Our favourite eco-friendly gift ideas

Need some eco-friendly gift inspiration? Here are our favourite sustainable ways you can brighten up someone's special day

Woman holding eco-friendly soaps

by Emily Farquhar |
Updated on

If you're thinking of a way to brighten up someone’s day (or even your day), an eco-friendly gift will go a long way. We're all thinking of ways to be more environmentally friendly, and your gift-giving choices don't have to stray away from your sustainable goals.

Why eco-friendly?

If you're ever unsure about what to get someone, a sustainable gift is always a safe, clever and thoughtful option.

But what classifies as being eco-friendly? Also known as ‘green’, ‘environmentally friendly’ and ‘earth-friendly', Merriam-Webster defines it as “not environmentally harmful”. Others, however, prefer to use the term ‘sustainable’, meaning, at least the gift in this case has one long-term environmental benefit. Or, the gift doesn’t deplete natural resources.

Here, we've chosen our favourite gifts that anyone would be happy to receive, whatever the occasion - and they'll keep the planet happy, too.

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Eco-friendly gifts

Moa - The Green Balm 50ml1 of 12

Moa - The Green Balm 50ml

Rise and shine! A little smudge of Moa's Green Balm with Yarrow and Tea Tree is exactly what is needed to kick-start the day. The 100% natural multi-purpose calming balm is soft, smooth and smells divine. Made in the UK, it can be used as a facial cleanser, make-up remover or moisturiser. Great for hydrating lips and calming sensitive skin.

LIGA Cork + Pottery Mug2 of 12

LIGA Cork + Pottery Mug

This stylish mug from 'love eco living' brand LIGA is made from pottery and cork, and isn't just sustainable and eco-friendly, but also lovely to hold. It's a small mug, but is the right size for a double espresso or a short latte - and the design and aesthetics make it really comfortable in your hands. The two parts separate for easy cleaning.

Loccitane SHEA BUTTER hand cream 150 ml3 of 12

Loccitane SHEA BUTTER hand cream 150 ml

If you want your hands to smell as beautiful as your lips, then we recommend this hand cream. With 20% shea butter concentrated in a rich hand cream, it nourishes and softens dry skin like no other.

ASOS DESIGN touch screen gloves in recycled polyester in black4 of 12

ASOS DESIGN touch screen gloves in recycled polyester in black

Being part of ASOS's responsible edit, these fitted soft gloves with touch-screen tips have a simple yet effective design. They're made from plastic bottles and textiles waste, which saves water, energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. A great gift for an eco-conscious techy friend.

Kind Bag London Yoga Girls - 100% recycled reusable bag - Medium5 of 12

Kind Bag London Yoga Girls - 100% recycled reusable bag - Medium

In need of the perfect funky shopping companion? Now available in XL (in certain designs), Kind Bag is the perfect accessory for all kinds of adventures including picnics, trips to the park or beach, supermarket shopping as well as any playdate occasions that require a sizeable bag. 100% made from plastic bottles, they are a win win really!

Dopper 7281 Ocean Collection Original Bottle, Plastic, Pure White6 of 12

Dopper 7281 Ocean Collection Original Bottle, Plastic, Pure White

Not only is this bottle sturdy and top quality, but multi-functional and reusable. The bottle has three parts; the bottle, the cup and the cap. You have not one but two drinking holes to choose from. It's lightweight and a great size.

Recycled Wine Bottle Dish7 of 12

Recycled Wine Bottle Dish

This melted and slumped wine bottle statement platter is the perfect dish for nibbles and treats. Available in green or clear, even the packaging is environmentally friendly.

Tony's Chocolonely Chocolate 180g - five Pack, Mix of All five Milk Chocolate Flavours8 of 12

Tony's Chocolonely Chocolate 180g - five Pack, Mix of All five Milk Chocolate Flavours

For all those sweet tooths out there, Tony's five Pack of Chocolonely Chocolate is one to make the list. All five chocolate flavours – Milk chocolate, Chocolate Hazelnut, Chocolate Almond, Caramel & Sea Salt, Dark Milk Chocolate Pretzel & Toffee – are referred to as "dangerously delicious and fair trade". It's not cheap but 100% is worth the investment if you are aware of the current chocolate production and poor industry working standards.

Beeu2019s Wrap Set of three Assorted Size Wraps in Beige9 of 12

Bee’s Wrap Set of three Assorted Size Wraps in Beige

A fun and practical gift is this pack of multi-size Bee's Wrap. Handy for all leftovers, this is a perfect sustainable food storage alternative. They're reusable, easy to clean and last up to one year. These wraps contain ethically sourced materials; organic cotton, sustainably harvested bees wax, organic jojoba oil and tree resin, and the packaging is made from 100% recycled paper and biodegradable cellulose.

Wild & Stone Natural Skin Stimulating Body Brush10 of 12

Wild & Stone Natural Skin Stimulating Body Brush

If you are ever in need of a high-quality British made natural body brush, Wild & Stone have the perfect little solution. Made from beechwood and sisal fibres, the stimulating brush is ideal for keeping your skin feeling smooth and soft as ever. It not only helps breathe life into dull skin, but improves your circulation, reduces cellulite, and removes dead skin cells. Completely biodegradable, vegan, and cruelty free, it's a win for our bodies and for the planet.

Eye Pillow in Creatures Navy11 of 12

Eye Pillow in Creatures Navy

An ideal gift for busy friends and loved ones, this eye pillow will make them relax in an instant. Also known as an unscented yoga eye pillow, its purpose is to soothe tired eyes and help deepen your relaxation. It can be used hot or cold. The cover is 100% European linen with a natural linen bag and filled with Cotswold wheat.

Reusable Make Up Pads with Laundry Bag12 of 12

Reusable Make Up Pads with Laundry Bag

Designed for all skin types, the pack of 20 reusable cotton pads (19 washable bamboo cotton pads and one charcoal pad) come with a cute laundry bag. They can be washed up to 1,000 times in the washing machine. They are also BPA free which means there are no plastics and delicate for the skin, and they're biodegradable.

Top tips in recognising eco-friendly gifts:

Knowing how to differentiate an eco-friendly product can sometimes be difficult.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of brands these days that label themselves as being eco-friendly and ‘forget’ to mention why. Before purchasing a product, have a little snoop around the brand’s about section or more details about the product. Don’t be the one to fall for ‘greenwashing’; deceptive marketing claims used on product packaging.

Some common claims include; ‘all natural’, ‘free of phosphates’, ‘recyclable’ or ‘biodegradable’. It then makes you question; how can you trust a brand’s telling the truth? Be smart, be savvy and find those third-party emblems, labels and certifications. Then ask yourself, “will the person I buy this for get good use out of it or will it sneakily end up in landfill?” I mean, let’s just hope for your sake that doesn’t happen.

What to read next:

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