15 Sustainable Gifts For Everyone On Your List In 2021
Ethical & Eco-Friendly Gifts
Holidays might still look a little different this year, but we’re holding on to hope that we can embrace our loved ones—although we’ll absolutely take virtual tidings over no tidings at all. Our 2021 gift guide includes some of our favorite ethical and sustainable brands committed to supporting the wellbeing of workers, conservation of the planet, and artisan craftsmanship.
As such, many of these products are mild-to-moderate investments, which is why we’re sticking with fewer and better gifts for our loved ones. (You may even consider these as suggestions for what to look for in thrift stores if you’re choosing not to purchase anything new!)
Need more ideas? Be sure to check out our sustainable gift guide for men, and head here for our top gifts under $50. And if you’re looking for less, here’s our minimalist gift guide, as well as tips for giving free gifts. Happy gifting! 🎁✨
1. Modal Pajama Set | Hass
For the person who could use some extra-restful sleep (aka all of us), gift these pampering pajamas from Avocado’s new loungewear line, Hass. Made from silky Lenzig-certified modal, this set drapes like a dream and is suitable for staying snuggly and sweat-free no matter which season you wear it in. When it comes to cozy sleep—we trust the experts. (Sizes XS–XL)
Shop Tops / Shop Bottoms | $52+
2. Bright Eyes Masks | 100% PURE
These undereye masks from 100% PURE are just like us—highly caffeinated with the intention of hydrating. But unlike us and our water drinking habits, these organic aloe and plant-cellulose masks actually follow through. Featuring ingredients like hyaluronic acid, cucumber hydrosol, and coffee and tea extracts, they’ll nourish and pamper your person’s sleepy eyes. Stuff these in a stocking, slip them in a greeting card, or bundle them with any other gift on this list—they’re sure to brighten anyone’s day.
Shop | $7+
3. Cacao Turmeric Latte Blend | Golde
Golde’s superfood latte blends are perfect for supporting the wellness routines of your friends and family—no matter how far away they live. The Cacao Turmeric is dubbed “hot cocoa with benefits” and includes organic ingredients that support glowing skin, debloating, and stress balance. (Not sure if they’ll prefer this flavor? Opt for a small sampler with a gift card.)
Shop | $29
4. The Blanket Shirt | Outerknown
The blanket shirt from Outerknown is exactly as cozy as it sounds. Fairly made from 100% organic cotton and finished off with beautiful buttons made from nuts, this is *the* layering piece of the season. And, of course, for many seasons to come—reviews tout this shirt as sturdy and easy to love, and it comes in nine colorways (and men’s fits) to match any style. If you’re looking to save a little cash, you can also shop pre-loved OK garments at their secondhand initiative, Outerworn. (Sizes XS–L)
Shop | $148
5. Bento Bag | Two Days Off
We could all use a little extra encouragement to reduce our waste (and to pack our lunch, if we’re being honest). This deadstock bento bag from Los Angeles-based brand Two Days Off is made using off-cuts from the brand’s beautiful linen clothing. Pro tip: Give this bag as a gift on its own, or wrap some homemade goodies inside it for a zero waste surprise!
Shop | $25
6. All-Weather Amalia Boot | Nisolo
From the Carolinas to Colorado to California, a trusted pair of boots can make all the difference for people on the go. The Amalia boot from Nisolo is a water-resistant, shock-absorbing, and stylish pair worthy of any wardrobe. The brand ensures a living wage to 100% of the people creating products in their factories. Plus, Nisolo is a B Corp that offsets all of its carbon emissions—cue our happy dance. (Sizes 5–11, also available in men’s sizes.)
Shop | $250
7. Mini Pillow | Bear
Dreaming of travel? Us, too. So next time you hit the road, take along something comfy to dream on! Bear’s Mini Pillow is the perfect size for a carryon (or camping if that’s more your speed). Crafted with fabric that stays cool throughout the night, and made at just the right level of firmness, this is a travel essential that even comes with its own travel case. Plus, it’s hypoallergenic and antimicrobial? Sign us up.
Shop | $75
8. Morning Fog Gift Box | MADE by DWC
This set from MADE by DWC is tailor-made for the gifter who likes to keep things simple yet meaningful. The Morning Fog Gift Box includes 12 ounces of single-origin, fair trade coffee and a hand-poured soy wax candle (in the brand’s most popular espresso-inspired scent). All of MADE by DWC’s products are crafted in Los Angeles by women transitioning out of homelessness. The company supports them with job training and professional skill-building workshops.
Shop | $38
9. Cashmere Relaxed Sweater Vest | Boden
We’re all about the sweater vest trend these days, and it’s no surprise we’re gifting (and hoping to get!) one of these sleeveless beauties of our own. Boden’s cashmere vest is perfectly relaxed and pops on with ease over button downs and tees—or can be worn on its own. Boden is dedicated to making quality garments that last for many seasons and uses cashmere that meets The Good Cashmere Standard®.
Shop | $198
10. Cookware Set | Caraway Home
After the cooking craze of 2020, we’re all a little fried (pun obviously intended). But Caraway’s cookware set is here to spice things up! These pots and pans are made without PFOA, PTFE, and other PFAs, and feature a non-stick ceramic coating to make cooking and cleanup more enjoyable. You can purchase as a set, but no need to replace pots that still work—even an individual frying pan ($95) or dutch oven ($125) makes a thoughtful addition to their cookware collection.
Shop | $395 full set
11. Unique Knit Blankets | Cold Picnic
New York-based textile brand Cold Picnic has quickly become a team favorite here at The Good Trade. Cold Picnic produces all of its products in small batches at US-based knitting mills that have been family-operated since the early 1900s. (The OEKO-TEX certified recycled cotton is the cherry on top!) we’re eyeing the brand’s cheeky knit blankets, with designs that feature everything from boobs to koala bears, and we especially love their “You’re Okay, I’m Okay” and “Love Me” blankets for the folks on our gift lists.
Shop | $210
12. Non-Alcoholic Aperitif | Ghia
While we’re all about wine subscriptions, sometimes you need something a little less...boozy. Ghia makes delicious non-alcoholic bitter apértifs and spritzes using botanical extracts from herbs that soothe the mind and restore the body—all with a 0% ABV. Cheers to knowing this drink is vegan, gluten-free, and has no added sugars or artificial flavors!
Shop | $33+
13. Jersey Slip | Brook There
Brook There is one of our go-to’s for dreamy organic undergarments—and for a good reason. This brand makes organic cotton underthings without clasps, underwires, or other scratchy additions. The jersey slip is just as cozy, made using just the right amount of spandex for a little stretch. And it’s versatile beyond bedtime, too—the slip dress looks and feels just as good over a t-shirt in spring, or under a sweater with tights and boots in the fall.
Shop | $66
14. The Positive Planner | Uncommon Goods
It hasn’t been easy to focus on the positives this year, and we could use some help finding glimpses of joy where we can. This 12-week guided journal offers space for morning intentions and evening reflections, as well as other mindfulness and gratitude exercises to help you nourish yourself. It’s perfect for the person who wants to get into journaling but feels at a loss of where to start!
Shop | $20
15. 1976 Chain | Catbird
The smallest gifts can sometimes bring the biggest smiles—that’s why we’re adding Catbird’s 1976 Chain to our wishlist. While not a budget option, a timeless necklace is great as a one-and-done gift for that special person on your gift list. This unisex necklace can be worn at 20” or 22”, and all of Catbird’s jewelry is made in Brooklyn using fairly mined and recycled gold.
Shop | $268
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