9 Zero Waste Gifts They'll Actually Use (And Love)

Does the thought of shopping for "zero waste gifts" make you think of buying recycled paper or bamboo forks? You don't have to give underwhelming gifts to live up to your zero waste goals! We've compiled a list of zero waste gifts that not only surprise and delight, there's a good chance no one will even notice there's nothing to throw in the trash!  

Additionally, zero waste gifts aren't just about reducing waste. They're about intentionality, quality, and inspiring a lifestyle that values quality and reuse over junk. Whether you're shopping for an eco-conscious friend or someone just dipping their toes into sustainable living, these gifts are designed to be loved, used, and cherished without anything destined for the landfill.

Why Choose Zero Waste Gifts?

Reducing Your Gifting Footprint

Let's face it: traditional gift-giving can be wasteful. It typically involves plastic packaging, or single-use items that never get used, or fast fashion that never gets worn. The environmental cost adds up. Zero waste gifts are a ritual without resin, offering reusable, long-lasting alternatives that keep giving—long after the (zero waste) wrapping has been torn open.

Encouraging Habits That Prioritize Reuse

A great gift is personal, useful, delightful, and potentially inspires change. By choosing waste-free options, you're not just giving someone another product, you're inviting them into a more mindful way of living. And that's a gift that keeps on giving.

What Is a Zero Waste Gift?

Reusable, Compostable, or Built to Last

True zero waste gifts are designed with longevity in mind. Think:

• Reusable (like a face cloth or tea bag that can be used over and over)
• Plastic-free (think about swaps like a sisal soap bag instead of a plastic mesh pouf)
• Compostable or at least recyclable (such as plantable seed paper packaging)
• Durable (items that stand the test of time, like glass vessels or high-quality handmade items)

Plastic-Free & Thoughtfully Packaged

Even the most sustainable item loses its eco-cred if it's wrapped in plastic. The best zero waste gifts come in minimal, plastic-free packaging. This includes shipping, packing, and product packaging. And don't forget to forgo the waste that gift-wrapping paper creates! (More on that below.)

9 Zero Waste Gift Ideas They'll Actually Use

1. Spa Gift Box for Her

This citrus-infused spa gift box is a radiant pick-me-up for anyone who needs a moment to recharge. Bursting with bright, mood-lifting aromas and nourishing, plant-based ingredients, we designed this box to awaken the senses and uplift the spirit. From zesty soap to a soothing bath bomb and a candle that fills the room with vim, every item will transform their daily routine into a joyful, zero waste ritual.

2. Exfoliation & Rebalancing Box

Give the gift of renewal with a set designed to awaken skin and spirit. This collection combines nature's finest exfoliators and hydrators to leave the body feeling smooth, balanced, and deeply nourished. With invigorating eucalyptus, mineral-rich soap, and rich plant-based moisturizers, it turns any shower into a spa-worthy ritual. We selected each piece with sustainability in mind: no plastic, no waste, just pure, skin-loving care.

3. Stress Relief Care Package

This gift is an invitation to slow down and take a deep breath. Thoughtfully curated to soothe the senses and ease tension, the Stress Relief Care Package combines plant-based skincare, calming aromatherapy, and grounding rituals that restore balance without creating waste. From a lavender-infused eye pillow to a handcrafted candle and immune-boosting herbal tea, we curated each element to support mindful relaxation. Everything is reusable, recyclable, or compostable, so the only thing left behind is a sense of calm.

4. Weighted Eye Pillow with Natural Fibers & Filling

A soothing, reusable eye pillow filled with organic flaxseed and lavender is the perfect treat for meditation, catnaps, or deep relaxation. Try the Linen & Lavender Eye Pillow made with 100% Oeko-Tex certified linen or the Weighted Lavender Rose Eye Pillow with organic flax seeds, lavender flowers, and rose petals. These pillows contain no plastic beads or synthetic fabrics.

5. Candles in Glass Vessels with Vegan Wax & Essential Oils

Clean-burning, sustainably sourced candles in reusable glass jars will create a relaxing atmosphere and add a beautiful touch to any shelf or side table. Once the wax is gone, the vessel becomes a tiny planter or storage jar. The Shangri-La Frosted Candle is a hand-poured candle that combines the clean burn of soy wax with ethically sourced essential oils of eucalyptus, lavender, and lemongrass, creating a refreshing atmosphere. Pair this with a Candle Care Tool Set for a perfect zero waste gift.

