Sustainable gift guide: Gifts that keep on giving

It’s a great feeling when you give a gift that delights a loved one—and it probably means that you scoured through plenty of ideas before landing on a true winner. But while gift-giving can be fun, knowing the impact these new products can have on the environment can take some of the holiday spirit out of shopping. Though any new product will contribute to emissions due to its manufacturing and shipping processes, these environmentally friendly options can help cut down on waste and carbon footprint. From replacing single-use plastics like water bottles and coffee cups to going green by riding a bike to work, these picks in our sustainable gift guide are a must-have for anyone who wants to help the planet. 

• Best for coffee lovers: Bruvi Coffee Maker
• Best for office workers: YETI Rambler Stainless Insulated Mug
• Best composter: Lomi Smart Waste Kitchen Composter
• Best for commuters: 6KU Track Fixed Gear Bicycle
• Best solar generator: Jackery Solar Generator 1000
• Best for new homeowners: Coyuchi Towels
• Best sneakers: KOIO Men’s Sneakers
• Best for families: Nordic by Nature Reusable Sandwich Bags
• Best for hydration: Hydro Flask Water Bottle with Straw Lid
• Best for seltzer drinkers: AWA Carbonator
• Best for music lovers: Grateful Dead X Pact Graphic Tank
• Best bag: Troubadour Sling Bag
• Best sunglasses: Face Plant Graphene Black LTO
• Best for gardeners: Sporgard Galvanized Steel Watering Can
• Best for healthy eaters: Pacific Merchants Trading Acaciaware 12-Inch Deep Bowl
• Best for home cooks: The Complete Plant-Based Cookbook: 500 Inspired, Flexible Recipes for Eating Well Without Meat
• Best compost bin: Joseph Joseph Compo 4 Easy-Fill Compost Bin Food Waste Caddy
• Best toothbrush: SURI Electric Toothbrush
• Best gift for kids: Tiny Land Wooden Train Set for Toddlers
• Best reusable straws: StrawExpert Set of 16 Reusable Stainless Steel Straws
  

Sustainable gift guide: Our Picks

Best for coffee lovers: Bruvi Coffee Maker

Pod coffee makers aren’t typically known for being sustainable (or providing delicious brews), but the Bruvi Coffee Maker is aiming to change that. Its pods—which pack in 40% more grinds than typical competitors—are a curated selection from around the globe. You can select from coffee, tea, espresso, Americanos, espresso, and cold brew in 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12oz sizes. And when it comes to sustainability, the pods can also biodegrade 84 percent in an anaerobic environment in less than two years, according to the company’s testing, unlike plastic pods. Plus, you can use the Bruvi app to remotely make sure the Wi-Fi-ready IoT brewer has the coffee ready in the morning and automatically reorder favorite blends.

Best for office workers: YETI Rambler Stainless Insulated Mug

We’re not immune to the appeal of a specialty latte or coffee while on the go, but those quick trips to your local cafe quickly add up. Globally, 16 billion paper cups hit the waste bins each year, which equates to roughly 6.5 million trees cut down and four billion gallons of water wasted. It’s also a common misconception that your coffee cup can be tossed in the recycling—paper cups are lined with a plastic moisture barrier called polyethylene, which actually contaminates the other recyclables in your bin.

The simple solution to limiting your own personal waste? A reusable travel mug. The YETI Rambler comes in 30 different colorways, is BPA-free, dishwasher safe, and has an insulated design to keep your beverage at the desired temperature for longer (take that, paper cups). Not to mention that many coffee shops give you a small discount for bringing your own mug as an incentive to help our planet.

Best composter: Lomi Smart Waste Kitchen Composter

Composting is good for the Earth, but it can take months for food scraps to decompose into soil in the backyard. But with the Lomi Smart Waste Kitchen Composter on the counter, users can turn the remnants of dinner into nourishing feed for plants in a matter of hours with the touch of a button. This unobtrusive appliance also serves as an odor-free compost bin and lets users cut down on what they send to the landfill and pay for fertilizer. This was a no brainer pick for our sustainable gift guide.

Best for commuters: 6KU Track Fixed Gear Bicycle

Cars represent the greatest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, contributing almost 30 percent of the country’s total emissions. Riding a bicycle is one of the only modes of transportation that requires no fossil fuels or pollution.

This fixed-gear bicycle from 6KU is perfect for cruising through most towns and cities, as it maintains speed to make riding simpler. While this sustainable gift is more of an investment than some other options, a high-quality bicycle is a functional pick that can be used for years to come—and as far as commuter road bikes go, this one is on the affordable end.

Best solar generator: Jackery Solar Generator 1000

Whether you’re on a long camping trip or setting up lights in your backyard, a solar generator is an eco-friendly way to power up devices without resorting to a gas-guzzling generator. Not only is the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 significantly more portable than its gas counterparts, but it also saves money in the long run as you won’t need to continue buying gas for refueling. 

