‘Tis the season of rampant consumption. Make it merry (and more planet-friendly) with these thoughtful, sustainable gifts. There’s something for everyone and every budget!
Looking for a gift for your favorite tree hugger? Want to show friends and family that sustainable gifts can be beautiful, fun, and better for people and planet?
Make the most wonderful (and wasteful) time of the year more memorable and joyous with the Leaf Score Gift Guide.
We carefully curated our list of gifts so that there’s something for everyone. This includes:
Table of Contents
- Eco-Friendly Gadgets and Audio Equipment
- Zero-Waste Supplies and Starter Kits
- Dog Toys and Other Planet-Friendly Pet Products
- Cozy Sweaters, Socks, Scarves, Slippers, and Hats
- Books Galore!
- Eco-Friendly Watches, Jewelry, and Luxury Stocking Stuffers
- Sustainable Gifts for Kids (and their parents)
- Gifts for Gardeners, Outdoor and Fitness Enthusiasts
- Non-Toxic, Planet-Friendly, Personal Care and Beauty Products
- Non-Toxic, Eco-Friendly Kitchen Bed, Bath, and Home Goods
During the holiday season – Thanksgiving to New Year – Americans throw away an extra 29 pounds of waste per week on average! This is about 43% more waste than usual. And in the frenzy of activity, barely any of that is recycled, upcycled, or repurposed.
Eco-Friendly Gadgets and Audio Equipment
House of Marley Little Birds Wireless Earbuds [Staff tested]
Highlights: Absolutely beautiful wireless earbuds that fit and feel great, offer impressive audio quality and functionality, and are made with sustainable materials!
The Little Birds Wireless Earbuds from House of Marley are a fabulous stocking stuffer at under $40 for the buds plus charging case. They feature sustainably sourced bamboo, REGRIND wood fiber, recycled plastic, and non-toxic, medical-grade silicone for the ear gels.
These earbuds were really easy to pair with my cellphone and offer great quality audio that’s crisp and crackle-free. I gave the Little Birds to my audiophile, podcast-producing wife for her birthday and she loves them!
Favorite features include the fast-charging option, where you get an extra 2 hours of playback time after just 15 mins recharging in the case. I also really like the haptics and subtle alert sound you get when toggling the functions via the earpiece.
These earbuds are also just a joy to look at and have a luxury feel and smart design. They come packaged sustainably too, as do all House of Marley products. And HoM includes three sizes of ear gels, color coded with a nod to Bob Marley (it’s a family company).
With the case fully charged, you get 24 hours of playback with these earbuds. Alone, you get 6 hours of playback!
Biolite Alpenglow 500 [Staff tested]
Highlights: Rechargeable lantern that doubles as a powerbank to charge cellphones and other devices. Great lantern for camping, nightlight, and power outages, with 9+ color and lighting options (including fireworks!).
Biolite’s Alpenglow 500 is its most powerful rechargeable (via USB and from Biolite’s ) light with dimmer and multiple settings, including bright light for illuminating large spaces.
This light is great for camping, power outages, and as a nightlight and party light for kids! Because the 6400 mAh battery doubles as a powerbank, you can also run the Biolite string lights off this lantern and use it to charge Biolite’s headlamp, phones, and other devices!
I’ve been using the Alpenglow as my toddler’s nightlight for several months and love the different modes and dimmer function. It’s also got a handy hook on the bottom, so you can hang it for overhead light.
After using the lantern for a few months, I have noticed that the burn time seems a little less than advertised (I’m getting about 175 hours of light at the lowest level before I need to recharge, versus 200). The charge port is also a little finicky and not perfectly lined up, so be careful not to jam the connector in too hard.
House of Marley Get Together 2 Mini Bluetooth Wireless Speaker [Staff tested]
Highlights: High quality audio and 15 hours of playback, with quick-charge technology. Beautiful, sustainable design featuring bamboo and recycled materials. Pairs easily with devices, including the HoM turntable!
House of Marley’s Get Together 2 Mini Bluetooth Wireless Speaker is a handy little speaker that works well at home or on the go. It offers decent bass output for its size (20 Watts), with smart sound tech to boost bass and for acoustic settings.
The Get Together 2 Mini can pair with up to three additional speakers to build stereo sound. It also pairs well with the Stir It Up turntable. It took about five seconds to connect this speaker with my iPhone, and the playback was fantastic. The speaker has a 30-meter range for pairing and even features an onboard microphone, making it handy for the home office.
