8 Sustainable Gift Ideas for the Eco-Conscious

gift ideas

Written by Shannon O’Donnell on

Shannon O'Donnell is a long-term traveler who has been on the road since 2008 and has lived everywhere from Southeast Asia to Barcelona, where she now calls home. She travels slowly and supports responsible tourism along the way, winning numerous awards for her work advocating for the communities impacted by travel and tourism.

gift ideas

 

Looking for suggestions of sustainable gift ideas for the ecologically-minded friend or family member in your life? Look no further. These eco-friendly gifts will charm any recipient who loves style just as much as sustainability.

 

Going green takes commitment, and if you have a friend or loved one who lives an eco-friendly life, choose a thoughtful gift that highlights sustainability. Earth-friendly materials make some of the nicest presents for friends and family who care about Mother Earth. No matter who you’re shopping for, there’s bound to be the ideal “special something” that shows you care—about your loved one, and about the environment.

These seven sustainable gift ideas present options that will help them eliminate plastics from their life, while also offering gifts ideal for travel lovers, and stylish gear that’ll help them show the world they’re proud to show off their eco-friendly street cred.

 

Stash Neck Pouch from Eagle Creek ($25)

Worn around the neck or the waist, inside a shirt or on the outside as a fashion statement—this versatile, lightweight bag does it all. Made of 100% recycled 200D Poly lining and bluesign-approved materials, it’s as eco-friendly as it is useful and adorable. As a gift you have options: Go with the mesmerizing blue koi pattern, which features a gorgeous print of swimming fish, or the happy tulip pattern, which is sure to impress.

 

Pack-It Original™ Packing Cubes from Eagle Creek ($9 and up)

Gift a set of packing sacs ($28) so your loved one can easily pack away their makeup for an effortless weekend getaway, collect autumn leaves from a New England foliage-viewing trip, or even as an upscale pencil pouch for work. Or gift them a starter set of packing cubes if they’re an avid traveler. Pack-It Original™ packing cubes and pouches are legendary in the travel industry for their perfect blend of form and function. Spill-resistant mesh makes these ideal for travel, or even organizing drawers and closets for any Marie Kondo fans. All designed in fun colors and prints, you can choose a sustainable gift that really pops!

 

Lennox Sunglasses from Grown Eyewear ($139)

A posh and stylish pair of sunnies made of organic, renewable bamboo and hardwoods? Sign. Us. Up. The Lennox style has unisex appeal with its polished ebony wood veneer, keyhole bridge, and inlayed Canadian maple accents. Your loved one can take ‘em out on their next hike or save them for beach season—they’ll be the freshest face around with this sustainable gift idea.

 

Unisex Cool-Lite™ Flexi Beanie from Icebreaker ($25)

Sustainable gifts can be both luxurious and affordable. Baby soft, stink-resistant, and quick-drying, this timeless unisex hat will keep your friend or loved one warm during a workout or mop their sweat without adding any extra weight. Knit from feather-light, sustainable merino wool from ethically-farmed sheep, this is a head covering that suits all seasons and looks equally great on guys or gals. Color options are dreamy-neutral, with the “shale heather” shade matching everything your giftee owns.

 

Dipsea Cover It from The North Face ($22)

A multipurpose gaiter that can be used to cover the neck and throat or nose and mouth, this multipurpose wicking microfiber accessory is great gift idea if you want to find something versatile. It makes a great non-medical face covering that is fashionable and cool (literally!) in execution, emblazoned with the iconic The North Face logo. The brand’s “true north” commitment to protecting nature is built into its product design and execution.

 

Women's Cactus Print Light Hiking Crew Socks from Smartwool ($21)

Holy cacti, Batman! As sweet as they are functional, these socks are light, slightly padded for comfort, and screen-printed with vibrant succulents that will make any and all passersby smile. They are constructed from sustainable, ethically-sourced merino wool (a brand trademark!) and come in three different sizes to ensure a perfect fit. The blue background on the socks shown is ultra-groovy; bright without being loud or tacky.

 

Shampoo Bars from Lush ($10 - $15)

It’s hard to find cosmetics and toiletries nowadays that are as luxe and useful as they are eco-friendly, but UK-based Lush has you covered. For ladies and/or gents on the go, their Instagram-beautiful shampoo bars are more than just a pretty product—they work up a great head of suds and provide a deep, invigorating clean without the hassle of toting around a non-biodegradable shampoo bottle. We love the honey-toffee-scented “Honey, I Washed My Hair” bar, or the classic “Dirty,” which will make your giftee feel anything but with its minty tingle.

 

Caldera Wheeled Duffel International Carry On from Eagle Creek ($419)

Every single aspect of this bag lives and breathes the sustainability ethos. Made from 100% recycled Cordura® poly, this material is tough enough to guarantee a durable bag that will last a lifetime—no matter what. Manufactured according to Eagle Creek’s Every Step pledge, gifting this bag supports a company that prioritizes sustainable design and responsible manufacturing.

 

For even more ideas, shop Eagle Creek’s extensive line of sustainable bags and accessories . Read about our commitment to conservation , which we live through our products every day.

  

Related Links (from the Eagle Creek blog):

Choosing Sustainability EVERYSTEP of the Way

Spring into Sustainability: Our 7 Favorite Eco-Friendly Buys

Best Sustainable Eco-Tourist Destinations