Eco-Friendly Gifts and Gifts That Give Back
The best gifts can do a little good, too. These are our favorite eco-friendly finds and gifts that give back, from sustainable products to purchases that support causes we care about. They're feel-good picks for kids, teens and grown-ups who want to help make the world a little better.
Earlier guides
Explore our earlier guides, newest first. These are archived recommendations; prices and availability may have changed.
From the archive · June 3, 202421 wildly cool subscription gifts for men. From fair trade coffee to tech toys and everything in between
From the archive · April 23, 2024One Cool Thing: Make homemade crowns for Mother's Day and give back to kids in need
From the archive · November 27, 202320 special gifts that give back to great causes. | Holiday Gift Guide + Giving Tuesday
From the archive · December 8, 202217 Gen Z gifts that give back to the incredible causes they care about | Holiday Gift Guide
From the archive · November 22, 2020Presenting our 100% entirely Small Business Holiday Gift Guide 2020: See our top 10 gifts for everyone on your list
From the archive · April 26, 202016 fabulous Mother's Day gifts that give back to Covid relief and healthcare workers | Mother's Day Gift Guide
From the archive · March 26, 202018 fantastic Easter gift ideas for kids, from Etsy shops that could really use the support right now.
From the archivePresenting our 2020 Small Business Holiday Gift Guide: Shop Small to Give Big
From the archiveOur 10 Best Gifts for Grandparents | Small Business Holiday Gift Guide 2020
From the archiveOur 10 Best Gifts for Men this year | Small Business Holiday Gift Guide 2020
From the archiveOur 10 Best Gifts for Teens | Small Business Holiday Gift Guide 2020
From the archiveOur 10 Best Gifts for Tweens 9-12 | Small Business Holiday Gift Guide 2020
From the archiveOur 10 Best Gifts for Women in 2020 | Small Business Holiday Gift Guide 2020
From the archiveOur 10 Best Gifts for Little Kids 4-8 | Small Business Holiday Gift Guide 2020
From the archiveOur 10 Best Hanukkah Gifts for 2020 | Small Business Holiday Gift Guide 2020
From the archiveOur 10 Best Holiday Gifts for Babies and Toddlers | Small Business Holiday Gift Guide 2020
From the archiveEco-friendly gifts for kids and teens who are fighting for our planet. For good reason.
SponsoredFrom the archive · May 1, 201815 beautiful Mother's Day gifts that give back, beautifully | Mother's Day Gift Guide
From the archiveGifts that help support journalism, because it matters more than ever
From the archive · June 15, 2016These 5 charities are doing amazing things for dads this Father's Day
From the archive · March 15, 2016Easter eggs so natural, they come with their own Easter grass
From the archive35 truly fabulous gifts that give back to 35 fabulous causes
From the archive · May 6, 2014Mother's Day gifts that give back, because they save lives.
From the archiveStylish Holiday Gifts That Give Back
Shop all picks
This guide contains affiliate links, which means we receive a small commission from some purchases to help support our team. All picks are determined editorially by our staff; there has been no compensation in exchange for our picks.
Kane Double-Pocket Backpack (45% Recycled Materials) — State
Kane backpack made from a recycled poly-canvas blend with double pockets—an eco-conscious, practical choice for teens.
From: 20 cool backpacks for teens this year | Back to School Guide
Reusable Bamboo Toothpicks (Set)
A set of decorative, reusable toothpicks makes a practical and charming hostess or picnic gift for serving appetizers and small bites.
From the guideSamsung Wisenet Babyview Eco Monitor
A baby monitor focused on efficient, eco-friendly operation and clear video for everyday nursery use.
From the guide
Stasher Reusable Silicone Sandwich & Snack Bags (6-pack)
Durable silicone bags that replace disposable plastic bags for sandwiches and snacks.
From: 30 cool lunch box accessories to make school lunch more fun. Lots on sale too! | Back to School Shopping
Better Life Natural All-Purpose Cleanser
A plant-based, non-toxic surface cleaner that makes a practical, eco-conscious gift for someone who prefers gentler cleaning products.
