33 Conscious Gifts for Everyone With Different Passions, Desires, and Needs
By Jharna Pariani
As a general rule of thumb, it’s always advisable to get your loved ones a gift that they’ll not only cherish but also put to good use. To help you achieve this gifting goal during the holidays, we’ve narrowed down 10 different personas and listed gifts that would suit each one of their varying tastes, goals, and personal styles.
Everybody has a personality type on their holiday shopping list, whether it’s a friend who loves all things self-care, a sister who loves to cook up a storm, or a brother who has taken a serious liking to the minimalist lifestyle. Think of this guide as your very own sustainable gift supermarket. There’s an aisle for every type of person you’d know, with only the best options to choose from, eliminating the paradox of choice altogether.
Instead of bombarding you with a choice overload, we’ve worked hard to narrow down our options to only three of the best to suit each category.
From covetable kitchen essentials for the host to breathtaking trinkets for the girl who loves to accessorize, our selection of eco gift ideas is what holiday fantasies are made of.
Click through for the most consciously curated gift guide ever! (Note that this guide includes partners and affiliates; as always we only feature brands that meet strict sustainability criteria and that we love — and that we think you'll love too!)
For the Fashionista Who Is Known for Turning Heads
She may always be one step ahead of the trend curve, and you may always be turning to her for fashion advice. But, what are the chic gifts that your sartorially-superior friend will actually appreciate?
1. Tencel Tights
Tights, leggings, or stockings, no matter what you call them, these hosiery essentials are a godsend during winters, especially when you want to wear a short dress or skirt. Go on and score some cool points with your fashionista friend by getting her a set of these plant-based Tencel tights that are not only easy on the planet but soft on the skin too.
Choose from their range of RevoTights and EverTights, where the latter comes with attached shorts to eliminate sagging.
Conscious points: Tencel, plant-based material, durable
Price: $19+
2. Maly Bag
A bag that’ll help crank up the notch on her summer wardrobe, this striking little rattan bag will be on her wrist whether she’s in the Hamptons or Hawaii.
Made from natural rattan and cotton inner lining, this dainty little bucket bag is roomy enough to fit a phone, pair of sunglasses, keys, and a card wallet. Held by the fingers or tucked as bangles at the forearm, this stylish little accessory will have her beckoning hot girl summer in no time.
Conscious points: natural rattan material, artisan-made, fair labor
Price: $130
3. Chain with Princess Cut Lab-Grown Diamond
The perfect gift for the ultra special one in your life, this ultra-fine 18k Fairmined gold chain features a princess cut stone of 0.10-carat diamond made from a unique technology that removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and converts it into precious diamonds.
Delicate enough to be worn from day to night, this necklace will have her exuding an irresistible, graceful energy every time she wears it.
Conscious points: diamonds made from carbon capture technology, positive impact
Price: $1100+
For the Busy Bees Who Could Use Some Relaxation
The perfect present for the over-achieving worker bees who could use a little R&R, these thoughtful and sustainable gift ideas will have them cozying up in no time.
4. Organic Cotton Blankets
Finely woven from organic cotton, these cozy blankets are impossible not to covet. A lush pick to accessorize your home for winter, each blanket comes with a herringbone weave, made without pesticides, bleach, or dyes, so they can rest easy and enjoy the natural cream-colored beauty of cotton.
It’s the kind of blanket that won’t help them get up in the morning, perfect for the bustling hustlers who could use a few more Z’s.
Conscious points: vegan, organic natural fibers, non-toxic
Price: $79+
5. Eucalyptus Joggers and Long Sleeve Top
It’s considered a widely honored tradition to receive a new pair of pajamas on Christmas morning — and since the holiday is merely a couple months away — we reasoned to put the spotlight on a PJ set we are dreaming to be presented with ourselves.
Made from ultra soft and breathable eucalyptus Tencel lyocell, these are the kind of pajamas that encourage aimless lounging all day long. (Check out more pajamas and more gifts on Made Trade.)
