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.
Handmade Leather Tote (fashionABLE)
A zip-top leather tote crafted by fashionABLE — a practical, stylish bag that also supports a cause.
From: 18 fantastic Mother's Day gift ideas for stepmothers who you definitely don't want to forget. | Mother's Day Gift Guide 2018
Abeego Beeswax Food Storage Wraps
Abeego's wraps use hemp and organic cotton infused with beeswax, jojoba oil and tree resin to keep food fresh and are compostable at end of life — a practical eco gift for cooks.
From: Here are 3 eco-friendly plastic wrap alternatives we can recommend for more sustainable food storageModern Holiday Aesthetic iPhone Wallpaper Pack — Highland Farm Design
A set of modern holiday-themed iPhone wallpapers — inexpensive digital art that makes a thoughtful small-business gift for someone who likes seasonal phone customization.
From the guide
Little Spoon Blueprint Organic Baby Food Subscription
A tailored organic baby-food delivery subscription that customizes purees and blends to a child's developmental stage—nice for new parents who want convenient, nutritious meals for infants.
From the guide
Organic Hemp Seed Bars (Trader Joe's)
Nutritious low-sugar bars with hemp and blueberries offering omega-3s and antioxidants—convenient for parents and older kids.
From the guide
Sun Basket Meal Kit Delivery
Sun Basket focuses on organic, sustainable ingredients and diet-friendly menus — a thoughtful gift for families seeking healthier meal options.
From the guide
Spice House Chili Oil Crunch Mix
Handmade recycled-porcelain pottery with hand-painted polka dots — functional art for serving salads, pasta, or bread.
From the guide
Positive Pottery Co Handmade Pottery
Minimalist, modern apron made from materials sourced from LA-area small businesses — practical and stylish for home cooks.
From the guide
Marbleized Chocolate-Covered Matzo Brittle (Indigo Jones Eats)
Handmade marbleized chocolate-covered matzo brittle from a small NYC maker — a crowd-pleasing, artisanal sweet to send for Passover.
From the guide
The Matzo Project Milk Chocolate Ungapotchkies
Box of milk chocolate-covered matzo clusters with peanuts, toasted rice and toffee — a playful, crunchy treat ideal for Passover gifting.
From the guide
League of Kitchens Private Cooking Lesson (Gift Experience)
A private or virtual cooking lesson taught by immigrant women sharing traditional cuisines — an experiential gift for adventurous cooks.
From the guide
Alvia Apparel (Pajamas, Dresses, Shirts, Skirts)
Ready-to-wear pieces (pajamas, dresses, shirts, skirts) printed with designs by adults with autism; 10% of sales supports their art therapy program.
From: Fall fashion must-have: Gorgeous pieces from the Alivia clothing line created by adults with autism
Herschel Retreat Backpack
Compact, stylish backpack with a protective laptop sleeve and recycled fabrics — a smaller, eco-conscious option for teens.
From: 20 cool backpacks for teens this year | Back to School Guide
Plastic Bottle Bird Feeder
A painted two-liter bird feeder made from a recycled bottle — a charming gift that attracts birds and encourages outdoor moments.
From: 15 easy recycled Mother's Day gifts your kids can make from stuff you have right at home | Mother's Day Gift Guide
Recycled Grocery Bag Mother's Day Book
A homemade little book made from a brown paper grocery bag with pockets for notes and treasures — perfect for preschoolers to personalize.
From: 15 easy recycled Mother's Day gifts your kids can make from stuff you have right at home | Mother's Day Gift Guide
Recycled Crayon Candle in Jam Jar
Colorful homemade candles made from recycled crayon pieces poured into clean jars — a personalized, fragrant gift kids can customize.
From: 15 easy recycled Mother's Day gifts your kids can make from stuff you have right at home | Mother's Day Gift Guide
Tin Can Planter
Brightly painted recycled tin can planters perfect for small succulents or herbs, an easy kids' craft that becomes a useful windowsill gift.
From: 15 easy recycled Mother's Day gifts your kids can make from stuff you have right at home | Mother's Day Gift Guide
CD Fabric Coasters
Stylish coasters made by covering old CDs with fabric or paper — a quick recycled craft that pairs well with a beverage gift.
From: 15 easy recycled Mother's Day gifts your kids can make from stuff you have right at home | Mother's Day Gift Guide
T‑Shirt Coasters
Soft, functional coasters braided or twisted from upcycled t-shirts — practical, machine-washable, and great for everyday use.
From: 15 easy recycled Mother's Day gifts your kids can make from stuff you have right at home | Mother's Day Gift Guide
Painted Wine Bottle Vase
Upcycled wine bottle painted and decorated as a bud vase — a simple, elegant display for a single flower or small bouquet.
From: 15 easy recycled Mother's Day gifts your kids can make from stuff you have right at home | Mother's Day Gift Guide
Bottle Cap Clock Magnets
Mid-century inspired magnets crafted from bottle caps with printable clock faces — a retro, fridge-friendly gift kids can make.
From: 15 easy recycled Mother's Day gifts your kids can make from stuff you have right at home | Mother's Day Gift Guide
Milk Jug String Art Necklace
A lightweight necklace made from upcycled milk-jug plastic and colorful thread — a playful, eco-conscious accessory kids can craft.
From: 15 easy recycled Mother's Day gifts your kids can make from stuff you have right at home | Mother's Day Gift Guide
Washi Tape Toilet Paper Roll Phone Stand
A decorative phone stand made from recycled toilet-paper or paper-towel rolls and washi tape — fun, functional, and kid-friendly.
From: 15 easy recycled Mother's Day gifts your kids can make from stuff you have right at home | Mother's Day Gift Guide
Egg Carton Teacup Mother's Day Card
A colorful, recycled egg-carton teacup card handmade by kids — a sweet, budget-friendly keepsake that can include a note or small tea gift.
From: 15 easy recycled Mother's Day gifts your kids can make from stuff you have right at home | Mother's Day Gift Guide