Eco-Friendly Christmas Gifts 2023
First off, let's give ourselves a pat on the back! The holiday season sees a whopping 30% increase in waste, from wrapping paper to leftover food, and by choosing to read this guide, you're already part of the solution!
Discovering gifts that are kind to the Earth as well as your friends and family can feel like searching for a partridge in a peartree. Eco-Sal was created to bring you more zero-waste alternatives so you can spend less time scrolling online and more time on the people who matter.
Since 2019, I have been researching, stocking and providing plastic-free products to households across the UK, and the festive season is no exception. From the avid birdwatcher to the person who has everything, I've included something sustainable for everyone.
Eco-Friendly Christmas Tips
Before you jump into the guilt-free gift ideas below, I want to provide you with some planet-saving advice on how to help you enjoy a greener Christmas in 2023:
Swap out those plastic decorations for natural ones like pinecones, holly, and dried orange slices. They're not just biodegradable; they add a rustic charm that even Santa would give a thumbs-up to!
Choose recyclable or compostable wrapping paper. Your gifts will look amazing, and the Earth will thank you later. (don't forget your plastic-free paper tape)
Don't forget to recycle, from glass bottles to cardboard packaging. Need tips? Our blog on the soft plastics you can recycle at your local Co-op will help reduce our landfill waste this year.
This is the oldest trick in the book, yet we always seem to forget. Carry your own reusable shopping bag. It's a small step that makes such a big impact.
If you're aiming for a 100% eco-friendly celebration, why not buy an experience day or make a donation to a charity? It's a win-win for everyone involved!
Ready to make this festive season the most eco-conscious yet? Here are 32 of the best eco-friendly Christmas gifts for 2023 that you'll feel fantastic about giving!
1
Plastic-Free Tea Bags
This is the ultimate tea experience for the star sign enthusiast and tea lover in your life. This gift has 12 unique blends. All in plastic-free, carbon-neutral and biodegradable tea bags. Not only will this take you on a journey through flavour (and space), but it also comes from the award-winning B-Corp Certified company Bird & Blend. It's a thoughtful and eco-conscious gift that's perfect for warming up those chilly winter nights.
2
Non-Toxic Candle
The best relaxation gift for that person who is always on the go. This grounding candle is handmade in small batches in the UK. It’s crafted from 100% natural soy wax and infused with a blend of essential oils like Bergamot, Cedarwood, Ho Leaf, Bay Laurel, Patchouli, and Cassia. It’s plastic-free, smells UNREAL and is one of my favourite gifts in this guide!
Tip: For the first-time use, burn the candle for a minimum of 2 hours to ensure an even burn in future uses. Trim the wick to 5-10mm before each use to control the flame size.
➡ £17.99 at Eco-Sal
3
Bee Bombs
Give the gift of a blooming garden and help bring back the bees and butterflies to the UK. These Beebombs contain a mix of 18 British wildflower seeds, designated by the RHS as "Perfect for Pollinators."
Simply scatter them onto open ground at any time of the year, even Christmas Day!
Tip: Pair them with an RHS membership for the complete eco-friendly gardening gift.
4
Eco-Friendly Straws
These high-quality, food-grade stainless steel straws are a strong AND sustainable stocking filler for the eco-conscious beverage lover. Not only are they reusable, they're also a statement against single-use plastics. A great way to add a touch of class to any holiday cocktail. Did somebody say snowball?
Tip: Don’t forget your cleaning brush!
5
Bread Bags
These bread bags are a must-have for any sandwich lover looking to reduce their plastic waste this Christmas.
Made from a natural and organic cotton blend, these bags are a must-have in any kitchen. They come with an easy-to-close drawstring, ensuring your bread stays fresh for longer.
Tip: I love adding in a homemade loaf of bread or a bread-making kit for the complete present.
6
Vegan Chocolate
Indulge your loved ones with a chocolate bar that's as eco as it is delicious. It is plant-based, vegan-friendly, and ethically sourced, ensuring everything is a fair trade! Happi contains 35% less sugar than other leading milk chocolate brands! With recyclable and home-compostable packaging, it truly is a guilt-free stocking filler.
