As the holiday season approaches, the spirit of giving intertwines with the growing global consciousness towards sustainability. This year, let’s make our gift choices resonate beyond the moment of unwrapping. Embracing eco-friendly alternatives not only expresses thoughtfulness but also contributes to a healthier planet. In this guide to sustainable holiday shopping, we lay out a curated selection of ocean-friendly products that not only delight but also leave a positive mark on our environment.
Principles
Let’s start by laying down some essential shopping principles. In the whirlwind of holiday preparations, it’s easy to get swept away by the tide of consumerism. This article serves as your guide, helping you channel that enthusiasm toward gifts that carry purpose and minimal environmental impact.
The mantra here is simple but powerful: add value. While knick-knacks may offer momentary joy, lasting gifts are the ones that serve a purpose, contributing meaning to the recipient’s life.
Moreover, we champion the ‘shop local‘ ethos, recognizing the value of supporting community businesses. Embrace the triple R mantra – reduce, reuse, and repurpose – as a guide to minimizing waste and making sustainable choices. Remember, in the realm of gift-giving, less is often more. Let’s embark on a journey of intentional and eco-conscious shopping, ensuring that every gift bestowed carries both sentiment and a commitment to a healthier planet.
Products You’ll Love
Ready to dive into our top picks for this holiday season? Let’s go!
Nalgene, the Ultimate Reusable (and Indestructible) Water Bottle
Reusable water bottles make for an awesome gift choice! Not only are they practical and eco-friendly, but they also come in a variety of stylish designs and colors, making it easy to find one that suits anyone’s taste. Plus, it’s a small daily reminder to stay hydrated and reduce single-use plastic waste. It’s the kind of gift that keeps on giving – to both the recipient and the planet. Cheers to staying hydrated and making a positive impact! 🌎💦
Among our favorites is Nalgene, a symbol of resilience in the realm of reusable water bottles. Crafted for durability, Nalgene not only endures the test of time but also champions environmental responsibility. With a variety of lids for every occasion, Nalgene becomes more than just a bottle—it’s a sustainable lifestyle choice.
Check out their new line, Nalgene Sustain >
Did you know that a staggering 8 million metric tons of plastic enter our oceans each year? Nalgene takes a stand against this environmental crisis by providing a reusable alternative that helps reduce the demand for single-use plastics, one bottle at a time.
Refillable Candle by Notes
Refillable candles are an absolute win when it comes to choosing the perfect gift! Not only do they bring cozy vibes to any space, but the fact that they can be refilled means your gift keeps on shining, quite literally. It’s like the perpetual flame of friendship or something poetic like that.
Plus, you can switch up scents, keeping it fresh with every refill. Whether your buddy is into lavender tranquility or vanilla bliss, there’s a refillable candle for every scent-sational preference. It’s like giving the gift of ambiance and aromatherapy all wrapped up in a stylish, reusable jar. Win-win for both relaxation and sustainability! 🕯️✨
Conventional candles often contain harmful chemicals and contribute to indoor air pollution. Notes candles, on the other hand, boast a clean and green composition, free from toxins commonly found in traditional candles. Your indulgence in the soothing ambiance of Notes comes guilt-free, knowing that the ingredients align with your commitment to a healthier lifestyle and a healthier planet.
Shop Notes refillable candles >
Dieux Forever Eye Mask
Check out the Dieux Forever Eye Mask! This innovative eye mask not only enhances your skincare routine but also challenges the beauty industry’s excessive waste. Make a statement by choosing Dieux—a brand that aligns beauty with environmental responsibility. Plus, their radical transparency around sustainability and pricing is above and beyond.
The beauty industry generates a staggering amount of waste, with millions of tons of packaging ending up in landfills each year. Dieux challenges this norm by providing a Forever Eye Mask that prioritizes sustainability without compromising on efficacy. With Dieux, you’re not just buying skincare products; you’re investing in a beautiful, sustainable future.
Take it from us, when paired with the right cream, this eye mask works magic ✨
Get the Forever Eye Mask here >
Yay for Earth Lotion
Embrace the holiday spirit with Yay for Earth! YFE is a brand that extends beyond skincare, making products that are safe for our bodies and the earth. With just four natural ingredients, it’s a no-nonsense skincare win. It leaves your skin feeling amazing without the extra frills.
Use it on your face, elbows, tattoos, or anywhere that needs solid hydration. What’s cool is that when you snag a jar, you’re not only treating someone to a top-notch lotion poured with love, but also supporting a small business. It’s a win-win for good skin and helping the little guys. Simple as that 🌿🌞
We personally can’t get enough of this stuff, as well as all of the other products in the YFE fam. And, lucky for you, their holiday sale starts at 5pm EST TODAY!
