Last Updated on April 5, 2023
Our annual sustainable gift guide is here! We’ve collected eco friendly gift ideas for birthdays, holidays, Christmas, weddings, and special occasions so you can not only give thoughtful presents, but also have a lighter impact on the planet as well. There are options for everyone and at a variety of price points so you’re sure to find something perfect.
$ = under 50 * $$ = 50-100 $$$ = 100-150 $$$$ = 150+
* Looking for affordable sustainable gifts under $20? Jump here.
2023 Green Gift Guide
(please note: some affiliate links are used in this post which means we may get a small commission)
Libro.fm Audiobook Credits $+
Libro.fm audiobooks are my favorite gift to give — it’s clutter-free, sustainable, supportive of small businesses, and enjoyable for everyone. It’s an especially excellent gift for runners, new parents, book lovers, minimalists, family/friends in another country, and hard-to-shop-for people.
Libro.fm is unique because they partner and share profits with independent bookstores. They have a huge selection of audiobook titles, bestsellers, and curated collections. The best part is the receiver can choose whatever book they want.
They offer gift credit bundles (1 credit = 1 audiobook) ranging from 2 to 24 so there’s options for all price points.
Location: can be gifted anywhere in the world
Vegan Candle or Candle Subscription $+
Mala the Brand went viral last year with their deliciously fruity ‘Cereal’ candle, but this sustainable, small business has a lot more to offer. Their collection includes a beautiful selection of core favourites as well as limited seasonal scents. They even offer a monthly subscription service for candle lovers.
Their candles are handmade locally in Vancouver from a coconut and soy wax blend, with crackly wooden wicks or lead-free cotton, and scented with essential oils and phthalate-free fragrance.
Gift a single candle, or a Candle Subscription which includes a full-size candle, box of matches, sample tea lights, and a surprise small gift, sent every month for 3, 6, or 12 months.
Location: Canada, ships international
“Unbelts” Stretch Belt $ – $$
I don’t say this lightly: Unbelts are a whole new world of belt-wearing! My husband says the Intrepid belt is hands down the best belt he’s ever worn. I love their belts for wearing over dresses and the recycled elastic makes them super comfortable in jeans and trousers. They also have great options for kids and helping pants fit as they grow.
In addition to their fit and comfort, the bulk-free buckle also doesn’t look lumpy under shirts or when using to faux-crop sweaters.
Unbelts are ethically made with a variety of sustainability initiatives. They’re also a B Corp, and give back to community programs and organizations.
Location: Canada, with online stores for Canada and the United States.
Recycled Puzzles by Artists $
Whether puzzles are a holiday tradition, enjoyed pastime, or new hobby, I think we can all agree that there are far too many landscapes and not enough cool and unique puzzles!
Goodfit started with a mission to solve that exact problem and do it sustainably.
Goodfit’s puzzles are exclusive and designed in collaboration with artists. Plus each puzzle is made from 100% recycled cardboard and donates 10% to an organization or charity of the artist’s choosing.
They have many different designs to suit different styles and personalities. We recently finished Celebration Day – the art is not only really cool but also makes for a challenging puzzle plus it gives back to the Rainforest Action Network which works to fight deforestation and climate change.
Location: USA, ships international
Handcrafted Watercolor & Paint Palettes $ – $$
Beautiful handmade paints – a special gift for artists, hobby painters, or kids!
Beam Paints is an Indigenous-owned brand created from multi-generational paint-making. Their high quality paints are made from lightfast pigments, tree sap, gum arabic, and Manitoulin honey. Everything is packaged plastic free and their reclaimed wooden palette sets make gorgeous gifts. They also ethically source their mica which is something I have not found from any other paint.
All their paints have been tested for safety, but for children they have a special Tisgeh’dah palette where all paints have been third party tested to meet and exceed children’s paint safety standards.
Beam Paints is a lovely small business I discovered and cannot stop gushing about because I love using their paints.
Location: Canada (also have international retailers)
“Give Experiences, Not Stuff” Experience Voucher $$+
Experiences not only make a great eco friendly gift but are also perfect for minimalists and those who don’t want more stuff.
Tinggly makes it easy to give experiences and getaways all over the world. You simply select one of their packages and the recipient can choose what they’d like to do. They have everything from culinary experiences, tours, and adrenaline adventures, to weekend getaways and hotel stays.
Tinggly gives you the option of an e-voucher or a gift box including a voucher and brochure all made from recycled materials. Tinggly also carbon offsets each experience by 200% — making them a more sustainable (and often more affordable) way to purchase travel and experience gifts!
Location: International
Recycled Firehose Laptop/Tablet Cases $$ – $$$
What’s more durable than a fire hose? Elvis & Kresse upcycles this unique material into bags, wallets, cases and other accessories.
