Sustainable Gifting: Ideas for Eco-Friendly and Ethical Gifts

Sourced photo
Sourced photo

Image commercially licensed from: Unsplash

Be honest: how many gifts have you opened in your life that immediately went to the back of your closet? How much wrapping paper has been tossed out in your home? How often have you bought a gift that has no real meaning? Have you ever thrown away a gift that you never even opened? 

It’s okay if your answers to these questions come across as rude to someone listening in. It’s just the truth—gift-giving is not always easy, and there’s no guarantee a gift will withstand the test of time. This is especially true when discussing tangible gifts that can come in a box or a bag. Gifts that include experiences are often a safe bet, but it’s not always an option depending on your budget or the gift recipient. 

Even worse, gift-giving isn’t historically the most eco-friendly activity in the world. Not only do you have to consider the amount of paper that ends up in landfills—you have to consider what goes into making the gift itself. Is it made with sustainable materials? Is it designed to last a long time? Is it supporting a company that prioritizes sustainability and ethical consumption? You may or may not have asked yourself these questions before—and if not, that’s more than okay. There are a lot of factors to take into account when it comes to evaluating a product or company’s commitment to sustainability. 

And these are all important things to consider—perhaps now more than ever. The good news? Shopping for eco-friendly and ethical gifts no longer has to be difficult. In recent years, more and more companies are turning to an eco-friendly business model that prioritizes the earth and ensures that products are made in ethical environments. Even if the person receiving the gift isn’t aware of the environmental impact of the company who made it, you’ll feel better knowing your thoughtful gift is also one that won’t harm mother earth or contribute to unethical or unjust business practices.  

With that in mind, does “ethical” gift shopping mean you have to settle for boring, unusable gifts just to preserve the environment? Absolutely not! In fact, with the number of companies that are moving to or have always operated under more ethical business models, it’s easier than ever to find an amazing gift that will wow your loved one without harming Mother Earth. 

Here are just a few exciting ideas to add to your shopping list next time you’re looking for a special something for a special someone. The best part? They all come from ethical companies that prioritize sustainability. No matter who you’re buying this gift for, you’re sure to find something they’ll love within this list. 

Personal Accessories From USAMM

When it comes to gift-giving, bigger isn’t always better. In fact, sometimes, the gifts that come in the smallest boxes can put the biggest smiles on someone’s face, whether it’s a gorgeous piece of jewelry, a small knick-knack to display in the house, or something to commemorate a significant accomplishment. A small gift can mean so much—even more so when it’s sustainable and eco-friendly. Before you go shopping, think about your friend or loved one’s personal taste and the things that matter to them. 

Is there a vet in your life who needs a new way to show off their pride for serving their country? Head to USAMM for American-made thin ribbons that they can easily build a rack on. All racks are hand-crafted and super easy to use, making them the perfect gift for someone serving in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard. It’s a small gesture that can mean so much to someone. 

Knick Knacks From Lapel Pins and Coins

Image commercially licensed from: Unsplash

(Lapel Pins and Coins)

Another small gift with a lot of meaning is a custom lapel pin from Lapel Pins and Coins. These pins can be used for a variety of events and holidays, whether you’re looking for matching pins for a family reunion, a pin to commemorate a graduation or birthday, or simply a pin that speaks to a fun aspect of the recipient’s personality. Watermelons, spaceships, company logos, animals, names — the possibilities are endless when it comes to your custom pin, and whoever you give it to is sure to love being able to pin it on their favorite jacket or backpack. 

Jewelry From CRAFTD

Of course, jewelry is one of the most popular small gifts you can give someone. Whether you’re giving jewelry as a small token of appreciation or a major display of affection, it’s not hard to find ethically-made pieces that your loved one will absolutely adore. 

For the man in your life who is always on the go but loves dressing up his outfits with a little bling, shop CRAFTD’s selection of men’s rings. Whether he loves a simple band or something with a little more extravagant detail, you’re sure to find something that will look good for a day and last him a lifetime without rusting or fading. These rings are sturdy and come in silver and gold—what more could you ask for? It’s a simple gift that doesn’t require a lot of searching but is sure to pack a punch when he opens it up.

High-End Pieces With Daniel’s Jewelers

Sustainable Gifting
Sourced photo

(Daniel’s Jewelers)

If you’re looking for jewelry that’s a little more expensive or extravagant, you can still do so without blowing your budget! 

Daniel’s Jewelers is a top choice for credit jewelers for a reason—you can shop a full selection of gorgeous diamond and stone pieces without putting an exorbitant amount of money down right from the get-go. When most people think about giving someone expensive jewelry, budget is often the biggest roadblock—Daniel’s takes that roadblock away and makes it easy to shop. If you’re looking for a stunning pearl necklace, gold bracelet, or even an engagement ring, you can find what you need. 

Smaller gifts are a great way to express your love and appreciation for a person, no matter what it is you’re celebrating. But practical gifts can have just as much of an impact and be just as appreciated as fun ones.

Phone Plans With Red Pocket

As we get older, the most practical gifts that make our lives easier can be the ones that make us jump for joy or tear up in gratitude. 

If your friend or family member is on the hunt for a quality, cheap phone service, Red Pocket is exactly what they need. Other cell phone plans can be a huge pain to negotiate, but Red Pocket makes it so simple to get great, affordable service right out of the gate. You can’t beat five dollars a month—and for them, it’ll be free since you’re the one giving it to them as an amazing gift!