With 1,000 watts, a topped-off power station can run even large appliances like refrigerators, TVs, and electric grills. While many people might turn to solar generators for journeys off the grid (i.e., camping, road trips), you can also use the Jackery Solar Generator to power your outdoor appliances, like Christmas lights, electric heaters, and electric lawnmowers. Simply set up the solar panels (some included here, more sold separately) facing the direction with the most sun and plug in your tech. And if you like this idea but want more options, we’ve got the best solar generators coverage, well, covered.

Best for new homeowners: Coyuchi Temescal Organic Towels

Moving into a new home is exciting, but it’s also a big expense. Treat some new homeowners to a gift that will last: Coyuchi’s Temescal Organic Towels. Hand-woven from organic cotton in Turkey, these towels are both plush and lightweight, with ribbing for extra drying power. The six-piece set includes two bath towels, two washcloths, and two hand towels. It’s available in four rich colors (Alpine White, Deep Ocean, Terra, and Shadow), plus an undyed version that will go well in any bathroom. This set is also certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) for extra peace of mind. 

Best sneakers: KOIO Men’s Sneakers

For a person that just any footwear won’t do, consider KOIO Men’s Sneakers. Handmade in Tuscany, these kicks combine buttery Italian leather with recycled rubber soles that use up to 40 percent recycled materials. The hand-painted trim also provides a sleek look. Available in more than 30 colorways, these laced low tops are also water-resistant and come with a removable insole for extra comfort. The recycled foam and rubber insoles also make them perfect for all-day wear. We highly recommend checking out the number boot, sneaker, and slip-on options for both men and women.

Best for families: Nordic by Nature Reusable Sandwich Bags

Living sustainably can be challenging when you’ve got a family to feed 365 days a year. Nordic by Nature’s Reusable Sandwich Bags make it a little easier. The set comes with four bags: two large, one medium, and one small in a pretty floral pattern that zips closed. They’re free of toxic chemicals such as BPAs and lead and they come at an affordable price. Plus, cleanup is super easy: just toss them in the dishwasher.

Best reusable water bottle: Hydro Flask Water Bottle with Straw Lid

Globally, 1 million plastic bottles are purchased every minute, 1.3 billion bottles every day, and 481 billion plastic bottles every year. With only 20 percent of plastic successfully recycled and reused, the best alternative to cutting down on your consumption and carbon footprint is investing in a reliable reusable water bottle.

And if you’re in search of a nearly indestructible, BPA-free, phthalate-free, stainless steel bottle that will keep H20 chilled all day long, the Hydro Flask is a reliable favorite. You can toss it in the dishwasher for easy cleaning without worrying about the powder coating getting damaged.

Best for seltzer drinkers: AWA Carbonator

Those who like a little kick to their water have long had to contend with cans or bottles to get their seltzer kick. Carbonators provide a refreshing alternative to all the waste. With its Scandinavian design, the AWA Carbonator comes in matte black and looks sleek on the countertop without taking up much space. The included bottle is BPA-free and elegant enough to bring to the table. It works with standard 60-liter CO2 cartridges and can replace up to 10,000 plastic bottles a year.

Best for music lovers: Grateful Dead x Pact Graphic Tank

The Grateful Dead supported environmental causes long before doing so became mainstream, and their new partnership with Pact helps keep their long, strange trip going. The music lovers in your life might appreciate some merch that features some of the band’s iconic imagery. The limited-edition Grateful Dead X Pact Graphic Tank is made from organic cotton in a fair trade factory and comes in two versions: Fillmore Charcoal Heather and Wharf Rat. The line also includes tees, leggings, and underwear.  

Best sunglasses: Face Plant Graphene Black LTO Sunglasses

Know someone who’s always sitting or stepping on their sunglasses? The aptly named Face Plant sunglasses provide a solution. Made from recycled bottles, their frames are “freakishly indestructible”: the company claims they drove over them in a Land Rover and the frames survived to provide shade another day. The line features a range of party-inspired shades, but the company is also serious about sustainability. The lenses are biodegradable and can be replaced if you scratch them.

Best bag: Troubadour Sling Bag

We’ve all got a handful of essentials we need to take with us, but hauling a pocketbook or tote everywhere can be a hassle, while traditional fanny packs can scream tourist. Troubadour’s Sling Bag elegantly bridges the divide, with a sleek bag that can fit your phone, wallet, charger, water bottle, keys, sunglasses case, and more. Made from recycled plastic, it’s waterproof and comes with a cleanable anti-microbial lining. Plus, the shoulder strap comes with a magnetic buckle that you can easily adjust for maximum utility.  

