Thanksgiving Gifts Guide – Sustainable Gifts For Your Family Under $90

Thanksgiving is such a special time of year, and bringing a thoughtful gift for your host or hostess can really show your appreciation. It’s not just about being polite; it’s a way to share the joy of the season.

Finding creative and cozy Thanksgiving gift ideas each year can be quite a challenge. Plus, it’s important to arrive at a gathering with something in hand; it’s simply good manners!

If you’re invited to a Thanksgiving dinner, brunch, or party, you might be tempted to bring the usual gifts for the host or hostess. However, if you want to make a memorable impression, consider opting for something fun, creative, or personalized. A little extra thought can turn your gift into a truly meaningful gesture.

Tips for Crafting a Thoughtful, Eco-Friendly Basket

Creating an eco-friendly gift basket not only shows your thoughtfulness but also reflects a commitment to sustainability. Here are some expanded tips to help you craft the perfect eco-friendly basket:

Use Reusable Containers

Baskets: Opt for traditional wicker or woven baskets that can be reused for storage or decoration.

Wooden Crates: These add a rustic charm and can be repurposed in the home or garden.

Cloth Bags: Consider using tote bags made from organic cotton or recycled materials, which recipients can use for shopping or daily errands.

Thrifted Boxes: Visit local thrift stores for unique and vintage boxes that can add character to your gift.

Opt for Zero-Waste Fillers

Sustainably Dyed Crinkle Paper: Look for fillers dyed with natural colors to avoid synthetic chemicals.

Shredded Recycled Paper: This is an excellent way to add cushioning while being environmentally friendly.

Raffia: Made from natural fibers, raffia adds a decorative touch and is biodegradable.

Dried Leaves: Collect colorful autumn leaves to create a beautiful, seasonal filler that enhances the basket’s aesthetic.

Choose Items with Minimal Packaging

Bulk Items: Purchase snacks, nuts, or grains in bulk to reduce packaging waste. Use glass jars to store these items.

Glass Jars: Not only are they reusable, but they also keep contents fresh and can be repurposed for storage.

Cloth Wrapping: Wrap delicate items in fabric to eliminate plastic and create a lovely presentation.

Refillable Options: Include items like refillable candles or soaps that encourage sustainable use and reduce waste.

Decorate Naturally

Dried Citrus Slices: These add a pop of color and a lovely scent, enhancing the overall experience.

Pinecones: Gather pinecones from your yard or local park to add a rustic touch.

Autumn Leaves: Incorporate vibrant, fallen leaves to celebrate the season and create a warm atmosphere.

Twine: Use natural twine instead of plastic ribbons to tie your basket together, adding a charming, rustic finish.

Support Small & Local Makers

Local Artisans: Choose items made by local artisans or small businesses to help support your community and reduce shipping emissions.

Farmers’ Markets: Source food items from local farmers’ markets, ensuring freshness and supporting sustainable agriculture.

Handmade Goods: Include handmade soaps, candles, or crafts that showcase local talent and creativity.

Wrap Smart

Cloth Wrap (Furoshiki Style): This traditional Japanese wrapping technique uses fabric to wrap gifts beautifully and can be reused indefinitely.

Recycled Paper: If you prefer wrapping, choose recycled paper or newspaper for an eco-friendly option.

Leave It Unwrapped: For a more casual approach, consider leaving the basket unwrapped. This can showcase the contents and reduce waste.

In this guide, we will explore a fantastic selection of 10 Thanksgiving gifts that are not only budget-friendly, priced under $90, but also embody sustainability and eco-friendliness. These thoughtful gifts are perfect for expressing gratitude to your loved ones while promoting a healthier planet.

Sustainable Home Decorations

This holiday is all about enjoying quality time with family. If someone you love is hosting a feast, here are some gift options to consider. And why limit gifts to just the hosts? You can bring thoughtful presents for all your loved ones. These Thanksgiving gift ideas are perfect for everyone, not just family.

