I am so excited to share my first gift guide of the season, featuring all of my tried-and-true sustainable favorites that make great gifts for all women in your life! From sisters, mothers, mothers-in-laws to friends, co-workers, and I think you can find something for everyone here.
This guide includes many items from my go-to retailers and small shops, focusing on sustainable favorites. I have tried very hard to create a unique gift guide that will help you in your gift search this year. Being intentional and choosing long lasting gifts is something I am very passionate about. Therefore, I have selected many items that I love and use every day and I know others enjoy as much as I do.
As with all my blog posts, this guide contains affiliate links, so if you purchase through my gift guide, I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. This helps to keep this blog going and even contribute a small amount to our family’s income. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, I appreciate all your support! However, please don’t feel the need to go out of your way to use my links – knowing I introduced you to something that brings joy is the biggest honor and keeps my passion to share alive.
So, without further ado lets dive right in!
Gift Guide: My Favorite Things
Favorite Sustainable Gifts for a Cozy Home
Let’s start with some cozy. Christmas always reminds me of cozy times in front of the fireplace, cuddled up with a blanket and a good book.
Non-toxic Soy Candle
I came across these candles by chance when my we got one as a gift from work. Of course, before using it, I did some research and visited their store. All the other candles I tried also smell so realistic and they have become my favorite candle to gift. I used to get the candles for gifts on our annual trip to Door County in the fall. Not anymore, these candles way surpass the others in scent. Best of all, these are even cleaner and thus much better for indoor air quality and our health.
Purely Beeswax Candle
I also love beeswax candles as they burn much slower than regular candles and allows me to enjoy them much longer. These candles come in a cute container with a lid that I often repurpose after. the scent choices are amazing, and I love all of them.
Himalayan Salt Lamp Tealight
I love adding some warmth to the home. A Himalayan salt lamp adds a warm touch, a bonus it has positive health benefits. These stars are the perfect Holiday gift to make any home cozy. Looking for the next fun white Elephant gift? You found it. It’s the perfect alternative to a candle.
Salt lamps add a wonderful
Cozy Cashmere Throw
I love a good cashmere blanket to cuddle-up in when it’s cold outside. These throws are so soft and warm and have some fun classic colors.
Favorite Sustainable Beauty Gifts
Beauty and selfcare items are always very high on my list, and I love giving them to people to add a little something special to their live. Here are some of my favorite personal care, makeup, and hair items. I’ll be gifting some of these myself. For more beauty products check out my blog post on clean makeup for ‘soft summers’ or Sephora’s clean beauty recommendations.
Favorite Lip Balm
Lip balms are great all year, in winter a necessity. A good lip balm needs to be moisturizing my lips without making me feel I need to constantly reapply. And by moisturizing, I mean I apply it once in the morning and it lasts for hours even in super dry and cold weather and central air heated rooms. I grab these whenever I want SPF coverage on top of the moisturizing properties. These make great stocking stuffers for anyone, teachers’ gifts, or little item to add to a larger spa type gift.
Guasha Tool
This has become one of my favorite self-care tools this past year. I look forward to spending some time to ‘massage’ my face. Not only have I noticed that my skin is more even and less puffy, but it also stimulates lymphatic drainage and supports the detox process.
Best Hand lotion
I get really dry hands in the cooler months from being in dry weather, spending lots of time outside, and washing my hands in hot water all day as it feels. Several years ago, I came across Beautycounter’s holiday hand lotions. As soon as I tried them, I was hooked. As they are only available during the holiday season, I stock up on them as I never want to be without. I have one in every bag and several locations around the house. They are also great gifts for teachers or stocking stuffers.
Dazzle Dry Nailpolish
I love and have used this nail polish system for years. The mini system is such a cute way to introduce someone to this polish as a gift. Or if they already use it, choose several mini colors or a mini flight to add to their collection. The mini colors are so cute and a great way to add variety.
Sustainable Razor
This is a great sustainable gift and one that many might want to have but don’t have the budget to splurge on. Is this a high price for a razor? Yes and no. The initial price is high, but you save down the road as the replacement blades are much cheaper than new razors or razor heads of plastic razors. This razor will last you a really long time if cared for properly. It comes in so many colors. Add accessories (shower holder or a stand) or buy one of their bundles.
Sustainable Gifts – Clothes and Accessories
Tissue Turtleneck
I have received long sleeve shirts and sweaters before. A great gift for any woman in most climates. They are very thin which makes them perfect for layering. Will keep you warm under your favorite layers, and you won’t overheat indoors if it is really warm. I also love that they don’t add a lot of bulk under sweaters. The colors change quite often, this year I love their purple version.
Organic Cotton Underwear
I have received nice underwear a few times and I appreciated it every time. For some reason, this is one area that gets often neglected. They can make a nice gift when added with a fluffy bathrobe and some nice slippers or make a great stocking stuffer gift on their own. As we want underwear to be as breathable as possible, choosing natural fibers is very important. My favorite daily pairs are made from organic cotton, fit so well and don’t get bunched up, and the panty lines don’t show for me.
Lounge Set
Cozy winter evenings at home call for a comfortable lounge set. I love this simple Sweatshirt & sweatpants set. So easy to wear together or separate. Mix and match with other items to style in different ways. Best of all the organic cotton is super soft, great quality and good for us and the planet.