Unlike with my older Bluetooth speaker, which is a nightmare for pairing, the Get Together 2 is consistently great at pairing. I also love that the speaker can remain paired with several devices (only one active, naturally), rather than having to ‘forget’ the speaker on all but one device for it to work. This makes it a great party speaker as folks can play audio from their phones or computer at the drop of a hat.
The speaker is also dust and water resistant (not waterproof!) and it’s easy to charge with any USB-C charger. On a full charge, expect around 15 hours. This depends on how loud you like your music though, and whether you use the Bass Boost. I’ve found it delivers more than 15 hours when in acoustic mode at a reasonable volume, but I suspect Bass Boost and higher volumes for parties would shorten the battery life.
The USB-C charging cable is wrapped with REWIND fabric, made from post-consumer recycled polyester, and reclaimed organic cotton and hemp, for protection. The speaker itself features bamboo, REGRIND silicone for the backing, and aluminum. It also has a braided, removable carrying strap for portability.
And the speaker comes in sustainable packaging that’s easy to recycle and looks great, making this a lovely gift.
House of Marley runs a global environmental initiative called Project Marley, which supports reforestation efforts and ocean preservation via One Tree Planted and the Surfrider Foundation.
House of Marley Stir It Up Wireless Turntable [Staff tested]
Highlights: Impressive sound quality and build, using sustainable materials. Built-in pre-amp and easy pairing for Bluetooth speakers (can pair more than one!). USB port lets you digitize your LPs too! Excellent sustainable packaging and beautiful design overall.
Most record players feature a ton of plastic and require messy wires to hook everything up. Not so with the House of Marley Stir It Up Wireless Bluetooth Turntable.
This gorgeous record player has a smart, sustainable design as it’s made with:
- Solid bamboo
- REGRIND™ silicone
- REWIND™ fabric
- Recycled plastic
- Recyclable aluminum.
I got my hands on one to try it out and I’m smitten. The turntable connects easily to any Bluetooth speaker, including both my now quite dated speaker and the House of Marley Get Together 2 Mini. You can also pair it with a series of speakers for all-round-sound, thanks to the built-in pre-amp (though you can also switch this off and use an external pre-amp if preferable). The sound quality is great too, with easy volume control on the turntable itself.
One of my absolute favorite features is the USB port that lets you transfer LPs to digital copies on your computer! I have an extensive record collection and live in fear of records getting scratched by my dog or toddler. Being able to back them up is an absolute treat!
This turntable also features a standard RCA output and a 3.5 mm headphone jack. You can play 33 or 45 RPM records, and the smart design helps to stop skipping and prevent scratches. HoM includes a spare stylus and an eco-friendly turntable cover made with 30% reclaimed organic cotton, 30% reclaimed hemp and 40% recycled PET to keep things clean when not in use.
One of the most impressive things about this turntable is how it ships. HoM’s sustainable packaging is really clever, using entirely biodegradable materials to protect the pieces in transit.
Zero-Waste Supplies and Starter Kits
etee Sandwich Bags [Staff tested]
Highlights: Fantastic reusable sandwich bags made with organic cotton coated in beeswax and tree resin. Super durable and versatile!
I’ve been using etee sandwich bags since the company first got its start, way back in 2015. Those same sandwich bags are still going strong, despite almost daily use!
We lucked out and got a bundle of three sizes and colors. We use these for, yes, sandwiches, but also for pretty much anything else we want to wrap (that’s not super juicy). The bags are surprisingly watertight, even after almost eight years of use.
The one downside to the sandwich bags is that it can be hard to clean right into the corners inside. To combat this, we repurpose the larger bag as a big wrap sometimes, instead of putting food inside the pocket. We also use these wraps as covers for leftovers (wait until food is cool) as you can fold and kind of stick the edges together and to the sides of some containers.
etee also sells thinner food wraps, which we also have and love. My wife uses these to parcel up nuts, dried fruit, and seeds as snacks for work, as well as for baked goods and other treats.
Everything ships plastic-free, which isn’t surprising given that the company’s entire purpose is to eliminate single use plastic products and tackle climate change.
etee Liquid Dish Cleaning Essentials [Staff tested]
Highlights: Plastic-free dish cleaning set with cellulose sponge, a Loofie Scrubber and three liquid dish soap pods encased in compostable Beepods (plastic-free!). Excellent dish soap concentrate and effective cleaners. After years of pod explosions in transit (which I experienced with one order!), etee has perfected the Beepods for leak-free delivery.
Zero Waste Home, by Bea Johnson
Highlights: The perfect primer on reducing waste in the home by an author who produces just one quart of garbage a year.
