Shopping for Christmas gifts can be stressful at the best of times, but it’s even more tricky if you’re on the hunt for eco-friendly presents that won’t harm the planet (or break the bank.)
Aussies will spend over $11 million on Christmas presents this year, while over 20 million gifts we receive will remain unwanted.
With Australian waste increasing by around 30 per cent at Christmas time, it’s more important than ever to shop sustainably.
We’ve rounded up the best eco-conscious gifts to buy your loved ones that not only will help the planet, but support initiatives designed to end deforestation and single-use plastics.
Reusable Cup
This ecofriendly reusable mug maintains the liquid temperature you desire for hours and tastes the way your barista intended. Plus when you’re done drinking, you can close it up and clean it when you get home.
Pick from a range of pastel colours or opt for sleek black or white.
Ceramic Reusable Cup, $44.95, Frank Green
Bamboo Cutlery Set
This natural, bamboo cutlery set can replace disposable forks and knives for picnics or barbeques, keeping the planet from harm and saving you money in the long run.
It includes a knife, fork, spoon, chopsticks, bamboo straw and cleaning brush, and comes in a handy Green + Kind roll-up pouch with press stud close.
Green + Kind Bamboo Cutlery Set, $19.95, Flora & Fauna
Sustainable picnic basket set
Carry all the picnic essentials in this stylish open-weave seagrass bag and enjoy sunny days at the park or by the beach in sustainable style.
Perfectly paired with coconut bowls, spoons, forks, bamboo straws and coconut cups you can throw a picnic that’s free from throwaway plastic.
Sustainable Picnic Basket Set, $129.95, Coconutsy
At-home eco-friendly challenges
Looking for some entertainment to keep you occupied and help save the planet? Try Doiy’s 30-day ‘”go green” challenge. Just one daily activity over a month will help incorporate eco-friendly habits into your lifestyle.
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Better yet, one per cent of sales will be donated to One Tree Planted to plant trees all over the globe.
30 Day Challenge – Go Green, $24.95, The Iconic
Cork yoga mat
Unlike plastic mats that will sit in landfills for thousands of years, this cork mat will completely biodegrade and won’t add to our landfills.
Not only is it great for the planet, cork gets even more traction the wetter it gets from sweat, making it the perfect gift for your yoga-loving friends!
Premium Yoga mat, $70.82, Valka Yoga
Socks
These socks are not only made with organic cotton, but buying a pair will give back $1 (enough to plant ten trees) to Trees for the Future, a non-profit focused on reforestation.
You can choose between a chevron pattern or an all-over motif.
Socks That Plant Trees, $20, Uncommon Goods
Food Hamper
Your loved ones and the planet will love you for this eco-friendly hamper. The ultimate gourmet snack box features locally-sourced, small batch treats that are handcrafted using premium ingredients.
It comes in a 100% recycled Australian made box with natural ribbon and compostable adhesive label, with a card printed in Australia on post-consumer recycled materials.
Australian Artisan Treats, $75, Curated With Conscience
How To Make a Christmas Card
Lip balm
Burt’s Bees lip balm is the perfect eco-friendly stocking filler this Christmas.
The 100% natural, cruelty and paraben-free lip balm was even awarded a Good Housekeeping Sustainable Packaging Award in 2019 thanks to the company’s recycling efforts.
Burt’s Bees Lip Balm Tube – Pomegranate, $6.95, Adore Beauty
Beach towel
Made from 85% recycled plastic bottles to help the planet, this eco-friendly beach towel dries four times faster than a regular cotton towels.
It also comes with a hidden zip pocket to hide your valuables while hitting the beach this summer.
Tall Bondi Blue, $79.95, Somerside
Reusable shopping bag
These bags don’t just cut down on plastic waste, they’re also seriously on-trend.
Made from a lightweight organic cotton, the string bag is perfect for grocery shopping and storing produce.
It’s also compliant with the Global Organic Textile Standard, which ensures products are made organically and from environmentally and socially-responsible manufacturing.
Organic Cotton String Shopping Bag, $14.95, Biome
Workout shirt
Not only will the Kathmandu SUN-stopper help protect you from the sun and rain with its moisture wicking fabric, it’s also made from 100% recycled polyester and was produced using sustainable chemistry with minimal impact on people and the environment.
SUN-Stopper Women’s Short Sleeve T-Shirt, $79.98, Kathmandu
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