Gift-giving season is almost upon us– a time that is equally fun and stressful for many. As more awareness spreads on the impacts of overconsumption and plastic waste, it’s important to look for sustainable alternatives in all aspects of life, including gift-giving. However, there’s a common conception that those alternatives are too expensive, especially for college students. Plenty of low-budget and low-impact products make fantastic gifts– they just require a little digging to find.Â
This article covers sustainable gift ideas for all the people you love– whether it be your parents, coworkers, friends, or even an ex-partner whose life you want to “Merry Christmas” your way back into. Whoever you may be shopping for, these sustainably sourced gifts under $50 will surely make your loved ones, the planet, and your bank account happy.
- Geometry Towels
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It’ll be hard to give away after purchasing these products, whether it be their tea towels, dishcloths, paper towel alternatives, or beach towels. Made from post-consumer recycled materials and printed in California, Geometry products are soft, sustainably made, and offer a wide variety of colors and patterns. Even better, their products are more than affordable– yoga mats are only $51 (compare that to Lululemon mats, which are $98!). Check out their Summer Palm beach towel, going for only $40.Â
- Conscious Step Socks
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For me, the final boss of the holiday season was always my Dad– it’s difficult to shop for someone who is constantly looking to purge something from the house or just overall doesn’t like getting more “stuff.” If you’re in the same boat, some fun socks can be a great go-to. Everyone needs socks, so you don’t have to worry about your gift ending up in a garage sale the second 2025 rolls around. Conscious Step Socks are sustainably sourced and donate to nonprofits with every purchase of their products. Different socks are given to nonprofits ranging from wildlife protection to LGTBQ mental health. The fun patterns and impactful purpose of these socks make them a great holiday gift, all for just over $15.Â
- Zero Waste Store – Mascara
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Eco-conscious girls are hot girls. Zero Waste Store offers a section of high-quality, sustainably harvested, low-impact beauty products. Although their prices do run a little higher than most traditionally made makeup, the price reflects both how ethically their products are sourced and their high quality. Their mascara is under $30 and makes for a fantastic gift for eco-conscious besties.Â
- Sand Cloud – Zipper Pouch
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A good make-up bag is a necessity, and Sand Cloud has a great option that’s made from 100% organic cotton and has a 100% recycled poly lining. Sand Cloud also donates 10% of its profits to marine conservation. This bag is $20 and comes in eight different colors, so there is sure to be one that will fit the tastes of anyone you need to shop for (plus, it makes a great gift bag to put extra stocking stuffers in!).
- Gifts For Good – Leaf Dish
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It was a struggle picking just one thing from this site to suggest– so I highly recommend checking out the entire Gifts for Good website, as they have a huge variety of products. This hand-made leaf dish makes a perfect gift to store rings, serve as a soap dish, or use as a spoon rest. Each purchase from this site helps provide safe housing and livelihoods for women and children fleeing domestic abuse. Coming in three different colors and only $16, this dish is the perfect small gift for moms and friends alike.
- Out of the Woods – KeepCool Market Cooler
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Yes, a gift that’s perfect for both a Wine Mom and a Frat Bro exists. Yes, it’s only $32. Yes, it’s washable, sustainably made from renewable wood fibers and 100% recycled ocean plastic. Out of the Woods is a bag company whose mission is to make high-quality and sustainable bags for every occasion. This spacious and insulated cooler bag zips fully closed, and will make a fantastic gift for just about anyone.Â
- Made Trade – Coaster Set
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If getting excited about clothes for Christmas means you’re not a kid anymore, getting excited about getting coasters means you’re not a teenager anymore. However, these beautiful hand-crafted coasters made from forest grasses and natural tea-dyed colors are worth getting excited about. Coasters make a great gift since nobody (especially college kids) often goes out of their way to get them– so you can be fairly confident that whomever you are gifting to doesn’t already have coasters, let alone this beautiful ethically sourced set.
- Uncommon Goods – Mosaic Stone Necklace
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Whether you’re a gold girlie yourself or love someone who is, this necklace will surely wow. Made from reclaimed shattered mosaics, these hand-made necklaces are beautiful and perfect for layering or for wearing by themselves. Promote yourself to “Mom’s Favorite Child” for only $36.
- Happy Earth – PlantTec Reversible Tank
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This is a great pick for all the fitness girlies in your life– whether that fitness is triathlons or the trek from the couch to the fridge and back. Made from organic cotton, this tank, along with many of Happy Earth’s products, uses cotton that is locally grown, harvested, and dyed– using 91% less water than conventional cotton. Even better, the Happy Earth factory is 70% powered by renewable energy and is carbon neutral. Coming in five different colors, this tank makes a fantastic gift for only $36 (If you wanna spend a little more, their leggings are $65!).
- SLO Exclusive: HumanKind Fair Trade
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This is for all my fellow Cal Poly students– if you’re looking for that last-minute gift before you come back home for the holidays, stopping by HumanKind Fair Trade is a must. They source all of their goods to support local craftsmen across the globe and provide high-quality, ethically made items ranging from jewelry and clothing to blankets and bowls. It’s the perfect pre-holidays stop– grab some hand-carved Balsa crayons for your younger siblings, a bouquet of felt flowers for your best friend, or a beautiful patchwork apron for your Mom. Most of their small to medium-sized products don’t run for more than $30. Even if you don’t attend Cal Poly, HumanKind does shipping– so it’s absolutely worth checking out. HumanKind Fair Trade is located at 974 Monterey Street and is open seven days a week
As we approach the holidays, we must stay conscious of what we consume. These gift ideas aren’t concrete– they’re a way to get the ball rolling and serve as an example of how to consume sustainably without breaking your bank account. Whether you need to purchase something for your family, friends, partners, or yourself, every purchase we make has an impact. So be sure to enter this holiday season with love for those close to you and the planet in mind.