Here Are The 21 Best Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas Of 2021 For Your Zero-Waste Friends

A charger made from plants? Who knew technology could be made from recycled bottles and plant-based bioplastics? So friggin’ cool! Nimble for Good makes wireless and portable chargers out of a mixture of recycled plastic bottles and hemp, so their products are totally eco-friendly and sustainable. The wireless travel kit includes a wireless pad and dual USB wall charger to charge two devices quickly and for longevity. It has built in cable management, so everything can be stored away in one compact box (just 4.41″ x 3.03″ x 0.6″), and it comes in plastic-free packaging. It’s compatible with newer iPhones, Samsungs, Androids, AirPods, and the Google Pixel 3. One happy customer says, “I love that this charging device is environmentally conscious and it meets all of my gadget obsessed needs doing so. I love the simple unique style and outstanding functionality. Nimble please keep up the outstanding work and the products coming.”

Mamas need their wine. It’s just a fact. Never suffer from warm wine again with the Thermo 3D Vacuum Insulation of the Miir 750ml Wine Bottle. It’s got a leak-free design (so your mom-friend doesn’t have to waste any wine), is BPA-free, and made with medical-grade stainless steel to keep beverages at just the right temperature for hours on end (liquids will stay hot for up to 12 hours or cold for up to 24). The vacuum insulation and hardshell powder coat will make sure the bottle won’t sweat or be hot to the touch. The company also gives three percent of their revenue to trackable giving projects, such as clean water, environmental, or community development initiatives. Each product comes with a code to register, where anyone can track and receive project updates (while enjoying some perfectly chilled, full bottle of wine, of course) as well as find volunteer opportunities.

You’re likely already bringing reusable totes with you to the grocery store, but then still grabbing plastic bags once you’re there to hold produce. These reusable mesh produce bags will eliminate the need for single-use plastic bags for your entire shopping trip. The set comes with 15 bags (in three different sizes) that are lightweight, BPA-free, and 100 percent food contact safe. They have a drawstring toggle closure to keep your fruits and veggies secure during transport, they’re easy to wash, and the mesh is nearly transparent so you can still see what’s in the bag. One reviewer said, “I love these produce bags so much I bought another set and always keep some with my reusable grocery bags in my car so they will be handy for quick market stops. I had to get another set because I often leave stuff like apples and avocados and onions in the bags in my veggie bins and refrigerated items contained in them in the fridge. Keeps them contained and they keep much better than in plastic bags…not to mention the benefit to the planet of less throwaway plastic. People in the market often ask me where I got them, and checkers have told me they are easy to scan through, whereas some other brands are not. The baggers love them too. Clinched closed, there are no products falling out and rolling around to be corralled. A total win all around.”

If you’re constantly wrangling with and throwing away plastic food wrap, Bee’s Wrap is a natural alternative. It’s eco-friendly, plastic free, and made from organic cotton that’s infused with responsibly sourced beeswax, jojoba oil, and tree resin. In addition to keeping your food and snacks fresh, Bee’s Wrap is washable, reusable (up to a year), and compostable. This set comes with three different sized wraps, and the packaging is made from 100 percent recycled paper. One reviewer says, “Can’t recommend these beeswax wraps enough. The antimicrobial aspect of the beeswax keeps fruits and vegetables super fresh for much longer than plastic bags. They keep bread soft and fresh for much longer than ziplocs. They are so much better for the environment, and they can be reused for months. We have been using our set for almost 2 years and they are still as good as new. No waste! Just make sure to wash them with cool water, as warm/hot water will melt the wax.”

All aboard the struggle bus! You don’t have to be a new mom to know that babies go through a sh*tload of diapers. And as you know, diapers cannot be recycled… for obvious reasons. BUT, that’s where these reusable cloth diapers (pack of six) come in. Not only are they perfect for the cutie patootie in your life but just think how convenient they’ll be when out and about. Word on the street is that these modern cloth nappies are SUPER absorbent and comfortable for baby. They’re one-size-fits-all—simply adjust the diaper by snapping on the buttons for a precise fit. Says this mama, “All right, so I have been using cloth diapers since my son was born coming up on a year. I used newborn diapers for the first 2 months (Alva and Kawaii) and then I started using these. These were actually the very first pocket cloth diapers I ever got. These ended up being my favorite. They fit the best, I love the solid colors, and they are easy to customize.”

