Is she practical? Does she like to keep it clutter free? Does she prefer quality over quantity? Is she into wellness or the environment? If you answered yes to some of these questions, then this post may contain some gift ideas for you. Let’s check out some sustainable Christmas gifts for her that are sure to impress!
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What makes a gift sustainable?
The three pillars of sustainability are economic development, social development and environmental protection. Economic development is being able to offer people what they want more easily and without compromising the quality of life.
The key factor of social development is awareness and legislation to protect the health of people from pollution and other harmful activities. Environmental protection is just that—eco-friendly manufacturing processes.
People’s ideas and motives for sustainability will be slightly different but hopefully this post will offer a little something for everyone. Some people seek to buy as little as possible and drastically reduce their waste while other are just looking to purchase things from companies who do a good job caring for individuals’ health as well as the environment.
Things that are Cozy
Who doesn’t love cozy things? If the lady in your life is a fan of hygge, she may enjoy something from this list. While I didn’t highlight them, coffee, tea and chocolates are the epitome of cozy!
Socks, Sweaters and Scarfs
Sustainable socks, sweaters and scarfs will be made from natural fibers like cotton, wool or even bamboo. One of my favorite brands for sustainable clothing is Pact. They offer all sorts of items and usually offer an adorable Christmas sock box, but I don’t see it on their website just yet as I am creating this post in September.
Darn Tough is a great source for sustainable socks. These socks are definitely tough and come with a lifetime guarantee! While the socks are made from several fabrics, the company prioritizes Merino wool that meets the Responsible Wool Standard.
I found a gem while researching for this post: The Vermont Flannel Company. They offer blankets, scarfs, pajamas and more all crafted from GOTS cotton. They even offer “quilt in a box” if the lady in your life is crafty (unfortunately, not me!)—how cool is that?
Sheets and Blankets
Under the Canopy offers sustainable sheet sets, blankets and comforters in soft, calming tones. I consider their style to be all things Zen and chill.
West Elm and Pottery Barn are both sure bets for sustainable, quality sheets, comforters and bedding. They are owned by Williams Sonoma and take sustainability seriously. You can read all about it here.
There is often a lofty price tag on sustainable items, so I always try to mix in budget items that I have discovered. Check out this beautiful, budget-friendly Turkish Cotton throw that would make a lovely gift. I personally own two.
Candles
Nothing says cozy like a delicious smelling candle! It can be tricky to find truly clean candles. A couple of brands that go the extra mile are Plant Therapy, Aire on Etsy and Aroma Naturals. For more candle or scent options and information, check out my related post, All-Natural Holiday Candles.
Things that Last Forever (or close)
A large part of sustainability is quality. When you can, it’s helpful to buy items that will last for years and years. A blender that lasts for 10 years is more sustainable than one that lasts for five years. You are using far less materials when you don’t have to replace something often.
Of course, it’s a balance of what you can afford and what is best long-term. Sometimes the most sustainable choice won’t be in the budget new, but maybe you can find it gently used. Buying less also helps. Maybe you buy one awesome piece at a time rather than snagging a whole set of something made with lower quality materials.
Dishware or Cookware Set
For dishware, Fiesta Dinnerware is made in the U.S. from safe, non-toxic materials. One fun appeal of the Fiesta is it comes in a wide selection of vivid color options.
If the lady in your life is a practical minimalist, Correlle makes a great, non-toxic everyday dish set. I personally have and love these. They are not fancy, but they are perfect for day-to-day life.
For cookware, stainless steel, glass and cast iron are all sustainable choices. If you can swing All-Clad (gulp, price tag!), it’s definitely the gold standard. I am still using a hand-me-down that is probably 25 years old but looks like new.
Calphalon and Cuisinart are two non-toxic, more affordable choices. Both offer full sets as well as individual pieces. You want the stainless-steel versions lines of these brands not the non-stick coating.
As far as cast iron goes, Lodge is great and extremely affordable! I have several pieces of Lodge cookware that I use almost daily. This will be a heavy box so plan accordingly :).
Vitamix or Standing Mixer
I still haven’t made this splurge, but everyone I know who owns a Vitamix raves about it. The average life span is about ten years with regular use and even longer with infrequent use. My Ninja lasted about seven years. I tried the only decent glass option on the market, Oster, and had two quit on me within the first year.
