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 Kids (State) Recycled Material Backpacks
A well-designed kids' backpack made from recycled materials (up to ~90% depending on style) — stylish, durable, and eco-conscious.
From: 15 of the coolest backpacks for preschool and kindergarten | Back to School Shopping Guide
The Original Makeup Eraser Cloth (single)
Reusable microfiber makeup-removal cloth with a hand slot for easy grip—an eco-friendly swap for disposable wipes and a practical gift.
From: The Original Makeup Erasers: Okay fine, I love them. Here's why.
Soak Wash Liquid Laundry Wash
A gentle, no-rinse liquid wash formulated for delicates and lingerie — a practical gift for anyone who wants to extend the life of delicate garments.
From: My 5 little fashion secrets that help protect your clothes, save you time, save you money
Astrid Pants (Krochet Kids)
Elastic-waist pants made from 100% organic cotton with a socially conscious brand background—comfortable, stylized, and ethically made.
From: 6 stretchy, comfy work pants for women that give you that lovely yoga pants feeling.
ThredUp — Gently Used Kids Clothing & Accessories
A large curated marketplace for gently used kids' clothes and accessories, good for gifting budget-friendly, name-brand items sustainably.
From: A comparison of the best kids consignment shops online: Where to buy, and where to sell.
Michael Kors Stretch Organic Poplin Cropped Shirt
Cropped organic poplin shirt with stretch — a polished, contemporary layering piece at a discounted price.
From: Preppy is back, only better! Get the modern prep look for less with these hot spring deals
Reusable Silicone Stasher Bag
Durable, reusable silicone bags for storing small keepsakes, snacks, or wet items in a camp suitcase.
From: These sleepaway camp packing tips keep things stress-free. (If not tear-free.)
Longchamp Le Pliage Expandable Recycled Nylon Tote
Classic, durable expandable tote made from recycled nylon—stylish and useful for everyday errands or travel.
From: 10 ½ incredible deals from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale that I want right now this very second
ThredUp Clean Out Kit / Service Credit
A convenient clean-out/resale pack helps someone send gently worn clothing to ThredUp so they can declutter and earn money without the hassle of listing items themselves.
From: How to make extra money each month: 24 legit ideas (and no MLMs)
BloomsyBox Fresh Flower Bouquet
Thoughtfully arranged, sustainably sourced bouquets available for quick delivery as a one-time purchase or subscription.
From: Last-minute Mother’s Day gifts that still feel thoughtful
TOMO Water Bottle (charity partnership)
Stylish insulated water bottle that donates water to communities in need with purchase.
From: These 28 self-care gifts for Mom can help her slow down and breathe. | Mother's Day Gift Guide
Parachute Wooden Spoons (set)
Well-crafted wooden cooking spoons that upgrade everyday prep and are a durable, pretty gift for cooks.
From: It's time for a summer kitchen refresh
Athleta Maldives Bra Cup Athletic Bikini Top
Supportive Maldives bra-cup bikini top with size-based cups and recycled H2Eco fabric — good for active water sports.
From: We found 10 stylish, athletic two-piece swimsuits for teens who aren't feeling the teeny bikinis
All of Us Skin Tone Beeswax Crayons (8-pack)
Hand-poured beeswax crayons in eight natural skin tones—sustainably made and meaningful for kids and adults who enjoy art.
From: 10 of my favorite holiday gifts from Oprah's Favorite Things list 2021 | Holiday Gift Guide
Gantry Lights — 3D-Printed Designer Lamps
Designer-created, modern lighting 3D-printed from sustainable materials; a stylish home gift option.
From the guide
THINX (BTWN) Period Underwear for Tweens & Teens
Reusable period underwear sized for tweens and teens—comfortable, discreet, and helps make first periods less stressful.
From: 6 important reasons to talk to girls honestly about their bodies and sexual health. And no, you can't say "vajayjay."
CHNGE Charity T‑shirt
Organic streetwear tee where 50% of profits go to charities — a stylish gift that also donates to causes like Malala Fund and Charity:Water.
From: CHNGE is more than hip organic streetwear, it could change business practice as we know it.
NWT Acne Studios Checked Scarf (Resale)
New-with-tags Acne Studios checked scarf available on resale—an eco-conscious gift option if you want designer style at a discount.
From: Acne Studio scarves alternatives: Get the "It Scarf" or just get the look for less
Viori Rice Water Shampoo, Conditioner, and Body Bars
Handcrafted vegan bars made with Longsheng rice water and natural ingredients for cleansing and conditioning in a plastic-free format.
From: 11 last-minute Mother's Day beauty gifts on Amazon with fast, free Prime shipping
The Belly Exchange (maternity clothing buy/sell/swap site)
An online marketplace to buy, sell, and swap maternity clothing—helpful for expecting parents who want affordable, sustainable wardrobe options.
From the guide
Linen Bento Bag (Origami Lunch/Bread Bag)
Washable linen bento-style bag available in many colors — a sustainable, attractive option for lunches or small items.
From: The coolest Etsy finds for spring gifting, treating yourself, or just because
Elegant Glass Soap Dispenser Bottle (Amber or Clear)
Stylish glass soap bottle with metal pump and modern label — an easy upgrade for kitchen or bathroom counters.
From: The coolest Etsy finds for spring gifting, treating yourself, or just because
Round Reclaimed Wood Side Table with Hairpin Legs
Round side table made from salvaged wood with hairpin legs — a sustainable, story-filled accent piece.
From: The coolest Etsy finds for spring gifting, treating yourself, or just because
Handcrafted Reclaimed Wood Windowsill Shelf Extension
Reclaimed-wood windowsill extender that adds plant or display space and rustic character to any sunny spot.
From: The coolest Etsy finds for spring gifting, treating yourself, or just because