Conscious points: Tencel fabric, ethically made, WOC-owned brand & woman-owned marketplace
Price: $110 for the set
6. Wool Slippers With Rubber Sole
There’s no better present to give the busy bee than the gift of cozy comfort. And these all-natural wool bootie slippers are a great place to start. Designed for wearing both inside and outside the house, these slippers are naturally insulating and breathable.
Combine it with the pajama set listed before and you will have achieved the gifting trifecta of comfort.
For more options, check out Made Trade's curation of women’s slippers, men’s slippers, and baby booties. Or take a look at their full conscious gifts collection.
Conscious points: natural wool, ethically handcrafted, fair trade wages
Price: $124
For the hosts Known for Serving up the Best Feasts and Fiestas
For the party-giver who appreciates healthy cooking essentials as much as some fancy flatware for the kitchen, these host or hostess gifts won’t disappoint.
7. Ceramic Dutch Oven
For the host who loves channeling their inner Julia Child, this multi-purpose Dutch Oven from Caraway will be a welcome addition for all of their holiday feasts. Available in a range of eye-catching colors, this covetable pot comes lined with a non-toxic ceramic-coated interior that makes cooking — and even cleaning — an easy affair.
Our tip? Get one in the shade Perracotta for a true retro pop of color.
Conscious points: durable, non-toxic coating, stovetop agnostic
Price: $135
P.S. Caraway is currently offering 20% off sitewide during their once-a-year Cyber Season Sale now
8. Hand-Carved Mango Wood and Marble Board
If your host is all about serving things in style, then this little board will have their appetizers looking like works of art in no time.
Crafted in an unconventional blend of marble and hand-carved mango wood, this elegant little board can even double up as a coffee table accessory when not in use.
Conscious points: handcrafted, marble, mango wood, gives back
Price: $45
9. Linen Table Runner
Help them set their table with natural elegance with not PERFECT LINEN's washed soft linen table runner. From dusty lavender to moss green, there are a range of colors to choose from to fit any dining room aesthetic. To complete the set, take a look at their selection of coordinating tablecloths and linen napkins.
not PERFECT LINEN's entire range is handmade from 100% OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified flax linen locally in their own studio in Lithuania.
Conscious points: linen fabric, handmade locally in-house with care
Price: $36 / €37
For the One Who Loves to Accessorize
Have a friend in your life who won’t leave the house without completing her look with an accessory or two? These accessories will help her instantly elevate any look
10. Ethically Made Earrings
Aptly titled “Bloom Where You’re Planted”, these floral danglers come in slightly mismatched sizes, ethically crafted from upcycled scrap metals plated with 14K gold.
Charming enough to transform a fancy evening ensemble or even a casual weekend outfit into a noteworthy one in an instant, these earrings will quickly become a part of her regular accessory rotation.
What’s more? The brand donates a portion of every sale to GenerateHope and their fight against human trafficking.
Conscious points: upcycled scrap metal material, ethically made, gives back
Price: $98
11. Rattan Jewelry Hanger
The loved one with a treasure trove of accessories will surely appreciate a great place to store her baubles, just like this rattan jewelry hanger. Its crosshatch weave makes room for storing all kinds of hook clasp jewelry.
Stored by the dresser or hung on the wall, this functional rattan hanger is a great place to keep her favorite pieces at an easy wear-and-go spot close to the mirror.
Conscious points: natural rattan, handcrafted, ethically made
Price: $89
12. Room for Two Dopp Kit
Roomy enough to fit all their necessities, this perfectly sized cork toiletry bag makes it easy to carry full-size toiletries from home, making single-use “travel-size” products a thing of the past.
Made from natural cork material, this lightweight carryall travel bag is a cruelty free and eco-minded gift choice.
This deceptively practical bag — available in black, natural cork, and dark brown — even features an interior open pocket for smaller items and a strap with a clasp so it can be easily attached to luggage.