Embracing zero-waste home decorations is a fantastic way to celebrate Friendsgiving and Christmas while being kind to the planet. Not only do these ideas help reduce waste, but they also add a unique and personal touch to your holiday gatherings.

Here are some creative examples you can use, all under $90!

Zero Waste Home Decoration Ideas

Zero-waste home decoration not only reduces clutter and environmental impact but also adds a sense of authenticity.

By prioritizing the use of materials that produce no waste, individuals can create beautiful, functional living spaces while reducing their overall clutter and ecological footprint. This method encourages the use of second-hand items, natural materials, and upcycled goods, transforming what could be considered trash into stylish, unique decor.

Natural Candles

Beeswax and soy candles are healthier and more eco-friendly gift alternatives to traditional paraffin candles, which are petroleum-based and release toxins when burned. Natural candles burn cleaner, last longer, and often have a subtle, pleasant scent. Choosing candles in reusable glass jars, ceramic holders, or metal tins makes them even more eco-friendly.

Once the candle is gone, the container can be washed and reused as a planter, spice jar, storage container, or even a DIY candle mold for your next batch. This way, nothing goes to waste, and each item serves multiple purposes.

Bluecorn Candles
They prioritize sustainability by using refillable containers and eco-friendly materials, ensuring their products are both environmentally conscious and stylish. Perfect for gifting or enhancing your own space, their collection blends quality craftsmanship with affordability.

Fontana Candle Company
Their candles are crafted to provide a clean burn and a subtle, natural fragrance, making them ideal for any setting. In addition to their affordability, the brand emphasizes sustainability by using recyclable packaging and sourcing ingredients responsibly. Whether you’re looking for a cozy ambiance or a thoughtful gift, their products strike the perfect balance between quality and eco-consciousness.

P.F. Candle Co.
They also pride themselves on eco-friendly packaging, utilizing recyclable materials and minimal waste practices. The brand offers a wide variety of scents, from refreshing citrus blends to warm, cozy vanilla and spice combinations, ensuring there’s something for every preference.

Customers often praise the long-lasting burn time and the clean, even melt of their candles, making them a favorite for both gifting and personal use. Additionally, the company frequently introduces seasonal collections, keeping its offerings fresh and aligned with current trends.

Sanari Candle
Vegan soy + coconut wax blends, essential oils, hand-poured in the U.S. Their candles often fall under $50. These candles are typically made using a combination of soy wax, derived from soybeans, and coconut wax, which is extracted from coconuts, creating a clean-burning and long-lasting product.

Additionally, these candles are often infused with essential oils, providing a natural and aromatic experience free from synthetic fragrances. The hand-pouring process in the U.S. ensures quality craftsmanship, giving each candle a unique touch.

Recycled Furniture

Rather than throwing away old furniture, upcycling gives it a second life while allowing you to create something truly custom. An outdated wooden chair can be sanded and painted into a modern accent piece. A worn sofa can be reupholstered with natural or secondhand fabric.

Even small changes like replacing drawer handles with vintage knobs can transform the look of a dresser. Pallets or reclaimed wood can be repurposed into coffee tables, shelves, or headboards.

Secondhand Finds

Thrift shops, flea markets, and online marketplaces (like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or Craigslist) are filled with hidden gems that can add character to your home. Instead of buying mass-produced decorations, you can find unique mirrors, photo frames, lamps, or wall art that have a story and history. Shopping secondhand reduces demand for new production and keeps items out of landfills.

Many pieces only need minor cleaning or a quick polish to look brand new. Beyond saving money, decorating with secondhand finds gives your space a distinctive and personalized touch that can’t be replicated in big-box stores.

