The Best Zero-Waste Gifts for Any Occasion

Help everyone in your life reduce their plastic consumption and trash creation with these thoughtful zero-waste gift ideas at every price point.

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Updated on April 14, 2023

Coming up with a thoughtful gift idea can be hard sometimes. That’s why we think these sustainable, zero-waste gifts are genius. Not only do they help the planet, but they’re perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, housewarmings, thank yous and more. And we have something for everyone — beauty buffs, babies, pets, gardeners and home chefs. Shop our favorite eco-friendly gift ideas that take the guesswork out of gifting — no matter the occasion.

$18.99 (Set of 3)

Replace disposable plastic wrap and aluminum foil with eco-friendly Bee's Wrap, a reusable cotton cloth treated with beeswax and jojoba oil. You can even choose from a variety of sizes, colors and patterns.

From CNN Underscored: We Tried Bee's Wrap Reusable Food Wraps and This Is What We Thought

$14.95

These stylish Swedish dishcloths will inspire them to ditch single-use paper towels and clean in sustainable style. They're safe for all surfaces, highly absorbent, fast-drying and extremely durable for tough messes.

From CNN Underscored: Are Swedish Dishcloths Worth It? Absolutely. Here's Why

$5.95 (Set of 5)

Replace take-out chopsticks with a bamboo version that doesn't have to be reserved for special occasions.

$12.99

This bamboo travel pack contains everything you need for sustainable snacking and more. Inside the durable canvas bag, you'll find two each of spoons, forks, knives, teaspoons, chopstick pairs, toothbrushes, straws and cleaning brushes. And they're all made from biodegradable materials.

$22.25 (Set of 6)

Eliminate the plastic component in charcoal filters by opting for charcoal sticks. Morihata binchotan charcoal from Japan is considered the gold, er, charcoal standard, and is believed to remove impurities from water as effectively as conventional filters. Simply drop one in a pitcher and replace it every three months.

$6.99

Follow the lead of businesses ditching single-use plastic straws with this stainless-steel version that collapses and stores in its own ready-to-go case.

$37.95

There's no excuse not to compost with this easy countertop version. It's made from ceramic and comes equipped with a charcoal filter to prevent unwanted smells, plus it takes up little space. An added bonus is the attractive, streamlined design.

$164.95 $109.95

Instead of buying herbs in plastic packaging, the chef in your family will appreciate growing their own. With an easy windowsill option, like the Harvest 360 from AeroGarden, a backyard isn't even needed.

$15.99

A sustainable lifestyle starts in the kitchen with these use-what-you-have, spend-less-money recipes and tips from the friendly voice behind @ZeroWasteChef, Anne-Marie Bonneau.

$42

Water bottles make an obvious and easy choice but splurge for something more eye-catching when gift-giving, like this glass bottle covered in silicone spikes.

$19.95

Why yes, there are non-plastic case options for protecting smartphones. Pela cases are designed to be compostable, and shopping some of the collections will contribute five percent toward a cause, such as protecting whale and penguin populations.

$124.99

Reduce electricity reliance with this solar panel charging device that can power up smaller USB-powered devices, including smartphones, cameras and tablets.

The nature-inspired scents of these soy-blend candles will transport you to a blissful state. And once the 12 ounces burn out, there’s no need to let the ceramic vessel fade away — it can be reused as a planter. Seeds for growing daisies, basil or aloe, plus instructions and the other necessities for your new plant to thrive, are all included in the kit.

$19.99 $14.99

Plastic has created a major problem in our oceans, on our seashores and on our lands. Because it will never naturally biodegrade, nearly every piece of plastic produced is still in the environment in some form. Cape Clasp partnered with the National Park Foundation to highlight 16 national parks and seashores. Made from plastic removed from the oceans as the raw material, these bracelets are worn as a daily reminder to reduce your plastic use and to protect our oceans, parks and trails.

$15.99

Ethique claims to be the world's first zero-waste beauty brand, and all of its products for the face, hair and body come packaged in plastic-free materials. The brand even sells bars for deodorants, laundry and pets. We love this Hair Sampler because it lets the recipient try out five different bars to find their perfect fit, from Frizz Wrangler Shampoo to Wonderbar Conditioner.

$9.99

We love this soap for a variety of reasons -- it's all-natural, aluminum-free, phthalates-free, paraben-free, cruelty-free, made in the USA and woman-owned. Need I say more?

$16

Biodegradable sea sponges are a great alternative to synthetic shower puffs.

$9.99 (Set of 20)

This set of 20 facial rounds is a great way to eliminate disposable cotton balls and facial rounds from the home.

$13.99 (Pack of 6)

Replace chemically infused dryer sheets and liquid fabric softeners with an eco-friendly and natural alternative that will last more than a thousand dryer loads.

$69.90

Upgrade someone's shaving routine with a kit that includes a safety razor instead of disposable razors, plus shave soap and a stainless-steel shave bowl.

$64.95

Take the legwork out of helping someone along the zero-waste journey with a monthly subscription box of eco-friendly products. Think of it as a starter kit. For example, the Morning Routine Box swaps out plastic for bamboo toothbrushes, reusable cotton pads and biodegradable dental floss.

$15.99

This set is sourced from biodegradable and sustainable materials to make their kitchen eco-conscious. No more plastic tools and toxic chemicals needed. Each set comes with two biodegradable scrub brushes, two natural loofah sponges and a bamboo soap tray.

A truly zero-waste gift would involve giving yoga classes or a membership, but Girlfriend Collective is a worthy option if going the clothing route. That's because their line of clothing is made from recycled water bottles, and no — the material isn't any different from your typical workout wear. Plus, the line comes not just in a variety of colors, but a variety of sizes meant to fit all body types.

$84.95

You may be surprised how many yoga mats are made from PVC plastic, which contains a highly toxic chemical that's prevalent in many everyday items. Brands such as JadeYoga make their mats from natural rubber — and they plant a tree for every mat purchase.

$29.99

We love this bag for a lot of reasons — its durability, design and sustainable footprint. Our favorite part is that it’s made of biodegradable and renewable PAPER that’s water-resistant and tough. Yes, paper! Plus, the jute straps and cotton liners are all made of renewable, natural sources, too — no polyester or nylon.

$45.99

Good luck finding baby toys that aren't made from plastic. Enter this set of adorable organic cotton veggies that look like they're straight from the farmers market. Made and stuffed with 100-percent organic Egyptian cotton, these veggies are soft, easy to grip and washable. The natural wood veggie crate holds four veggies — a tomato, carrot, mushroom and green pea.

This adorable wooden push toy is the perfect eco-friendly gift for baby. The sweet design, smooth curves, easy grasping and fully-tuning wheels make it fun and safe for all ages. Plus, it’s made in the U.S. from sustainable hardwood with an organic oil finish.

$50

People always appreciate gifts for their pets, and what's better than an indestructible dog bowl from YETI to replace plastic bowls?

$12.99

These poop bags from Good Dog are made from PBAT, cornstarch and PLA. They contain no plastic and will break down in home composts in just 90 days! Plus, it comes with a cute dispenser for walks.

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