18 Sustainable Gift Ideas For The Holidays

Updated for 2024!

The holiday season is here which means the prettiest mountain peaks are beaming with snow, trails are filled with cross country skiing, and a wide variety of other winter wonderland festivities are happening outside our doors!

It also means that time of the year where we’re continually bombarded with endless advertising for mindless consumerism, list making and an estimated 25 million tons of waste being thrown away.

But chances are, if you’re reading this, you care about the planet and want to make more sustainable choices this holiday season (which we love!).

So while somewhere north of $980 billion is estimated to be spent by consumers this 2024 holiday season, we’re sharing some of our favorite holiday gift ideas to help you shop more thoughtfully and sustainably this year.

For The Camping Enthusiast

Wild Playing Cards - Crafted from sustainable forest paper, starch-based laminating glue & vegetable-based printing inks, this card deck is a camping accessory that won’t get left behind!

3-in-1 Giant Stainless Steel Lunchbox - Need to feed the fam at lunch? Need a sustainable picnic option? Check out this 3-in-1 Giant Stainless Steel Lunchbox! With 8 cups of storage, this lunchbox has 3 nested containers that easily clip together. This non-toxic, stainless steel system was designed to handle generous portion sizes.

Reusable Silicone Bag - The most useful camping accessory for anyone & everyone! Perfect for packing up any car snacks, camp snacks, trail snacks, etc. Even better, it can be doubled as a cleanup accessory to pack in then pack out.

 

Shār Snacks - Shār Snacks might seem like just another trail snack, but with plastic-free packaging, organic plant-based ingredients, and a commitment to sustainability, they’re a thoughtful way to fuel your adventures while protecting the wild places we love.

 

Biodegradable Dental Floss Picks - It might seem like a silly gift, but biodegradable dental floss picks are actually one of the most frequently found items during our cleanups, making them a small yet impactful way to help keep our wild spaces free from lingering waste.

 

For The Homebody

Leave No Trace Puzzle - The Leave No Trace puzzle from Good & Well Supply Co. is more than just a fun activity; it’s a thoughtful reminder of the principles we hold dear—perfect for cozy nights indoors while staying connected to the outdoor values we cherish.

Truly Plant-based Skincare - Cait + Co's Wild Blossom collection is crafted to nourish your soul and senses. Each product is enriched with plant-based natural ingredients and fragrant botanicals. Made in the USA!

Rechargeable Lighter - Forget those throwaway lighters that are so wasteful! This rechargeable, minimal lighter pairs perfectly with an eco-friendly candle.

For The Artsy Friend

Zero Waste Pottery Kit - Give the gift of fun! This “pottery with a purpose” kit can be used to make plant hangers, functional mugs and so much more.

The Trashy Collection Art Prints - Created with plastic bits & pieces collected from the shores of the Great Lakes and around the world, these art prints will add color to any space. Plus, every print supports a beach cleanup!

Natural Watercolor Paint Kit - An easy to pack painting kit made with kids in mind. But honestly, it’s pretty fun for adults too! (Pro Tip: let it be a tool to encourage extra stillness & admiration of Mother Nature as you utilize her for some artsy inspiration!)

 

For The Animal Lover

Recycled Climbing Rope Dog Leash - Let’s just say this is definitely not your average dog leash! Made from recycled climbing rope (!!!), this one’s a great gift for your friend or family dog owner.

Pet Shampoo Bar - Ditching plastic shampoo bottles isn’t just for your shower, it’s for your pets too! The perfect addition to any pet-loving friend or family member's gift.

Hoot + Co - Hoot + Co might seem like just another pet brand, but with their outdoor-ready collars, leashes, and bandanas, they’re the perfect gift for dog-loving adventurers who want their pups to explore in style. 

 

For The ‘Say Yes To Any Adventure Friend’

Outdoorsy Stickers - Scroll through a wide range of KNW stickers and find the perfect one to gift! Think National Parks, the “I’d Rather Be Hiking” sentiment, and so much more.

Nocs Provisions Waterproof Binoculars - Coined as the “perfect travel binoculars” these are a fun new addition for your travel pack. 

Compact Portable Charger - This little charger holds 3 days worth of power and is something you’ll definitely want on hand when traveling, well, anywhere. Designed in California with sustainability at its core, NIMBLE believes in tech moving forward without leaving the environment behind.

 

KNW Recycled Fanny Pack - Made from recycled materials, this fanny pack is the perfect accessory for traveling, hiking, cleanups and beyond. The person you gift this one to will wear it for years to come!

About the original Author of this post:

Hannah Tizedes, founder of The Trashy Collection, is an artist, trash collector and sustainability educator based in Michigan. Connect with her on Instagram, @thetrashycollection, and find more of her work here.