2024 Sustainable Holiday Gift Guide
It’s that time of year again! Gift giving is top of mind so as you plan what you’re going to be getting for your loved ones, consider shopping small and sustainable!
Below you will find a handful of small sustainable businesses we have connected with over the year along with their number one pick for the holidays.
Home Goods
Claire Ring is the Owner and Founder of Cocoplum. Cocoplum’s mission to reduce plastic waste. Claire’s #1 holiday gift pick is their Zero Waste Coasters.
“I think coasters are a great gift that lots of people would enjoy. I also think they’d make great stocking stuffers. The coasters are made from the plastic scrap from making our sunglasses.” And their sunglasses are made from upcycled prescription pill bottles.
Amy Karr, is the Owner of Ethos Kolekto. She told us that, “through the shop, filled with stylish and affordable goods that bring empowerment to their makers in the developing world, the book club that eagerly learns about the challenges that others face on a daily basis, and micro-loans shared with entrepreneurs a world away, Ethos Kolekto strives to make positive changes in the world”.
Her #1 holiday gift pick are the handmade grass bowls from Rwanda. “These bowls are a unique way to bring the world into your home! Each bowl was hand-woven from locally gathered and sustainably dyed sisal fibers. They measure 7" in diameter, have a hook on the back so they can be hung on the wall in addition to being used as a catch-all for knick knacks, and snacks, and they come with a tag signed by the artisan who made it.”
Laurelle Crossland is the Founder of Loyal to Nature. She told us their mission is “to help you live beautifully with exceptional products that embody the spirit of the coast, while celebrating nature, honoring our oceans, and fostering the joy of healthy living for all beings.” Her #1 holiday gift pick is The Oceanic Pullover.
“Our entire coastal collection is made with 100% GOTS certified organic cotton, manufactured by a member of Fair Wear Foundation, made with GOTS and OEKO-Tex certified dyes and inks applied in a low-water, zero-waste dye house, and everything is vegan and microplastic-free.
“We are also expanding to add ethically sourced, handmade jewelry, environmentally friendly art prints, and organic herbal tinctures and medicinal mushrooms in the next few weeks! Our commitment is to always offer products that are ‘loyal to nature’”.
Tarin Wilks is the Founder of Peaceful Earth Goods. Her company’s mission is “to provide natural and sustainable candles and body care products at an affordable cost.” Tarin’s #1 holiday gift pick is the candle and essential oil roller aromatherapy gift set.
“This set is the perfect gift set to introduce someone to aromatherapy and let them sample our products. The candle itself is made with 100% soy wax, making it a much more sustainable choice than the paraffin candles in most stores. There are no artificial fragrances in either items, and both are in glass containers that can easily be reused.”
Jenny McCarty is the Owner and Artist behind Sage Leaf Studio. Her mission is to “create soul nourishing and ecofriendly art for nature lovers”. Her #1 holiday gift pick is Peek Beyond the Pika Fine Art Print.
“If you’re looking for the perfect gift for the nature lover in your life, look no further than my watercolor painting, ‘Peek Beyond the Pika’. This charming piece captures a pika at an iconic overlook in Rocky Mountain National Park. But here's the fun part—there’s more to this painting than meets the eye! Peek beyond the pika and see how many other Rocky Mountain animals you can spot. Elk? Bighorn sheep? Maybe even a bear? This interactive element makes it a playful yet meaningful addition to any space for children and adults alike.”
“What makes this painting the #1 holiday pick? It’s not just about the cute pika. This little guy represents so much more. Pikas are ‘indicator species,’ alerting us to the effects of climate change on their high-alpine habitats, and by extension, the entire mountain ecosystem. Whether it’s for a nursery, kids’ room, or for adults who still love to daydream about the mountains, this piece brings the serene beauty of the Rockies into any home, while also serving as a gentle reminder of the importance of protecting our wild spaces. These prints are made with ecofriendly materials and shipped in sustainable packaging, perfect for the conscious consumer.”
Bath and Body
As a small business that is dedicated to making sustainable products our #1 holiday gift pick this year would be our Snowflake Honey Lavender Oat Goat’s Milk Soap Bars. These soap bars help keep skin moisturized all winter long and come in unique snowflake patterns and designs.
5% of each sale of this bar goes to Bee Regenerative, formally known as Bee Girl, a nonprofit working on regenerative agriculture, native bee conservation, and wildlife coexistence.
Francesca Eales is the Owner and Maker at Hello Wink. She told us that their mission is “to reduce plastic makeup waste”. Francesca’s #1 holiday gift pick is All Over Color Sticks.
“Our All Over Color Stick is a favorite because it’s easy to use and super versatile. You can apply it on your lips, cheeks, and eyes, so it’s like having three products in one. With a creamy formula that blends effortlessly, it’s perfect for quick touch-ups or creating a natural look on the go. Plus, it comes in 17 different colors, so there’s a shade for everyone!”
“What makes it even better is that the packaging is fully recyclable, so it’s an eco-friendly option too. You can feel good about giving a gift that’s not only versatile and beautiful but also helps reduce waste.”
Adrie Ferrell is the Owner and Founder of Topa Naturals. She says their mission is being “committed to sustainability and transparency. We create formulas that are gentle, effective, and free from harmful chemicals.” Adrie’s #1 holiday gift pick is Topa Naturals’ Antioxidant Facial Oil.
“The antioxidant facial oil is our #1 product because it combines powerful ingredients that nourish and protect the skin from environmental stressors, promoting a radiant complexion. Its unique formulation includes natural antioxidants that help combat free radicals and support skin health.”
“Additionally, our eco mission is at the heart of everything we do. We prioritize sustainably sourced ingredients, use eco-friendly packaging, and engage in responsible production practices. By choosing our facial oil, you're not only treating your skin but also supporting a brand committed to protecting the planet.”
We hope this gift guide has peaked your interest and that you will check out not only the companies we highlighted but also other sustainable and local small businesses this year. Wishing all a very happy holiday!
