Sustainable & Cozy Gift Guide
Cozy gifts are classic because people love anything that will help them relax. This guide is intended to aid you in finding those self-care themed gifts that have a minimal impact on the environment. Some of these items are pricey, but they are great quality. Sustainable gift-giving can entail giving/receiving only a few great items rather than a large quantity of items with a short product lifespan.
1.A West Elm Blanket Made of 100% Organic Cotton
Most fuzzy blankets are made from Polyester, a fossil fuel-based material. This material sheds small plastic fibers in the washing machine which end up in our waterways, so it isn’t the best option for those shopping with sustainability in mind. Look for blankets made of completely natural & organic materials, such as cotton, flax linen, or wool.
2. Recycled Cashmere Sweater From Everlane for Men and Women
We all know how soft cashmere is, so it’s perfect for people who want their everyday clothes to feel like pajamas. Everlane has a new line of sweaters, ReCashmere, that use recycled cashmere products for a 50% reduction in environmental impact.
3. Package-Free Body Conditioner or Make Your Own Body Scrub
A waste-free shower routine doesn’t have to be boring! Any package-free body conditioner from Lush is aesthetically pleasing & smells good. I like this one in particular because you use it in the shower and then don’t need lotion when you’re done. If you have the time for a hands-on gift, you could make a batch of body scrubs to give out as gifts this year.
4. Hit Up Your Local Bookstore
I work in a bookstore and I’m a strong advocate for buying your books at indie bookstores rather than Amazon, Target, or any other big box store. [If you don’t have an indie bookshop in your area, we ship for $3 and wrap presents for free 😉 ]. American Cozy, The Little Book of Hygge, and Small Space Style are all great books for the person who likes finding new ways to de-clutter their life for a more mindful mental and physical space.
5. Spa/Massage/Facial Gift Certificate
This is a great opportunity for you to gift a cozy experience rather than a physical item. Don’t be afraid to ask someone if there is a specific spa they have wanted to try before buying them a voucher somewhere. Groupon also has some great deals.
Candles are a classic gift. Conventional paraffin candles are made of fossil fuels, so they release CO2 in the air each time they are burned, not to mention the harmful process of extracting those fossil fuels from the ground! Opt for small-batch soy candles because soy wax is made of plant-based oil and they burn longer than paraffin candles. My favorite soy candles are from Happy Camper Candles because they are hand-poured and woman-founded. They come in mason jars that can be infinitely reused when you are done with them.
7. Organic Loose Tea in a Refillable Container
DAVIDsTEA sells an organic loose tea starter kit in refillable tins & they sell a variety of loose teas and tins separately. They even offer a discount when you buy a loose tea refill in any of their stores with a reusable container (can be theirs or your own), which is great if you want to make your own tea kits for your friends and family. If you don’t have a DAVIDsTEA in your area, try replicating the same idea at your local tea/spice shop.
8. Potted Houseplants
Greenery makes people happy and a potted houseplant is a thoughtful gift they can enjoy all year. A local nursery or florist will have experts on hand so you can find the perfect pots and plants for your family and friends. Someone who travels often may do better with air plants, but someone who works from home might enjoy the company of a plant that needs frequent attention. The possibilities are endless and you’ll be supporting a local business along the way.
I do not make money from the links in this post. They are there to help make sustainable gift-giving easier for you.