Best Websites & Shops To Find Secondhand Finds For Thanksgiving in the USA

Shop	What You’ll Find	Why It’s Good for Thanksgiving
ShopGoodwill.com	Gently used home décor, kitchenware, vintage items, electronics	A central hub for Goodwill branches, lots of unusual or seasonal pieces you can repurpose for your Thanksgiving table.
ThredUp	Clothing, accessories, sometimes household textiles	You can find table linens, aprons, throws, or decorative fabric items at discounted prices.
Poshmark	Fashion, home décor, accessories	Community-based platform; good for vintage or unique décor elements beyond clothes.
Depop	Vintage, unique, retro fashion & décor	Strong selection of quirky and rare items—great if you want something with character. (thecommons.earth)
Thrilling	Home goods, vintage décor, furniture	Focuses on vintage and boutique secondhand stores listing their stock.
TIAS.com (The Internet Antique Shop)	Antiques, collectibles, décor	A classic online antiques marketplace—excellent for historical or distinctive pieces.
Goodfair	Mixed secondhand items (clothing, home)	Emphasizes “no new things, secondhand first”, good philosophy for sustainable Thanksgiving shopping.
Jubilee Thrift	Clothing, home décor, brand-name items	Affordable options with frequent inventory turnover.
America’s Thrift Stores (on eBay)	Variety of decorative items & collectibles	Has a big presence on eBay, great for browsing unique finds from across the U.S.

Thanksgiving Gift Baskets Ideas

Local Harvest Basket

Locally made preserves, artisanal jams, nuts, local honey, and baked goods in reusable containers represent a delightful selection of products that celebrate regional flavors and sustainable practices.

Cozy Autumn Basket

Organic tea, small blanket, cloth napkins, herbal candles, and fair-trade chocolate. Wrap in a tea towel or cotton cloth instead of plastic, and make it a gift worth remembering by setting a plastic-free example.

For the Host (Kitchen + Gardening Gifts)

This gift category emphasizes the importance of quality rather than quantity. The objective is to present one carefully made item that the recipient may not usually indulge in for themselves, but will find useful and cherish for many years. This method significantly minimizes long-term waste caused by inexpensive, easily broken tools.

Solid Chef’s Knife or Utility Knife

Giving one high-carbon steel knife ensures longevity and serves as a long-term investment for both professional chefs and home cooks alike. This type of knife is renowned for its durability and ability to hold a sharp edge for an extended period, making it a reliable workhorse tool in the kitchen.

With proper care, which includes regular honing, appropriate cleaning, and occasional sharpening, a high-carbon steel knife can outlast and outperform many cheap alternatives.

Artisan Wooden Utensils

Look for utensils that are crafted from sustainable, durable hardwoods such as olive wood or walnut sourced from local suppliers. These types of materials not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen with their rich colors and unique grain patterns, but they are also functional.

Wooden utensils are gentle on non-stick pans, helping to prolong the lifespan of your cookware by preventing scratches that can occur with metal utensils.

Best Websites To Find Wooden Kitchen Utensils Under 90 USD

Website / Shop	What You’ll Find	Price Range (USD)
Allegheny Treenware	Handmade hardwood spoons, paddles, and gift sets	$10–$60
Earlywood	Heirloom-quality spoons, spatulas, and ladles	$15–$80
Jonathan’s Spoons	Cherry wood spoons, spatulas, and salad servers	$15–$70
Lancaster Cast Iron (Handmade Utensils)	Handcrafted spoons, spurtles, and spatulas	$12–$75
Wondrwood	Wooden utensil sets and bundles with boards	$20–$85
Crate & Barrel	Wooden utensil sets and individual spoons/turners	$10–$60
New Hampshire Bowl & Board	Maple, cherry, and walnut utensils, salad servers, ladles	$20–$80

Cast Iron or Enamel Dutch Oven Accessory

If your family member has a cast-iron piece (like a Dutch oven), gift a specialized wooden brush for cleaning or a silicone trivet to protect their table. These thoughtful accessories extend the life of their existing durable cookware.