From the guide
Gantri 3D-Printed Designer Lamp
Modern, designer-created table or pendant lamp sustainably 3D-printed from plant-based (corn-derived) materials — a stylish, eco-friendly gift for home lovers.
From the guide
Reusable Cloth Napkins (12-pack)
Set of cloth napkins for lunches that reduce waste and add a soft, reusable option for kids.
From: 30 cool lunch box accessories to make school lunch more fun. Lots on sale too! | Back to School Shopping
Bodum French Press Coffee Maker
A reusable glass and stainless-steel French press that reduces single-use coffee waste—good for daily coffee lovers and eco-conscious giftees.
From the guideTeracube Thrive smartphone
A kid-oriented smartphone with built-in parental controls and a parent app so caregivers can manage content and usage—good for families wanting a manageable first phone.
From the guide
Reusable Drink In The Box Container
Reusable alternative to disposable juice boxes that reduces waste and fits easily in lunchboxes.
From: 30 cool lunch box accessories to make school lunch more fun. Lots on sale too! | Back to School Shopping
We Grew It, Let’s Eat It (Children's Gardening Book)
An introductory gardening book for kids that encourages growing vegetables and hands-on learning—great for families starting a garden.
From the guideThredUp Consignment Service (clothing resale)
Service that lets you send in gently used clothing for resale — a thoughtful option for gifting someone decluttering help or sustainable-shopping credits.
From the guide
Lunchskins Reusable Snack Bags
Velcro-closing reusable snack bags with a plastic-bag-like feel—an easy transition from disposables and available in many fun prints.
From: 7 cool, reusable snack containers for kids that beat plastic bags
8 oz Mason Jars (Set)
Reusable 8 oz mason jars perfect for serving individual desserts or snacks like berry sparklers at celebrations.
From the guideAmazon Electronics Trade-In (credit toward purchases)
Exchange an old iPhone for an Amazon gift card credit — a convenient way to get value toward new purchases.
From the guide
Eco-friendly Convertible Utensils Kit & Lunch Bag (VIS Paradise Goods)
A compact reusable utensils set that converts to a shopping bag—great for eco-conscious moms who take meals on the go.
From: 25 special Mother's Day gifts under $25, which we totally want ourselves
Cloth Napkins (Set)
Reusable cloth napkins elevate holiday place settings and are a thoughtful, sustainable host gift.
From the guideTarget Trade-In Program (store credit)
Trade in a used iPhone for Target gift card credit to spend on household items, tech, or gifts.
From the guide
BiOBUDDi Eco-Friendly Toy Blocks (for 18+ months)
Durable, plant-based recycled building blocks that make a sustainable, educational gift for toddlers learning fine motor and creative play.
From the guide
DIY Sweater Sleeve Wine Sleeve Kit Idea
Pattern or DIY instructions for turning old sweater sleeves into cozy, reusable wine bottle sleeves — sustainable gift wrap.
From the guideApple Reuse and Recycling Program (trade-in or credit)
Recycle or trade in your iPhone with Apple for credit toward a new device or responsible recycling.
From the guide
Italic Home Reusable Canvas "Brown Bag" Lunch Tote
Canvas reusable lunch bag with retro brown-bag look — eco-friendly and stylish for teens who prefer a vintage vibe.
From: Lunch bags and totes for teens who have outgrown lunch boxes | Back to School Shopping
Newly Recycled Italian Lucite Cookbook Holder
A 100% recycled Italian lucite cookbook holder that protects pages while keeping recipes visible — useful for cooks who use printed books.
From the guide
Stasher Reusable Silicone Food Storage Bags (snack sizes)
Reusable, leak-resistant silicone storage bags in multiple sizes — great alternative to disposable bags for snacks and lunches.
From: Lunch bags and totes for teens who have outgrown lunch boxes | Back to School Shopping