Classic styles are given a sustainable update with reclaimed and highly durable materials, including decommissioned British fire-hoses, reclaimed printing blankets, and military-grade parachute silk lining. Elvis & Kresse is a B Corp, Living Wage Employer, and gives back 50% or profits to charity.
Our pick for a useful and classic gift is their laptop or tablet case – great for travellers, commuters, or anyone looking to protect their tech.
Location: UK, ships international
Non-Toxic Bakeware $ – $$$$
Anyone who enjoys cooking and baking is sure to appreciate some new bakeware. Caraway has both individual items and baking sets in a variety of color options.
Caraway’s products have a non-stick ceramic coating and are free of Teflon and other PFAS (forever chemicals). Caraway uses certified factories with strong ethical standards and works to reduce the environmental impact of their manufacturing.
Location: USA, ships international to some countries
Handmade Animal Mug $$
Salty Sea Dog makes the cutest creature mugs sure to brighten anyone’s morning!
Their mugs are all hand-thrown and painted in their studio so each one is unique. They’re large to hold a good amount of tea/coffee and also made with both comfort and longevity in mind so they can be used for years. Even though they’re handmade ceramics, they’re also microwave and dishwasher safe for ease of use.
They have a regular collection of critters and also holiday and seasonal limited edition designs. I got one of their adorable mugs last year and love it.
Location: Canada, ships international
Organic Character or Matching Family PJs $ – $$
Know a Star Wars, Pokemon, Marvel, Harry Potter, or Disney fan? Or love matching family holiday pajamas? These high quality, organic and super comfy ones from Hanna Andersson are perfect!
One question I often get is if there’s a sustainable way to still get franchise character merch and I always recommend Hanna Andersson, who licenses the designs to use on their organic clothing.
Hanna Andersson makes pajamas for adults, children and babies in a wide variety of prints including popular characters and matching family sets. We’re huge fans over here and their pjs and clothes are my daughter’s favorite.
Location: USA, ships international
Natural Body Pillow $$$$
So squishy and comfy, Bearaby’s new body pillow “The Cuddler” is a much-welcome addition to their line of sleep and sensory aids.
I wish this pillow had existed during my pregnancy, but it’s also amazing for everyone and the extra support can help with body aches, tension, comfort and sleep.
The Cuddler pillow is made from a natural rubber foam and includes an organic cotton cover. They also have additional covers available in their core colors or recycled velvet.
Location: USA, they have both a US store and Canadian store.
Ethical Eyeshadow Palette $ – $$
A highly pigmented palette in gorgeous matte and sparkly eyeshadow shades, perfect for any makeup lover. Athr Beauty has beautiful collections of warm and cool tones, neutrals, and both bright and pastel colours.
Athr Beauty has nailed a high-quality product made from safe and sustainable ingredients. Their vegan ingredients are ethically sourced and made — in particular, they are child labour free. You can learn more about mica and the child labour issue with makeup in our post on the topic.
I’ve been using one of their palettes for a few months and am very impressed with it. The colour is stunning and it’s definitely one of the best formulas I’ve used from a green beauty brand!
(Psst. Use coupon code GREENCLOSET for 15% off Athr Beauty!)
Location: USA, ships international or shop in Canada through The Detox Market
Cozy Organic Fleece Sweats $$$$
100% organic cotton and super cute and cozy joggers? These brushed fleece joggers or cardigan from Hernest Project make a great wardrobe staple and gift.
Hernest Project is all about quality over quantity and have developed a sustainable collection of lounge and sleepwear to help you relax in comfort and style.
Their pieces are all ethically made in Portugal from carefully selected eco-friendly fabrics with both sustainability and ultimate coziness in mind.
Location: Canada, ships international
Half-Moon Coin Purse $
A minimal, practical, and stylish way to keep cards and cash organized.
This little semicircle coin purse is thoughtfully designed with 5 pockets and card slots and comes in both vegan apple leather (pictured) and vegetable-tanned leather options.
Oh My Bag is a bag and accessory brand with many sustainability and ethical manufacturing initiatives. They have a strong focus on conscious sourcing, fair manufacturing, and now have a vegan, apple-leather collection.
In the US, shop through wearwell (a fantastic marketplace for slow fashion and ethical goods).
In the EU, shop directly through Oh My Bag (ships international).
Zero Waste Starter Kit $
A perfect gift for anyone interested in a more eco friendly lifestyle or someone who wants to limit plastic but doesn’t know where to start.
EarthHero’s Zero Waste Gift Box contains sustainable lifestyle staples and beloved must-haves to easily reduce your waste. The box is carefully curated with popular products – a Stasher Bag (one of my faves), bamboo toothbrush, reusable produce bags, and on-the-go cutlery and straw.
