From the eco-conscious Messi collectible boot to practical recycled gifts, this list offers eco friendly options that fit your budget and values.
Eco-friendly is not only a nice-sounding word. It comes from “eco,” rooted in the Latin oeco, which means “household”, and has come to describe anything that helps protect our shared home: The Earth. True eco-friendly products think sustainably about everything, from how materials are sourced to how they are delivered, to make sure they cause little or no harm to the environment.
This matters because, according to the 2023 Apparel Impact Institute Report, the global apparel industry alone emitted 897 million tonnes of carbon dioxide in 2021 — about 1.8% of all greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. To meet the 1.5 °C goal set in the Paris Agreement, emissions must be cut nearly in half by 2030. Choosing eco friendly gifts is a small but meaningful way to contribute to this effort — this list proves that eco friendly gifting can be affordable as well.
1. Join the Planet Messi Collectible boot
For soccer lovers who care about the environment, this Messi collectible boot is a special gift. Designed by Join the Planet, it features Messi’s digitalized signature and is crafted entirely from recycled ocean plastic, including old fishing nets. It’s a modern, blue-and-orange replica of Messi’s iconic left boot and comes with a digital certificate stored securely on the blockchain.
Priced at $200, we know this might not be the most affordable sustainable gift out there, but it's definitely worth its value. It's a limited-edition piece of Messi memorabilia that has an eco friendly approach and purpose: part of the proceeds from its purchase go to ecological programs around the world. With 2-day shipping, this Messi collectible boot is a one-of-a-kind gift for soccer fans and sustainability enthusiasts alike.
2. Customizable eco friendly notebooks
A notebook might seem simple, but EcoBranders sustainable notebooks are anything but ordinary. Made from recycled and compostable materials, they’re a versatile and useful gift for students, professionals, or anyone who still enjoys putting pen to paper. You can customize them with logos, designs, or messages, and add a customized touch to make it even more personal.
EcoBranders goes beyond just creating sustainable products. They’ve partnered with Greenspark to clean up ocean-bound plastics, reduce CO2 emissions, and restore forests. So far, they’ve planted 6,041 trees, rescued 23,343 plastic bottles, and offset 112.72 tonnes of CO2. With a history of over 15 years in sustainability, they’ve also supported reforestation projects across the U.S. and achieved carbon-neutral delivery through their partnership with ClimeCo.
With prices ranging from $8 to $20, these eco friendly notebooks are an affordable gift that combines function with purpose (who doesn’t want a small notebook to jot down notes or drawings while waiting for the bus?) — great for anyone on your list.
3. Sustainable Christmas decorations
Handmade Christmas decorations bring a cozy, personal feel to the holiday season. These WWF sustainable pieces, crafted by women in India and Bangladesh, support local artisans and bring a sense of tradition to your home. From adorable animal ornaments to festive garlands, every item tells a story of craftsmanship and sustainability. Though small, they’re sure to catch the eye and bring color to any space.
Sold by WWF, an organization dedicated to protecting nature and tackling the climate crisis, these decorations align with the spirit of giving back. Think of it this way: homemade cake always beats store-bought cake, and the same goes for decorations. At around $10, these are an affordable way to celebrate the holidays and make a positive impact too.
Source: WWF
4. Recycled REPREVE socks
Socks may not sound exciting, but these aren’t your average pair. Made from recycled plastic bottles, REPREVE socks turn everyday waste into cool, durable comfort. They’re perfect for everyday wear and can help as a practical reminder of the impact of small changes. Whoever wears them can say: Hey, I was gifted two socks, which before socks were plastic bottles. I'm walking in bottles!
It actually takes two bottles to create one pair of socks, which makes these a meaningful and sustainable gift. Whether you’re stuffing stockings or looking for an add-on to a larger gift, REPREVE socks are a budget-friendly choice. Prices start at around $10, so it's a nice offer for real quality and eco-consciousness.
5. Bubble tea kit gift set
For boba fans, this tea kit from Eco Beige hits the mark. It includes everything needed to whip up 10 servings of bubble tea at home, from tapioca pearls to compostable sugarcane straws, along with detailed instructions for both dairy and non-dairy options. The reusable slender bubble tea cup makes it a gift that lasts long after the tea is gone.
Eco Beige focuses on ethical and sustainable practices, ensuring transparency about sourcing and materials.
Eco Beige goes beyond offering a great eco friendly gift. They are committed to transparency about their products, including sourcing materials ethically and sustainably. For every order, they plant a tree through Ecologi as part of their effort to reduce carbon footprints and support reforestation worldwide. So far, they have planted over 1,200 trees.
At $50, this kit combines sustainability with fun, and makes for a delicate gift for boba lovers and eco-conscious gift-givers alike.
Source: Eco Beige
6. Earthbrew coffee drops
Coffee pods are often wasteful, but Earthbrew Coffee Drops represent a sustainable alternative. These single-serve drops are compostable, recyclable, and compatible with most Nespresso machines. With bold flavors like Honduras and Colombia, they make a thoughtful gift for any type of coffee lover.
At just $5 for a pack of 10, these drops are affordable enough to include in a stocking or pair with a mug for a complete coffee person’s gift. Plus, each purchase supports conservation efforts through WWF.
7. Re-Play sustainable tableware
If you’re shopping for a family with young kids, Re-Play’s colorful tableware is a practical choice that will be surely appreciated. Made from recycled milk jugs — over 100 million of which have already been repurposed — these plates, bowls, and utensils are durable and safe for toddlers and busy households. Their silicone line also offers microwave, dishwasher, and oven-safe options.
With single items starting at under $5 and larger sets available for around $45, this eco-friendly tableware is affordable and perfect for everyday use. It’s a simple way to reduce waste while gifting something useful.
Affordable and sustainable cocktails for the holidays
Now that the holidays are coming, and if you want to keep things sustainable through it all, Flawsome! zero-waste cocktail recipes can come in handy. They use simple, affordable ingredients — often repurposed leftovers — and taste great too.
Flawsome! is a B Corp-accredited fruit juice maker that crafts their sparkling drinks from surplus fruit that would otherwise go to waste. Delivered in indefinitely recyclable cans, Flawsome! has already rescued over 24 million fruits from being discarded, and saves at least two fruits with every drink.
One option to try is the Cherry Basil Smash. It’s made with Flawsome! Apple and Sour Cherry Sparkling Juice, a refreshing blend of lemon, apple, and cherry. Another cocktail worth trying is the Strawberry and Apple Gin Martini Fizz. A twist on the classic martini, this drink uses Flawsome! Apple & Strawberry Lightly Sparkling Juice, along with gin and dry vermouth. Affordable, wasteless, and tasteful — a superb match for the coming holidays.
Find the perfect eco-friendly gift with Join The Planet
If you’re looking for a gift that’s both meaningful and sustainable, the Join the Planet Messi collectible boot is a great choice. Made entirely from recycled ocean plastic, this boot honors Messi’s memory and helps clean up oceans as well.
When you choose the Messi boot, your purchase helps support programs that tackle plastic waste and protect the environment. It’s an affordable way to own a unique piece of memorabilia that also makes a positive impact. The Messi collectible is a gift that turns waste into art.