Happi Chocolate is also a B-Corp Certified and carbon-neutral company, so you're supporting a business that cares for the planet (and our sweet tooth).
Not a chocolate orange fan? Check out the other flavours here!
7
Electric Toothbrush
The SURI Electric Toothbrush is a game-changer in oral care. It's designed with sustainability in mind, featuring plant-based heads and a body that's repairable for life. The toothbrush also boasts a 40+ day battery life and an aluminium body that's both sleek and infinitely recyclable. Add some plastic-free toothpaste tablets for the ultimate dental gift!
Tip: This toothbrush comes with a 100-day Money-Back Guarantee, making it a risk-free gift option. Plus, it's easy to repair, ensuring it's a gift that will last.
➡ From £75.00 at SURI. PLUS, get 10% off your Xmas purchase by using the code ECOSAL10!
8
Plastic-Free Bubble Bath
Who doesn't love a good bubble bath, especially after all the stress of Christmas Day preparation? This Avocado Oil and Lavender Bubble Bath is like a big warm hug in a bottle. It's vegan, cruelty-free, and made with 100% natural ingredients right here in the UK. Plus, it comes in a 500ml glass bottle with an aluminium lid, making it a zero-waste option.
Real Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "Nice refreshing fragrance, relaxing in bath made my skin feel lovely and soft." - Joan Other relaxing bath blends are available.
9
Renewable Bicycle
Rated one of the most eco-friendly bikes in the world, it is an ideal luxury energy-efficient present for the outdoor lover in your life. Made from the ultimate renewable material, wood, it offers a smooth and comfortable ride. Unlike normal metal bikes, this eco-friendly alternative comes from well-managed UK forests and helps to keep carbon emissions down, making it a gift that's better for the planet too.
Don’t forget your recyclable Dashel helmet!
10
Eco-Friendly Skincare
Talk about the ultimate self-care package! The UpCircle Sample Pamper Kit is a delightful collection of 13 sample-sized skincare goodies, all vegan and cruelty-free.
Handmade in the UK using repurposed ingredients and no nasties such as SLS, palm oil or silicone! This kit is perfect for anyone looking to dip their toes into sustainably sourced skincare without committing to full-sized products just yet.
Real Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "I got this as a little treat for my wife, no occasion, just because I'm a great husband (lols), but she actually really likes the samples and is going to make them a regular purchase. A few brownie points for me, all good." - James
11
Audible
Give the gift of endless stories without the paper waste. An Audible subscription offers a treasure trove of audiobooks that can be enjoyed anywhere. It's a thoughtful gift for busy people who love to read but may not have the time (or that person who has everything).
Want to make this extra special? Recommend a book you love as their first listen.
12
Eco-Friendly Book
Whilst we are talking about books… This is a must-read. Nancy Birtwhistle is the goddess of all things eco, and her book Clean & Green will change the way you clean your home forever. It’s full of eco-friendly tips and tricks, making it a gift that keeps on giving. Not only will they save money, but they will also learn how to clean their house in an environmentally friendly way. One of my all-time favourite books!
Tip: If you want to go the extra mile, add some bamboo cleaning cloths or a glass spray bottle for the natural cleaning mixtures they will be creating.
13
Sustainable Shaving
This shaving kit from Shoreline Shaving is a complete package for anyone looking to make the switch to a more sustainable shaving routine. From beards to armpits to legs in the bath, it really is for everyone! Their bamboo or metal safety razors are designed for a closer, smoother shave, reducing the chances of ingrown hairs and razor burn.
Tip: Tie this in with Eco-Sal's Orange and Lavender shaving bar for the ultimate irritation-free shave.
➡ From £19.99 at Shoreline Shaving PLUS, get 5% off when you use the code ECOSAL5
14
Nature Protection Membership
This is the ultimate gift for nature and history lovers. With over 6 million members and counting, a National Trust membership opens the door to more than 500 special places across the UK. From breathtaking landscapes to historical homes, your loved one can experience it all. Plus, the membership helps to preserve these beautiful places for future generations.