The Vitamix is made of BPA-free ridiculously strong plastic, and while I wish it was made of glass, most owners agree it’s the best blender out there. Amazon offers renewed versions at a pretty good discount.
If the lady in your life does a lot of baking, she might just love this next gift idea. The Kitchen Aid Professional Stand Mixer is the perfect gift for the avid baker. It has a great reputation for longevity, and, gosh, the color options are just the cutest!
Luggage or Duffle Bag
A nice piece of luggage can last a long, long time. I’m still using most of my luggage from twenty years ago. Samsonite makes their luggage from 100% recycled rPET bottles. Patagonia offers stylish duffle bags made from 100% recycled materials.
Things that Sparkle
Most women love jewelry. Sustainable options might include recycled sterling silver, gold or glass, stainless steel or various bead types. Etsy is an excellent source for recycled jewelry.
Bracelets, Necklaces, Earrings or Rings
Vintage Branding Co. offers lots of beautiful customizable stainless-steel pieces ranging from bracelets to necklaces to key chains. Their pieces are not only stunning but heartfelt. They are a star seller, so odds are your gift will be a hit.
Lizardi Jewelry makes stunning pieces from argentium silver, which is created from 100% recycled silver. They have pieces starting at around $40 as well as many high-end pieces.
A Watch
Triwa designs watches that are ethically made from ocean plastic. They also offer beautiful steel options. Their watched are designed in Stockholm, Sweeden and destined to be conversation starters. Timex Waterbury Ocean is also made from recycled ocean plastic. It comes in blue, pink and gray.
Things that You Experience
If you are really looking for gifts that are not stuff, these next two sections are for you. Meaningful experiences can make fantastic sustainable Christmas gifts for her. After all, you can’t take it with you, right?
Tickets to a Botanical Garden or Concert
I live near fairly close to Nashville where we have lots of museums, music and arts venues, a zoo and an uber popular botanical garden. Most of the ladies I know would love to receive tickets to any of these attractions.
If you aren’t near a big city, you may have fewer options or may have to travel a little farther. Sometimes we overlook treasures right in our own backyard.
Dance or Horseback Riding Lessons
So, these activities are both super fun! My family and I went horseback riding last year. I had expected a little instructional time with our ride (oops!), so I went into a bit of a shock being immediately tossed on a horse, but I settled in, and we made it.
Dance lessons might be a great gift if you are looking to spark or rekindle a romance. Holding each other close and learning a dance together definitely sets the stage for connection.
Weekend Getaway or Dinner Reservations
Depending on your budget, maybe a weekend getaway is within reach. Go ahead and have a weekend or two in mind so she doesn’t have to do figure that part out. If you have kids, maybe even go ahead and coordinate plans with friends or grandparents. As a mom and wife, this would definitely impress me.
Not the right time for a getaway, how about just a nice dinner out at your favorite place or even a new place you’ve never been before. Go ahead and purchase the gift card or make the reservation ahead of time.
Things that Help
This is, of course, assuming these aren’t already happening on a regular basis. If they are, this wouldn’t be much of a gift then, huh?
Car Detailing or House Cleaning
Order a house cleaning package from a green cleaning company (you are on my blog after all). Most companies will allow you to buy a package and schedule the service dates later.
Same for car detailing, buy a gift certificate or pay ahead depending on how the company works. If you are good at planning ahead, you could always borrow the car the day before Christmas and have the cleaning done … if your car looks anything like mine, that would be quite the gift!
Meal Planning Service or Produce Delivery Service
Green Chef and Sunbasket are both highly rated organic meal planning services. Nearly all meal services offer a serious discount for the first month or so even if you decide it’s not for you, you didn’t spend a fortune and did a little less grocery shopping for that time.
This is definitely an outside of the box Christmas gift, but a subscription to Misfits Market might just be the perfect gift for the sustainable woman in your life. Misfits sends you slightly odd looking or surplus organic fruits, veggies and sometimes panty items. It’s a weekly subscription designed to help eliminate food waste.
Hopefully, some of these ideas and items were helpful or at least inspirational to you. I wish you the best of luck with your holiday shopping, and I hope you are able to find the perfect sustainable Christmas gifts for her!
