Being a responsible shopper has never been more important. Not only do we have to think about the impact our purchases have on the environment, but also on the people who design and make them.
At GiftMeChic, we’re here to help you brainstorm (and hopefully find) the perfect Earth-friendly gifts that are thoughtful, responsible, and - of course - chic.
Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas
Cruelty-Free Gifts
1. Cruelty-Free Candles by Nomad Noe
You can’t go wrong when gifting a candle, especially if it’s one of Nomad Noe’s magically scented ones. Nomad Noe’s candles are vegan, cruelty-free, and hand-poured here in the U.S. Each candle is inspired by a place, be it Bahia, Jerusalem, or London. The makers travel around the world to find the perfect scent that captures the essence and story of the city.
Spitfire Girl is the creator of highly sought-after perfumes, candles, and wellness products. Their scents are always vegan and cruelty-free, and they use sustainable, organic packaging materials. Their candles are hand-poured in Texas, and their perfumes are J.Lo approved - yes, that J.Lo.
Apothia’s award-winning scents are all cruelty-free and non-toxic. Their glass bottles for perfume and candles are made from recycled glassware. Perfect for the perfume snob in your life!
Edible Gifts
The Punctilious Mr. P's Place Card Co. is your one-stop shop for eco-friendly luxury home gifts. This gift ticks off two sustainability boxes: zero-waste and reusable. There’s nothing more “leave no trace” than something you consume, and the neat canister can be reused for your favorite teas in the future.
This set comes with three flavors: Earl Grey, Darjeeling, and Jasmine Green.
Also from Mr.P’s, this hot pepper jelly is the perfect combo of spicy and sweet. Made from just five all-natural ingredients in New York’s Hudson Valley, there definitely won’t be any waste left over once your friend has a taste.
Next up on the edible gift list is Mr.P’s Bourbon Maple Syrup, a delicious topping perfect for pouring over pancakes or sweetening up a cocktail.
Experience Gifts
The ultimate Earth-friendly gift requires no production or shipping. Enter experience gifts, or, gifting someone a class, session, or activity. Experience gifts are gaining popularity in the earth-conscious community, but also for a ton of people who want to give more memorable gifts to the ones they love.
If your environmentally conscious friend has a soft spot for the spiritual, a tarot reading experience or even a tarot card lesson makes the perfect waste-free gift.
David Sawyer is a passionate wine consultant and educator in New York City. He’ll explain the basics of wine pairing, including what to pair with your favorite foods from chocolate cake to sirloin.
This is one of those gifts that someone might want but wouldn’t treat themselves to. In an intuitive coaching session, Michelle Murphy will help you get “unstuck” and closer to the path of purpose.
What Makes a Gift Sustainable?
There’s no shortage of companies claiming to be eco-friendly, environmentally responsible, ethical - the list goes on. As a shopper, it can be confusing to understand what’s truly meant by those terms and to feel confident that they can back up their claims.
The gifts in this eco-friendly gift guide walk the walk, and prioritize environmentally friendly practices (more on that below). To help with your search, here are some things to look for when shopping for an environmentalist:
Packaging
Reusable or recyclable packaging is a no-brainer for the eco-friendly gifter. The global impact of plastic packaging is one of death by a thousand cuts. A huge amount of plastic fills our landfills each year. To paint a picture, China’s national post system handled 1.8 million tons of plastic waste in 2020 alone, and that’s not counting the cheap products that get disposed of after a few uses or even single-use products.
Look for:
• Recyclable packaging materials
• Companies that strive for carbon-neutral shipping
• Reusable packaging materials like cloth or silicone bags
• Paper wrapping over plastic
Recyclability or Reusability
Items that can either be recycled or reused are another obvious choice. Products that have a second life help in reducing waste, conserving natural resources, and lowering the overall environmental footprint.
Look for:
• Recyclable Materials like paper, glass, aluminum, and certain types of plastic (but avoid plastic when possible)
• Reusable Products: Consider reusable water bottles, shopping bags, or stainless steel straws, which replace single-use items and help reduce waste.
• Compostable Items: Some products, especially those made from natural materials, can be composted at the end of their life cycle. This includes items like bamboo toothbrushes, compostable phone cases, and organic cotton goods.
• Refillable Options: Beauty products with refillable containers or cleaning supplies with reusable bottles can cut down on packaging waste and promote a cycle of reuse.
Longevity
When it comes to sustainable gifting, longevity is key. High-quality items that last longer reduce the need for frequent replacements, ultimately minimizing waste and resource consumption. Investing in durable gifts not only gives you brownie points for the long-lasting product but also contributes positively to the environment by decreasing the demand for new goods!
Look for:
• Durable Materials like stainless steel, bamboo, or organic cotton. These materials are not only robust but often have a smaller environmental footprint compared to their conventional counterparts.
• Timeless Design: Choose items with classic designs that won’t go out of style quickly.
• Repairable Products: Some companies design their products to be easily repairable, offering spare parts and repairs services.
Companies that Give Back
Supporting companies that are committed to giving back to the community or the environment adds an extra layer of significance to your gift. These companies often donate a portion of their profits to environmental causes, engage in fair trade practices, or actively work towards social betterment.
Look for:
• Charitable donations
• Fair trade certified
• Sustainable practices
• Community initiatives