6. Journals Made from Recycled Materials

For the writers, dreamers, and list-makers, a well-made journal will always be put to good use. Look for handcrafted journals made with recycled paper and sturdy binding. For a fanciful occasion, try the Mushroom Notebook with Gold Spiral Binding paired with an Upcycled Pen & Pencil Case.

7. Organic Soap & Sisal Fiber Soap Bag

Who doesn't love a luxurious soap made from scratch with certified organic moisturizing oils and pure essential oils? Two or three soaps, plus a sisal bag, make a great zero waste gift. Our selection of palm oil-free soap from Unearth Malee includes Bali Flowers, Thai Lime Rosemary, and Turmeric Patchouli. The reusable sisal fiber bag exfoliates and extends the life of the soap bar. Curious why turmeric is such a standout ingredient? Read our full breakdown of  Turmeric Soap Benefits to learn more.

8. Organically Grown Herbal Teas & Reusable Filter Bags

Perhaps a few quiet moments with a hot mug of herbal tea is all they need? Loose-leaf teas in compostable packaging, paired with washable cotton tea bags, will show them you really see them. Try the handmade, locally sourced herbal blends of the Rosehip Tea with a set of Reusable Organic Cotton Tea Filters because even small rituals can be waste-free.

9. Zero Waste Skincare Set

Create your own gift box with nurturing essentials that cleanse, hydrate, and rejuvenate while honoring sustainability from start to finish. Begin with Reusable Facial Cloths made from natural cotton flannel. Add the Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum Stick in a cardboard tube, which plumps and smooths skin, delivering hydration where it's needed. Include the Matcha Facial Mask, which blends organic matcha, colloidal oatmeal, and French green clay to detoxify, soothe, and restore radiance. The compostable packaging and birchwood applicator ensure this nurturing ritual leaves no trace behind. Together, these items create a skincare experience that's luxurious, effective, and aligned with zero waste values.

Important: How to Wrap Gifts the Zero Waste Way

Each year in the U.S., roughly 2.3 million pounds of wrapping paper ends up in landfills, releasing millions of pounds of CO₂ and burning thousands of barrels of oil. That's enough waste to cover nearly 14,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools! 

Use Reusable Wrapping 

Ditch the disposable paper and opt for:

• Furoshiki cloth (beautiful, reusable fabric wraps)
• Decorative boxes or tins (doubles as storage!)
• Tote bags (part of the gift)

Repurpose Newspaper, Kraft Paper, or Seed Paper

If you must use paper, opt for plantable seed paper or upcycled kraft paper tied with twine. Or get really creative and decorate a paper garbage bag with a potato stamp and vegetable ink. Cut a potato in half and carve a design on the flat end, then crush berries or beets to make ink. You'll have zero waste gift wrapping paper in no time!

Include a Zero Waste Gift Card

Similar to wrapping paper, greeting cards generate a bit of trash as well. Roughly 430 million pounds of greeting cards end up in landfills as paper waste each year. That's equivalent to the weight of about 2,000 fully grown blue whales. Choose eco-friendly gift cards made from recycled paper and featuring compostable sleeves, such as those produced by two hermanas. Their whimsical laser-cut designs will add a playful touch to your gift, leaving no trace behind.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓Are zero waste gifts more expensive?

Not necessarily! While some sustainable items have a higher upfront cost, their longevity means they save money (and waste) over time.

❓What's the best gift for a zero waste beginner?

Start simple: a sisal soap bag and an organic soap bar are easy and practical entry points.

❓How do I make a zero waste gift feel personal?

Add a handwritten note on seed paper, or pair it with a homemade treat (like loose-leaf tea or a DIY sugar scrub). Thoughtfulness never goes out of style.

The Takeaway

Zero waste gifts aren't just better for the planet. They're better gifts, period. Thoughtfully crafted, beautifully designed, and made to be used (not stashed or tossed away), they're proof that sustainability and luxury can go hand in hand.

Ready to give a gift that truly matters? Explore our zero waste collection and wrap your love in intention.