Can you believe that it's almost Christmas time? This year has gone by so quickly and if you're anyone like me, you're most likely behind on gifts. But just because you're in a rush doesn't mean you need to sacrifice buying sustainable items just to buy a quick gift! So whether you're looking for small gifts to fill a stocking, or even balling on a budget like myself, here's a list of sustainable gifts that are under $20!
These socks are made from 100% recycled yarn by a zero waste company in the pacific northwest of the U.S. I've had mine since 2015 and they are the coziest things I own! I am always excited when the temps drop in Texas just so that I can have an excuse to wear these comfy, cozy, and warm socks. Snag them here!
Pela makes their phone cases from a revolutionary material called Flaxstic®. This material is comprised of a compostable bioplastic elastomer and flax straw materials. Pela's phone cases are certified compostable and can be composted in your backyard or industrial compost. They also offer a "send back program". This program allows you to send back your old case so that it can be upcycled into a new one. I've had mine for over a year and could not be happier with it. Snag one here.
This bracelet is not only made from recycled materials but it also supports the active removal of waste from our oceans. The cord is made from recycled plastics and the beads are made from recycled glass. Also, for every bracelet sold, 4Ocean will remove one pound of waste from our oceans. Plus, proceeds from the limited edition Whale bracelet help the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society protect whale habitats. Snag one here.
Made with camelina seed oil, sunflower seed oil, shea butter, coconut oil, and packaged in a cardboard tube, this makes the perfect addition as a quick and easy stocking stuffer. Not to mention that everyone appreciates lip balm for chapped winter lips! Snag on here.
I feel that this is one of the easiest zero waste swaps that any average person can make. We as zero wasters hate the waste, and your friend/family member likely hates buying flimsy ziplock baggies. So slip a set of these into their stocking for under $4 each. Snag some here.
Metal straws used to be my favorite but not anymore these days! I really love my glass Simply Straw and I think it would make the perfect gift for anyone who has expressed an interest in the straw movement. Bonus - Simply Straw will replace your straw if it breaks because all of their straws come with a lifetime warranty! Snag one here.
Plastic utensils are one of the easiest things to avoid with this simple swap. If you or someone you love eats out on a regular basis, this set is ideal. Cute and sustainable all at the same time! Snag a set here.
This one is going in my sisters stocking. If someone you love has never tried a shampoo bar. this holiday season is a great opportunity to help them make that step! So many zero waste swaps are easy and can save money, but often times people need a little nudge. Personally, a shampoo bar was my very first swap into a sustainable lifestyle, so maybe you can be the same gateway for your loved one! Snag one here.
House of Marley makes very high quality headphones from recycled materials. Their Little Bird set is made from recycled silicone and comes in at a shockingly affordable price of $15! Plus 15% off with code "Shelbizleee." So if headphones are on your list, these would be the perfect option! Snag them here.
Even if you are far along your zero waste path, these collapsible bags can be a life saver! I keep mine on my key chain and it has come in handy so many times. Definitely not only for me, but for anyone I am spending time with that would have otherwise gotten a plastic bag. Snag these for a quick and easy stocking stuff that is also the perfect first step towards sustainability! Snag one here.
Reusable food wraps went viral in 2018 on multiple social media videos created to display how to easily reduce your waste. However, most of those wraps have are made with beeswax which isn't vegan. However, these are made with plant waxes thereby making them 100% vegan. I have a full review of them if you'd like to see them in action before you purchase them for yourself or as a gift for someone else! Snag some here.
Plaine products are packaged in aluminum bottles that can be sent back to the company to be reused! The formula is also biodegradable, vegan, and cruelty free, not to mention super gentle! If you plan to do the easy thing and give soap/shampoo as a gift, make it a sustainable option. You can get a set of a trial size shampoo and conditioner for just $10. Snag some here.
These candles by P. F. Candle Co. are the perfect gift for someone who is candle obsessed like myself! They are 100% vegan and made from a non-toxic soy wax. All of the candles are hand-poured into glass amber jars, making them the perfect, simple decor for your home! Snag the Black Fig soy candle here!
Have a friend who is always using the "I forgot my reusable straw so I have to use this plastic one" excuse when you go out? Then gift them this collapsible travel straw by FinalStraw! It comes with a keychain clip that they can clip to their car keys so that they never forget it. Plus, this newer edition comes in a smaller, more lightweight travel case and has a wider straw diameter. Snag one here!
If you know someone who is into soaking salts, this is a fantastic gift! This soaking salt is made of Epsom and Himalayan salts to provide a soothing and relaxing experience, something we all need during the holidays. It also contains eucalyptus, rosemary, and peppermint to help cool and refresh those with tired muscles. It comes in a beautiful, recyclable bottle that would look stunning in any bathroom! Snag one here!
Makeup is always a hit for the makeup lovers in your life! Instead of getting them products from the mainstream beauty industry, get them products from sustainable companies like Elate. They have the same amazing quality but are much more eco-friendly and healthier for the environment and you! Snag a product like my favorite lipstick here!
I'm obsessed with tumblers. YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ENOUGH, OKAY?! They keep your drinks at the perfect temperature and are AMAZING for the environment. This tumbler from Klean Kanteen is sure to be a hit! Not to mention, Klean Kanteen is a certified B Corporation and 1% for the Planet Member! Snag one here!
Sometimes when I'm not sure what exactly to get someone, I'll put together a basket of items for them as a gift that has a theme. A popular one is a skin/hair/beauty care basket! But rather than buying them pre-packaged at the store which is sure to come with items that are not sustainable, why not make your own? You can start by adding this lavender lotion bar! This is a concentrated solid that is super easy to apply without making a goopy mess! It's made with organic ingredients such as safflower oil, beeswax, and calendula, all which help to seal moisture into your skin! All you have to do is warm the bar in your hands and let it melt where ever you have dry skin. Snag one here!
Whether you're shopping for a stationary addict or someone who loves to draw, these pencils are perfect! They're made from 100% eco-friendly material and are the only pencils of their kind in the WORLD! What makes these pencils so cool is that you can plant them when they become too small to use or even for the heck of it! At the tip of each pencil, you'll find a tiny seed capsule. Plus, each pencil will tell you what plant will grow from it. They come in eight different colors and nine different seed types. Snag them here!