Conscious points: vegan, natural cork material, versatile and useful item
Price: $70
For the Social Entrepreneur on a Mission
Have loved ones in your life who are driven by the purpose to make the world a better place? Are they running a side hustle while constantly supporting a cause or donating to one? If they check more than two of these boxes then our curation of conscious gifts will keep them organized and motivated all year long.
13. Comfy & Cute Work-From-Home Wear
Loungewear doesn't have to mean oversized sweatshirts and sweatpants. The house dresses and silky-feeling robes from TAMGA will ensure your conscious entrepreneurial loved ones can look their best and feel their best while they're helping shape a better future.
Ethically made in Bali from super silky (but also plant-based!) TENCEL™, these are the kinds of dresses you can wear to a networking brunch, dress up for happy hour, or lounge in while working from the comfort of your sofa.
Conscious points: vegan, lower impact materials, fair production
Price: $53+
14. Kantha Connection Bracelets
Handcrafted by female artisans in India, these bracelets will bring a bohemian charm to their arms. Themed by different energies like “Hope”, “Creativity”, and “Strength” to name a few, these charming accessories make for thoughtful stocking stuffers to remind your loved ones just how much you support their personal mission.
They’ll also feel inspired knowing that their gift has made a difference. Every purchase supports and helps bring a female artisan closer to achieving personal and financial independence.
Conscious points: handcrafted, repurposed from scrap textiles, ethically made, gives back
Price: $17 each
15. Cork Tablet Organizer
A multi-tasking accessory that’ll help them stay organized, this bag is roomy enough to fit a tablet, or notebook, along with some interior and exterior pockets perfect for stashing away some business cards and a pen or two.
Helping them run more productive meetings with all of their essentials stashed away in style, this organizer is as thoughtful as a gift could get.
Conscious points: vegan, cork material, fairly made
Price: $135
For the Free Spirited Children You Know and Love
Have a niece or nephew you absolutely adore? Or a friend with kids who help you leave your worries behind every time you see them? These conscious gifts will make you their favorite uncle or aunt for life.
16. Fair Trade Family Pajamas by Mightly
Nightwear separates that are anything but snoozy, these printed gender-neutral kids sets can be coordinated with Mightly’s adult pajamas, giving the entire family a chance to create a memorable holiday greetings card.
What’s more? Mightly uses organic cotton that supports farmer families in India and works with Fair Trade certified factories.
Conscious points: organic cotton, fair trade
Price: $35
17. Bamboo Plate Set
Eco-friendly dinnerware that’ll have you wondering why you don’t have a set for yourself, these graphic plates are printed using safe soy-inks and crafted from durable bamboo fiber that makes those unfortunate dinner table accidents a stress-free affair.
Available in a colorful set of four plates, they accommodate both hot and cold foods and are dishwasher-safe.
Conscious points: bamboo material, soy ink dyes, plastic-free
Price: $44
18. Organic Cotton T-Shirt Set
Available in a range of adorable prints to choose from, this three-pack set of printed t-shirts is bound to be a hit with the kids. Made from soft organic cotton, these tees feature a tagless back label that won’t itch or cause discomfort.
Feel good about your purchase knowing that these tees were manufactured in a Fair Trade factory that supports the sustainable livelihoods of its workers, and provides additional money to empower and uplift their communities.
Conscious points: organic cotton, fairly made, low impact
Price: $36
For the Health and Fitness Curious
An ideal assortment of conscious gifts for the ones who are keen to walk down a healthier path but don’t know where to start.
19. ClassPass Membership
There’s no better way to help set your loved ones on their well-intentioned fitness path than with a ClassPass monthly membership. They say it takes about 21 days to form a habit, and with a flexible membership that makes it easy to attend a variety of different gyms, fitness studios, and spas, who wouldn’t want to stick with their newfound health goal?
P.S. During a busy month, your motivated loved ones can easily choose to roll over unused credits into their next plan.
Conscious points: healthy habit forming
Price: $19+
20. Recycled Paper Journal
The prettier the journal, the more motivated you are to write in it. It’s true! Printed with vegetable-based inks and made from recycled paper, this journal is something they’ll love reaching for every time they wish to jot down a note or two.