Best for gardeners: Sporgard Galvanized Steel Watering Can

If your giftee has a green thumb, they will certainly appreciate the utility of a good watering can. This one-gallon steel container is both practical and decorative and can be used on indoor and outdoor plants alike. And not only is this can designed to endure, but the steel can also be recycled. The double handle makes it easy to manage, even when it’s totally full of liquid. We recommend using water and not energy drinks.

Best for healthy eaters: Pacific Merchants Trading Acaciaware 12-Inch Deep Bowl

The USDA recommends three to five servings of vegetables each day, and that should include some leafy greens. This wonderful 12-inch bowl is made from natural acacia wood. Fill it up with some nice field greens, or just live the dream of making an all-crouton salad. Just don’t put it in the microwave or dishwasher because that will ruin it.

Best for home cooks: The Complete Plant-Based Cookbook: 500 Inspired, Flexible Recipes for Eating Well Without Meat

Speaking of vegetables, if someone you know could use some inspiration to get three to five servings a day, consider The Complete Plant-Based Cookbook. With 500 recipes developed by America’s Test Kitchen, they’ll be sure to find something they like. Everyone from vegans to people who are just looking to get more veggies on their plate will find plenty to like in these easy, budget-friendly recipes that draw on culinary traditions from around the globe.

Best compost bin: Joseph Joseph Compo 4 Easy-Fill Compost Bin Food Waste Caddy

We’ve all had that bag of spinach rotting in the back of our fridge, or berries that sprout mold after just a few short days. While your instinct might be to toss them in the garbage, composting provides a more sustainable way to dispose of food. As food scraps and garden waste account for almost 30% of our garbage, starting your own compost bin reduces your overall waste stream and cuts down on methane emissions produced by organic decomposition in landfills. 

Our pick for the best compost bin to get you started? This pick reduces the peskiest part of composting—the smell. The ventilated design allows air to circulate through, which results in less moisture and odors. It also features a replaceable odor filter to trap any potential smells, a polypropylene body for easy-cleaning, and a flip-top lid with a wide opening, specially designed for scraping your dinner leftovers without any mess. 

Best toothbrush: SURI Electric Toothbrush

Oral health can provide a window into someone’s overall well-being; for example, periodontitis has been linked to the development of diabetes, according to the World Health Organization. Fortunately, good oral hygiene goes a long way. So why not help a loved one ditch the plastic toothbrush for some cutting-edge teeth technology? The SURI Electric Toothbrush uses 33,000 sonic vibrations a minute to deep clean teeth between dental checkups. The body of the device is made from aluminum and slim enough to fit into a travel pack. And it comes with replaceable heads that are plant-based, so there’s no need to get a new brush every time they visit the dentist.

Best gift for kids: Tiny Land Wooden Train Set for Toddlers

There’s nothing quite like the excitement of a kid opening a brand-new toy. But as kids grow and change interests, over 80 percent of these new toys will ultimately end up in the trash. And as 90 percent of toys are made of plastic, these playthings will stay in our environment for over 450 years after they’re discarded. 

So—how can you give your kiddo a new gift that won’t further contribute to our climate crisis? The best option is toys made of biodegradable materials like wood, silicone, or recycled fabric. While these toys still produce emissions, once discarded they will have less dire impacts on the environment. This 39-piece polished beach wood train set allows your kid to create a variety of paths using the curved and flat tracks, and the bridge, people, engine, car, and hauler will keep them playing for hours. Ultimately, your little one will thank you for looking after their future planet. 

Best reusable straws: StrawExpert Set of 16 Reusable Stainless Steel Straws

From restaurant booths to drive-through coffee shops, single-use plastic straws are a ubiquitous part of daily life for many Americans—with an approximated 500 million straws used in the United States each year. And with a lifetime of 200 years, this relatively small piece of our daily waste adds up. While straws account for less than one percent of the plastic waste in our oceans, taking small measures to reduce your impact can add up. Though compostable straws are a step in the right direction, reusable straws are the best way to cut down on production and landfill waste. They are a staple in most sustainable gift guides.

This set of stainless steel straws from StrawExpert can last a lifetime—with enough sizes and shapes to suit any kind of tumbler or cup. The 10.5-inch straight and bent straws fit up to 34-ounce tumblers, while the regular 8.5-inch straws are great for 16- to 20-ounce water bottles or mugs. And if you hate the feeling of metal on your teeth, these straws also come with a small silicone mouthpiece for added comfort. 

Sustainable gifts guide: Here are our final thoughts

Our sustainable gift guide allows you to keep the holiday spirit of giving while staying environmentally conscious. Whether you’re trying to send a hint to the aunt who gets a to-go coffee every day or you’re in search of a plastic-free present for the kid in your life, these picks are a gift to your loved one and our planet. Looking for a few more eco-friendly options? Check out more of our favorite reusable, responsible items.