Klean Kanteen Double Wall Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Food Canister
Highlights: Double wall vacuum insulated exterior can keep soup hot for up to 8 hours, or a pint of ice cream cold for up to 22 hours. Made by a B Corp and 1% for the Planet member.
Dog Toys and Other Planet-Friendly Pet Products
Awoo Felt Dog Toy Bone
Highlights: Planet- and pup-friendly felt bone chew toy made in a GoodWeave certified factory using sustainable and humanely sourced wool with non-toxic dyes. Helps keep dog teeth clean and healthy!
Awoo offers a whole range of sustainable pet products, mostly for dogs. These include leashes and harnesses made with recycled polyester and gorgeous dog toys made with natural materials.
My favorite is this handcrafted bone-shape felt dog toy, made in Nepal by female artisans using humanely sourced wool from Patagonia and New Zealand.
Awoo chose a GoodWeave certified factory to make its wool toys and uses non-toxic dyes to keep your pets safe.
This felt bone helps to keep your pup’s teeth clean and the fibers are natural and digestible! Each bone is six inches long, ships in a recyclable Kraft paper mailer, and is compostable at end of life.
Avocado Organic Dog Bed
Highlights: Vegan-friendly organic dog bed made with GOLS latex and coconut husk. Offers impressive orthopedic support and is 100% GOTS organic certified, biodegradable, naturally hypoallergenic and antimicrobial, and eco-INSTITUT certified free from toxic chemicals and pollutants, pesticides and dyes.
Dermagic Organic Shampoo Bars for Dogs
Highlights: The best dog shampoo bars, made in the Pacific Northwest using certified organic ingredients. Wide range of options (including a flea shampoo), with no harsh chemicals, a great smell, and eco-friendly packaging.
Recycled REPREVE and Organic Cotton Dog Fleece
Highlights: Cozy dog pullover fleece perfect for wintery walks and to avoid harness-burn. Made in Canada from REPREVE recycled PET from discarded fishing nets, plus organic cotton. Available XS-L and just $35!
Cozy Sweaters, Socks, Scarves, Slippers, and Hats
Ibex Merino Touchscreen Glove Liners [Staff tested]
Highlights: Durable, warm, water-resistant, merino wool touchscreen glove liners made by a sustainably minded company using mulesing-free wool. Snug fitting with excellent conductivity and a cozy, quality feel.
The Ibex glove liners, made with merino wool, are one of my all-time favorite products I’ve reviewed at Leaf Score. These glove liners have lasted several winters now and I live in fear of losing them!
I tend to use my glove liners as standalone gloves as they’re so good at keeping my hands cozy and dry. I even built an epic snow fort (complete with slide) last year while wearing these glove liners and my hands were happy for more than an hour handling fresh, wet snow.
The touchscreen capability remains outstanding, unlike every other pair of touchscreen gloves I’ve tried. And the liners even accidentally went through the wash and emerged unscathed.
Love, love, love these glove liners. Treat your hands to a pair!
Allbirds Wool Dwellers Slippers [Staff tested]
Highlight: Sustainably made from upcycled merino and GRS recycled polyester, these cozy slippers have stood up well for me over several years and remain super comfy.
The Dwellers are on sale for just $25 from $69 at time of writing!
Extra 40% off select styles & colors at Allbirds.com Enter promo code: EBF40 at checkout. Valid 11-18-2023 through 11-23-2023 while supplies last
Allbird’s super cozy and carbon-neutral slippers have an FSC certified natural rubber outsole and an upper made with 60% upcycled merino wool scraps from the company’s shoes and 40% GRS certified recycled polyester.
It really doesn’t get much more cozy than this! These slippers have a good amount of grip and are available in five colorways and in sizes S-XXL.
I went for a Small and have size 6.5/7 feet. I find the slippers a little bit too roomy, unless I wear thick socks. So I’d suggest sizing down if you’re unsure.
Also, I deliberately went for the Heathered Grey because we have a black and white dog who sheds a lot. These slippers don’t tend to accumulate dog hair and don’t show it even when they do!
PAKA Apparel Original Crew Sweater [Staff tested]
Highlight: Blissfully soft alpaca crew neck sweater in three colors. Fully traceable yarn comes from wild-roaming alpaca and recycled nylon. Oeko-Tex approved dyes only.
I practically live in my PAKA crew sweater. It’s incredibly comfortable, great for regulating body temperature, and somehow stays clean and smell-free even when under constant assault by a sticky-fingered toddler.
I love how this sweater fits too, with a relaxed, smart casual style that you can dress up or down. It’s great for hikes, work, hangouts, yard work, and just lounging around at home.