Indoor Herb Garden Kit

Priced between $20–$50, it’s an affordable and practical gift that combines sustainability, beauty, and function. An indoor herb garden kit is a thoughtful gift that brings freshness and sustainability right into the kitchen. These kits typically include organic, non-GMO seeds, such as basil, sage, parsley, or mint, along with compostable pots and nutrient-rich soil. They’re perfect for anyone who enjoys cooking, as fresh herbs add vibrant flavor to everyday meals.

Beyond the culinary perks, an herb garden kit teaches the joy of growing food at home, even in small spaces like apartments. Since the pots are compostable and the seeds are chemical-free, the entire kit aligns with eco-friendly living. Plus, tending to plants offers a relaxing daily ritual and a sense of accomplishment when those first sprouts appear.

Compost Starter Bundles

For anyone curious about reducing kitchen waste, a compost starter bundle is an inspiring gift. These bundles often include a countertop compost bin, compostable liners, and a step-by-step guide to turn food scraps into nutrient-rich soil. Some kits also feature compost accelerators or worm composting supplies for those ready to take it a step further.

The gift of composting empowers someone to transform what would otherwise be waste.

Zero Waste Gifts

Reusable Shopping Totes (e.g., Baggu)

Reusable totes are a practical and stylish way to cut down on single-use plastic bags. Brands like Baggu make them in a variety of colors and patterns, often from recycled materials, making them both eco-friendly and fun to use.

They fold down small, so they’re easy to keep in a purse, car, or backpack, ensuring you’re never caught without a bag at the store. At $15–$30, they’re affordable, durable, and long-lasting. Gifting these to a family encourages sustainable shopping habits and helps reduce plastic waste with every grocery trip.

Experience Gift (Shared Activity)

Instead of a physical item, experience gifts create lasting memories without adding clutter. Think tickets to a local museum, a pottery or cooking class, or even a gift certificate to a sustainable restaurant that prioritizes local ingredients. The beauty of experience gifts is that they’re zero-waste—nothing ends up in a landfill.

They also strengthen bonds, since they’re often shared activities. With plenty of options available under $90 per person, you can tailor the gift to the recipient’s personality, making it both meaningful and sustainable.

A Stone Paper Notebook

Stone paper notebooks are innovative, tree-free alternatives to traditional notebooks. Made from mineral powder and resin, they require no water, bleach, or trees in production, making them far more sustainable than paper notebooks.

The texture is smooth, waterproof, and tear-resistant, which makes writing a pleasant experience. They’re perfect for note-takers, students, or creatives who care about the planet but don’t want to compromise on quality. This gift is unique, eco-conscious, and practical, showing that sustainability can be modern and sleek.

Low-Waste Self-Care Kits

A low-waste self-care kit makes a thoughtful, practical, and eco-conscious gift. Instead of single-use products wrapped in plastic, these kits focus on reusable, refillable, and biodegradable items that help someone ease into a sustainable lifestyle while still feeling pampered.

What to Include:

Bamboo Toothbrushes: A sustainable swap for plastic brushes, bamboo handles are biodegradable and just as effective.

Stainless Steel or Glass Straws: Reusable straws help eliminate single-use plastic. Add a small cleaning brush and pouch for convenience on the go.

Solid Shampoo & Conditioner Bars: These last longer than bottled versions, cut down on packaging waste, and often come with natural, gentle ingredients.

Reusable Cotton Rounds or Face Cloths: Perfect for removing makeup or applying toner, and they can be washed and reused countless times.

Natural Soap Bars: Choose handmade, package-free soaps that nourish the skin without unnecessary chemicals.

Safety Razor: A durable alternative to disposable razors, safety razors reduce plastic waste while offering a closer shave.

Compostable Floss or Refillable Toothpaste Tablets: Small swaps that make daily routines more sustainable.

Why Zero Waste Gifts Are Special:

A low-waste self-care kit is more than just a bundle of products; it’s an invitation to shift toward mindful living. It shows thoughtfulness because each item is chosen with both the recipient and the planet in mind.

