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.
Paper Bead Necklace
One-of-a-kind necklace made from rolled paper beads crafted from scrap paper or magazines — a lightweight, eco-friendly keepsake.
From: 15 easy recycled Mother's Day gifts your kids can make from stuff you have right at home | Mother's Day Gift Guide
Coffee Can Bird Feeder
Colorfully decorated bird feeder made from an empty coffee can — bright, durable, and easy for kids to help assemble.
From: 15 easy recycled Mother's Day gifts your kids can make from stuff you have right at home | Mother's Day Gift Guide
Personalized Organic Wood Heart Teether (Bannor Toys)
Satin-smooth, antibacterial organic wood heart teether that can be personalized — practical and gift-ready.
From: 10 of the cutest first Valentine's Day gifts for the babies we're in love with.
Be My Valentine Organic Cotton Sleeper (Hanna Andersson)
Soft organic cotton sleeper with heart print, cozy for infants and available in matching family pajamas.
From: 10 of the cutest first Valentine's Day gifts for the babies we're in love with.
Love Is Love organic cotton child’s tee (sizes 2T–6T)
Soft organic cotton T‑shirt featuring Ken Min’s cover art—small-run kids' apparel ideal as a Pride Month or everyday gift for toddlers.
From: A wonderful picture book reminding us all that Love is Love.
Goddess Garden Organics Kids Sport Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 (3.4 oz)
Organic, sport-formulated sunscreen designed to stay on during activity — a thoughtful gift for active kids.
From: The top 10 most affordable safe sunscreens for kids, from EWG's 2018 safer sunscreens guide
Wellements Organic Baby Remedies
USDA-certified organic, preservative-free baby remedies and supplements — a practical, parent-friendly gift for newborns and infants.
From: How Wellements baby remedies help make life easier for parents | Sponsored Message
5 Little Monkeys Organic Kids Mattress
An organic mattress-in-a-box designed specifically for children—breathable, non-toxic, and sized for kid beds, making it a thoughtful sleep-focused gift for parents and kids.
From: The organic kids' mattress-in-a-box that can actually help them sleep better
Organic Cotton Holiday Pajamas (Gap)
Festive organic cotton holiday pajamas available in kid sizes — great for matching family sets.
From: More than 60 amazing holiday gifts for kids under $15: Like, GOOD gifts. Not stocking stuffers.
Hiyo Organic Social Tonic Variety Pack (Tropical Flavors)
A canned variety pack of organic, adaptogen- and botanical-infused social tonics (Strawberry Guava, Peach Mango, etc.) — refreshing, low‑effort non‑alcoholic option for guests.
From: Entertaining this Spring? Here are our 5 favorite non-alcoholic canned drinks to serve!
Organic Cotton Percale Duvet Cover (Sleep and Beyond)
A breathable organic cotton percale duvet cover that gives a fresh, sustainable bedding update for warmer months.
From: Your Bedroom Called—It’s Ready for a Summer Glow-Up
CupCake Organic Washable Nursing Pads (2 pairs)
Set of two pairs of organic washable nursing pads—affordable, comfortable leak protection ideal for gifting to breastfeeding parents.
From: CupCake washable nursing pads: an organic treat for breastfeeding moms
PantyProp Built-In Absorbent Organic Cotton Gusset (Pad-Style Protection)
Underwear and swimwear feature an organic cotton absorbent gusset for leak protection on light to moderate days or added peace-of-mind while swimming.
From: Can you go swimming during your period? You can with PantyProp.
Diamond Organics Sampler of the Month
A monthly selection of organic prepared foods from Diamond Organics—an easy recurring gift for families who enjoy trying new organic meals.
From the guide
Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Box
Curated set of Burt’s Bees organic baby-care essentials packaged as a practical, natural-feeling shower gift — purchase includes donation of a second box to a family in need.
From: Burt's Bees Baby Bee Box: A shower gift that gives back beautifully
Baby All Over Balm (fragrance-free)
A gentle, fragrance-free balm formulated for sensitive or irritated baby skin—practical and thoughtful for new parents.
From: Terrific organic skin care for babies, moms, and women who used to be babies.
Legit Organics Word Bar
An organic candy bar reminiscent of a Milky Way — a gourmet, cleaner-ingredient option for candy gifts and treat mixes.
From: Natural Halloween candy that tastes as good as the stuff you're used to.
Legit Organics Digits
Melt-in-your-mouth organic chocolate fingers available in various flavors — a tidy, less-mess alternative for handing out to trick-or-treaters.
From: Natural Halloween candy that tastes as good as the stuff you're used to.
Joy & Love Organic Herbal Tonic Gift Set
An organic herbal tonic gift set designed to uplift mood and energy—a natural, wellness-focused Valentine’s option.
From: 12 creative Valentine's gifts all supporting indie shopsSafi Fair Trade Organic Coffee (bag)
Fair-trade, organic whole-bean or ground coffee that's a thoughtful gift for ethically minded coffee lovers.
From: Let's raise a fair-trade toast to National Coffee Day!
El & Gray Petal Printed Barrettes
Artful petal-printed barrettes from a small brand — decorative clips that elevate simple hairstyles.
From: Hair accessories to make growing your hair out a little easier
Luana Italy Satchel (Aha Life)
A handcrafted leather satchel with classic styling — a thoughtful, durable gift for someone who appreciates artisan accessories.
From: Small Business Saturday deals that make your heart grow three sizes today.
Etsy Seller Starter Kit
Etsy seller starter pack (shipping supplies, tags, and listing photography tips) for a handmade or vintage shop owner getting started.
From: How to make extra money each month: 24 legit ideas (and no MLMs)
Bose Sleepbuds (sleep earbuds)
A gourmet truffle oil and hot sauce set from an indie brand—elevates home cooking and makes a luxe foodie gift.
From: The best Black Friday Deals of 2021: From the big stores to small shops and indie makers