If you dislike scratchy labels in clothing, the PAKA crew sweater is a particularly great choice. The label-free neck is super soft and doesn’t have a pronounced edge, so it doesn’t chaff at all, with very low profile shoulder seams you won’t even notice are there.
I really like the sustainability of this sweater and can see it lasting for many years to come. After months of constant use, I’ve washed it once in the machine with other woolens and it held up incredibly well. It also dried really quickly, so I didn’t have to wait long before I could wear it again!
The sweater came in biodegradable packaging that would make for a lovely gift. So, if you’re looking for something sustainable and cozy for your snuggle-buddy, the PAKA crew sweater is a treat for you both.
Organic Basics Recycled Wool Collection [Staff tested]
Highlight: Luxuriously soft and cozy recycled wool scarves, beanies, sweaters, and more. The rib-knit scarf is a top choice made with 100% recycled merino from pre-consumer textile waste that would otherwise go to landfill.
The recycled wool collection from Organic Basics is designed in Denmark, made in Scotland, and is super sustainable. The scarf (our top pick) is long enough to keep out the chilliest of winter weather.
Organic Basics is a B Corp and 1% for the Planet member and also one of our top choices for organic cotton tees.
While we haven’t personally tested the recycled wool scarves or sweaters (though we want to!), my wife’s been wearing the Organic Basics recycled wool socks for around a year and loves them.
The wool socks keep feet cozy and look neat in work shoes on cold morning commutes. My wife has also worn them while running on chillier winter days too. After a year of wear and washing, these socks remain in great condition, with no felting or pilling and no loose threads or rips.
I really like that the socks came in biodegradable packaging, though it’s a bit excessive for a pair of socks. Still, if you’re looking to gift wool socks for the holidays, the box adds a nice luxury touch and helps you skip on wrapping.
Women’s Woolies [Staff tested]
Highlight: Cute, cozy, incredibly well made 100% merino base layers that have held up well over three years for me! Made sustainably and shipped plastic-free.
Swiftwick Vision Winter Merino Socks [Staff tested]
Highlights: Super cozy and sustainably made merino blend socks with 8 festive designs.
I love a good festive pair of socks and Swiftwicks are keeping my feet cozy as I type. These merino blend socks comprise approx. 49% soft merino, 43% nylon, 8% Spandex (this varies between designs and sizes; mine are 53% merino, for instance).
These socks are machine washable, made in the US, moisture-wicking, and blister-free! I love the cushioning, lack of seams on the toe box, and the arch band support, These socks are genuinely breathable and temperature regulating (I hate having hot feet), thanks to the merino wool.
Books Galore!
How to Be a Climate Optimist: Blueprints for a Better World, by Chris Turner [Staff read!]
Highlights: Climate anxiety is all too real. If you or someone you love is stuck with feelings of despair or anger, get this book. Chris Turner helps to shine a (solar) light on the global effort already underway to build a brighter future, with bite-size optimistic insights that bring possibility and hope back into the conversation.
Less Is More: How Degrowth Will Save the World by Jason Hickel [Staff read!]
Highlights: Insightful and educational, as well as inspiring! One of my favorite reads of 2022, and one I passed around family and friends! Hickel explores the history of capitalism and its impact on the planet, proposes a new economic model, and helps connect consumerism, community, and climate change to a new way of viewing the natural world. A must-read if you struggle to see a way forward in late-stage capitalism.
The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History, by Elizabeth Kolbert [Staff read!]
Highlights: Thoughtful and provoking, this book examines the impact of climate change on biodiversity, arguing that we’re in the midst of a modern, man-made, sixth extinction. Kolbert’s style is compelling and engrossing. This planet-friendly, Pullitzer winning page-turner is a wake-up call for all.
The Lorax, by Dr. Seuss [Staff read]
Highlights: One of my all-time favorite books with a clear, timeless message about the dangers of valuing short-term profit over long-term sustainability. Super fun to read aloud (if you can). The only downside is it will get stuck in your head, especially once your kid knows it by heart.
We Are Water Protectors, by Carole Lindstrom and Michaela Goade
Highlights: Award winning children’s book written and illustrated by Indigenous creators as a lyrical and bold rallying cry to protect and restore Earth’s waterways. Best for ages 3-7. Beautiful illustrations and excellent #ownvoices representation celebrating Native stewardship of nature.
Eco-Friendly Watches, Jewelry, and Luxury Stocking Stuffers
Solios watches [Staff tested]
Highlights: Eco-friendly, sustainable solar powered watches made by a B Corporation that supports reforestation and has entirely eliminated single use plastic from its operations.