You can personalize it by selecting scents, colors, or products that fit their lifestyle. Best of all, it introduces them to new habits that reduce waste long after the gift is unwrapped.

Zero-Waste Travellers Kit

This kit is designed around the three biggest sources of travel waste: takeout food, bottled water, and hotel/sample-sized toiletries. By planning with a zero-waste kit, you can enjoy your trip without leaving behind unnecessary waste.

Item	Why It’s Useful	Approx Cost*
Reusable Water Bottle (Stainless Steel or BPA-Free Glass)	Avoids buying single-use plastic bottles; stays with you everywhere.	$15-$30
Solid Toiletries (Soap/Shampoo Bars, Deodorant Bars)	No plastic bottles; light and TSA-friendly for travel.	$8-$20
Reusable Cutlery + Straw Set	Skip plastic forks/spoons/straws when eating on the go. Usually comes with a pouch.	$10-$20
Bamboo Toothbrush + Natural Toothpaste (Tablet or Powder)	Plastic-free dental care; travel-friendly.	~$5-$12
Collapsible Tote or Reusable Shopping Bag	Handy for groceries, markets, or carrying extras without needing disposable bags.	~$8-$15
Cloth Napkin or Handkerchief	Replace disposable napkins or tissues; multi-purpose.	~$5-$10
Travel-Size Refillable Silicone Bottles / Containers	Replace disposable napkins or tissues with multi-purpose.	~$10-$18

Going Zero Waste For Thanksgiving 2025

Thanksgiving is a time of celebration, family, and abundance, but it’s also one of the biggest waste-generating holidays of the year. Between disposable plates, plastic utensils, leftover food, and packaging, a lot ends up in landfills. Choosing a zero-waste approach changes the game for you, your guests, and the planet.

Benefits for You

Reduces Stress and Clutter
Zero waste doesn’t mean giving up tradition; it means planning smarter. By using reusable plates, cloth napkins, and refillable containers, you cut down on post-dinner cleanup and the stress of managing piles of trash.

Saves Money
Investing in reusable tableware, storage containers, and kitchen staples may seem like an upfront cost, but it pays off over time. You’ll reuse these items year after year instead of buying disposable products every holiday season.

Repurposing leftovers into entirely new creative meals (like turkey stock or shepherd’s pie) turns “scraps” into a celebrated, money-saving secondary feast, often starting a fun new tradition.

Encourages Mindful Eating
Preparing only what you need and storing leftovers in reusable containers helps reduce food waste. You’ll likely plan your menu more intentionally, serve portions more thoughtfully, and appreciate every bite.

Focus on Quality: When you buy less, you can afford to buy better. Shopping locally for seasonal, fresh ingredients often results in a better-tasting meal with less processed, packaged food.

Supports Sustainability
A zero-waste Thanksgiving reduces landfill contributions, lowers carbon emissions, and minimizes plastic pollution. Your choices set an example for friends and family, inspiring them to adopt eco-conscious habits as well.

Americans waste over 300 million pounds of food on Thanksgiving. When food rots in landfills, it produces methane, a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide. Composting scraps or eating all leftovers prevents this.

Creates a Healthier, Cozy Atmosphere
Using natural décor, locally grown ingredients, and eco-friendly tableware creates a warm, authentic, and inviting setting. It shifts the focus from excess to intentional, meaningful celebration.

Using natural décor, locally grown ingredients, and eco-friendly tableware creates a warm, authentic, and inviting setting. It shifts the focus from excess to intentional, meaningful celebration.

Going zero waste for Thanksgiving isn’t just about the environment; it’s about creating a more relaxed, sustainable, and joyful holiday experience for everyone involved. It allows you to express gratitude not only for your friends and family but also for the resources of the planet, making the holiday richer in meaning and lighter on the environment.