Giving zero waste gifts to friends and family is one of the most simple ways to bring your community into the zero waste conversation in an exciting and inclusive way. I’ve rounded up some of my favorite items at every price point so no matter what your budget is, you can stick to your values when gifting this year.
✰ Gifts Under $10 ✰
Reusable Straws
Help your loved ones say no to single use, disposable plastic straws with a chic reusable option. Plus, get the benefit of a straw without the toxic or environmental pitfalls of plastic.
Why is this a great Zero Waste gift? Americans use over five hundred million plastic per day! Most of those straws are either non-recyclable or aren’t recycled by restaurants or consumers. For your straw loving friend, here’s a great alternative!
Refillable Dental Floss
Made from 100% mulberry silk floss and coated in vegan candelilla wax, this refillable floss is sure to make anyone (and the planet) smile!
Why is this a great Zero Waste gift? Most plastic dental floss containers are non-recyclable or are rarely recycled. In addition, most floss is made of plastic and cannot be composted. Let’s change that!
Bamboo Toothbrush
Made of bamboo, not plastic, this brush helps to eliminate one of the most prevalent forms of ocean plastic pollution, plus it looks insanely chic in your bathroom.
Why is this a great Zero Waste gift? 4.7 billion plastic toothbrushes are dumped into landfills and oceans every year! This cost-effective present packs a big punch!
Shop all Package Free Zero Waste gifts under $10 here
✰ Gifts from $10-$50 ✰
Airtight Stainless Steel Containers
Keep food fresh and #plasticfree with these airtight, stainless steel containers.
Why is this a great Zero Waste gift? Americans will toss over 5 million tons of food in total between Thanksgiving and New Years this holiday season. These containers will keep food fresh longer so you can reduce the likelihood of wasting!
Natural Bath Sponge
Handpicked from the mediterranean sea, this natural bath sponge is fit for a mermaid but made for humans.
Why is this a great Zero Waste gift? Traditional sponges are typically made from a plastic based material that is not recyclable. Besides being gorgeous, these natural sea sponges are 100% compostable, so if your loved one decides it’s time to say ciao to it, they can just bury it in the yard or cut it up and feed it to their houseplants. Nom, Nom, Nom!
Water Filters
This all-natural water filter is a simple and chic way to filter water for a crisp, clean taste.
Why is this a great Zero Waste gift? The energy we waste using bottled water would be enough to power 190,000 homes. This filter will keep your water tasting crisp without waste (the packaging and stick are both 100% compostable).
Organic Survival Balm for Bites, Pain, and Nausea
A survival balm made from ancient Thai medicinal herbs to relieve insect bites and skin blisters; to relieve nausea, aches, and pains; to be used as a massage balm.
Why is this a great Zero Waste gift? This $hit WORKS! For anyone who needs a cooling balm after a long day for sore muscles or has a ton of bug bites, this balm is the organic way to relieve them all.
French Press Coffee Maker
This is my favorite french press, which I found secondhand, for making the perfect #zerowaste cup of coffee every time.
Why is this a great Zero Waste gift? Up to 250 pounds of chemical fertilizers per acre are used in conventional, non-organic coffee farming. In addition, American’s alone consume 400 million cups of coffee daily. That’s a lot of styrofoam and paper cups ending up in landfills! Help your loved ones take control of their coffee routine by giving this gorgeous reusable french press, include a recipe for making a body scrub and a jar of bulk coffee, the perfect gift!
Organic Cotton Hair Ties
For those days where you just can’t find a perfectly good, free hair tie lying around on the street. . .
Why is this a great Zero Waste gift? These hair ties are 100% organic and compostable. The hair ties currently on the market are poorly manufactured and regularly break in the hair yet never break down when in the trash (polyesters take up to 1000 years to breakdown).
The Simply Co Laundry Detergent (Good for 60 loads!)
Made from organic and natural ingredients, one 32oz jar of The Simply Co. laundry detergent will clean up to 60 loads of laundry depending on the size of your load!
Why is this a great Zero Waste gift? There are over 85,000 industrial chemicals out there and a majority of them are not even tested for safety and on top of that cleaning product manufacturers are not legally required to list their ingredients on their packaging. Ain’t nobody got time for that!
Shop all Package Free Zero Waste gifts under $50 here
✰ Gifts from $50 – $100 ✰
Kjaer Weis Cream Blush
Kjaer Weis is one of my go-to favorite makeup brands. This gorgeous blush is not only 100% organic, it comes in a refillable compact so no unnecessary waste is created when you run out.
Why is this a great Zero Waste gift? Makeup and lotion can contain parabens and phthalates which are linked to an increased risk of cancer. Avoid those chemicals with these products and know that you are gifting something sustainable and effective to your loved ones. This is my go-to daily blush!
Atmosphere Soft Focus Foundation
Vapour Beauty is another one of my favorite clean beauty brands. Their foundation goes on so nicely and doesn’t feel cakey like some others. It’s a staple in my daily routine!
Why is this a great Zero Waste gift? In 2004 a study showed that there were over 287 synthetic chemicals in the umbilical cord blood of newborns. Those chemicals were carcinogenic, toxic to the brain, and can cause birth defects. A really easy way to protect ourselves and our loved ones are by using natural and organic beauty products. This foundation works wonders, feels great, and comes in 100% recyclable packing.
Shop all Package Free Zero Waste gifts under $75 here
✰ Gifts $100+ ✰
Kjaer Weis Glow Kit
I LOVE this gift. A combo of Kjaer Weis refillable bronzer and highlighter to give you that “I just got back from Tulum for a yoga retreat” glow even in the middle of February.
Why is this a great Zero Waste gift? Makeup packaging is typically non-recyclable. This awesome brand offers refills of all of their products making huge strides towards eliminating single use packing in the cosmetic industry.
Spices Set in Glass Jars
The ultimate kitchen spice starter pack. Each magnetic refillable jar comes fully-loaded with organic spices, and the honeycomb shape helps them fit beautifully next to each other. Perfect for culinary masters and even novice chefs.
Why is this a great Zero Waste gift? Most spices come in plastic containers and go bad and end up in landfills. With this spice rack, you can always see how much you have on hand, prioritize your favorites, and get organic refills shipped to your door plastic free by the company!
Rent The Runway Unlimited
The ultimate gift for a fashion-obsessed friend or family member. For a monthly fee, members can “rent” up to 4 designer pieces at a time, and swap out items as frequently as they wish and shipping and dry cleaning are even free (score!).
Shop all Package Free Zero Waste gifts under $150 here
What is this a great Zero Waste gift? Americans toss 25 billion pounds of clothing every single year! This subscription will help your friend stay stylish while reducing waste!
Happy #zerowaste gifting!
1 comment
I REALLY REALLY enjoyed this gift guide! I definitely used it as a reference for my wish list 🙂 Thank you!