Greener giving: best sustainable and zero waste gift ideas

Bring some joy to your family and friends with feel good gifts that are thoughtful, affordable and sustainable. Finding the right gift for someone can be stressful, but it's all worth it when you see their excitement when opening your gift.

This gift guide aims to bring you some of the best sustainable presents for any time of the year. Whether you are looking for a Christmas gift, birthday gift or just a nice thank you present, you can find the perfect gift for anyone in your life. Whether you are purchasing for an eco conscious person or someone who is trying to achieve sustainable living, a well thought-out present doesn't have to cost the earth!

Reusables

Reusables make great eco friendly gifts for any gender or age group. here are some of our recommendations:

• Stainless Steel or Glass Water bottles
• Travel coffee mugs
• Stainless steel lunch boxes or food containers
• Organic Cotton Grocery and produce bags
• Fabric bread and food bags
• Plastic Free Reusable straws
• Metal Safety Razor
• Beeswax food wraps
• Silicone food covers
• Travel cutlery set
• Bamboo hair brush or comb
• Bamboo Cotton Makeup Remover Pads
• Smoothie Tumbler
• Food storage

Plants or Grow Kits

Plants make great carbon neutral gift as they last, provide extra oxygen, are solar powered and can help to liven up a space. The best type of plant to get will depend on the living space and how experienced someone is with plants. For someone who doesn't have a green thumb and lives in an apartment you may opt for a cactus or succulent which needs little space and attention. For a more experienced grower a fiddle leaf fig or orchid may be a better choice.

Put the finishing touch on this gift by finding a handmade ceramic pot made by a local artisan and make sure you provide them with care instructions so they know how to care for it! The best part is no wrapping paper required, the ultimate green gift.

Natural Soap Bar

A decadent handmade soap can make an affordable and thoughtful zero waste gift. Try and find a soap which is palm oil free, vegan friendly and free from synthetic fragrances and responsibly packaged. You can even try and make you own! 

Here are some of our favourite soap brands:

• Australian Natural Soap Company
• Hazelnut Tree Soap
• Ethique
• Nuilife

Personal Care Products

There is a huge range of skin care, beauty and personal care products which make great sustainable gifts. If you purchase these online, make sure the seller has plastic free shipping, otherwise head to you local artisan market. Look for products that are cruelty free, have natural ingredients and are packaged in sustainable materials like glass jars, tins or cardboard. Here are a few ideas:

• Bath salts
• Clay face masks
• Facial oils
• Facial creams and cleansers
• Vegan lip balm
• Body scrubber, body brushes or pumice stone
• Body oil
• Reusable makeup remover pads

Sustainable fashion

Many retailers in the fashion industry have adapted to rapidly changing demand with what's been termed fast fashion. These are items which are produced quickly and cheaply in large quantities. These items are often low quality and aren't made to last. If you are trying to reduce waste opt for a quality piece made from natural fibres like organic cotton, bamboo or wool.

Check out Ethical Clothing Australia for a list of ethical clothing brands in Australia.

Zero waste candles

What better way to brighten up someone’s home than with a delicately scented candle? Look for a candle in a glass jar which can be upcycled when it's burn out, there a many great vegan candles available which have a soy base. Here are a few to check out:

• Distillery Candles
• Natura Candles
• Mojo reclaimed bottle candles
• Ecoya
• Kakadu

Donate to charity

Give the gift of generosity by making a donation to a charity that is meaningful to the person. Whether they are an animal lover, tree hugger or just want the world to be a more caring place, there will be a charity out there for everyone. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Oxfam
• The Smith Family
• Unicef
• The Salvation Army
• Cancer Council
• Save the children
• Guide dogs
• WWF

Digital Gift or experience

Gifting someone an experience or digital present can have a lasting impression and is a great zero waste option! Here are a few ideas:

• subscription to a streaming service
• online magazine subscription
• e-book
• tickets to see a band or show
• experience voucher such as Redballoon
• voucher for their favourite restaurant
• just make a plan to do something fun together - paddleboard yoga or a hike in the national park

Make them something

What's more zero waste than a homemade tasty treat made with love!? If you are a keen baker or just want to give it a try; cookies, cakes or jams are all crowd pleasers. The only thing to watch out for with this idea is food allergies - so try and avoid recipes with nuts or check beforehand to make sure they're not allergic to anything. Packaged your gift in a glass jar, recycled carboard gift box or paper bag with string.

We hope you have found our gift guide useful. For more great gift ideas check out our sustainable gifts under $20.