Sustainable Cookware – Look for ethically made cast iron, ceramic, or recycled aluminum pans. I use Caraway baking sheets, and this set is ceramic-coated and free of PFAS and PFOA.

Zero-Waste Pantry Kits – Refillable spice jars, bulk snack bags, or compostable produce bags. I use these spice jars and order refills from Thrive Market to reduce the number of plastic jars and lids in my recycling.

Sustainable Home Goods — Organic Cotton Throws, bamboo bedding, or recycled glass vases. Companies like tbco use eco-friendly and recycled materials to create products that are both socially responsible and design-forward. For example, this throw blanket made from recycled wool.

Eco-Friendly Candles – Soy, coconut, or beeswax candles with natural essential oils. Hyggelight makes natural soy candles with non-toxic fragrances that can be found online or in stores like Whole Foods. Their Growing Candles burn clean, and each label contains seeds that can be planted in the container once the candle has burned out.

Water-Saving Devices – Smart showerheads, faucet aerators, or low-flow fixtures. High Sierra is a leader in water-saving showerheads. They offer a variety of finishes and styles that combine beautiful design with water efficiency.

Indoor Plants – Air-purifying plants that bring life and health to any room. Local plant stores and nurseries offer indoor plants that improve air quality, like spider plants, which are easy to grow, propagate, pet-friendly, and help remove carbon dioxide and formaldehyde. Online, stores like Woodies Garden Goods have categories featuring a variety of “clean air” plants.

STEM or Eco Activity Kits – Fun ways to learn about sustainability, gardening, or renewable energy. KiwiCo with a goal of inspiring innovation in children, offers many STEM-based natural activity kits for all ages, such as the Marine Biology Starter Kit. Green Kid Crafts creates kits for the next generation of environmentalists, with options that focus on farming, insects, and backyard science.

Wooden or Upcycled Toys – Durable, safe, and non-plastic. Sites like Bella Luna Toys focus on non-toxic, sustainably sourced toys such as wooden blocks and giant bubble kits. Oli & Carol offer a wide range of non-toxic natural products, including their upcycled bath toy boats.

Sustainable Clothing – Organic cotton pajamas or recycled-material hoodies. Companies like Primary offer bright and cheerful children’s clothing for babies and kids up to size 14Y. They also have family holiday pajamas in many styles, with mix-and-match items for the whole family.

Books About Nature and Climate – Engaging stories to spark curiosity about the environment. There are many great books for teaching kids about the natural world, but one I particularly love is We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom. This Caldecott Medal–winning book highlights Indigenous environmental stewardship around the world.

Homemade Edibles – Try spiced nuts, flavored oils, infused vinegars, or granola in reusable jars. For extra sustainability, use locally sourced ingredients and reusable packaging. Last year, I gifted homemade breads, jams, and honey butter. I get many of my baking recipes from the Food Nanny, who uses ancient grain Kamut flour for her breads and baked goods, but my favorite to make this time of year is her Cranberry-Jalapeño Freezer Jam for gifting.

Upcycled or Reclaimed Crafts – Turn old jars into candles, repurpose fabric scraps into tote bags, or create décor from driftwood or reclaimed wood. Sites like the Zero Waste Store, and Imagine 5 have lists of ideas and instructions for crafting upcycled gifts.

Natural Beauty Products – Lip balm, body scrubs, or bath salts made from simple, non-toxic ingredients make luxurious and eco-conscious gifts. Sites like Wellness Mama and Formula Botanica offer ideas and even recipes for various natural beauty products.

Seed Kits or Potted Plants – DIY herb gardens, small potted plants, or a hydroponic grow station are gifts that literally give back to the earth. Two of my grown daughters recently received the Ahopegarden Hydroponic Grow Station and have been able to supplement their food budgets with fresh produce and herbs.

Reusable Items – Sew your own produce bags, cloth napkins, or reusable coffee sleeves using upcycled fabrics. Etsy has an dedicated page for upcycled cotton fabric, offering over 5,000 options.