Our eco-friendly holiday gift guide
Strapped for sustainable Secret Santa gift ideas? Our eco-friendly Christmas gift guide has you covered with gifts that impress without destroying the planet in the process.
For the globetrotter: Reform studio’s Rebel Fanny Pack, available in an array of bright colors, is stylish and functional and will help ensure that your belongings stay safe on your sightseeing expeditions. The fanny packs are 100% locally handmade, each one crafted from 48 recycled plastic bags. Reform Studio set out to revive the traditional weaving industry in Egypt, which has been teetering on brink of extinction due to automation. The brand also employs underprivileged women, offering them a steady income as part of its efforts to empower local communities. Another good option is Upfuse’s passport holder, which is made of an undyed material formed from 7-10 recycled plastic bags.
For your party host: Mobikya’s mini mirrors made of tuk-tuk tires are available in a variety of shapes and colors and make the perfect housewarming or party gift. The brand also makes unique floating bookshelves out of the tires.
For the beach bum: Upfuse’s Footprint Slippers, available in both men and women’s sizing, waste no time getting their message across. The slippers clearly state “Nothing is ever wasted,” making them a great gift for someone who is vocal about her support for sustainability. The sandals’ soles are made from old car tires. For those looking for a more subtle look, the Ankle Footprint Sandals are a great option.
For a coworker: These reusable food-grade stainless steel straws from Urban Earthlings are the perfect gift to get your favorite coworker, AKA, the one who goes on coffee runs with you. The straws come with a cotton pouch for storing and a brush for easy cleaning in between uses. Get them a reusable cup to bring along to your go-to coffee joint and cut the guilt that comes from seeing all those plastic cups and straws littering your desk at the end of the day.
For the workaholic: Upfuse has quite the selection of laptop sleeves, from sleek plain minimalist designs to more colorful options. A great gift for that digital nomad / entrepreneur friend who’s always lugging their laptop around.
The gift that keeps on giving: This might not seem like a gift at first, but hear us out — by turning a friend onto GreenPan, you’re giving them a long term present. The service drops off a large container for you to pour your leftover cooking oil into, then collects the oil once you’ve filled it up and gives you points in exchange. You can then trade your points for rewards. GreenPan recycles the used oil, preventing it from going down the drain and contaminating mns of liters of water.