
15
TikTok Find

Drinking Glasses with Bamboo Lids and Glass Straw

You've likely seen these all over TikTok, and while they are cute and trendy, opting for reusable glasses and non-plastic straws are always a good idea. Eight come in a pack, and Amazon reviewers say they are really durable.

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16
2023 Sustainable Innovation Awards winner

Clean Skin Duo

Clean Skin Duo
16
2023 Sustainable Innovation Awards winner

Clean Skin Duo

As a winner of our 2023 Sustainable Innovation Awards, the facial cleanser and body wash come together, and the bottles can be refilled with the brand's powder packs whenever they need.

17
Cool Gift Idea

Smart Water Bottle

On Sale
Smart Water Bottle
17
Cool Gift Idea

Smart Water Bottle

Now 13% Off

Made from BPA-free stainless steel, this gift is fun and useful. It will keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours, but will also track how much water they're drinking, and lights up to remind them to take a sip.

RELATED: Best Smart Water Bottles of 2023

18

Schwinn Huntington Cruiser Bike

Huntington Cruiser Bike
18

Schwinn Huntington Cruiser Bike

Now 17% Off

The best way to get around town? A durable bike! Schwinn is known for being the "it" bike brand, and this single-speed version is perfect for running errands, commuting to local spots and just having fun.

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19
Just a Little something

PILOT Gel Pens

GH Seal
Gel Pens
19
Just a Little something

PILOT Gel Pens

Now 19% Off

Each of these pens are made from recycled bottles, how cool is that? Twelve come in a pack, and there are a bunch of fun colors to pick from. Plus, these pens are known to be super comfortable, and were a previous Sustainable Innovation Awards winner.

20
BEST OVERALL REUSABLE GROCERY BAG

Freezable Grocery Shopping Bag

On Sale
Freezable Grocery Shopping Bag
20
BEST OVERALL REUSABLE GROCERY BAG

Freezable Grocery Shopping Bag

Now 17% Off

Lexie Sachs, the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles Lab's executive director, tried these bags out first-hand, and noted that they keep frozen food, well, frozen, even during a longer commute. That's because it comes with built-in ice packs, which is pretty clever.

RELATED: Best Reusable Grocery Bags to Use Every Day

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