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.
Baggu Nylon Reusable Tote
Lightweight, packable reusable tote that folds small — convenient and fashionable for everyday grocery or errand use.
From: These 8 single-use products are going away in our lifetimes. Here are alternatives that make switching easy.
Eco Beach Scoopneck Wide Overlay Strap Two-Piece Bikini Set (Kohl's)
An affordable sporty two-piece with a scoopneck top and contrasting band that pairs with modest Eco Beach brief bottoms.
From: We found 10 stylish, athletic two-piece swimsuits for teens who aren't feeling the teeny bikinis
Simple Modern Insulated Water Bottle
A stylish, vacuum-insulated stainless steel water bottle that keeps drinks cold or hot for hours—great for everyday use or travel.
From: The best Amazon Prime Day deals that don't look like leftovers from your grandmother's yard sale
Cake Maternity CupCake Washable Nursing Pads
Reusable organic nursing pads that absorb leaks and are gentle on sensitive skin—practical and eco-friendly gift for new breastfeeding moms.
From: CupCake washable nursing pads: an organic treat for breastfeeding moms
Itzy Ritzy Reusable Snack Bags
Zippable fabric snack bags in multiple sizes — washable and lightweight, great for packing a variety of snacks in lunchboxes or backpacks.
From: 7 cool, reusable snack containers for kids that beat plastic bags
ZipTop Reusable Zip-Up Animal Snack Containers
Silicone zip-up snack container with fun animal designs — durable, washable, and made in the USA for easy reuse.
From: 7 cool, reusable snack containers for kids that beat plastic bags
Plant-Based Baby Bath & Skincare Set
Gentle, biodegradable bath and skincare essentials in recyclable packaging—safe and practical for families with littles.
From: Smart Earth Day ideas for families - and the sustainable brands making it easier
Digital Game Gift (Downloadable)
A downloadable video game to avoid plastic packaging and shipping—instant entertainment with less waste.
From: Smart Earth Day ideas for families - and the sustainable brands making it easier
Durable Reusable Lunch and Drink Container Set
Long-lasting lunchbox and drinkware designed to replace single-use plastics—great for school days and outings.
From: Smart Earth Day ideas for families - and the sustainable brands making it easier
Glass Water Bottle with Silicone Sleeve
Protective, reusable glass bottle that reduces single-use plastic and makes a stylish hydration gift.
From: Smart Earth Day ideas for families - and the sustainable brands making it easier
Biodegradable Diapers and Wipes Set
Compostable-packaged diapers and wipes made with gentle, responsibly sourced ingredients—good for sensitive skin and the planet.
From: Smart Earth Day ideas for families - and the sustainable brands making it easier
Quip Electric Toothbrush and Refill Kit
Sleek toothbrush with replaceable heads and refill options to reduce bathroom waste—useful and sustainable.
From: Smart Earth Day ideas for families - and the sustainable brands making it easier
Recycled Tire Unicorn Swing
A whimsical swing made from recycled tires, available in multiple colors and ideal for unicorn-loving kids who enjoy durable, eco-friendly toys.
From: 6 of the coolest backyard swings to turn your yard into a playground
The Earthling Co. Shampoo Bars (various scents)
Solid shampoo bar available in several scents that’s plastic-free and formulated with natural ingredients—an easy eco-friendly gift for someone trying zero-waste haircare.
From: We tried The Earthling Co.'s bar shampoo. Here's what we thought. | Damn you, Social Media Ads series
Plaine Products Refillable Hand Wash
A gentle, plant-based hand wash in returnable/refillable aluminum bottles — a practical, eco-friendly gift for families with kids.
From: How to teach your kids how to wash their hands. Yes, there is a right and wrong way.
Cate & Levi Hand Puppets and Craft Kits
Upcycled-material hand puppets and craft kits — imaginative, eco-friendly gifts that inspire creative play for young children.
From: 14 of our favorite small shops and online children's boutiques to help you #shopsmall for the holidays.
SodaStream Sparkling Water Maker
A home soda maker that lets recipients carbonate water and create flavored drinks — a fun, eco-friendly gift for soda lovers.
From: The Best Black Friday Deals 2019 online: From the big brands to the small businesses we love.
The Extraordinary Book That Eats Itself
A hands-on, eco-forward activity book for kids full of earth-friendly projects and experiments—great for creative, nature-minded youngsters.
From: The Extraordinary Book that Eats Itself: the eco-forward book full of hands-on, earth-saving fun
Happy Tushies Cloth Wipes
Reusable cloth wipes designed to replace disposable baby wipes—soft, washable, and eco-conscious, a practical gift for new or expectant parents.
From the guide
Rareform Brooklyn Backpack with Laptop Sleeve (upcycled billboard material)
Stylish, edgy backpack made from upcycled billboards with a padded laptop sleeve—durable and unique, a great non-traditional diaper-bag alternative for dads.
From: An edgy diaper bag alternative for dads not down with the diaper bag thing.
Very Baby Very Basic All-in-One Cloth Diaper
A simple, built-in waterproof all-in-one cloth diaper that makes reusable diapering as easy as disposables — a practical gift for new parents wanting eco-friendly options.
From the guide
Custom Labels from Paper Culture
Personalized eco-friendly labels ideal for gifting to someone who likes organized, stylish home storage and sustainable stationery.
From: Beautiful custom labels for gifts, home storage, and generally looking more organized than you feel.
PlanToys Wooden High Chair
A minimalist, all-wood high chair with integrated matching straps and no plastic—stylish and sustainable for a holiday gift for eco-conscious parents.
From: 3 wooden high chairs so gorgeous you'll actually want them at your holiday table
Method — Home Cleaning & Personal Care Products (gift set)
Eco-friendly, stylishly packaged cleaners and personal care items that make a practical, feel-good gift for moms who care about design and the environment.
From: The 2010 Cool Mom Picks Mother's Day Gift Guide is here!