Looking for the perfect little presents to stuff the stockings of the eco-minded people in your life? Here’s a list of some of my favorite environmentally friendly products that I think make the perfect Sustainable Stocking Stuffers.
At Marley’s Menu, we believe in progress, not perfection, and that making small changes over time can have a larger impact. Buying sustainable gifts is a great way to encourage someone you love to get started on their journey to a more attainable sustainable lifestyle!
What makes a Stocking Stuffer Sustainable?
When seeking sustainable stocking stuffers, look to support brands that have eco-friendly practices, find products that use sustainable materials, and consider replacements for items that typically have a large environmental impact.
The following guide includes affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no extra cost to you. As always, we only feature brands and products that meet strict standards for sustainability that we love — and that we think you’ll love too!
My top picks for Sustainable Stocking Stuffers
1. Shampoo Bar
A hair care product without any plastic packaging that has a cruelty-free vegan formula that has no preservatives, soap, silicones or sulfates? Sign me up!
With a range of shampoos designed specifically for normal, fine, weak, or damaged hair, this line from Garnier is a winner.
Why We Like This
• Free of plastic packaging
• Vegan & cruelty-free
• Variety of bars for differing hair types
2. Playing Cards
Shuffle up and deal out these eco-friendly playing cards! Made with starch-based glue and vegetable-based printing, these cards feature no plastic and are completely recyclable.
Why We Like This
• Plastic-free
• Premium quality
• Hearts and Diamonds are colored green!
3. Lollipops
Featuring 8 different fruit-based flavors, these candy lollipops are colored with real fruit and vegetable juices, so are free of artificial dyes and flavors—and have no high fructose corn syrup either!
Why We Like This
• Organic ingredients
• Classroom safe (free from the most common food allergens)
• Delicious flavors
4. Compostable Phone Case
Is someone getting a new phone for Christmas? Protect their new device with this fully compostable phone case! Made from “flaxstic”, a plastic alternative derived from flax straw, this case is available in a range of different sizes and colors while keeping the phone safe from drops and accidents.
Why We Like This
• Plastic-free and compostable
• Slim and lightweight
• Different sizes and colors available
5. Socks
Socks are a holiday gift staple. However, one of the most commonly used materials is cotton—which is bad news for the environment due to the high water consumption, use of harmful pesticides, and soil degradation that cotton production usually causes.
That’s one of the reasons I love these bamboo socks, as bamboo is a much more sustainable crop. That’s not all though, these socks are super soft and are perfect for active people, as they are naturally moisture-wicking and can help eliminate sweat and foot odor.
Why We Like This
• Made with bamboo
• Super-soft and moisture-wicking
• Available in multipacks
6. Eco-Friendly Pens
These black ink biro-style pens are made with kraft paper and a stainless steel ink chamber, making them partly compostable, fully recyclable—and most importantly, plastic-free!
Why We Like This
• Plastic-free
• Cool, clean look
• Classic ballpoint pen feel
7. Breath Mints
Made with only a few simple ingredients, these vegan and non-GMO mints contain no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors. Available in a variety of flavors including peppermint, cinnamon, and ginger, these mints come in a fully recyclable tin.
Why We Like This
• Vegan & non-GMO ingredients
• Great flavor choices
• Recyclable packaging
8. Wildflower Seed Packs
Know someone who’s ready to start growing something good? Help them beautify a living space or garden and boost the environment with these wildflower seeds!
In addition to providing a beautiful array of colors in your garden, wildflowers support pollinators such as honey bees, wild bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, and other small birds or animals.
Why We Like This
• Directly improves the environment
• Super easy and clear directions
• Cute and recyclable packaging
9. Sustainable and Fair Trade Chocolate
Chocolate is one of my family’s guilty pleasures. But what makes me feel less guilty is when I purchase my treats from one of the many great brands that ethically source their ingredients and materials.
Theo Chocolate is one my favorites as it’s sustainably sourced, has a fantastic range of products and, of course, is delicious!
Why We Like This
• Tastes delicious
• Supports regenerative agriculture
• Wide range of chocolates
10. Natural Deodorant
If you dread the rash that comes with a lot of natural deodorants, you’ll be happy to hear Primal Life Organics formulated their natural deodorant without baking soda (apparently the culprit!). Stay dry all day and smell great with this top-rated natural deodorant.
Why We Like This
• Plastic-free packaging
• Non-toxic, vegan-friendly ingredients
• No baking soda!
11. 3D Brain Teaser Wooden Puzzle
No stocking would be complete without a puzzle or brain teaser of some kind. This handcrafted wooden puzzle fits the bill! Not only is it a great puzzle to play with, but it looks and feels premium quality.
Why We Like This
• Plastic-free
• Premium quality
• Hours of fun
12. Reusable Handsoap Set
Buy the bottle once, and refill it forever! This is so easy to use—fill the bottle with water and drop in a tablet (which arrive in compostable packaging). That’s it! Wash away dirt and grime without any harsh ingredients like parabens, phosphates, ammonia, VOCs, chlorine bleach, or phthalates. Hypoallergenic, EPA Safer Choice, Leaping Bunny Cruelty-Free, Vegan, B Corp Certified, Climate Neutral. What more could you want from a soap?!
Why We Like This
• Reduces plastic consumption
• Uses clean ingredients
• Great scents
13. Bamboo Toothbrush
Over 1 billion plastic toothbrushes end up in landfill each year. From the brush to the packaging, make brushing more earth-friendly with this bamboo toothbrush! Cruelty-free and vegan, even the bristles on the (detachable and replaceable!) head are 100% plant-based.
Why We Like This
• Zero plastic
• Soft bristles
• Reusable handle
14. Biodegradable Dental Floss
Many little stocking stuffer gifts are cute and whimsical at first, but become quickly disposable and forgettable.
This dental floss probably isn’t going to set any pulses racing—but guess what? It will actually get used! Then, when it is tossed, it’s 100% biodegradable, and it may even get the flosser thinking about how great products that are more sustainable can be!
Why We Like This
• 100% biodegradable
• Vegan and cruelty-free
• Comes with glass container
Thank you so much for taking the time to check out my list of Sustainable Stocking Stuffers! For more sustainable products I love, check out this list of Eco Kitchen Essentials. And for more eco-friendly gift ideas, check out this list of Sustainable Gifts for Him!
