13 Eco-Friendly December Gifts That Won't Cost the Earth (Literally)
1. Bee's Wrap Assorted 3-Pack - The Plastic Wrap Killer
What it is: Organic cotton infused with beeswax, jojoba oil, and tree resin. Warm it with your hands to mold it over bowls, cheese, fruit, or sandwiches. Washable, reusable, and compostable.
Why it's a great gift: It's the "gateway drug" to sustainability. It looks beautiful (honeycomb pattern is classic), smells amazing (light beeswax scent), and actually works better than plastic wrap because it breathes.
The psychology: Solves the "guilt of single-use plastic" every time they open the fridge. A daily reminder of their good choices.
Shop this gift →2. BigBlue 30W Solar Phone Charger - Off-Grid Power
What it is: A portable, foldable solar panel array with 3 USB ports. Hang it on a backpack while hiking or lay it out at the campsite. Charges an iPhone in ~2-3 hours of direct sunlight.
Why it's a great gift: Perfect for the Bay Area outdoor enthusiast. Unlike battery banks that need wall charging, this creates its own power. It's emergency preparedness disguised as a cool gadget.
The psychology: Taps into the desire for self-reliance and freedom. "I can survive anywhere" energy.
Shop this gift →3. Stasher Silicone Reusable Bags (Starter Kit)
What it is: Platinum-grade food silicone bags that are dishwasher, microwave, and oven safe (up to 400°F). The pinch-loc seal is airtight.
Why it's a great gift: They feel premium—thick, soft, and come in gorgeous colors. Cheap silicone bags leak; Stashers don't. They double as sous-vide bags or travel organizers.
Shop this gift →4. FinalStraw Collapsible Metal Straw
What it is: A stainless steel straw that folds into a keychain-sized case. Self-assembling (like a tent pole) and includes a cleaning squeegee.
Why it's a great gift: It's a conversation starter. The fidget-factor of opening and closing it is satisfying. Essential for Bay Area boba lovers where plastic straws are banned.
Shop this gift →5. Hanging Countertop Compost Bin (1.9 Gal)
What it is: A 1.9-gallon compost bin that hangs on a cabinet door or wall hook. Semi automatic slide lid makes one-handed drop-ins easy. Dimensions: 10.2" L x 5.9" W x 8.26" H.
Why it's a great gift: No bending to scoop scraps and the lid seals odors tight so the kitchen stays fresh. Wide 10.2" opening means fewer messes. Includes both hook and adhesive mounting options for renters.
Setup: Slide the hook onto the bin and hang it on the cabinet, or stick the included adhesive hook to the cabinet and hang—done in under a minute.
Shop this gift →6. Pela Case - Compostable Phone Case
What it is: A soft, grippy phone case made from flax shive and plant-based biopolymers. Fully compostable at home when you're done with it.
Why it's a great gift: It protects phones just as well as plastic cases but feels softer and more organic. The speckled "flax" look is trendy and unique.
Shop this gift →7. Swedish Dishcloths (10-Pack)
What it is: Cellulose and cotton blend cloths that absorb 20x their weight in liquid. Washable in the dishwasher or washing machine. Compostable.
Why it's a great gift: They actually work. One cloth lasts for months. The designs are cute (scandi patterns, animals), making a boring utility item fun.
Shop this gift →8. Blueland Hand Soap Starter Set
What it is: A beautiful glass "forever bottle" and tablet refills. Fill with water, drop in a tablet, and it fizzes into foaming hand soap.
Why it's a great gift: The unboxing experience is magical. The glass bottle looks high-end on any bathroom counter. Scents like Iris Agave are sophisticated, not chemical.
Shop this gift →9. Guppyfriend Washing Bag
What it is: A scientifically designed laundry bag that catches microfibers shedding from synthetic clothes (fleece, polyester) before they enter the water system.
Why it's a great gift: For the eco-purist who worries about ocean pollution. It also protects clothes, making them last longer. A niche but highly appreciated problem-solver.
Shop this gift →10. Indoor Herb Garden Kit (Mason Jar)
What it is: Hydroponic system in a vintage-style mason jar. Uses a passive wicking system to water itself. Includes seeds (basil, mint, or cilantro) and soil.
Why it's a great gift: Impossible to kill (perfect for brown thumbs). Looks adorable on a windowsill. Fresh herbs taste better than store-bought plastic clamshells.
Shop this gift →11. Safety Razor (Merkur 23C)
What it is: Heavy-duty chrome steel razor. Uses recyclable double-edge blades that cost pennies instead of $4 cartridges.
Why it's a great gift: It's an heirloom-quality object. The shave is closer and causes less irritation. Feels like a luxury barber experience at home.
Pick their fit: Merkur offers multiple handle lengths and knurling styles (34C, 23C, 38C) so you can match hand size and grip preference—this 23C is the longer, slimmer classic.
Shop this gift →12. Wool Dryer Balls (6-Pack)
What it is: Solid balls of New Zealand wool. Bounce around in the dryer to separate clothes, reducing drying time by 25% and softening fabric naturally.
Why it's a great gift: Replaces toxic dryer sheets. They last for 1,000+ loads. You can add essential oils to them for natural scent. Cute sheep designs available.
Shop this gift →13. "How to Give Up Plastic" Book
What it is: A practical, non-preachy guide by Will McCallum (Head of Oceans at Greenpeace). Actionable tips for every room in the house.
Why it's a great gift: Empowering rather than depressing. Gives context to all the other eco-swaps. A great coffee table book for the aspiring eco-warrior.
Shop this gift →