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.
Outdoor/Home Composting Bin
A larger outdoor compost bin for backyard composting — a practical present for someone who gardens or wants to reduce kitchen waste.
From the guide
Thorsen’s Greenhouse — Eco-Friendly Potted Plants
Attractive houseplants sold in biodegradable containers with thoughtful packaging—good for eco-conscious giftees.
From: These 5 awesome Etsy houseplant shops are perfect pandemic pick-me-ups
KRUPS Single Serve Drip Coffee Maker (with travel mug)
A compact single-serve drip maker that brews a 14oz cup without pods using a permanent filter; includes a travel mug for on-the-go mornings.
From the guide
Quince Recycled Kids' Backpack
Simple, metallic-finish backpack made from recycled materials — a minimalist and eco-friendly pick for kids.
From: 15 of the coolest backpacks for preschool and kindergarten | Back to School Shopping Guide
Reusable Mason Jar Zipper Bags from Kikkerland
Small reusable plastic zipper bags shaped for storing chips or toppings alongside a mason jar lunch; sold in multi-packs.
From the guide
LEGO sustainable plant-based pieces (news announcement)
A giftable mention of LEGO’s new plant-based plastic pieces and sustainable product lines—great for eco-conscious kids and builders who care about greener toys.
From: LEGO gets more eco-friendly with a plastic made from...what??
Silicone Cupcake Holders (Reusable Baking Cups)
Flexible, washable silicone holders that work as little cups for fruit, crackers or dips—great for packing reusable, kid-friendly lunch portions.
From the guide
Re-Marks Harry Potter Quotemarks Bookmark Set
Set of Harry Potter-themed bookmarks featuring quotes and eco-friendly materials — a thoughtful gift for fans who love collectible, USA-made stationery.
From: These Harry Potter bookmarks make reading more magical.
Higher Grounds Trading Company Monthly Java Club
Monthly subscription of fair trade, organic, small-batch roasted coffee—supports growers and delivers fresh beans regularly.
From the guide
Save The Bees Honey Lemon Chamomile Organic Soap
Handmade organic bar soap with honey, lemon and chamomile — a thoughtful, eco-minded gift with proceeds supporting bee conservation.
From: Why this is the best soap our resident beauty product junkie has ever tried
Anija Reusable Bamboo Paper Towels
Branded reusable bamboo towels praised for durability and scrubbing power, a practical eco-friendly swap for cleaning tasks.
From: I switched to reusable bamboo paper towels to help alleviate my kids' climate change anxiety. Here's how it went
Bacon, Eggs & Pancakes Felt Breakfast Set (Little Green Market)
Eco-felt breakfast set including bacon, eggs, pancakes and butter — a complete pretend breakfast for little chefs.
From: Handmade play food for kids: 10 of the most adorable shops on Etsy
Time Of Month KIT (TomKIT)
Portable, eco-conscious pack including pads, flushable feminine wipes, organic hand sanitizer, lip balm and a biodegradable disposable underwear for on-the-go period support.
From: Making an Uncomfortable Time of the Month a Little More Comfortable
Handmade Squirrel Pull Toy by Kate Steurenagle
Handmade paper mâché and wood squirrel pull toy with non-toxic paint—decorative and playful for a nursery or child's room.
From: Squirrely
Odeme Bamboo Toothbrush Set (2-pack)
Eco-friendly bamboo-handled toothbrush set with two colors—an upgrade from disposable brushes and good for gifting.
From: 16 seriously amazing beauty stocking stuffers, beyond nail polish and hand cream.
Green Toys Airplane
Durable, recyclable-material toy airplane designed for imaginative play and outdoor use.
From: More than 60 amazing holiday gifts for kids under $15: Like, GOOD gifts. Not stocking stuffers.
The Original Makeup Eraser
A reusable microfiber cloth that removes makeup with water alone — an eco-friendly, practical beauty gift.
From: 75 irresistible Amazon Prime beauty deals: Premium beauty brands for the price of drugstore, whoa.
Green Toys 17-Piece Play Tea Set
Eco-friendly tea set made from recycled materials — an affordable, durable pretend-play gift for little hosts.
From: We put together 20 of the best gifts for 4-year-olds this year. Here are some favorites that they'll LOVE.
Planetbox Rover Stainless Lunchbox Set
Stainless steel bento-style lunchbox set with customizable compartments for balanced meals and longer durability.
From: 30 cool lunch box accessories to make school lunch more fun. Lots on sale too! | Back to School Shopping
Reusable K-Cup filter
Single-serve brewer that accepts K-cups or a reusable K-cup for grounds—more affordable and eco-friendly option.
From: 12 must-have electronics and small appliances for dorm rooms | Back to School Shopping Guide
Learning Resources Educational Toys (assorted)
Non-toxic, sustainable feeding sets for infants and toddlers — practical and thoughtful for new parents.
From: All the best deals for Black Friday 2017 right in one place!
Click & Grow Self-Watering Indoor Garden
A compact self-watering indoor garden for growing fresh herbs or small plants year-round — practical and long-lasting.
From: 14 practical Valentine's gifts for her that aren't flowers, but they're not a case of motor oil, either
Reusable K-Cup Pods (Set)
Refillable K-Cup filters so Keurig users can use their own grounds — a money- and waste-saving gift idea.
From: These 8 single-use products are going away in our lifetimes. Here are alternatives that make switching easy.
LastSwab Reusable Cotton Swab
A washable, reusable swab designed to replace disposable cotton swabs — a thoughtful, sustainable stocking stuffer.
From: These 8 single-use products are going away in our lifetimes. Here are alternatives that make switching easy.