Besides, putting pen to paper has a lot of benefits. It makes goals feel more real and achievable while making room for random ideas and thoughts that are easy to forget given the multitude of distractions around us.
Conscious points: post-consumer recycled paper, dyed with vegetable-based ink
Price: $23
21. Reusable Stainless Steel Water Bottle
The only fitness accessory that isn’t optional — no matter the type of workout — a water bottle is an absolute essential for on-the-go hydration. Help them make a plastic-free choice with these stainless steel bottles from Klean Kanteen.
Available in a wide range of styles to suit individual needs, we recommend getting one with a straw cap for easy sips in between workout sets. You could even make a bundle out of it by getting them an insulated tumbler for their protein shakes.
Conscious points: food-grade stainless steel, BPA-free
Price: $28+
For the Outdoorsy Folk Who Prefer Being One With Nature
Have some loved ones who like breathing some fresh air and enjoying the freedom of open skies? Then look no further. These essentials will have them escaping the hustle and bustle of the busy city in no time.
22. Recycled Backpack
For the adventurer who is always ready to take on some outdoorsy pursuits, a reliable backpack is practically a non-negotiable. And Patagonia’s range of sturdy recycled backpacks like this mid-size black hole pack has your back.
Weather resistant with organized pocket slots, along with one for the laptop, this carryall will keep all their gear and equipment safe and dry when they are out hiking.
Conscious points: recycled material, durable, fairly made
Price: $169
23. Recycled Vegan Outdoor Boots
A new pair of boots is a gift that just about anyone is bound to get jazzed up about. Especially, if they are receiving this particular pair of outdoor boots as a Christmas present.
Constructed from 98% recycled materials and natural rubber, these boots feature removable gel insoles to absorb traction and are easy on the feet.
A reviewer even claims to have worn them hiking in the Canadian Rockies, where these boots managed to hold up well in terms of comfort and durability.
Why we love it: handcrafted, recycled materials, BIPOC woman-owned
Price: $198
24. Organic Cotton Socks
Since the average pair of boots are a lot stiffer than regular shoes, there is a very high chance they may also rub and chafe at the ankle. And the last thing anyone needs is a shoe bite while they are well on their trail. That’s where these super soft pairs of socks from Harvest & Mill come in.
Made from undyed organic cotton, these socks are created with a low impact and feature the right amount of stretch.
Look for mid-length ribbed varieties from within their range for maximum comfort with hiking boots.
Conscious points: organic cotton, localized supply chain, undyed
Price: $10+
For the Ones Who Take Their Self-Care Routine Very Seriously
Are they always heading to a yoga session, or does their idea of self-care often include a slew of essential oils? Whether they fall on this spectrum or need a push in the wellness direction, these conscious gifts are sure to set them up for some serious TLC.
25. Mindfulness App Membership
Filled with a range of guided meditations to get you familiar with the idea of meditating that helps address every need, whether that's restful sleep, managing stress, or reducing anxiety, the Mindfulness app will have them feeling zen in no time.
It’s the perfect gift for your loved ones who’ve been a bit stressed out lately. Equipped with reminders and daily notices to keep them mindful throughout the day, this app will have them prioritizing self-care in an instant.
Conscious points: healthy habit forming
Price: $85+
26. Non-Toxic Tea Kettle
Whether they have a morning matcha ritual or enjoy winding down with an herbal tea in the evenings, this elegant whistling tea kettle will be their inspiration for keeping up their daily self-care routines.
With this kettle's non-toxic coating and stove top agnostic base, it's a conscious gift that's as functional as it is beautiful. Speaking of which, we also love that Caraway's kettle can double up as chic kitchen decor when not in use.
Conscious points: non-toxic coating, classic design and quality made
Price: $195
P.S. Caraway is currently offering 20% off sitewide during their once-a-year Cyber Season Sale now
27. Cotton and Hemp Towel Set
If you’re anything like us, then you can relate to how relaxing lounging around wrapped up in your towel after a long bath can feel. And these cotton and hemp towels make the pedestrian business of keeping clean a little fancier with their lush feel and texture.