Solios is a Canadian B Corporation (the first B Corp watch company!) and makes exclusively solar powered watches using materials that are as eco-friendly as possible. The watches are elegant, timeless (can you say that about a watch?!), and minimalist. There are interchangeable strap options too, with choices including hemp, cork, and silicone vegan ‘leather’ that is recyclable and free from toxic substances.
The watch face is scratch resistant and durable, and the stainless steel is 100% recyclable and anti-corrosive and hypoallergenic. The watch mechanism uses Japanese solar technology and the batteries are rated to last 50 years, with Solios aiming to avoid planned obsolescence.
Solios doesn’t greenwash with a single tree planted for every watch. Instead, the company supports robust reforestation efforts.
For every watch sold, Solios supports reforestation of an entire acre of rainforest!
Two hours of sunlight can charge up this watch for six months! And artificial light also helps top up the charge.
Solios has no single-use plastics in its supply chain and packages everything in sustainable materials. Read more about Solios and sustainability in our review of the top solar watches.
Community partners include the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the David Suzuki Foundation, as well as the Rainforest Trust.
Our experience with Solios
Our founder, John, has been wearing the solar watch with vegan silicone ‘leather’ strap by Solios for more than a year. He likes the elegant design and the quality of the watch, as well as the automatic time-setting functionality. It’s also a comfortable watch to wear and comes in a lovely gift box that’s smart and sustainable.
AUrate New York
Highlights: Founded in 2015, AUrate New York specialize in minimalist wedding bands and engagement rings made with traceable diamonds and recycled gold, with jewelry available for as little as $50!
Sale: 35% off orders $1k+, 30% off the rest. No code needed.
TerraCycle E-Waste Recycling Box
Highlights: A great gift for the person who has everything (and needs to recycle and declutter!). Choose from three sizes and send old laptops, turntables, monitors, radios and stereos, printers, desktop computers, scanners and copiers, digital recorders, cell phones, and more for recycling!
TRIWA [Staff tested]
Highlights: Innovative company making solar powered watches using metal sourced from confiscated illegal firearms and recycled ocean plastic.
TRIWA makes solar powered watches using, among other things, Humanium metal from recycled firearms, recycled ocean plastic for straps, stainless steel, and quartz watch mechanisms.
The company is committed to fair labor practices, with regular factory and supplier audits, and it ships watches in minimalist packaging made with recycled materials.
I got a TRIWA watch for my wife for Christmas 2022 and she wears it every day. It still looks great and works great, though a couple of dunks in the bath did result in a little moisture behind the watch face. A short sojourn in rice helped dry it out, but definitely don’t expect this watch to be waterproof. The watch face has also developed a couple of scratches, and although these don’t impact watch function, it would be nice if TRIWA offered replacement glass or a harder wearing face.
I really liked the packaging as it is recyclable and works as a lovely giftbox to minimize wrapping.
Sustainable Gifts for Kids (and their parents)
Frugi Organic Cotton Reusable Advent Calendar
Highlights: GOTS certified organic cotton reusable advent calendar with fun animal friends, rainbows, trucks, and other cute decorations. Features soft organic cotton, two hanging loops, 24 pockets, and measures 100cm tall. The perfect start to a more sustainable Christmas tradition.
Cate & Levi Recycled Wool Animal Puppets
Highlights: Handmade in Toronto, Canada, using locally sourced reclaimed wool socks! Every puppet is unique, fun, and super soft. Handwash or machine wash cool. Puppets include a dog, frog, giraffe, elephant, unicorn, and dragon, all 12-inches long.
Eco-Finger Face Paints
Highlights: Non-toxic, eco-friendly face paint kit with 10 colors. Worry-free face painting with two applicators, made in the US. Easy to apply and easily washes off!
Eco-kids Hop Scotch Sidewalk Chalk
Highlights: Easy-to-hold egg-shaped sidewalk chalks made in the US using wind power! Packaged in a repurposed egg box, with pastel colors that work best outside (not on indoor chalkboards) and wash away easily. Ships plastic-free!
Hape All-in-One Wooden Kids’ Art Easel with Paper Roll and Accessories [Staff tested]
Highlights: Adjustable children’s easel with blackboard, magnetic whiteboard, and paper roll. Ideal for smaller toddlers up to big kids and adults! Made mostly from FSC certified wood and grows with your kid.
The Hape easel has been hanging out in our living room for about 18 months and is in almost constant use. It was super easy to put together, remains sturdy (despite our toddler climbing it), and is great for using up packing paper we would otherwise just recycle.
We really like that the Hape easel doesn’t take up a lot of room and is quite inconspicuous, unlike some other plastic easels I’ve seen. I can also easily move this around with one hand, to help with vacuuming or to relocate outside on a sunny day.