Moms are so selfless that they would never think to pamper themselves with a nice new shampoo or bath bomb. This eco-friendly hair sampler set from Ethique (contains a Frizz Wrangler, Heali Kiwi, Saint Clements, The Guardian, and Wonderbar) would be great for any lady in your life. Who doesn’t enjoy an at-home spa night? Our thoughts exactly. If you’re sick of seeing plastic shampoo and conditioner bottles going to waste, then you’ll love the compostable packaging used for these solid beauty bars. Get this: Each hair sampler is the equivalent of one plastic bottle… we won’t make you do the math but that’s .4 liters of water being saved! Check out what this happy customer had to say, “It’s crazy how well these work—especially the Wonderbar conditioning bar. It doesn’t feel like much going on or after rinsing but when your hair dries, it’s softer than it ever has been. Seriously, I’m going crazy running my fingers through my hair because it’s sooooooo nice.”

Reusable shopping bags are where it’s at, ladies! If you love BAGGU as much as we do, then you won’t be able to resist scooping up their reusable nylon shopping bags (set of three). Dare we say, the cute daisy print will put a spring in your step. Whether you use them for a light grocery run or to haul all your ish (keys, wallet, water bottle, hair ties, snacks), these babies are so convenient. Plus, they fold up super small into a 7×7 inch square and can hold up to 50 pounds. Raves this mama, “This is my 6th standard Baggu over 5 years–they are THE BEST! I have had them for years, but now I live in Seattle, the Land of the Reusable Shopping Bag, and most of my regular reusable bags are huge and cumbersome and end up getting left in the car. Baggu bags squish down to fit multiples in my little diaper bag so they never get left behind, and they easily hold even 3 gallons of milk. When I am dealing with a baby and a toddler, anything that makes life easier is a lifesaver, and my Baggus are perfect for packing for a day trip, groceries, beach trips, and even taking on longer trips so I can stay organized. And the fact that I can throw them in the washing machine is incredible. I can’t say enough good things about these!”

It’s the little things in life that friends and family would never think to buy for themselves. These plastic-free hair ties are a lifesaver (and we don’t say that lightly). While the ties that you snag from the drugstore are typically made from plastic, these are made with GOTS certified organic cotton and natural rubber. Available in a slew of colorways including rainbow or neutral, they’re super cute and easy to coordinate with a variety of looks (whether you wear them on your wrist or in a ponytail). The name itself, KOOSHOO translates to “feeling good.” From yoga class to running errands, you’ll never have to worry about not having a spare hair tie to keep your ish together. Side note: These make great stocking stuffers!

Lunch break just got cuter thanks to Nordic By Nature’s reusable patterned sandwich bags. Whether you’re packing a sandwich, animal crackers, veggies, or fruit, these cute cotton pouches will eliminate the need for disposable plastic bags. For the mom with grade school kiddos, this is game-changing news. Even if they’re doing homeschooling this term, lunch is still going to be a vital part of their day. Each set contains four sizes (medium, small, and two extra-large), so convenience is a big factor. The bags are non-toxic, phthalate-free, lead-free, and BPA-free—not to mention dishwasher safe and easy to clean! We’re partial to the tropical green flower print but the green camo colorway is pretty rad, too.

Know someone who needs new kicks?! These 100% vegan Veja tennis shoes are as sporty as they are comfortable. The borrowed-from-the-boys style features a green V to signify your commitment to making the world a greener place. They’re made in Brazil from organic cotton, wild Amazonian rubber, and other upcycled materials. We love them for their wear-everywhere appeal—from jeans and a chambray shirt to a casual t-shirt dress, these sneaks are a perfect 10 in our book. One customer shares, “I love this pair of shoes – they’re exactly how I imagined them to be. They fit perfectly and they’re really comfortable. They’re unique yet stylish. Definitely buy them.” With the holidays just around the corner, we’d snatch these up STAT.      

For the eco-friendly friend who also has a hankering for homemade acai bowls. (Yup, we all have that one healthy yogi-obsessed pal.) With these 100% organic and vegan coconut bowls in their kitchen cabinet, they won’t even have to leave the comfort of their own home to experience their favorite DIY smoothie. Each set contains four natural or polished bowls and four wooden spoons (also available in a set of two). Either way, they’re best enjoyed in good company—be it brunch or a picnic. Their small size also makes them ideal for ice cream sundaes or even a side salad. Yes, they can be used for decorative purposes, too. They’d look aesthetic AF sitting in a living room or used as a jewelry catchall tray.