EarthHero is also a fantastic marketplace for all kinds of sustainable products and an easy place to do all your gift shopping. Plus they are a B Corp, give back, and carbon offset their business footprint and all shipping.
EarthHero is also great for sustainable corporate gifts.
Location: USA
Linen Apron $$$
A lovely gift for anyone who loves cooking or baking, although Son de flor’s aprons are not just for the kitchen, they can also be worn over a dress for a cute pinafore look!
We especially love their gorgeous linen fabrics, romantic style, and focus on heirloom quality pieces.
Son de flor is one of our favourite brands for timeless, dreamy dresses and clothing and their garments and home linens are all ethically made in Lithuania from Oeko-Tex certified linen.
Location: EU, ships international
Juicy Orange Jewellery $$
While these cute orange slices may look like plastic, they’re actually 100% biodegradable (made from a starch-based bioplastic)!
Mo.Na. Gems was created by two friends who during their senior year of college started a sustainable jewellery line using a unique bioplastic. With a mission to create modern, cute, and fun jewellery with a low environmental cost that also spreads awareness about plastic waste.
Their ‘Cuties’ earrings or necklace are so sweet and fun, with the bioplastic making the oranges look real and juicy. A special gift for anyone who loves colorful, whimsical and unique jewellery.
Location: USA, ships international
Cozy Winter Leggings $$ – $$$
After trying Anne Mulaire’s winter leggings for the first time last year, these fleecy, high-waist leggings have become a wardrobe-must-have and a second pair is on my wish-list for this year.
Anne Mulaire is a sustainable, size inclusive brand and their winter bamboo and organic cotton blend leggings are specifically designed to keep you cozy during cold winters.
They have both solid and printed styles, as well as a new pocket style. To get a great fit, Anne Mulaire also does custom inseams for petite and tall customers.
You can check out a more detailed review and interview with Anne here and use code GREENCLOSET for a free headband with purchase.
Location: Canada, ships international
Baby & Toddler Play Kits $$ – $$$
Curated toys for all stages of development, Lovevery’s play kits make it so easy for parents to have engaging and skill-building toys as the child grows.
We appreciate the hand-me-down quality and sustainable materials used in Lovevery’s toys and that the play kits are so thoughtfully designed and selected to help babies and kids up to 4 years old learn through play.
My daughter had a few play kits from Lovevery and thoroughly enjoyed them all. I recommend them to all new parents, especially those interested in Montessori.
Location: USA, ships international to some countries
Wildcrafted Skincare $ – $$
For those who deserve some pampering, some luxurious and consciously made bath and body products make a lovely gift.
Sḵwálwen Botanicals is a Canadian Indigenous brand making small batch skincare using cultural plant knowledge and showcasing ingredients responsibly foraged on the pacific coast. Their products are a beautiful way to give some indulgence, skin nourishment, and self-care – and they made my favourite facial oil.
Sḵwálwen Botanicals makes great gifts from stocking stuffers like lip balm and salves, to skincare sets, and masks, bath products, and oils. Their gift sets are already curated for easy sustainable gift giving.
Location: Canada, ships to Canada and US
Sprouting Jar & Seeds $
A thoughtful gift for cooks or anyone who would love easy, fresh sprouts in their kitchen. Also a great gift for kids to learn about seeds and quickly grow something they can eat!
West Coast Seed’s sprouting kit includes a jar, screen lid, 4 easy-to-grow seed varieties, and an instruction booklet to get you started.
We love West Coast Seeds‘ commitment to high-quality, non-GMO seeds and sustainable agriculture. We’ve been using West Coast Seeds in our garden the last couple years and have had amazing harvests and produce.
Location: Canada, ships to Canada and USA
Reusable Cloth Wraps / Furoshiki Gift Wrap $+
We know wrapping paper is incredibly wasteful as it can’t be recycled. Wrappr offers a great solution if you still want to give beautiful gifts with an unwrapping experience. Inspired by Japanese Furoshiki, wrapping cloths can be tied in a variety of ways to fit different shapes and create lovely zero waste gifts.
Wrappr collaborates with artists to create a wide range of designs and styles, and offers eco-friendly materials including organic cotton and recycled polyester.
Arguably the best part is a Wrappr cloth is a gift itself! Not only can it be reused time and time again for gift wrapping, but they can also be used as hair or bag accessories, bandanas, or the larger ones can be used as scarves, tied into bags, scarf tops, and more.
Location: USA, ships to Canada and USA
Cards that Support a Great Cause $
Many environmental organizations offer various ways to support them during the holidays, from donations to gifts available for purchase.
We love the work the David Suzuki Foundation does and they sell beautiful cards as a way to support their conservation and activism projects.
Their cards are made in collaboration with local artists, feature animals and nature pictures, and are made with 100% recycled paper.