The main reason I went for this easel, though, is because my kid is on the shorter side and most children’s easels are too high for comfort, even when adjustable. This one will grow with us and shows no sign of wear and tear even after 18 months!
The main current use for the easel is to get my toddler to decorate old packing paper to reuse as gift wrap. Reduce, reuse, recycle!
Frugi Organic Cotton Fold Over Socks
Highlights: GOTS certified organic cotton (90%) socks with polyamide and elastane for a little stretch. Fun fold over design, so beaver gets a hat! Make it more fun and less of a struggle to get socks on your little one!
Gifts for Gardeners, Outdoor and Fitness Enthusiasts
Smartwool Merino Runner’s Cap [Staff tested]
Highlights: Super comfortable and breathable, all-weather baseball hat perfect for runners. Made with merino wool lining and recycled polyester, with reflective details to keep you visible and safe in low light conditions. Keeps your head cozy and dry and looks fantastic!
I was doubtful at first about a wool running cap but this beauty from Smartwool has proven fantastic for year-round use!
It’s lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking, and has been a firm favorite for my wife (the runner in the family) for more than a year. It looks great too and I love that the cap has reflective details to help her stay visible on those early morning runs when the sun’s not yet awake.
Irrigatia Automatic Solar Pump Watering System
Highlights: Super smart garden gadget for when you’re away or if you tend to forget about watering. The more sun falls on the solar panels, the more water this device pumps from your rain barrel to your plants! Drip irrigation can water up to 12 meters of garden, or up to 36 strawberry plants! Low maintenance, conserves water, with no backup wiring needed.
Swiftwick Maxus Repreve Running Socks [Staff tested]
Highlights: Incredibly comfortable, no-show, ankle length running socks made with REPREVE recycled polyester, nylon, and spandex. Features a micro tab at the heel to prevent heel blisters.
I’ve been wearing the Maxus socks from Swiftwick for more than a year and they’re still in great shape. I really like the plushness of the footbed and the lighter, thinner top side. Polyester can make feet sweaty, which increases the risk of blisters, but the smart design of these socks helps to keep them breathable and blister-free.
I’m not a runner, per se, but I do plenty of dashing after a speedy toddler. I’ve never had to worry about these socks sliding or chaffing, or otherwise being uncomfortable. And I love that they’re mostly made with recycled plastic water bottles!
The Swiftwick REPREVE Maxus socks are made in the US, which is great for sustainability. However, they do come in a plastic bag.
Cotopaxi Allpa Del Dia Travel Pack 35L
Highlights: Impressive 35L backpack made entirely from repurposed pre-consumer nylon saved from going to landfill. Every one is unique, but all feature a weight-distributing harness system, large zippered mesh compartments on both sides, padded laptop and tablet sleeves, YKK security zippers, carabiner lash loops, reinforced grab handles, removable waist belt, and rain cover. Cotopaxi is a B Corp, Climate Neutral, ships plastic-free, and donates 1% of profits to environmental causes.
Biolite Fast and Light Kit [Staff tested]
Highlights: Includes a power bank charger, USB string lights, and rechargeable headlamp with great lighting options. All made by a social enterprise that provides light in places without consistent electricity.
For the survivalist, camper, hiker, or gadget lover on your gift list, this kit is sure to satisfy. A great addition to any Earthquake Kit, this set includes a pocket size 6000 mAh battery you can use to power the string of lights or charge the headlamp, your cellphone, the Biolite lantern (see above) and other devices.
The string lights can be connected with extra sets for illuminating larger areas and are smartly designed to stack and clip together for a very small footprint in a backpack or kit.
The headlamp is my favorite thing in the kit. It’s super light and comfortable to wear, has several light modes that are easy to toggle through, and has a memory function, so you don’t blind yourself or others when you first turn it on. It also has a lock mode and it charges really fast, from the charger or via USB.
All of the items feel rugged and durable, with smart features you won’t appreciate until you really need them (such as the grippy texture on the power bank to stop you dropping it in the rain!).
Pluvr Organic Tropical Potting Soil Mix
Highlights: Perfect potting mix for indoor plants, comprising worm castings, coconut coir, rice hulls, and other sustainable ingredients. Each bag diverts 8 lb. of organic matter from DC restaurants. Non-toxic, made in the US, and free from synthetic chemicals – just healthy, natural ingredients to help nourish tropical plants!
GOT Bag Rolltop [Staff tested]
Highlights: Capacious, waterproof, rolltop bag made of ocean impact plastic. Removable 15-inch laptop sleeve, ultralight, super durable, PETA approved vegan, and made by a B Corp that ships Carbon Neutral. Wide variety of colors available!
