Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas

Eco-friendly gift ideas

09 Aug 2023

It's nice to receive gifts, and even better to give them! But, let's face it, most of us already have everything we could ever need, and our overconsumption is having a serious impact on the planet. What if your gift could have a very small, or even positive, impact instead?

Here's our top gift ideas that keep the environment in mind.

Gift a tree

Trees are majestic, stately lifeforms that clean the air, remove CO2, pump out oxygen and provide homes for wildlife. What could be a better gift? If you don't have any trees to hand (and we don't recommend you uproot any), then organisations like Treedom will plant one on our behalf that you can then 'send' as a gift. Gift a tree and make a lasting impact on the environment.

Support a green project

financial support. Why not offset someone's carbon emissions for the year? This UN initiative makes it simple and easy to do so. Join the movement and be a part of the solution.

Adopt an animal

Who doesn't love animals? It's a shame that so many are at risk of going extinct because of us. With WWF, you can 'gift' someone an animal, for example a leopard, polar bear, orangutan or dolphin. The money is used to help protect these animals and your recipient receives regular updates about their status.

Leopard

Buy used from your favourite brands

Re-commerce is a growing trend that's being spearheaded by brands like Patagonia with their WornWear programme. Essentially these are online market places that facilitate the reselling of their products. Other brands that do this are North Face and Taylor Stitch.

Of course, there are always secondhand market places such as Ebay, DePop and Vinted. It's a sustainable choice that not only benefits the environment but also contributes to the circular economy.

A composter

If you know someone who is 'green-fingered' so to speak, then they'd definitely appreciate a composter to make some delicious fertiliser for their plants. We're big fans of this super-stylish, odourless vermicomposter from Uncommon Goods. Composting prevents food waste going to landfill, where it releases greenhouse gases like methane as it decomposes. If they're just getting started and don't know how to compost that's okay, they can read our guide to composting with the Eden Project's Catherine Cutler.

Exotic plant seeds

Another one for anyone into plants (after 2020, who isn't?). These exotic seed kits from The Eden Project will bloom into venus fly traps and plants that actually move! Elevate your botanical experience with these captivating and interactive wonders, turning your garden into a mesmerizing oasis. If you love plants or are just starting to garden, growing these special plants at home brings a bit of nature's magic to your living space.

Venus Fly Trap

Zero-waste cookbook

If you're buying for a keen cook then the Zero-waste Cookbook may just be the perfect gift. It's packed with useful tips like adding sunflower seeds to bread for an extra crunch and infusing vodka with lemon zest. The cookbook also provides creative recipes that make use of often-discarded food parts, encouraging a sustainable approach to cooking. Whether it's transforming vegetable peels into flavorful crisps or repurposing fruit scraps for homemade jams, this cookbook is a treasure trove of eco-friendly culinary inspiration.

Plastic-free mobile case

We had to include one or two of our own! Maybe our favourite product to date, these protective eco-friendly phone cases are made from the byproduct of linseed farming and can be safely composted in a back garden after use. Alternatively, send back to us and we'll recycle into a new one as part of our circularity system. Oh, and they're carbon negative as well.

Vanilla White iPhone 14
Vanilla White No Plastic iPhone 13

Ocean plastic braided bracelets

These elegant bracelets are partly made from plastic that has been removed from the oceans and other recycled materials. The money from the sale is used to remove 450g/1 pound of plastic from the oceans. Each bracelet is a symbol of environmental awareness and a commitment to a cleaner, healthier planet. When you wear one, you're helping to fight plastic pollution and support sustainability.

agood company humanium metal pen

OK maybe this is our favourite product - a humanium metal pen. We work with IM Swedish Development Partner to upcycle illegal firearms into a symbol of peace. 25% of the sale of each pen goes to projects rebuilding communities that have been badly impacted by gun crime. A gift to be cherished.

A stay away at Kuhdva

Kuhdva is an off-grid campsite site situated on the lush Cornish coast. It's designed to be a hideout to escape from the digital world and connect with nature, which is great for our health. They celebrate sustainability and offer talks, workshops and music events. Whether you choose to participate in engaging workshops, enjoy soul-soothing music events, or simply unwind in the peaceful ambiance, Kuhdva offers a rejuvenating escape that lingers in your memory long after your stay. Don't forget to offset the travel!

A sustainable wristwatch

Another eco-friendly gift you should consider. These sustainable watches made from recycled wood, furniture scraps, and repurposed railway tracks tell a story of recycling and giving new life to materials that would otherwise go to waste. It's a simple and meaningful way to support sustainability while giving a thoughtful gift that stands out.

Sustainable Wooden Watch
Wooden Watch Made from Recycled Materials

Time

As Tony Stark's dad said "no amount of money ever bought a second of time." Your time is the most precious thing you have, so simply putting aside some of yours for someone else is a gift in itself. Sounds corny, but taking the time to cook someone a nice (preferably veggie or vegan) meal or plan a day out somewhere can mean a lot.

Final thoughts

As we stumble upon new ideas that really click with us and our commitment to being eco-friendly, our excitement keeps growing. We'd love for you to jump in and be part of the excitement. Got a favorite sustainable idea? A cool project that caught your eye? We're all ears! We believe in the power of everyone coming together, sharing wisdom, and making a positive impact.

Your thoughts, suggestions, and favourites are what make this space awesome. Let's connect, share, and keep the momentum going. Giving sustainably isn't just a checklist; it's a shared journey, and we're thrilled to be on it with you. So, what's your favorite sustainable idea? Let's talk!

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