Available in a six-piece set that includes bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths in two pieces of each, there’s something crisp and fresh about these waffle towels.
Conscious points: cotton and hemp blend, no harsh chemicals used, ethically made
Price: $82
For the Minimalist Who Lives by the Less Is More Motto
In honor of the enduring appeal of minimalism, we’ve narrowed down our sustainable gift ideas to make exercising restraint look oh-so-good.
28. Audiobook Gift Membership
The perfect gift for the minimalist in your life who only has a select few books carefully color coordinated between bookends. Help them explore some great works by independent writers and create your very own book club with an audiobook gift membership by Libro.fm.
Audiobooks are a great alternative to paperbacks, making them the ideal gift for the declutter-happy folk who end up donating most of their books. They are also an easy way to catch up on reading on the go, making it convenient to get through listening to an entire book in just a few days.
Conscious points: supports local and independent bookstores
Price: $30+
29. Ethically-Made Watch
One of the best sustainable gifts on our list, these watches are carefully crafted using post-consumer plastic straps and a zero waste ion plating process that eliminates carbon emissions, wastewater, and toxic wastes associated with traditional watch-making processes.
Designed in delightfully minimal styles with a signature round dial, they come with a range of vibrant straps to choose from.
It's also an ideal gift for the digital minimalist who prefers a notification-free watch.
Conscious points: zero waste processes, recycled materials, ethically made
Price: $130
30. Palm Embroidered Basket
Handwoven from seagrass and raffia leaves in a soft yet sturdy frame, this embroidered basket will be a welcome addition to any minimalist home. Used as a planter or for storage, this basket will beckon tropical vibes no matter what corner of the house it’s placed in.
Pair this basket with the rattan jewelry hanger on our sustainable gift guide for the minimalist who loves adding some rustic charm around the house.
Conscious points: natural seagrass and raffia, ethically made, handcrafted
Price: $50
Bonus: Sustainable Stocking Stuffers For $30 and Under
Budget stocking stuffers are the best type of gift to give and receive. Not only are they cute and small, but for the most part, they are also exactly the kind of gift your loved one will actually end up using.
31. Coconut Wax Candle
With a quirky title like “All the Jingle Ladies”, who wouldn’t want to receive this delightful candle as a gift this holiday season? Crafted from a blend of coconut and soy wax, this fruity scent evokes an inviting warmth with its bright citrus and black cherry notes that enhance the dark plum heart of its fragrance.
With sweet base notes like amber, sugar, and vanilla, along with musk and freesia that add a light earthy scent, your loved ones can make their home smell like Christmas all year long.
Conscious points: coconut and soy candle wax, recycled glass container
Price: $29
32. Recycled Paper Intention Journal
“Nothing without intention” reads its cover in a powerfully subtle way to reinforce some mindful note-taking. Help your loved ones start the new year on the right note with a little help from this journal.
Made from recycled paper and non-toxic inks, complement this journal with an intention pen from the same brand to make it a better gift.
Conscious points: recycled paper, non-toxic print, black-owned business
Price: $20
33. Organic Bath Soak
Never underestimate the power of a long bath. It can treat stress, enhance relaxation, and help anyone emerge refreshed. Pamper your loved ones this holiday season by helping make their bath time experience more rejuvenating than ever with this organic mineral-based bath soak.
Made from ingredients like gluten-free oat flour, kaolin clay, and rose essential oil, to name a few, this soak claims to put irritable skin at ease, leaving it silky and smooth.
Conscious points: ethically sourced organic ingredients, recyclable packaging
Price: $18
About the Author:
Jharna Pariani is a fashion writer and creative strategist whose work is rooted in honesty and deep observation of the world around her. When she isn’t busy penning down her thoughts, she moonlights as a video editor creating fashion and food reels on Instagram for several brands and influencers.