Medical Needs From Incrediwear

Image commercially licensed from: Unsplash

(Incrediwear)

Another type of gift that may seem boring is a knee sleeve from Incrediwear. Even though medical attire isn’t exactly the first thing that comes to mind when you’re thinking about what gift to offer a loved one, you never know just how welcome it might be. This is especially true if your friend is highly active and needs help making sure they’re taking care of their joints and keeping their knees safe. Plus, this knee sleeve comes in a variety of colors, so you can technically buy a few for them to ensure they always have one on deck when they need it. 

Pet Care With Ellevet

On a completely different note, do you have a friend or loved one who adores their dog like a child and would do anything to keep them feeling as comfortable and happy as possible? Whether you’re celebrating a dog’s birthday or simply want to surprise a parent with a nice, thoughtful gift, dog CBD from ElleVet is a fantastic idea.

Many people are still unfamiliar with the benefits of CBD for dogs, but they are just as expansive as the benefits for humans. If your loved one’s dog is especially anxious or high-strung, or if they’re dealing with a bit of discomfort, CBD has the potential to change the game and help them find relaxation and healing. Of course, you’ll want to make sure your friend checks with their vet before implementing CBD into their dog’s diet. 

Help Your Friend Look Their Best With The Beard Club Razors

Who doesn’t love receiving a gift that makes them feel confident? When giving gifts, sometimes the best idea is to opt for something that will amp up your friend’s self-care routine and help them look amazing no matter where they are. 

For the friend who’s obsessed with keeping a clean-cut look and always wants to get the sharpest shave, a straight razor from the Beard Club is the way to go. They’ll be amazed at how professional and perfect their shave looks, and it even comes with a travel case so they’ll never have to sacrifice their close shave just because they’re on the road. 

Skincare and Beauty Supplies From Pacifica Beauty

Image commercially licensed from: Unsplash

(Pacifica Beauty)

For your friend who can’t stop growing their makeup collection, a new set of vegan makeup from Pacifica Beauty is the absolute best idea. Whether they love eyeshadow palettes, serums, primers, or lip balms, you’re sure to find something they’ll love to incorporate into their everyday makeup routine. Plus, all of their makeup is cruelty-free, meaning you can feel good about what you’re giving, knowing no animals were harmed in the making of their glow. 

Grab a Gift Card From Goody

One of the most sustainable gifts you can give someone is the gift of an experience. A lot of the time, these end up being the gifts people appreciate the most anyway. Giving your friend something that allows them to treat themselves to something they love doing is a surefire way to put a smile on their face. 

This is why gift cards are so popular. But if you’re stuck thinking about what type of gift card to give your friend, send a gift with Goody! Goody makes it easy to send a personalized gift that combines the thoughtfulness of a physical gift with the ease of sending a gift card. From baked goods to home decor to plants and so much more, Goody is the perfect place to find a thoughtful gift that you can send off with only a few clicks. 

Fuel Their Friend’s Interests With TickPick

If you have a clear idea of what your friend’s interests are and what kind of experience they’d love the most, surprise them with tickets to an event they’ve been eager to attend! Shop for concert, play, or even UFC tickets from TickPick to snag the best seats for the best prices. You can even tag along with them to make it a fun friend outing. As with any scheduled event, just be sure to check their schedule before you buy the tickets.

For the Tea Lover, Turn to Sips By

(Sips By)

Finally, if your friend can’t get enough tea, tea gift sets from Sips By may be calling their name. Give them the gift of sweet sips that they can use to decompress after a long day or serve to guests. This is an especially great gift for someone who just moved into a new home or apartment since sweet treats like this are often the first to be deleted from the budget after all those moving costs. You can even find some sets that come with cute mugs and accessories. And if your friend tries to avoid caffeine, no worries—Sips By has plenty of options for caffeine-free teas they’ll absolutely love. 

To amp up the gift even more, give it to them as part of a complete self-care set. Other ideas you can throw in include fuzzy socks, skincare products, face masks, bubble bath sets, small pieces of jewelry, gift cards to their favorite dessert shop, or even a great bottle of wine to top it off. 

In fact, a lot of these gifts would be great as part of a customized gift basket. Whether you’re giving a gift to a fashionista, a skincare guru, a busy parent on the go, or simply someone who could use a little something sweet or simple, shopping this sustainable list will check every box. 

Conclusion

An ethically-sourced gift doesn’t necessarily have to mean something that’s made out of all recyclable materials. Ethical gift-giving can be as simple as minimizing the amount of paper you use or opting for gifts that can be sent virtually rather than through the mail. 

That being said, there are a number of factors that go into production that you should be aware of if you’re striving to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Look into a company’s emissions, carbon footprint, sustainability practices, and labor practices. 

And never underestimate the power of experience-based gifts when it comes to giving your loved one something they’ll cherish forever. Whether it’s concert tickets, a home-cooked meal, or another gesture of quality time with you, you’re sure to make memories that last longer than any physical token of appreciation.

Sustainability doesn’t have to be difficult. All it takes is a little extra research and consideration. As always, the best gifts are those that come from the heart — which mostly requires an understanding of the person you’re giving the gift to and what matters to them. Consider their hobbies, values, and needs when looking for a gift that won’t end up in a landfill or in the back of a closet, collecting dust.

And above all, consider our precious Mother Earth and try to shop for items that respect her and support companies who are committed to sustainability for the betterment of not only the earth but the people in it.  

Share this article

(Ambassador)

This article features branded content from a third party. Opinions in this article do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of Voyage New York.