Cozy Robe
Bring the luxury to someone’s life with this cozy robe. Made of plush cotton makes it very absorbent yet also super cozy. It will dry you off and keep you cozy in front of the fire. Buy your bigger size of size up as it shrinks in the wash if you wash it hot or tumble dry it!
Wristlet and Card Wallet
This wristlet and wallet go wherever I go. I always have the essentials with me, and it keeps my hands free for all the important things in life. Everyone should have one of these. I’m not sure what caused me to finally buy it. For the longest time I held out as I thought this is another great marketing scheme that I really don’t need. Trust me when I say, I don’t ever want to go back!
Elegant Classic Sunglasses
Everyone needs that elegant and classic pair of sunglasses that elevate any outfit. I recently found these sustainable sunglasses and they have quickly become my favorite despite not being polarized. I really love them for those times when glare is an issue, in snow or when I want to see down into the water etc.
Classic Hoop Earrings
Every woman deserves a classic pair of hoops in her life. These are my favorites, made sustainably and ethically. Both gold and silver colors available. They are quality oval hoops, that add interest to every outfit. Simple, classic beauty to wear every day. I love that they are easy to sleep in as well which is key when travelling. No poking my ears when sleeping or wearing noise cancelling headphones.
Cashmere Cardigan
Such a great staple that can be worn with the buttons in the front as a cardigan or with the buttons in the back as a sweater. Such high quality and so soft! Cashmere and other wool items are great as they are temperature regulating. Such an amazing gift to find under the Christmas tree!
Felted Merino Wool Sweater
Relaxed warm sweater with a zip neckline for an elevated look. Get regular size for relaxed fit, size up one for an oversized fit. Love the cozy feel, yet luxe look. Super warm and durable.
Classic Tote
This is one of the best tote bags to carry all the things. I love this classic sustainably made leather bag. Minimalist design on the outside and inside. Pair it with this amazing organizer so everything has a place. There is room on the outside of the bag organizer which I use to store my additional bags that I add. This bag carries it all.
If you prefer a crossbody bag check out this classic leather tote bag option.
Wool Cocoon Coat
A great wool coat is a staple. I love this more oversized version as it allows to add an undercoat for warmth, but also isn’t too big during warmer times when I wear less layers. A great warm quality coat.
Favorite Sustainable Gifts For Travel
Sustainable Air Pods Cases
Are you looking to upgrade your Air pods case? Change up the standard white case? Pela has an amazing sustainable option that slips over your current case and if you’re done with it, you can simply compost it. how cool is that?
My links are to amazon, but you can also shop their website.
Refillable silicone travel bottles
These are truly the best travel pouches. They’ve held up so well, I still have my first one from 2014. They don’t leak, are easy to refill as they have a nice wide opening, and very durable. I use mine for every trip and always have them ready which makes packing so easy.
Pela Phone case
Pela cases are the world’s first truly sustainable phone case. These cases are durable enough to protect your phone from drops and scratches, are compostable and add that extra something to your everyday. They have a plentitude of designs and I think everyone will find something that speaks to them. If you pair the case with their liquid screen protector, they’ll pay for the repairs should your screen crack. Love that they stand behind their products. I’d also add their grip for easy holding or standing it up sideways.
Book Reading Lamp
I recently got this reading light, and it has quickly become a favorite. I use it at night to read my library books. It is also a travelling must. So practical on a plane and in new surroundings. It gives just enough light to easily move around, or go to the bathroom but not so bright that’ll wake you or others up. Bonus, it does not emit blue light, so it’ll help you fall asleep faster.
Sustainable Leather Pouches
Having my products organized and easily accessible is so helpful when travelling. I use these for non-liquid makeup, electronics, or even small snacks. Having designated pouches makes reaching things so much easier. Also, I use these to store my electronic items in my everyday work bag and to keep kids stuff organized. So many pouch styles and colors available, you’re sure to find the perfect sustainable gift option.
Hydroflask Waterbottle
My most used water bottle especially for on the go. I love the straw too, but we have a regular screw top, and a coffee mug. Make sure to choose a smaller size and a hot liquid top for a coffee or tea drinker, or a straw top if it’s meant as a water bottle. I am known to leave my bottles in the car or on the deck. Despite being in a super warm environment, I still had ice in my water hours later. I have also used them to keep tea warm, and it did the trick. My tea was still hot after several hours in the car with temperatures in the teens. Additionally, I love their initiatives.
Favorite Subscriptions
Gifting a subscription is always a great gift idea, especially for long distance gifts. There are so many options.. Linking my personal favorites below. I love to choose something that one normally wouldn’t buy for themselves, something that makes their lives easier, or something that enhances their health and wellbeing.
Wine Subscription
Dry Farm Wines offer organic and sugar free wines. No headaches in the morning yay! And much better for your body and health. They also partner with over 800 small farmers in Europe that use organic heritage farming. Not only are you supporting small farmers, but more sustainable wine practices as well. This season, gift a wine that is better for people and the environment. They have so many great options and even gift options as well. All you need to do is purchase and gift it.
Headspace Mediation App Subscription
I love this app for my mediation practices. They offer so many different meditations, different voices, and many other calming and mindfulness practices. I have been using this app for 8 years now and I can really tell a difference. A great app for all levels, no matter if you are just beginning or have practices mediation for a long time.