Sustainable Gift Guide: 30 Eco-Friendly Gifts for Any Occasion

22-Sept-2023, updated 22-April-2024

Looking for ideas for a beautiful and sustainable gift for a birthday, holiday, or just because? You've come to the right place! At SERRV, we carry hundreds of eco-friendly and ethically-made products from around the world, crafted using natural, upcycled, and recycled materials. We've selected some of our favorite eco-friendly gifts that give back to help you get started.

Responsive imageReusable Sari Produce Bags

Eco-Friendly Gifts for On-the-Go

It can be difficult to stay sustainable on the road, but we have several gifts that make it easy! Whether it's a trip to the grocery store or across the country, you'll find a handcrafted, eco-friendly product perfect for the occasion.

  1. Reusable Sari Produce Bags

    This set of 3 reusable produce bags is made from upcycled sari and natural cotton mesh, which makes them a great alternative to the plastic produce bags at the supermarket. Plus, each one is truly one-of-a-kind, meaning no one else will have them! Pair them with a reusable tote for even more impact.

  2. Responsive imageUpcycled Sari Totes

  3. Upcycled Sari Totes

    Great for carrying books, papers, groceries and more, these colorful and unique reusable tote bags are made from recycled materials, keeping cotton saris out of the landfill while providing a source of vital income for skilled artisans in India. Each upcycled sari tote bag can also be collapsed into a single inner pocket and buttoned closed for hassle-free storage. You can use them as a gift wrap alternative, or give them as a gift on their own.

    Responsive imageUpcycled Sari Packing Cubes

  4. Packing Cubes

    For the world traveler, consider gifting them a set of reusable packing cubes! A must-have for any frequent flyer, these sets of three packing cubes help prevent wrinkles in clothes and keep suitcases organized. Choose from colorful Upcycled Sari Packing Cubes or traditional Indigo Shibori Packing Cubes, both made from natural cotton and sustainably sourced from India and Cambodia.

    Responsive imageRecycled Bottle Backpack

  5. Recycled Bottle Bags

    For the always on-the-go, our Recycled Bottle Backpack and Crossbody Bag (each made with 20 plastic water bottles) make perfect eco-friendly gifts. Stash some Divine Chocolate inside, or fill one with school supplies as a back-to-school gift for your favorite student.

    Responsive imageRethread Throw

  6. Rethread Throw

    Whether tossed over a sofa or spread out on the grass for a picnic, a colorful Rethread Throw from India makes a wonderful eco-friendly gift. Each gorgeous cotton and polyester blend throw blanket is made from washed and recycled clothing, which is unraveled, cleaned, and re-woven. With over a dozen different styles to choose from, you're sure to find one that matches their aesthetic.

    Eco-Friendly Gifts for Foodies

    Give a memorable and eco-friendly gift to your favorite food lover with fair trade! Each handmade serveware piece and delicious food is sustainably-sourced and ethically-made, ensuring that their next gathering will be one-of-a-kind.

      Responsive imageTree of Life Shesham Trivet

    1. Tree of Life Shesham Trivet

      The spiritual symbol of the Tree of Life is masterfully captured in this sustainably-sourced trivet. Each one is hand carved out of fast-growing shesham wood by a skilled artisan in Saharanpur, India. It makes a beautiful and meaningful gift for anyone at home in the kitchen, or when paired with our other Tree of Life handcrafts.

      Responsive imageDouble Vine Breadwarmer

    2. Terracotta Breadwarmer

      Our handcrafted breadwarmers are some of our most popular gift items! Each terracotta warming stone and bread basket set is made entirely by hand using sustainable kaisa grass, fast-growing palm leaf, and natural terracotta clay by skilled artisans in rural Bangladesh. It's great for keeping bread, baked goods, tortilla chips and more hot and fresh. SERRV carries several different designs inspired by nature, traditional patterns, and festive motifs. Pair a breadwarmer with some organic olive oil and reusable cotton napkins for a D-I-Y eco-friendly gift basket.

      Responsive imageTiffin Lunch Set

    3. Stainless Steel Tiffin

      Perfect for the foodie on-the-go, this traditionally-inspired stacking tiffin set with carrying handle is great for holding salads, curries and more. Reusable containers mean less plastic, helping build eco-friendly habits in colorful style. Pair with a set of Stainless Steel Snack Containers (scroll down to read more about them) for a sustainable, travel-friendly gift!

      Responsive image Acacia Wood Salad Set

    4. Acacia Wood Salad Set

      Our beautiful and timeless Acacia Wood Salad Set is a great artisan-made gift for the entertainer in your life. The set includes a large salad bowl, six serving bowls, and two serving utensils, each hand carved from eco-friendly and sustainably-sourced acacia, which is a fast-growing and durable hardwood that's naturally antibacterial. Safe, sophisticated, and sustainable!

      Responsive image Divine Chocolate Grande Sampler Box

    5. Divine Chocolate Gift Box

      No eco-friendly gift ideas list is complete without fair trade chocolate! Ethically grown using sustainably-sourced cocoa, Divine Chocolate is a delicious and indulgent gift that's a must for any chocolate lover. Plus, Divine Chocolate is co-owned by small-scale farmers in Ghana, who are able to reinvest in environmental improvement projects in their communities through the income earned from their crops. Choose from three different artisan chocolate gift boxes, all packaged in a reusable handmade paper box from Nepal.

