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.
Make-Your-Own Gift Basket Kit (Our Green House)
A curated, reusable basket kit for assembling personalized, sustainable gifts—good for anyone who enjoys thoughtful, eco-friendly presents.
From the guide
Parkland Nebula Galaxy Backpack (alternate)
Galaxy-print Parkland backpack available in multiple fabric options for a customizable space-themed look.
From: 27 very cool backpacks for grade school this year | Back to School Guide 2019
Parkland Bayside Bold Backpack
Affordable, upcycled backpack from Parkland made from repurposed materials — practical and environmentally conscious.
From: 27 very cool backpacks for grade school this year | Back to School Guide 2019
I Love Earth: Touch and Feel Board Book
A tactile touch-and-feel board book that teaches toddlers simple eco-friendly actions like recycling and planting trees.
From: Spark a love for our planet with these 13 enchanting Earth Day books for kids
OXO Good Grips Insulated Lunch Bag (recycled polyester)
Affordable, highly rated insulated lunch bag made from recycled materials — roomy and practical for everyday school use.
From: Lunch bags and totes for teens who have outgrown lunch boxes | Back to School Shopping
Recycled Kraft Paper Disposable Lunch Bags (pack)
Biodegradable recycled paper lunch bags — convenient disposable option when teens need single-use packaging.
From: Lunch bags and totes for teens who have outgrown lunch boxes | Back to School Shopping
Keepsake Photo Locket (Monica Vinader)
Recycled-sterling locket that holds photos and can be engraved — a personalized, eco-conscious keepsake for a grad.
From: Symbolic keepsake jewelry for graduates: 7 thoughtful gifts with 7 meanings
Way Basics Colorful Stackable Storage Cubes
Lightweight, colorful storage cube made from eco-friendly, odorless corrugated paperboard—good for organizing toys in a kid-friendly way.
From: Beat the January blues and get the kids organized with 9 bright, colorful toy storage options
Nimble CHAMP Eco-Friendly Portable Battery Pack
Dual-device portable charger made from upcycled plastics — handy for travel and long days on campus.
From: 16 great high school graduation gift ideas that grads actually want. Besides cash.
Mommy Tags Personalized Recycled Silver Necklace
A chic recycled silver personalized tag necklace—elegant, eco-friendly and meaningful for a new mom or special mother figure.
From the guide
Handmade Fair-Trade Deer Finger Puppet
Eco-friendly, handmade deer finger puppet — great for imaginative play or adding to a puppet collection.
From: 14 cool kids' stocking stuffers all supporting indie shops
Earth-shaped Recycled Crayon Kit (DIY)
A DIY kit idea using broken crayons melted into Earth-shaped molds — a crafty, eco-friendly gift kids can make and then use for coloring.
From: 8 easy Earth-inspired Earth Day crafts for kids
Eco-Friendly Holiday Tableware Ideas Guide
A compact guide with ideas for sustainable, low-waste table settings—great for hosts who want greener holiday entertaining.
From: Yes, real Christmas trees are better for the environment than artificial trees. Here are the facts.
Abeego Eco Friendly Food Wrap
A reusable beeswax-based food wrap that replaces single-use plastic wrap — useful for covering bowls and wrapping produce, making it a practical sustainable gift.
From: Here are 3 eco-friendly plastic wrap alternatives we can recommend for more sustainable food storage
EcoTerra Non-Toxic Polyurethane-Free Mattress
An eco-friendly mattress from EcoTerra made without polyurethane for a healthier sleeping surface and reduced off-gassing.
From: Your Bedroom Called—It’s Ready for a Summer Glow-UpNest Children Organic Kids' Cardigan
A 100% organic kids' cardigan from Nest Children — soft, eco-friendly knit that makes a thoughtful and wearable gift for a child.
From: The Perfect Child's Cardigan (The Cardigan is Perfect; Maybe Not the Child)Mint Mobile Plan Options
A budget-friendly prepaid mobile plan that reduces plastic waste with eSIM activation—good for eco-conscious gift recipients who want lower bills and less packaging.
From: The digital spring cleaning we didn’t know we needed: simplifying the family wireless plan
Livari Eco-Friendly Fashion (by Alysia Reiner)
A waste-reducing, sustainable clothing line designed for eco-conscious shoppers—nice for someone who appreciates ethical fashion.
From the guide
Linen Bowl/Dish Covers (set)
Reusable linen dish covers are breathable, washable alternatives to plastic wrap that work well for covering bowls, baked goods, dough and salads — a thoughtful eco-friendly kitchen gift.
From: Here are 3 eco-friendly plastic wrap alternatives we can recommend for more sustainable food storage
Bee's Wrap Reusable Beeswax Food Wraps
All‑natural reusable wraps made from organic cotton, beeswax, jojoba oil and tree resin create a reliable seal for covering food and are a popular sustainable swap for plastic wrap.
From: Here are 3 eco-friendly plastic wrap alternatives we can recommend for more sustainable food storage
Alvia Clothing Line (Artist-Designed Textiles)
Clothing made from textiles featuring original artwork created by adults with autism—supports artists and makes a thoughtful, socially conscious gift.
From: Fall fashion must-have: Gorgeous pieces from the Alivia clothing line created by adults with autism
Choublanc Bunny Family Plush Set
Hand-sewn organic cotton rabbit trio embroidered by a women's workshop in India — a sustainable, boutique-style gift for children or collectors.
From: 6 lovely gifts that give back on Shop for Good Sunday. Or any day!
THINX Period Underwear
Reusable period underwear that replaces pads/tampons for light-to-moderate flow—good as a sustainable, comfortable gift.
From: Period underwear to menstrual cups: 4 tampon alternatives we've tried that can save you during the tampon shortage
WWF Australia Donation (Supports Wildlife & Reforestation)
A charitable donation that helps restore habitat, protect koalas and other wildlife, and fund reforestation efforts — a meaningful gift for someone who cares about conservation.
From: How to help the victims of the Australian fires, because you always have the biggest hearts in times of need