Stasher Bags
Stasher bags are a very practical gift choice! These reusable silicone wonders are like the Swiss Army knife of storage. They come in all shapes and sizes, making them a versatile must-have for anyone’s kitchen or on-the-go lifestyle. Whether you’re packing snacks, freezing leftovers, or just trying to reduce single-use plastics, Stasher bags have got you covered.
So far, they’ve saved 5.5 billion single-use plastic bags from entering our waterways and ocean. How about that?!
The fact that they’re eco-friendly and dishwasher-safe is just the cherry on top. It’s a practical and planet-friendly gift that shows you care about both their convenience and the environment. So, cheers to gifting smart and sustainable with Stasher bags 🌱🎁
Well, what are you waiting for? Go get a stasher bag (or 10) >
Stojo Collapsible Reusable Cups
Stojo Collapsible Reusable Cups are a fantastic gift choice! These cups are like the superhero of on-the-go sipping – collapsible, reusable, and seriously clever. Perfect for the coffee addict or tea enthusiast in your life, they collapse into a pocket-sized disk, making them the ultimate space-saving travel buddy. Plus, they come in a variety of colors, so you can pick one that matches their style. Cheers to ditching disposable cups and sipping in style with Stojo! ☕
Don’t miss the holiday sale happening right now at Stojo.co >
Keep Cup
We learned that each year, over 600 billion disposable cups are used and discarded to landfill, globally. YUCK.
Elevate your coffee experience with Keep Cup, a reusable coffee cup designed for both style and sustainability! These reusable cups are a game-changer for the coffee aficionado or tea lover in your life. With their sleek design and customizable options, you can find the perfect cup that fits their style. It’s more than just a thoughtful gift; it’s a commitment to sustainability.
Plus, they’re barista-approved, making it a win-win for both taste and the planet. So, here’s to saying goodbye to disposable cups and hello to a stylish, reusable companion with Keep Cup ☕
Give the gift of drinking in style with Keep Cup >
SodaStream
Got a sparkling water enthusiast in your life? Give the gift of DIY bubbly! It’s the perfect present for anyone who loves their beverages fizzy and personalized. This nifty gadget transforms regular tap water into sparkling refreshments, cutting down on single-use plastic bottles and reducing your carbon footprint. It’s the perfect present for the eco-conscious beverage enthusiast, providing a fun and planet-friendly way to enjoy fizzy drinks at home. From classic colas to unique flavored seltzers, it’s a fun and eco-friendly way to enjoy bubbly refreshments at home. Say cheers to reducing waste and embracing sustainability with the gift of a SodaStream!
Check out the SodaStream here >
Handmade Gifts
There’s something special about gifts made by hand – they carry a unique charm that store-bought items often miss.
Whether it’s a heartfelt card, a painting, or an upcycled treasure from a local thrift store, these gifts carry a personal touch while reducing the carbon footprint associated with mass-produced items. Lean into your skills by creating a hand-knitted scarf, a personalized photo album, or a batch of homemade cookies. These gifts speak volumes about effort and thoughtfulness. Beyond the personal touch, handmade gifts promote sustainability by emphasizing the value of repurposing materials and reducing waste. Join us in exploring the world of DIY delight and discover how creating something with your own hands can make the perfect, one-of-a-kind present.
Embrace the charm of handmade gifts.
Plant cuttings, a hand-knitted scarf, a personalized photo album, or a batch of homemade cookies – these creations not only radiate thoughtfulness but also contribute to reducing waste and conserving our natural resources. The act of crafting by hand emphasizes the value of repurposing materials, fostering a sense of intentionality in gift-giving. Try something new this season and discover how creating something with your own hands can make the perfect, one-of-a-kind present.
Experiences and Memories
In a world saturated with possessions, the true essence of a sustainable gift lies in the memories it creates. Choose experiences that linger in the heart over material possessions. A weekend getaway, a cooking class, or a concert under the stars – these memory-making adventures not only reduce the reliance on physical items but also forge lasting connections and cherished moments. Opt for experiences that minimize waste and maximize joy, making a sustainable choice that extends far beyond the wrapping paper.Shift the focus from material gifts to memorable experiences. Whether it’s a scenic hike, a cozy movie night, a shared dinner, or hosting a sustainable get-together.
Support CORAL
In the spirit of giving, consider supporting CORAL, an organization dedicated to coral reef conservation. Your gift will contribute directly to initiatives that protect and restore these vital ecosystems. Follow the link to discover where your donation will go in 2024 and be a part of the positive change our planet needs.
Elevate your gift-giving this holiday season by directing your support towards a cause that aligns with sustainability values. By supporting CORAL, you contribute to the future of vital ecosystems, making a gift that extends beyond the recipient to benefit our planet. Explore how your intentional choice to support CORAL can create a positive ripple effect for our oceans, emphasizing the power of meaningful and sustainable gifts. Join the movement to give back and make a lasting impact this holiday season.
Note: None of these businesses above are in our corporate partnership program and are not paying for this mention.