    Eco-Friendly Gifts for $30 or Less

    Going green and supporting fair trade doesn't have to be expensive! If you're shopping for sustainable gifts on a budget, we have a great selection of high-quality handcrafts at affordable prices.

      Responsive imageKantha Dish Cloths

    1. Kantha Dish Cloths

      These super absorbent dish cloths are made from recycled materials, making them one of the best eco-friendly gifts around. Colorful upcycled saris are hand stitched with kantha embroidery and come with attached hanging loops. Like all of our sari items, these handmade kitchen textiles are one-of-a-kind, so your gift will be extra special.

      Responsive imageWool Felt Scrubbers

    2. Wool Felt Scrubbers

      This eco-friendly gift makes a great stocking stuffer! Ethically-sourced wool felt, which has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, is molded together by hand and embellished with festive designs. You can wash and reuse them again and again, eliminating the need for disposable sponges. At just $14, a set of 3 scrubbers is one of the most affordable handcrafts on our list.

      Responsive imageEarly Riser Medium Coffee

    3. Early Riser Ground Coffee

      This organic, shade-grown, medium-roast coffee with notes of vanilla, apple and citrus is both delicious and eco-friendly. Family farmers in Guatemala use sustainable farming methods and earn fair premiums for their coffee beans, allowing them to invest in environmental protection initiatives in their communities. Pair with a ceramic mug for a sustainable gift they'll love!

      Responsive imageStainless Steel Snack Containers

    4. Stainless Steel Snack Containers

      Whether it's to the office or across the country, this set of 3 stainless steel containers in fun colors is a useful gift for anyone on the go. They're great for replacing plastic snack bags, but you can use them for storing more than food! Pack them full of delicious fair trade chocolates or a gift card as a holiday gift, or store office supplies, cotton swabs, makeup sponges and more.

      Responsive imageReusable Sari Bowl Covers Set

    5. Reusable Sari Bowl Covers

      Whether your giftee is a seasoned waste-free living veteran or just getting started, our set of two reusable sari bowl covers is a great eco-friendly gift. With a washable vinyl interior and an exterior made from recycled materials, each bowl cover adds one-of-a-kind color to their kitchen while keeping food fresh and contained.

      Eco-Friendly Gifts for Him

      The men in our lives can be tough to shop for, but SERRV has unique gifts perfect for any guy. Whether he's an outdoorsman, a griller, or a sports fan, we've got you covered.

        Responsive image Round Bamboo Wind Chime

      1. Round Bamboo Wind Chime

        If he likes to garden or spend time outdoors, this handsome, eco-friendly gift is a great choice. The natural bamboo of this artisan wind chime from the Philippines produces a gentle sound when moved by the wind, and its simple and natural design will appeal to many aesthetics. He'll also enjoy that each Bamboo Wind Chime is crafted by a skilled artisans earning vital income to support their family.

        Responsive imageDanay Denim & Leather Apron

      2. Danay Denim & Leather Apron

        For the man who loves to grill, a reliable apron is a great gift, especially when paired with sauces, spices, or grilling tools. This one is both durable and eco-friendly! Our Danay Denim & Leather Apron from Bangladesh is made from recycled materials, featuring two spacious pockets and adjustable real leather straps on a thick upcycled denim base, allowing it to stand up to even the toughest of jobs.

        Responsive image Lak Lake Tall Mug

      3. Lak Lake Tall Mug

        This attractive mug is the perfect sustainable gift for him. With a bold blue and black reactive glaze, ergonomic handle, and weighted bottom, it's a striking choice for the coffee connoisseur. Plus, it's made from durable and natural ceramic clay by artisans from Bat Trang, Vietnam, where the art of pottery has been practiced for over 1,000 years. Add a bag of fair trade coffee or loose-leaf tea sampler to top it off!

        Responsive image Savannah Selfies Trivets

      4. Savannah Selfies Trivets

        Perfect for protecting tables from game day dips and other hot dishes, our Savannah Selfies Trivets are a colorful and truly unique handmade gift. Each one is handmade by skilled artisans in Kenya, who choose each piece of soapstone, then carve and dye it, all by hand. They're also made of natural materials, making them a great sustainable gift idea. This set of three trivets also makes stunning wall décor for any space that needs color!

        Responsive image Soléy Wall Art

      5. Soléy Wall Art

        Does the man in your life need to spruce up his living space? Help him add color with this sustainable home accent made from recycled materials. Our Soléy Wall Art from Haiti is hand cut from recycled oil drums, then hammered and painted by hand into a stunning décor piece. Because it's great for indoors and out, he can hang it in the garage, out in the garden, or in any place that needs some sunshine. Plus, you'll feel good about giving a fair trade art piece that provides a source of vital income for skilled artisans working in challenging conditions.

