Sustainable Gifts

The Best Sustainable Gifts

My second gift guide is here and every single thing on this list is a sustainable product in one way or another. Whether it’s a cashmere sweater made ethically and sustainably or reusable shopping bags that will replace your wrapping paper (and make a cute gift), or a self-cleaning water bottle, I’ve got all of my favorite sustainable gifts of 2019 on this list. I hope you’ll buy at least one of them for someone on your list so we can work on making clean swaps together.

1. Stasher bag, $12: Now that we’ve mastered not using plastic water bottles in my house, we’re tackling ziplock bags next. Stasher bags are our solution and make a great little stocking stuffer for friends and family. I use them for lemon halves that I don’t use, to pack snacks on-the-go for Amalia, and for all kinds of random kitchen storage.

2. Guppyfriend washing bag, $30: This super cool gift idea is also a solution against microplastic pollution from washing your clothes. The Guppyfriend, a bag that you use in your washing machine for synthetic fibers, reduces the number of microfibers breaking significantly, those fibers that do break are held back, the clothes get clean and, if correctly applied, the Guppyfriend keeps harmful microplastics from entering our rivers and oceans for a long time. We recommend washing one fleece at a time in the Guppyfriend. You can read more about how it works here. This might not be the sexiest gift on my list, but it’s one that will make you feel good to give.

3. Vega sneakers, $150: These are definitely the “it” sneaker around here right now. When I found out that their leather is tanned according to REACH norms, the lining is made from recycled fabric, and the soles are wild Amazonian rubber, it made me even more excited about these sleek sneaks. I have the pink pair on my own list.

4. Recycled mesh produce bags (8-pack), $20: I also love this set (on sale for $9.95!) which we have at home. This would make a great stocking stuffer for anyone trying to make a clean swap in their home but don’t know where to start. We bring them to the grocery store to avoid using plastic bags for produce, but also use the bigger ones to travel with Amalia’s toys.

5. Everlane cashmere sweater, $100: If you want to go the traditional sweater route this holiday season, you might as well make it one that is made ethically. And you might as well make it cashmere. This classic crewneck comes in 19 colors and is made of certified Grade-A cashmere from Inner Mongolia, which is more durable, pills less, and gets softer with wear. I have this sweater (soft pink) on my own Christmas list.

6. Reusable paper towels, $27: Since launching my gift guide earlier this week, I’ve been tracking what gifts you guys have been buying the most. This reusable paper towel set has been the 2nd most popular gift for 3 days in a row… Right after the NamaMat which is currently on sale with code THANKS15 and also non-toxic and made in the US so could be on this list too I suppose.

I digress…

I’m not sure how I even found this product on Etsy but I think it’s pure genius. I don’t personally have it so can’t attest to the quality or how it works but I love the idea of reusable towels that look like the traditional paper towels of our childhood… With palm leaves, naturally. The towels fit on any paper towel holder and you can add optional snaps so they’re easier to tear off.

7. Larq self-cleaning bottle, $95: This reusable, rechargeable, insulated water bottle cleans itself and the water you put inside it. I’m mind-blown that this even works but it really does! How? according to the website, digital purification from UV-C LED light purifies water and bottle at the touch of a button and double insulation keeps water cold for 24 hours. The self-cleaning mode turns on every 2 hours to make sure your water and bottle stay clean. If that’s not the coolest thing I’ve heard all week, I don’t know what is. They sent me one to try out for my water bottle challenge and I have been loving it. It’s nice to be able to fill my bottle up anywhere and purify that water on my own.

8. Reusable coffee cup, $14: My #LSWaterBottleChallenge has been very eye-opening over the last few weeks. And a lot of you have recommended that I add in a coffee cup challenge too. I plan to do that for Q1 of 2020 and hope you’ll join me as well. I figure we can get a head start and buy a cute reusable coffee cup that you can bring to your local coffee shop in place of a paper cup. Of course, after I made this post, I remembered to include a Stojo cup ($14) which is actually better than the one pictured here because it is collapsible and can fit into even the smallest bag. I’ve heard only great things about it!

9. Peach Goods subscription, $24: I realize that it’s very random to gift toilet paper as a holiday gift but Peach Goods makes a “luxury” but sustainable product (read more here) and a few months of this would be a great gift for a busy mom who wants to save time anywhere she can… including toilet paper shopping.

Note: I worked with Peach Goods on a paid collaboration earlier this month. Inclusion in this gift guide was not a part of that collaboration.

10. Reusable shopping tote, $10: Instead of wrapping your gifts in paper this year, pack them in a reusable shopping tote that can moonlight as a gift bag. I love this camo one for everyday use, this tartan one for holiday cheer, and, of course, this leopard print one.

11. Beautycounter lip kit, $34 (not pictured): I don’t wear lip gloss or lipstick often because I hate the way it feels on my lips. But ever since I partnered with Beautycounter this summer, I’ve been wearing their lip gloss and lipstick and find it less sticky than anything else I’ve used. This lip kit is a pretty gift for a girlfriend. Plus it’s made with clean ingredients!

Note: I worked with Beautycounter on a paid collaboration over the summer. Inclusion in this gift guide was not a part of that collaboration.

inLieu

Instead of a gift, the inLieu app allows you to donate any amount in someone else’s name. It’s a fantastic gift for all of the reasons but if you’re looking for something sustainable, this saves a box, wrapping paper, and shipping.

I love this inLieu a hostess gift because when you have a holiday party you get so many candles and tea towels but I’m guessing this would be the only gift you will remember a year later!

Another cool thing you can do is create an event that directs your friends to donate to a charity of your choice. So if you have a birthday party and want donations instead of a gift, you can ask for that. I love this idea so so so much!

Want more gift ideas? Check out my 2019 gift guide page and my top 10 gifts this holiday season.

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Comments

  1. Jules Buono said:

    I am putting most of these on my Amazon wish list! Thanks for making it easy to become more sustainable. It’s a pet project I have been working on. I would add the book The Conscious Closet as a real eye opener!

    11.21.19 · Reply
    • Julia said:

      Yay! I’ve heard that book is great. I’ll add it to my reading list too. Thanks for the rec.

      11.22.19 · Reply
  2. Jennifer M Record said:

    Creative list! Great ideas! And I always appreciate your transparency.

    AND, you should know, I only used 2 ziplock bags last week. Usually, I’d be well over a dozen. And both were to store raw meat. Thanks for being an inspiration!

    11.21.19 · Reply
    • Julia said:

      Nice!!! I’m trying to cut mine way down too. It’s harder than I thought it would be.

      11.22.19 · Reply
  3. Caitlin said:

    Love this gift guide so much! Thanks for creating it and continuing to share such great sustainable and eco friendly options!

    11.21.19 · Reply
    • Julia said:

      Thanks Caitlin. It was a fun one to make!

      11.22.19 · Reply