Tired of giving gifts that are filled with plastic, chemicals and are basically bad for our environment? We hear you loud and clear.
Eco-friendly gifts are a thoughtful way to show you care for both the planet and the people in your life. Whether you’re shopping for a birthday, holiday, or just because, there are plenty of affordable options that not only look good but do good too.
In this article, we’ve rounded up 10 eco-friendly gift ideas all under $30 that will help you give back to the Earth, one thoughtful gift at a time. We understand the difficult times consumers are facing today – heck we are facing them too, so we hope these affordable and sustainable gift options help.
While we are providing Amazon links (which are affiliate links) – we do hope you choose to purchase directly from the brand websites when possible! #shopsmall
Coconut Shell Candles – $30
These adorable coconut shell candles are eco-friendly and hand-poured in New Jersey. Kind Hive uses high quality coconut apricot wax, FSC certified wood wicks and the healthiest essential oils in their candles. Packaging is 100% compostable or recyclable adding to the sustainability.
The best part? When the candle is done you can remove the wax, gently clean the bowl and use it as decor. It makes a wonderful planter or just a place to drop your keys!
Chocolate Bundle From Alter Eco
There are plenty of sustainable chocolate brands out there, Alter Eco is just one of the many we love. Get a few bars, package them in a mug or basket and you have a gift any chocolate lover will be thrilled with. Alter Eco empowers cacao farmers to withstand the effects of climate change by education them on regenerative farming options. Their chocolates are free from gluten, soy, GMOs and additives.
You can purchase their products on their website or Amazon.
Grounds for Change for Coffee Lovers
Grounds for Change is a family-run coffee roasting company based in Seattle. They roast 100% fair trade, organic coffee in small batches to make sure you always get the freshest brew possible. The coffee is Fair for Life Fair Trade certified, and they hold an organic certification that meets the rigorous standards set by both the USDA and the Washington State Department of Agriculture. Grounds for change is also Carbon-Free Certified by CarbonFund.org, meaning we offset our entire carbon footprint—from farm to cup—through tree planting.
Grab a bag of beans and a cute mug to create a perfect gift! Visit them online at Grounds for Change.
Insulated Wine Tote – $19
Out of the Woods Bags are completely sustainable, and are pretty nice to look at as well. Their wine totes with a bottle of wine will make an amazing gift for the wine connoisseur in your life. Each tote is made from FSC®-certified washable paper. They are PVC and PFAS free and the brand is committed to limiting their environmental footprint.
Buy on Out of the Woods or on Amazon
Recycled Newspaper Journal – $29.95
Fair Trade Winds offers a great collection of fair trade goods. This beautiful journal is handcrafted with recycled woven newspaper and cotton to create the stunning cover. Inside is 50 pages of handmade paper. Journal measures 8.5″H x 6″ side.
Buy on Fair Trade Winds
Cat or Dog Shaped Coconut Bows – $15
Crafted from real coconuts, these intricately designed bowls are perfect for any animal lover. The cat and dog shaped bowls are hand crafted by villagers in Vietnam. Instead of burning the coconut shells – they are repurposed into bowls. They are food safe and a whole lot of fun! But a pair – or grab a coconut fork or spoon to create a nice gift set.
Find the cat face coconut bowl and dog face coconut bowl on Kind Hive
The Gifted Tree – $20 and up
For a truly sustainable gift, you can have a tree planted in honor of someone you love. At The Gifted Tree you can choose where the tree is to be planted, including country and state! So, if shared an experience in Costa Rico – you can plant a tree there as a gift to honor that time together. Cards are also available with your order which wll affect the price.
Order a tree on The Gifted Tree
Organic Mushroom Growing Kit – $30
The North Spore Lion’s Mane Organic Mushroom Grow Kit is a unique and eco-friendly gift that brings the joy of growing your own food right at home. This easy-to-use kit allows recipients to cultivate nutrient-rich, medicinal mushrooms while promoting sustainability. It’s perfect for anyone interested in gardening, cooking, or supporting sustainable food practices. Plus, it’s a thoughtful way to introduce someone to the world of organic, locally grown produce.
Buy on North Spore or Amazon
Upcycled Billboard Pouch – $25
Ever wonder where old billboard signs go to die? Now you know! RAREFORM repurposes old billboard signage to a variety of pouches and bags. All bags are made in the USA and help keep the material out of the landfills. We call that a win win.
Buy online at RAREFORM
Make a Donation – What You Can Afford
You can never go wrong with a donation. Given the state of the economy, many nonprofit organizations are really struggling. If the recipient of the gift is passionate about animals, donate to a local rescue in their name. If they are passionate about the homeless, donate money or goods to a local shelter or organization.
Be sure to keep your money local and know how the organization is spending their money before you donate.
We would love to hear about any affordable eco-friendly gifts you have given that were appreciated by the recipient. Drop a comment!