Location: Canada, ships within Canada
Sustainable Stocking Stuffers & Gifts Under $20
Fair Trade, Organic & Regenerative Coffee
For all coffee lovers! A significant impact can be made if we switch our daily cup of coffee to more consciously sourced beans.
Shop Fair Trade and Organic certified coffee brands here:
- Ethical Bean (Canada) (psst. use coupon code MYGREENCLOSET for 10% off!)
- Grounds for Change (USA)
- Salt Spring Coffee (Canada)
- Higher Ground (USA)
Plus, Grace Farm Foods (USA) has both organic and fair trade coffee and tea options.
We are also very excited to see the new ROC (Regenerative Organic Certified™) certification now available for coffee! Shop certified regenerative coffee beans from:
- Heirloom (USA)
- Groundwork (USA)
- Equator Coffees (USA)
Learn more about what regenerative means and how it compares to organic in our blog post.
Cozy Organic Socks
Socks are something everyone can use and there are so many great sustainable options from classic cuts and colours to wacky and fun patterns. Here are our tops picks for organic sock gifts:
Q for Quinn – Soft organic socks in cute and fun patterns for babies, kids and adults.
Our Pick: Q for Quinn’s matching socks for the whole family make a fun gift and photo op! (psst. use coupon code MYGREENCLOSET for 10% off!)
Location: Canada, ships international
Conscious Step – Comfortable organic and fair trade socks that give back to different causes.
Our Pick: Select a cause the receiver cares about for a thoughtful and practical gift.
Location: USA, ships international
Knickey – Unisex socks in staple colours. Knickey is our favorite underwear brand and we’re so excited for their new sock line.
Our Pick: Classic white crew socks. These are both on-trend and staples for everyone’s closet.
Location: USA, ships to US and Canada
Kind Socks – Organic unisex crew and ankle socks in colourful patterns.
Our Pick: For all the plant parents their Monstera socks make a great gift.
Location: Sweden/EU, ships international
Friday Sock Co. – Women’s and men’s organic purposely “mismatched” socks in fun patterns.
Our Pick: Friday Sock Co. is perfect for those with a sense of humor, with many silly and cheeky styles.
Location: Canada, ships international
Barrel Aged Maple Syrup
The sweet delicious syrup we know and love but taken to a new sophisticated and complex level! A special gift for cooks, foodies, cocktail enthusiasts, or any maple lovers.
Wabanaki Maple makes maple syrup aged in toasted oak, whiskey, and bourbon barrels to develop unique complex flavours. Or if you just want to give a beautiful traditional maple syrup they have that too!
Wabanaki Maple is an Indigenous female-owned small business that carries on the history and tradition of maple syrup harvesting and refining. Their products are made locally in Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), New Brunswick.
Location: Canada
Plantable Pencils & Pencil Crayons
These sustainably made pencils and pencil crayons are biodegradable and the stubs can be planted to grow herbs and flowers. A lovely gift for students, kids, and gardeners alike!
Sprout’s pencils are lead-free and non-toxic, made from FSC Certified wood with a natural clay and graphite core.
Shop them through EarthHero and while you’re there, EarthHero is also a fantastic marketplace to stock up on sustainable home essentials and a great place to find eco-friendly gifts.
Location: USA, can contact for international shipping
Mocktails, Cocktail Syrup & Charcuterie Preserves
Jams, pickles, syrups, and bitters all make amazing consumable gifts. Here are some of our tried-and-tested local picks, and if you’re not from Canada I highly encourage you to look for local small businesses making preserves and syrups near you!
Token Bitters – Their mocktails are delicious, especially the Saskatoon Earl Grey Lavender Teatotaller made from local Saskatoon berries. They can be enjoyed as is or you can also add alcohol for a lovely cocktail.
(psst. use coupon code MYGREENCLOSET for 10% off!)
Location: Edmonton, ships within Canada
Mojo Jojo Pickles – Not only does she make amazing pickles but we also love her fruit butters. The Salted Caramel Pear Butter and Gingerbread Apple Butter are perfect for the holidays.
Location: Edmonton, ships within Canada through Good Goods Co.
Fruits of Sherbrooke – A wide variety of jellies, sauces and condiments made from a minimum of 60% local rescued fruit that would otherwise go to waste.
Location: Edmonton, only ships within Alberta
Zero Waste Lip Balm
This cute lip balm in a compostable tube is the perfect sustainable stocking stuffer!
Meow Meow Tweet not only makes lovely vegan skincare products, but they also have adorable whimsical packaging with animal illustrations. They prioritize sustainability with both ingredient sourcing and packaging.
While you’re shopping there we also love their soaps (another great stocking stuffer) and deodorants!
Location: USA, ships international or shop in Canada through The Detox Market
Thank you for supporting small businesses and choosing sustainable gifts with a greater impact ?
