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Top 10 best ideas for zero waste gifts. 

a person giving another person a present

When it comes time to chose a gift, choosing one that is a bit more low-waste is good for your wallet, the planet and for your recipient. Thoughtful gifting is, well, thoughtful – and people recognize when you take the extra care. When you handwrite the card accompanying the gift, tell them why you chose natural ingredients or something without plastic packaging or the reason you picked to buy from a particular company. Those little extras make a gift extra special.

Here is a list of what we think are the top 10 best ideas for zero waste gifts. You probably have some good ideas too so be sure to share in the comment section below. Sharing is caring!

  1. Make someone’s day with a thoughtful gift that is both environmentally friendly and tailored to them – terrariums or plants! The beauty of crafting your own terrarium lies in the customization; adding live plants alongside various decorations creates something truly special. Plus, it can be an easy project for kids too! From indoor vegetables and seedlings to planter boxes or fruit trees – these green gifts are sure to bring joy this Christmas. For those who do not have a green thumb, they will really enjoy the self sufficiency of a terrarium.
  2. Show someone how much you care by sharing the gift of health for a birthday or Christmas gift with a zero waste oral care kit. While it may appear to be an unoriginal present selection at first, gifting a plastic-free toothbrush can make for an exceptionally thoughtful and environmentally friendly stocking stuffer that they will use day after day! Bamboo toothbrushes are a good choice if you want to live a zero-waste lifestyle. Even though the bristles are not completely biodegradable, they are still better for our planet than other options.
    homemade toothpaste ideas.

    homemade toothpaste

  3. Pick a hygiene product people use every day and make some! In addition to gifting it away, you can also enjoy a new found zero waste toothpaste, deodorant, or even hair gel. The internet is full of amazing, all natural recipes. If you prefer to gift pre-made products like toothpaste and plastic free dental floss, order it through a subscription so they never run out. Literally, it is a gift that keeps on giving!
  4. If you’re looking for the ideal kids gift that won’t hurt your wallet or our environment, think about gifting wooden toys, pre-owned items, books and card games. You’ll provide children with a Christmas they will never forget! Why not give them an “experience” present such as tickets to their favorite amusement park or a membership at their preferred gym? Nowadays there are low waste and zero waste gifts so we can enjoy this festive season without feeling guilty. Make it memorable today – invest in something special! If you’re looking for a unique and creative gift idea, think outside the box! Give your loved one membership to a museum, playground, amusement park or science center. Or get crafty by utilizing recycled materials with them to make something special together as a family. If you’re looking for a fun and creative way to spend time with your family, consider repurposing old toys or buying secondhand items instead of new. This not only helps the environment by eliminating waste, but it also encourages imaginative play as well! Additionally, why not plan a cooking night? Not only does this let everyone’s inner chef shine through in the kitchen, but it can also create some delectable dishes that will surely satisfy even the pickiest eater. Alternatively, if you want to find pre-owned products without leaving home; check out online marketplaces like social platform marketplaces or local stores near you!
    Kids having fun with wood cameras.

    A wood camera won’t break like a real one can during playtime.

  5. Give your friends a shampoo bar, conditioner bar, and shave bar instead of liquid shampoo, conditioner, and shave cream. This is better for the environment. You can go to a secondhand shop or natural food store together to pick them out! Give your friends and family the ultimate gift of sustainability this holiday season with a zero-waste starter kit. You can find pre-made kits from a plethora of retailers, or make one yourself that’s tailored to their needs. Fill it up with essentials like stainless steel straws and cutlery, plus beauty and household goodies as well! Not only will they appreciate such an innovative present –– but they’ll also gain all the necessary tools required for leading a low waste lifestyle beyond Christmas day too.
  6. If they love coffee, they might be creating a lot of waste. You can help by giving a zero-waste coffee kit as a gift. Replace the regular coffee maker with one that uses filters. Get a nice ceramic mug to pour the coffee in, especially if they travel for work or pleasure. Buy some bulk coffee beans and put them in an repurposed jar or reusable cotton coffee storage bag. You can have young ones decorate the cotton bag with permanent markers.
  7. If you’re searching for a zero-waste present that won’t require shipping, tickets to their preferred movie or show are an ideal selection! Memberships/subscriptions such as those provided at gyms, fitness clubs or galleries make great options too. For the same reason, digital subscriptions like Amazon Prime, Apple Music, Hulu (or any streaming service), and Audible for those who enjoy listening more than reading, all offer numerous choices sure to be highly appreciated by your gift recipient. Although handcrafted items may not be loved by everyone and may also prove difficult to transport – these ideas don’t suffer from either of those issues!
    girl on her phone with variety of streaming services projecting from her phone.

    technology services a great gift

  8. During the holiday season, charities need our assistance more than ever. Your generosity can make a difference and will be even more meaningful when you give to an organization that your gift recipient supports. Scour through posts from charitable organizations on social media; chances are they have something special planned for this year that might benefit greatly from your contribution of time or money – both would be welcome! It feels good when somebody appreciates a cause you love because of you! Most people enjoy homemade desserts. Make the donation gift feel extra special by attaching a handwritten card to the dish about the donation you made and how they inspired you to support their favorite organization.
  9. One of the most thoughtful gifts you can give your family is spending quality time with them! You can make lasting memories by organizing a picnic or dinner for them, or even surprising them with gift certificates to their favorite store or organization.
  10. This year, treat those dearest to you with something truly special – handmade gifts! Pamper them with luxurious skincare supplies such as natural exfoliators and body creams that can be refilled. Or else surprise them by providing a book full of ideas for self-care activities they can explore throughout the year. What’s more, these presents will enable your beloved ones to have their very own spa treatments right at home! Pamper yourself and show that you care with zero-waste self-care products this Christmas! Allowing yourself to take time for yourself is important, so why not treat your body and soul by gifting luxurious items such as scented candles, sugar scrubs, bath bombs and facial or body oils. You will be reminded of the importance of taking those moments just for you every day!
    ingredients to make personal care products

    ingredients to make natural personal care products

These are just the top 10 zero waste gift ideas we have. People are so creative and we know there are tonnes more great ideas out there!
If you are looking to make your holiday season less wasteful, check out our complete guide for a low waste Christmas. The zero waste gifting guide can be found HERE.

What ideas do you have to for gifts that are better for the health of the receiver and the planet?

Author:

Angie Ringler

A lifelong learner with an entrepreneurial spirit long before I knew the word entrepreneurial. I spend too much time reading labels, researching ingredients, and I enjoy cooking, writing, traveling, and listening to live music. I am a woman who believes in gratitude, love, and respect.

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