      Eco-Friendly Gifts for the Decorator

      Know someone who loves to decorate? Help them with their next seasonal refresh with an eco-friendly product from SERRV! Handcrafted home goods make wonderful gifts for any occasion, whether it's Christmas, weddings, anniversaries, or a new home.

        Responsive image Ayana Aqua Hand Towel

      1. Handspun Bath Textiles

        Using cotton thread spun by hand, our talented artisan partners in Ethiopia weave bath textiles that are attractive, absorbent, and fair. Our handmade bath collection features bath mats, hand towels, and bath towels, all soft against the skin while standing up to daily use. These luxurious, eco-friendly products also come in two colors, aqua and stone. Can't choose which color you love more? Gift one set and keep the other!

        Responsive imagePeace Wreath

      2. Peace Wreath

        The decorator will love this wreath for its simplicity and versatility, both decorated and unadorned. One of our top-selling décor items, our sustainably-sourced, 100% natural Peace Wreath from the Philippines makes a beautiful statement in any home, whether hanging on the front door for all to see or indoors just for them. It's made by hand with natural and fast-growing takip-asin wood and galtang vine by skilled artisans who earn vital income through their crafts. A rustic and truly unique gift!

        Responsive imageMakali Shamba Gallery Baskets

      3. Handmade Raffia Baskets

        For the art lover, a hand woven basket is sure to please. Each of our eco-friendly raffia baskets is made entirely by hand from fast-growing grasses and banana leaves by artisan women in rural Uganda, making them the perfect eco-friendly gift. Artistic by design and by nature, they're great for storage on coffee tables and counters, or as stunning additions to an eye-catching basket wall. We also have two curated collections that are ready to display, taking the guesswork out of what to give.

        Responsive imageKalamkari Patchwork Bedding

      4. Kalamkari Patchwork Bedding

        You can never have too many blankets, especially when they're sustainably made. A cozy blanket or quilt makes a great gift for any occasion, and our eco-friendly Kalamkari Patchwork Bedding is no exception. Each quilt is crafted from natural cotton and block printed with traditionally-inspired designs entirely by hand using hand-carved wooden blocks. Kalamkari textiles get their rich color from the natural vegetable-based dyes, which means no harmful chemicals or synthetic dyes are used. Gift your favorite decorator just the quilt, or both the quilt and shams for a fair trade bedroom refresh.

        Responsive imageEvergreen Alpaca Throw

      5. Alpaca Throw

        We did just say you can never have too many blankets! Our incredibly soft alpaca throws are another great eco-friendly gift option for the aspiring interior designer. Our partners in Peru use only sustainably-sourced, ethically-obtained, and cruelty-free alpaca wool to weave these luxurious throw blankets. With five different designs to choose from, you'll find one that's perfect for your giftee's space.

      Eco-Friendly Wellness Gifts

      The gift of relaxation is often one of the best gifts you can give, and it's even better if it's eco-friendly! From soaps to socks, you'll find a wellness gift that's good for the planet at SERRV.

        Responsive imageUpcycled Sari Bath Robe

      1. Upcycled Sari Bath Robe

        Know someone who could use some TLC? Help them plan their spa day with a cozy bath robe made from recycled materials. Our Upcycled Sari Bath Robe from India is made with colorful cotton saris, making each one truly unique. Plus, it has pockets and is one size fits most, so it also makes a great surprise gift!

        Responsive image7-Day Face Scrubbers

      2. 7-Day Face Scrubbers

        Another eco-friendly gift made using recycled materials, our budget-friendly 7-Day Face Scrubbers at just $22 make a great gift for the self-care guru. They feature cotton terry cloth backed with colorful saris, all in a reusable drawstring carrying pouch. Pair with some earth-conscious face masks and creams for an at-home facial kit, or use as a one-of-a-kind stocking stuffer.

        Responsive image Soap Saver Exfoliator

      3. Soap Saver Exfoliator

        Plastic is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to landfill pollution, so anyone on your list that is looking to eliminate plastic use needs one of our Soap Saver Exfolitators. Artisans in Bangladesh weave 100% natural jute string into a pouch perfect for exfoliating and holding a bar of soap or leftover soap bits and piece, so no more plastic soap bottles! This makes an excellent stocking stuffer or small gift when paired with some of our all-natural soaps.

        Responsive imageSari Eye Mask

      4. Sari Eye Mask

        Nothing says relaxation like a good night's sleep. If your loved one could catch a few more zs, help them out by gifting them this sustainably-sourced Sari Eye Mask. Each one is made from cotton saris in cool pastels, is padded to block the light, and features an attached, sari-wrapped elastic band.

        Responsive image Remnant Knit Slipper Socks

      5. Remnant Knit Slipper Socks

        Getting cold feet about holiday gifting? These slipper socks are here to save the day! Sustainably-sourced wool remnants are knit together in various patterns and colors to create these cozy socks, which are a source of steady income for skilled artisans in Nepal. Each pair is unique, so purchase in multiples as stocking stuffers, for coworkers, or anyone who needs to put their feet up.

      Of course, there are hundreds more sustainable gift options at serrv.org, each completely fair trade and handmade. Have eco-friendly gift ideas you want to share? Send us your thoughts at marketing@serrv.org.

Tags:   Gifts  

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