Tip: If a membership wasn’t enough for the special nature lover in your life, why not get them a tree with the National Trust too?
15
Sustainable Bird Feeder
Imagine the joy of gifting someone the chance to connect with nature right in their own garden this Christmas!
This Wooden Bird Feeder is made from 100% untreated FSC wood. The birds and planet will thank you later. It's the ideal Christmas present for anyone who loves the outdoors... so that's everybody!
16
Vegan Face Scrub
Something different for those coffee lovers who also love their skin. If you're looking to gift a little luxury this Christmas, the UpCircle Coffee Face Scrub is a caffeine-charged choice.
Made from repurposed coffee grounds and housed in 100% recyclable packaging, this is a gift that won't be forgotten.
Tip: If, for some reason, the person you have in mind doesn't like coffee. Check out my other vegan face scrubs here!
My Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The smell of the scrub is lovely, but if you can't stand the smell of coffee, then it's probably best to avoid the UpCircle scrubs. My face felt so soft and clean after using it, and I would definitely recommend it!
17
Reusable Coffee Cup
I can't mention coffee without talking about these incredible cups from Neon Kactus. With 2.5 billion coffee cups being thrown away each year, this is an essential present to any coffee lover. This insulated coffee cup is not just stylish with its soft matte finish, but it's also made of high-grade stainless steel. Oh... and it's 100% recyclable.
18
Sustainable Fresh Flowers
Who says you can't have a white Christmas and a green one too? With Bloom's eco-friendly, seasonal flowers, you can brighten someone's Christmas day the planet-friendly way.
These aren't your bog standard supermarket flowers, either. They come with a promise of sustainability and are 100% plastic-free. I love them!
19
Eco Beer
Forget mulled wine. If you could bottle up Christmas spirit and put it in a can, this would be it. This is Ideal for the craft beer connoisseur who also does their bit to keep the planet in good shape. BrewDog is seriously committed to being carbon-negative. In fact, they actually remove twice as much carbon from the air as they emit!
Money-saving Tip: Get 10% off your first order with the code WELCOME10
20
Eco Planner
This eco-friendly planner is from my sister brand Tidy Minds Paper Co. It's as functional as it is stylish! If you know someone who is heavily unorganised, this is the gift for them. Printed on 100% recycled paper with vegetable inks, it's the perfect way to keep your life in order while keeping the planet in mind.
21
Water Bottle
With over 35.8 million bottles being used every day, only 19.8 million are actually recycled. The Neon Kactus Glass Water Bottle is a hydrating gift for anyone looking to stay refreshed without plastic! Crafted from high-quality borosilicate glass with a bamboo lid and food-grade silicone sleeve, this bottle is all about clean and pure drinking.
22
Eco Bathroom Kit
My Plastic-Free Bathroom Essentials Kit always goes down a treat at Christmas time. One thing is for certain, my bathroom wouldn't be the same without it!
This eco-pack includes bamboo toothbrushes, fluoride toothpaste tablets, aloe vera soap, and bamboo cotton buds.
I have handpicked each item to be as eco-friendly as possible, offering a simple yet impactful way to embrace sustainability.
A wonderful starter pack!
23
Beeswax Food Wrap
Natural beeswax wraps are the unsung heroes of a waste-free kitchen! Imagine wrapping up your Christmas leftovers without a shred of guilt about all that cling film. They are so easy to clean and reuse that you'll wonder how you ever lived without them.
Gift them to that friend who's keen on ditching plastic but doesn't know where to start (or maybe treat yourself). They'll not only keep their food fresh but also add a pop of colour to their kitchen.
24
Plastic-Free Shampoo
This is one of my best sellers, and I don't know how I ever coped with all those plastic shampoo bottles before! Designed to combat yellow tints and brassy shades in colour-treated hair, this bar is a treat for anyone looking to keep their hair looking luscious. It's vegan, cruelty-free, and comes in 100% eco-friendly, fully recyclable cardboard packaging. Tip: To prolong the life of this shampoo bar, pair it with a well-drained soap dish to allow it to air dry.
