The festive season is one of my favourite times of year – the festive cheer, warmth, and for some, a Secret Santa exchange.
Now, I don’t believe that Christmas is all about the presents. But, this year my family have decided to take part in Secret Santa. That way, we’re not spending a fortune, but we each get one gift.
So, this got me thinking. What would be a great gift I could give that wouldn’t just be nice gifts for the family, but also be eco-friendly?
So, I got to brainstorming, and I’ve put together a list of 15 eco-friendly Secret Santa gifts. These are perfect for your friends, a family member, or even coworkers who care about their environmental impact and want to make sustainable choices.
So, if you’re looking to play Santa this year, why not don your green hat instead of the traditional red one? Too cheesy? Sorry!
You might also like:
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Eco-Friendly Secret Santa Gifts
I wanted to put together this list of great secret Santa gift ideas so you wouldn’t have to do all the research yourself. And these are just some of my favourite secret Santa gifts I came across:
1. Reusable Water Bottle
We all need to stay hydrated, and I don’t know anyone who doesn’t need a water bottle! Instead of buying plastic bottles that create unnecessary waste, a reusable water bottle is the answer.
There are plenty of options out there -like this stainless steel one, or this super cute glass one with a bamboo lid.
They’re stylish, eco-friendly and it might just encourage someone who needs it to drink more water!
2. Bamboo Soap Dish
Most homes out there, unfortunately, use plastic soap dishes to keep their slippery soap in place. Sadly, because plastic is human-made and non-biodegradable, it’s not eco-friendly.
But natural bamboo soap dishes are made from 100% bamboo, making them completely biodegradable and more sustainable than plastic.
Besides aesthetics, are naturally water-resistant, reducing the risk of mould and extending their lifespan.
A bamboo soap dish might not seem like much of a Christmas gift, so you might want to add some or a and make a pretty little bundle of gifts.
3. Cruelty-Free Candles
We know what you must be thinking: Candles? Aren’t they all harmful to the environment? But it’s not always the case. There’s a lot more hiding under that wax than meets the eye in some candles these days.
The most common type of candle out there is the paraffin wax type, which aren’t environmentally friendly as they’re made from crude oil.
But, are another story. They don’t include paraffin, animal ingredients, parabens, or any artificial colours. And, best of all, you can choose from various scents for your friends.
4. Teal Glass Straws
According to Ocean Conservancy, plastic straws are one of the top 10 items found in beach cleanups around the world. And with over 500 million plastic straws being used every day in just the United States alone, it’s no wonder why they have such a negative impact on our planet.
Luckily plastic straws are slowly becoming a thing of the past. Unfortunately, cheap paper straws seem to have made their way into the present. Yes, they’re eco-friendly and that’s great, but – and I can’t be the only one who feels this way – they’re a soggy mess!
I prefer to now carry either a metal or glass straw with me when I go out. For your secret Santa gift, have a look at this fantastic teal glass straw set. The set includes the reusable straw, cover, and a little brush to help them clean it thoroughly.
also sells other reusable straws, such as bent straws, stainless steel straws and bamboo straws. Maybe you could make a little hamper of straws for your Secret Santa recipient!
5. A Bamboo Utensil Set
Besides the abundance of plastic straws everywhere, there are also plastic spoons, forks, and knives. Of course, being out and about, we don’t have much choice when it comes to utensil choice.
However, this can all change with this bamboo utensil set. You can help your friends and family enjoy a quick snack outside without adding to the planet’s plastic waste.
6. Safety Razor
You might be wondering why a razor would be considered eco-friendly, but safety razors are actually a great way to reduce waste in the bathroom.
Traditional plastic razors tend to have disposable heads that need to be replaced often, which obviously leads to a lot of unnecessary plastic waste.
A safety razor, on the other hand, has a long-lasting metal handle and only requires replacing the blades every so often. So, this can save a significant amount of plastic from ending up in landfills and oceans. Plus, these razors often provide a closer shave, making them a win-win for both the environment and your skin!
This safety razor comes in many colours to suit everyone’s taste. I have the rose gold one and never regretted making the switch from disposable razors!
7. An Experience Gift
If you’ve followed me for a bit, you’ll know I’m all about experience gifts. I always feel that the memory of an experience gift stays with us longer than a physical gift, and it brings more joy than any material object. It also means less waste in the landfills once you’re done with the gift.
When I say there’s something for everyone when it comes to experience gifts – there really is! Want to treat your loved one to something relaxing? Get them a voucher for a float therapy session. Prefer a beer? Change that to a beer therapy session!
Head over to and choose anything from a hot air balloon ride to a spa day to theatre tickets – any experience that fits the personality of your loved one.
8. Wool Dryer Balls
Even if your friend or loved one hates the thought of doing laundry, these adorable wool dryer balls might just make the task a little more enjoyable. Made from 100% New Zealand wool, these dryer balls are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional dryer sheets and fabric softeners.
The best part about these dryer balls is that they not only reduce drying time and static cling, but they also help to soften clothes naturally without the use of harsh chemicals. Simply toss them into your dryer with your laundry for a softer, fluffier load of laundry.
But let’s talk about the main reason why these dryer balls are truly adorable – their fun designs! Each ball is hand felted with cute characters – penguins, bees and even sloths!
9. Handmade Emotional Support Pickle
There are times when we need a friend who’ll always pick us up, never judge, and be there for us. Enter the emotional support pickle!
This is a handmade, smiley cucumber made with love and because it’s made from wool, it’s biodegradable at end of life. It comes with a cute little note too.
Whether your loved one is going through a tough time or just needs a little ‘pickle’-me-up, the emotional support pickle is a great gift to spread some joy and comfort.
This eco-friendly Secret Santa gift is especially good if it’s for someone at the office (we all have those days at work!).
10. Hand Embroidered Corner Bookmark
Do you have any bookworm friends? If yes, do you know what they use as bookmarks?
There’s a huge chance your friends are using ripped pieces of papers, old recipes, pen caps, or even folding down the corners of their books to keep their page (guilty!).
So, to save from old papers and the odd items they’re using, you can get them a hand-embroidered corner bookmark!
This isn’t just an eco-friendly gift, but it can also be personal, as you can have the bookmark customised with the first letter of your friend’s name. Plus, you’re supporting small businesses when you buy from these kinds of stores.
11. A Coupon
I know what you must be thinking: this is an old, uncreative gift. But, it really doesn’t have to be!
Ask yourself: What do they need? What do they like? Answering these questions can help customise the gift to the point where it becomes meaningful and personal.
For example, does your friend need some free time for themselves but can’t find a good babysitter? Well, this is where your coupon for babysitting can come in handy. Trust me, they will LOVE you for this.
For friends and family who love food, you can offer a homemade meal of their favourite cuisine.
Sometimes time can be the best gift you give someone, and offering your time and help is a really thoughtful way to show you care.
This brings me back to when I used to ask my mum what she’d like for Christmas or her birthday and she’d say ‘more hours in the day’. Now, as an adult, I get it.
Alternatively, you could get them a gift card for something like a hair salon or barbers.
12. Reusable Facial Sheet Mask
Face masks have gained popularity over the last few years, especially single-use sheet masks. These masks promise hydration and glow, but they’re single-use and usually come in non-recyclable packaging, so they’re not ideal for the eco-conscious.
For friends and family who adore skin care, getting them these reusable face masks will be the perfect sustainable Christmas gift. Yes, they may look a little creepy when you see them first, but they’re amazing!!
13. Maggie’s Organic Cotton Socks
In every gift list in the world, there needs to be one or two “safe items.” These are the ones to go for when you’re unsure what the recipient likes but still want to give them something thoughtful.
Typically, socks have taken this “safe” spot (especially for co-workers you don’t really know personally). But, why not elevate this classic choice with a sustainable twist?
With Maggie’s Organic Cotton Socks, you’d be giving your loved ones breathable yet durable socks that can last a long time. They also come in various colours to fit every style.
14. A Cork Wallet
Wallets are a staple in everyone’s accessories, but they’re often made with leather or other animal-derived materials. Not only that, but they also tend to contribute to waste and pollution through the use of synthetic materials and dyes.
, however, isn’t just stylish and durable; it’s also a sustainable option. Cork is a natural material that can be harvested without harming the tree and comes with many benefits such as water resistance and durability.
So, you can gift it away knowing you’ll be making a loved one happy while helping the planet.
15. Bees Wrap
Lastly, I have one question: How do you wrap leftovers? If you go with aluminium foil and plastic wrap, you’ll understand why this gift makes a difference.
Most households use the same items to cover old food, but this isn’t at all eco-friendly, as neither options are biodegradable and are just thrown out after single use.
The better way to wrap your leftovers would be to use . They’re made with responsibly sourced materials and are entirely plastic and silicon-free. So, you can gift it away knowing you’ll be making a loved one happy while helping the planet.
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Final Words
I hope you’ve found some inspiration in this list of eco-friendly Secret Santa gifts this holiday season.
While many people can scoff at the idea of a soap dish or bees wrap, they might just be the perfect eco-friendly gifts for someone who’s passionate about sustainability or starting their eco-friendly journey. These unique gifts show that you care about their values and listen to them!
More holiday gift guides:
- Minimalist Gift Giving Made Easy for a Stress-Free Holiday Season
- 50+ Eco friendly stocking fillers for the whole family
- Clutter Free Gifts for Every Family Member This Christmas