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 engage 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 delight my family, but also be eco-friendly?
After some research and brainstorming, 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? I’m talking about sustainable gifts – ones that bring joy not only to the recipient but also to our planet.
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Eco-Friendly Secret Santa Gifts
I’ve put together this list of great secret Santa gift ideas so you don’t have to do all the research yourself. These are the best secret Santa gifts I’ve come across and will surely be loved by anyone who receives them.
1. Reusable Water Bottle
Let’s face it, we all need to stay hydrated. Instead of buying plastic bottles that create unnecessary waste, why not gift a reusable water bottle? 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 will also encourage the recipient to drink more water.
2. Bamboo Soap Dish
Most homes out there, unfortunately, use plastic soap dishes to keep the slippery product in place. Sadly, because plastic is human-made and non-biodegradable, it’s not eco-friendly.
That’s why it’s time to set them aside and offer your friends and family natural bamboo soap dishes.
The product is 100% bamboo, making it completely biodegradable and more sustainable than its plastic counterpart. Also, besides aesthetics, these bamboo soap dishes are naturally water-resistant, reducing the risk of mould and extending their lifespan.
If you’d like to add to this gift, try this organic body soap, which comes in a ton of different scents.
3. Cruelty-Free Candles
We know what you must be thinking: Candles? Aren’t they all harmful to the environment? Not always! There’s a lot more hiding under that wax than meets the eye in some candles these days.
The primary unfriendly type of candle out there is the paraffin wax type. These aren’t environmentally friendly as they’re made from crude oil.
However, when you purchase cruelty-free candles, you bypass all these issues. They don’t include paraffin, animal ingredients, parabens, or artificial colours. Best of all, there are various scents for your friends.
4. Teal Glass Straw Set
As we all know, there’s almost nothing worse these days than using a plastic straw! Well, maybe using a cheap paper straw, but at least then you’re protecting the environment.
To keep your loved ones from using either, gift them this fantastic teal glass straw set. The set includes the reusable straw, cover, and a little brush to help the user clean it thoroughly!
This shop also carries other reusable straws, such as bent straws, stainless steel straws and bamboo straws!
5. A Bamboo Utensil Set
Besides the plastic straws everywhere, there are also plastic spoons, forks, and knives. Of course, being out and about, you won’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 plant’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 frequently, leading 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. 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
You know I’m all about experience gifts. I feel that the memory of an experience gift stays with you 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 Virgin Experiences and choose an experience that fits the personality of your loved one.
From adrenaline-filled activities like skydiving and ziplining to more laid-back activities like wine tasting or an ice-cream tour, I guarantee you’ll find something for your secret Santa recipient.
8. Tree Free Greetings Journal
This sustainable journal, with a quote by George Bernard Shaw, is a simple reminder to create the life you want. The cover is made from 100% post-consumer recycled materials and the paper is also tree-free, made from a combination of agricultural waste and post-consumer recycled content.
Your loved ones can write down their dreams, plans, and achievements in this eco-friendly journal, knowing that they are doing their part to protect the planet.
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 there 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 papers, old recipes, pen caps, or anything in the way. However, they’ll never fold the edges of a page to mark where they are!
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
We 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!
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
Have you seen the latest trends with face masks? 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.
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 Organics Organic 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. However, why not elevate this classic choice with a sustainable twist?
With Maggie’s socks, you’d be giving your loved ones breathable yet durable socks that can last a long time. They also come in numerous 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.
A wallet made from Cork, however, is not only stylish and durable, but 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. Bee’s 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. However, 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 beeswax wraps! 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, 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.