The Rolltop backpack from GOT Bag is a great choice if you need a waterproof backpack with plenty of room and the ability to switch up carrying capacity at will. This backpack features a removable laptop/tablet sleeve, so you have more room inside the main pocket when you don’t need your tech with you.
The straps are fully adjustable and the padded back makes for a comfier commute, according to my wife, who loves her GOT Bag!
More than anything else she’s ever owned, this bag has consistently attracted attention and garnered compliments (seriously: like, once a month for the last year!). She totes around mics, cameras, sound recorders and such for her job and this bag helps keep everything safe and dry, even in an atmospheric river.
We go this bag in Crawfish, which isn’t a color I enjoy, but it certainly gets a lot of attention and my wife likes it. Luckily, the bag also comes in dozens of colors, including dark blues and blacks (much more my speed).
The GOT Bag Rolltop lacks exterior pockets, unlike the tentree Mobius rolltop (see our review), but this is a good thing for keeping everything inside dry (no zippers to compromise the watertight envelope).
All in all, this is a fantastic bag and a top choice if you’re looking for a sustainably made bag, comprising recycled ocean plastic, with no PFAS, from a B Corp that ships Carbon Neutral. Each bag comes with a 2-year warranty. GOT Bag has already helped repurpose more than 1,800,000 pounds of Ocean Impact Plastic!
Salomon QST 98 Skis
Highlight: Super sustainable and socially engaged company that has been around since 1947 – Salomon knows its skis and clearly cares about the ‘planetary playground’. The Salomon QST 98 Skis feature poplar wood, carbon fiber, and flax, plus cork and are nimble, smooth, and powerful.
Non-Toxic, Planet-Friendly, Personal Care and Beauty Products
SURI Electric Toothbush [Staff tested]
Highlights: Eco-friendly materials, modular, repairable design, compostable brush head, plastic-free packaging, and 40 brushes per charge! Our top choice for an electric toothbrush!
After 9 months of everyday use, we can say that SURI is simply a great electric toothbrush!
The SURI offers a streamlined design, two minutes per brushing session, haptic feedback every 3 seconds, and a gentle buzz but robust cleaning.
This model comes with a UV case for cleaning that also doubles as a charger!
100% Pure Fruit Pigmented® Pomegranate Oil Anti Aging Lipstick
Highlights: USA-made, fruit pigmented, all-natural, cruelty-free, and vegan-friendly lipsticks that are actually good for your skin!
Rockwell 6C Razor
Highlights: Gorgeous, robust, durable, and practical razor. Offers six levels of blade ‘gap’ to tailor your shave. Made in Canada from stainless steel and high-end chromed zinc alloys. Lifetime warranty with 10 cent replacement blades. Could easily last long enough to pass onto your kids! Great for beginners and pros alike.
Au Naturale Bold Statement Mascara
Highlights: Cruelty-free, vegan formula features plant-derived waxes and natural pigments. Wide selection of colors, made in the US using certified organic, EcoCert, and/or Kosher/Halal certified ingredients.
Use code LEAFSCORE for 20% off!
Jane Iredale PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation
Highlights: Gorgeous Rose Gold Refillable Compact that’s recyclable at end of life but easily lasts for many years! Pressed powder refills offer reef-safe sun protection and combine powder, sunscreen, concealer, foundation, and antioxidants in one. Non-toxic, non-irritating, and cruelty-free.
Aisle [Staff tested]
Highlights: Planet-friendly period management products including period underwear, reusable pads, and menstrual cups. Inclusive, sustainable and socially minded company. Also great for postpartum care!
Whether you’re adding to your own reusables stash, haven’t tried reusable pads before for menstrual management, or are looking for a gift that could last a lifetime, Aisle is a top choice.
Aisle, got its start in Vancouver (as Lunapads) in 1993. When I moved to the city in 2010, a new friend worked there and introduced me to the brand, for which I’m continually grateful. Once I got my first bundle of reusable pads, there was no going back!
I’m still using those same pads, 11 years later! Which has likely saved more than 1,000 disposable pads from heading to landfill and saved me more than $500.
My favorite Aisle product, though, are the period undies. These fit really well, can accommodate a range of reusable pads, and have saved my sheets many a time.