Real Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "I got this as a gift for a sceptical friend along with hair conditioner and face cloths. So far, she loves them" - Eileen. ➡ £8.49 at Eco-Sal
25
Biodegradable Dog Toy
How could I forget a human's best friend?
Green & Wilds offers a wonderful range of eco-friendly products for dogs that are perfect for the festive season. These toys are made from pure jute and split leather, and they're stitched over four layers of jute, filled with cotton jute rope, waste cotton, or recycled materials. The best part? All components are 100% natural, non-toxic, and completely biodegradable.
26
Biodegradable Cat Toy
Don't worry. There is something for our feline friends too!
Midge the Mouse is a delightful little toy that will keep your cat entertained for hours. All Green & Wilds toys are made from sustainable jute and soft suede.
Perfect for your cat's natural predatory instincts. This toy is tough, and unlike other plastic toys, it is 100% biodegradable when its days are up!
➡ £7.79 at Amazon
27
Plastic-Free Shower Gel
The Shower Blocks Lime & Sandalwood Solid Shower Gel is a delightful way to elevate someone's daily routine. It also breaks the norm of receiving Lynx shower gel every year! It's plastic-free, made with natural ingredients, and let's not forget—it smells absolutely divine. The invigorating scent of lime and sandalwood is sure to make every shower feel like a mini spa session. Tip: Like with plastic-free shampoo, this would benefit from a well-drained soap dish to allow it to air dry and prolong its life.
Real Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "Really like the fragrances, not too strong. They feel really good on my skin and last for ages." - Phillipa.
28
Sustainable Cutlery Set
A Bamboo Cutlery Set is a fantastic way to make mealtime eco-friendly no matter where you are in the world.
This set is crafted from sustainable bamboo and comes with its own travel pouch, making it ideal for friends who are always on the move.
29
Upcycled Jewellery
This Ocean Recycled Wood Gold Necklace is beautiful! Handmade from offcuts of teak, redwood, or oak salvaged from furniture factories, it's an inspirational way to wear jewellery. I feel that the necklace captures the beauty of nature and serves as a reminder to reuse, recreate, and recycle, making it a heartfelt Christmas gift for someone special. Tip: Pair it with matching earrings from the same brand for a complete eco-friendly gift set.
30
Houseplant
You can never have enough houseplants, right!? Not only do they brighten up a space, but they also purify the air and bring a touch of nature indoors. Whether it's a low-maintenance snake plant or a lush peace lily, a houseplant is a gift that grows over time (just like your love for the person receiving it.). Houseplants really do become part of the family!
31
Plastic-Free Hair Brush
I often talk about making small changes every day to make a big impact. This hair brush is one of those small changes. Made with sustainable bamboo and natural bristles. This brush is gentle and also static-free, as there are no plastic bristles! It's a fantastic way to introduce someone to eco-friendly personal care this Christmas, and it's a gift that's both practical and thoughtful.
32
Eco Shop Gift Voucher
The Eco-Sal Gift Vouchers are the ultimate eco-friendly Christmas gift for the indecisive or the eco-curious. Instead of guessing what sustainable gifts your loved one might like, why not give them the freedom to choose for themselves? These vouchers can be used across the entire Eco-Sal range, from green bleach to laundry detergent sheets!
Tip: Include a starter checklist or ebook with the voucher to help make the most out of their voucher.
Conclusion
We started this guide with a clear mission: to help you find eco-friendly christmas gifts that are both meaningful and effective. From personal care items crafted from recycled materials to home essentials that reduce waste, we've covered a range of products that I (and my customers across the UK) love.
The ethical and locally sourced products in this guide serve two important goals. They delight your loved ones while also being kinder to our planet. These are smart, conscious choices that help with the urgent need to protect and preserve our environment.
Your choice to put eco-friendly presents under the Christmas tree this year is a powerful step towards a more hopeful future.
Have a great Christmas in 2023. Sal x Eco-Sal participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may earn a small commission on chosen products at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase.