Top Sustainable Picks for the Holiday Season

We’re in November meaning we are officially in the “Holiday Season.” This year I wanted to be more thoughtful about what I gifted my friends and family- what did they really need? I planned to be intentional with my gifts, trying to buy the majority of my gifts from Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and women-led companies and those committed to making our planet more sustainable.

​I’ve rounded up some cute, eco-friendly gifts across technology, lifestyle, beauty, and more for you all to find the perfect present this holiday season. In two parts! I have independently selected these products and write only about stuff I think you will love as much as I do. I do have affiliate and advertising partnerships, so I will get some revenue from your purchase for certain products.
​

Tech gifts

Seiko Solar Watches
If you’re a diver, you may already know this brand since it is renowned for their dive watches. Seiko is a brand that Australian absolutely love due to their reliability, design, and how they’re a pretty good money steal! This brand has a line that is completely solar powered, relying on a few hours of sunshine every day to run all year long. These are perfect for a friend or family member who needs a timepiece update… or for that person in your life who is always running late.
Check out the Astron line here. It’s the world's first GPS solar watch!

Solar Chargers
As the name implies, these chargers harness the power of the sun to charge the battery of your phone or other tech! This gift is great for the outdoor enthusiasts in your life or those who spend a lot of their time away from power outlets (perfect if you are at a music festival or in the middle of a remote hike). I personally like these options: 1, 2, and 3.

Phone Cases
Have a smart phone that needs a new case for the new year? Check out Pela! A company dedicated to reducing plastic pollution, they have created a first-of-its-kind 100% compostable case.

This B Corp Certified company uses Flaxstic™ in their products, making sure that their cases can be either sent back to them and reused/recycled or tossed into your compost bin. What is Flaxstic™? It’s a combination of flax straw 'waste', plant-based biopolymers, and recycled materials.They not only have iPhone and Android cases, but AirPod cases, smart watch bands, and other accessories (like a specialized screen protector). I currently have the iPhone XS case and am planning on getting a clear case in pink. Want 20% off your entire purchase? DM me for a code!

Another really good option is Etsy’s Studio eQ’s range of products made of sustainably-sourced wood. They laser-cut a flat piece of veneer so it covers your phone perfectly with rich grain while protecting it from bumps, scrapes and drops.
​

Lifestyle gifts

Nothing says, “Happy Sustainable Holidays!” better than picking items that help reduce their waste all year old. Creating a zero-waste starter kit and gifting it to loved ones is a wonderful start. It can include:

A water bottle
My personal favourite is Ocean Bottle! Not only sidesteps the need for single-use plastic water bottles, I have found it also keeps your drink cold or warm throughout the day. Want 20% off your entire purchase? DM me for a code!

Reusable cutlery
Wooden or metal utensils are a perfect adult stocking stuffer, a sustainable solution to reducing single use cutlery! Flora & Fauna has a cute set you should check out. And a lux option, too!

Straws
Companies around the world now offer a range of reusable straws made of bamboo or stainless steel… and even compostable straws now, too! Eco-friendly and loved by many, they are a great addition to add to your kit. Pre-made kits are also available from companies like EarthHero and Biome.
 
Sheets
Want to gift a good night’s sleep to your loved one? Now you can with Ettitude sheets! These have been my go-to for almost three years now (I have the white, black, and pink fitted sheets) and have even turned my partner on to them as well! They are super silky, soft, and perfect for those who sleep hot or cold. They also have adorable pyjamas (I have this pink one that is SO DIVINE I got two). You can enjoy $20 off all orders over $100 as a new customer!
 
Clean All Year Round
There are several customizable subscription boxes out there that deliver cleaning products with reusable packaging each month. That’s one essential off their to buy list! ThreeMain ships to the USA and Canada, Thrive Market and The Refill Shoppe ship to the USA, Koh ships in Australia. And if you want to have a laugh and call someone a “little sh*t” (maybe that's just an Aussie thing...) by offering them 100% biodegradable and recycled toilet paper, from the How We Roll subscription box!
 

Kitchen gifts

DIY Hot drinks
Make your love one’s daily coffee sustainable with Tripod Coffee! They use sustainable coffee pods that are Nespresso compatible. They have a number of flavours from bitter cocoa, hazelnut and spice to the luscious maple syrup, berry and citrus flavours. They also have a recurring subscription offer.

Tea subscription boxes are perfect for those who do not like coffee. T2 is perfect for those in Australia/New Zealand, and Republic of Tea and Tea Runners are fan faves for their wide variety/rare finds. Or you can make your own tea and coffee blends, wrapping them up in a cute baggie to gift to friends and family.

DIY Spices
Take a culinary world tour with freshly ground spices from around the globe! Pre-measure out spices in cute pouches, print out some recipe cards, and include some fun facts about the country where your meal is inspired from… and ta-dah! You’ve allowed a loved one to “travel” during a time when we can’t.

Want organic versions of famous Latin seasonings? Check out Loisa! Elevate your Latin pantry staples with these quality spices and get inspiration for meals with their recipes. I think their Loisa Sazón & Loisa Adobo combo pack is a match made in Latin culinary heaven.

Don’t want to buy spices, rubs, or sauces? Make them yourself! Homemade yummies (including jellies and jams) would warm anyone’s heart (and belly)! Put them in a cute glass jar and personalized label and you’ve got the perfect gift for the foodies in your life.

Sustainable Cutting Board
Can’t go wrong with a good quality cutting board on a budget! Especially when it is made from renewable and sustainable resource woods. The perfect gift for the kitchen-lover in your life. Here are some good options: 1, 2, and 3.

Stasher
Heading back to the office in the new year? Instead of using disposable lunch bags, use a reusable alternative like Stasher! It is a great, and simple, way of reducing kitchen waste while sporting your sandwich or other yummy goodies in toxin-free silicone bags that can be easily cleaned and used over and over and over again…

​

What goodies are you picking up?