Aisle makes its products using organic cotton and technical cotton, GRS certified recycled polyester (and some virgin polyester, though the company is switching this up soon), Tencel from wood fibers, and breathable polyurethane membranes (like in organic waterproof mattress protectors). Everything ships plastic-free and there are tons of fun patterns and styles available.
etee Lip Balm Mint and Grapefruit Combo Set
Highlights: Includes two jumbo lip balms: one mint, one grapefruit, for natural moisturizing action. Tubes are 3x the size of most lip balms at 11 and 12 grams and are packaged in biodegradable paper tubes instead of plastic!
Honeybee Gardens Nail Polish
Highlights: Made in the USA, this vegan-friendly, Feingold and PETA certified Cruelty Free water-based nail polish goes on easily and is easy to remove with alcohol only. Gorgeous colors, sustainable packaging, and ethically sourced mica for glitter!
Kinky-Curly [Staff tested]
Highlights: All-natural haircare brand making great products for curl definition. Lightweight and leaves hair soft, moisturized, shiny and well defined. Non-toxic and widely available.
Adia tried out the Knot Today Leave-in Conditioner plus the Curly Custard and gave it top spot in her round-up of Natural Products for Afro-Textured Hair!
Mühle Silvertip Synthetic Shaving Brush 31M89
Highlights: Stunning shaving brush with a soft, absorbent head comprising varying fiber thickness for great backbone without scratchiness. Easy to clean and maintain with a replaceable, but durable, knot.
Non-Toxic, Eco-Friendly Kitchen Bed, Bath, and Home Goods
PACT Room Service Sateen Sheet Set [Staff tested]
Highlights: Carbon neutral, Fair Trade, GOTS certified organic sateen sheets that look and feel luxurious. Sustainably packaged in a reusable bag that makes for great gifting! Tons of color options, and smartly designed with handy labels for fast sheet changes.
All PACT sheets are GOTS certified and sustainable, so it’s hard to choose a favorite. For cozy snuggles in the chillier months, though, I highly recommend the Room Service sateen sheet set.
These sheets are incredibly soft and smooth and add some serious luxury to any bedroom set-up. Even though I sleep hot and love percale sheets, I find the sateen sheets from PACT cozy and breathable, even in summer!
I got a set in Raisin, which remains a really rich, decadent color even after multiple wash cycles. The smart labelling makes for easy bedding changes and the sheets are sustainably packaged in a reusable organic cotton bag to match. This makes the sheets a lovely gift for anyone you know who needs a sleep upgrade (isn’t that everyone?!).
Delilah Home Hemp Sheets (and more!) [Staff tested]
Highlights: Beautiful GOTS certified organic hemp bedding shipped in sustainable packaging – makes a great gift! Soft, silky, and super cozy and comfortable.
Save 20% off sitewide plus free shipping using promo code Holiday2023, through November 30th. Some items up to 70% off!
Delilah Home’s Hemp Sheets are a firm favorite in our home. These soft, cozy, breathable sheets feel luxurious and are easy to care for (super quick to dry on the line!). They look great too, assuming you like a slight wrinkled look, similar to linen.
Delilah Home also offers organic cotton tea towels, bath towels, and more organic home goods.
Made In Porcelain Enameled Bakeware
Highlights: Beautiful and practical porcelain enameled bakeware. Oven safe to 650 degrees Fahrenheit, naturally non-stick and resistant to thermal shock.
Take up to 31% off porcelain bakeware from Made In. No code necessary. (Check out the sale on Made In’s cookware too!)
Caraway Home Cookware [Staff tested]
Highlights: Gorgeous, colorful, non-toxic and non-stick cookware and bakeware from a super transparent brand – all in sustainable, smart packaging you can reuse for storage!
Up to 42% off cookware and bakeware sets! No code needed.
Caraway Cookware is non-toxic, non-stick, and LeafScore tried and tested (by several team members!). This quality cookware works with induction, gas, and electric stovetops, is oven-safe, easy to clean, and very easy on the eyes. You can choose from nearly a dozen color options!
Things we love about Caraway cookware include how substantial the pots and pans feel without being overly heavy. Unlike cast iron or pure ceramic, these ceramic coated aluminum and steel pots and pans are light enough for older kids and seniors to use safely.
The pans also clean up well and they arrive in sustainable packaging that makes for an attractive gift.
Alva Cookware [Staff tested]
Highlights: One of our favorite non-toxic cookware brands. Alva offers carbon steel, stainless steel, and ceramic coated non-stick cookware made with recycled materials in sustainable packaging.
Use code BFCM20 for 20% off orders over $150.
Alva offers a wide range of gorgeous, non-toxic cookware. My favorites are the Forest collection comprising carbon steel with acacia wood handles. I also love the Maestro stainless steel collection and the ceramic coated non-stick frying pan which is PTFE-free and non-toxic.
