Check eco-friendly gifts made from recycled materials that are perfect for thoughtful and sustainable giving this holiday season.
Biological diversity is waning at an alarming rate. According to the latest WWF Living Planet Report, the average size of wildlife populations has plummeted by 73% between 1970 and 2020. This is a sign that demands both our attention and action. And as the holidays approach, it’s the perfect chance to think about gifts that bring joy but also help protect the planet.
Whether you’re buying for an eco-minded mom, a kid who loves a good backstory, or a soccer fan, here are 7 gift ideas made from recycled materials that show how thoughtful gifting can make a real difference.
Join The Planet Collectible Messi boot
For soccer fans, the Join The Planet’s Messi collectible boot is a gift that’s hard to beat. It’s crafted entirely from recycled ocean plastic, like old fishing nets that have drifted far from shore. If you still don't know what to give, just imagine your loved one unwrapping a limited-edition boot that represents Messi’s legacy and at the same time helps remove trash from our oceans. For fans who value authenticity, the boot has a digitized print of Messi’s signature etched right on it and comes with a digital certificate stored on the blockchain.
For only $200, this is a gift you can feel good about giving: with each boot purchase, a portion of the profits goes toward eco programs around the world. Soccer moms, kids, or the die-hard fan in your life—this one will strike a chord with anyone who believes in Messi’s magic and a cleaner ocean.
Buy the Leo Messi collectible boot for $200 now — with free shipping →
Patagonia women’s Nano puff insulated jacket
Patagonia’s Nano Puff jacket is all about warmth without the weight. Made from 100% recycled polyester and finished with a durable water-repellent (DWR) that doesn’t use harmful chemicals, this jacket is both cozy and conscious. From a chilly morning dog walk to a last-minute coffee run, your loved one will certainly grab this jacket for any occasion—it will be their new every day go-for jacket. It’s a thoughtful pick for anyone who values sustainability and a casual style.
Source: Dick’s Sporting Goods
Best of all, it’s built to last. Patagonia has a reputation for quality, so it’s the kind of gift they’ll turn to season after season. And as a little side bonus, Patagonia’s lifetime guarantee means that if something goes wrong, they’ll fix it up. Not a bad investment for an eco-friendly gift that keeps giving, year after year.
Earthbrew coffee drops
The Earthbrew coffee drops from WWF are a cool way to drink coffee and support conservation efforts at the same time. These single-serve drops are compostable and recyclable, which means that they break down without leaving a trace. It’s a I-love-it gift: no waste and 100% guilt-free coffee for your eco-conscious friends and family.
What’s even better is that they come in different blends, so there’s something for every coffee drinker. Whether your loved one is into bold, rich flavors or something smooth and mellow, Earthbrew has them covered. Every purchase helps fund global conservation projects led by WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature), so your coffee-loving friend can start their day with caffeine and a small but feel-good impact.
Sustainable sports balls
Soccer gifts can feel tricky to shop for, but sustainable soccer balls can make it simple. Eco Sports offers options for soccer, basketball, volleyball, and even Frisbee discs, all made from recycled PET bottles and vegan materials. Another choice is The PLANET soccer ball, which uses 11 plastic bottles to create its outer material and inner lining. Natural latex from rubber trees replaces synthetic materials, so altogether, 60% of the ball is made from natural or recycled components. A smart way to give plastic waste a second life, right?
Durable and functional, these balls offer a creative way to share the love of the game while caring for the planet. Eco-minded parents and players will appreciate the difference, whether they’re kicking it around in the backyard or taking it to their next pickup game.
Eco friendly scooters
If you got an active kid on your gift list, you should look no further than Globber’s eco-friendly scooters, made with 60% recycled plastic and bio-sourced wheat-straw. They’re fun, long-lasting, and just the thing to get kids zipping around outside.
Ecological scooters are a great way to introduce kids to the importance of sustainability in a way that feels accessible and fun to do. After all, it’s always better to teach by example than by words. Globber’s scooters are sturdy enough for the bumps and scrapes of everyday play while still being easy on the environment.
Natural cosmetic kit
There’s something timeless about giving a beauty kit, and EarthHero’s natural cosmetic products are as good as it gets for eco-conscious friends or family. Made from ingredients that are natural, organic, and free of harmful chemicals, these products come in recyclable packaging too. You can find everything from refillable vegan facial cleansers to organic facial oils and exfoliating natural pastes—perfect for moms, sisters, or friends who love skincare that’s as gentle on them as it is on the earth.
Recycled material backpacks
Lefrik’s backpacks are practical, eco-friendly, and designed to last. Made from 100% recycled plastic bottles, these backpacks align with Lefrik’s core value of reducing the use of virgin polyester and giving discarded plastic bottles a second life. With a 5-year warranty and repair service, they’re built to withstand daily use. Whether you need a stylish day pack, a spacious school bag, or a compact weekend hike companion, these backpacks offer both eco-consciousness and functionality without compromising on style or adding to landfill waste.
Beyond the gifts: choose your packaging wisely
So, you’ve got your eco-friendly gifts sorted. You know your recycled plastic from your organic cotton, and you’re feeling pretty good about reducing your gifting footprint. But there’s still one more task on the list: the wrapping.
In the UK alone, 227,000 miles of wrapping paper get thrown away every holiday season, enough to wrap around the Earth more than nine times. That’s a lot of waste for a momentary burst of excitement. And while we might assume it’s all recyclable, the reality isn’t so simple. Some wrapping paper is plastic-based or covered in foil and glitter, which makes it hard to recycle.
If you’re serious about an eco-friendly gifting, consider alternative wrapping options. Cloth wraps like the Japanese art of Furoshiki, recycled brown paper, or even reusable gift bags are great choices that cut down on waste and add a unique, thoughtful touch to your gift. Small actions like this can help make a big difference, and let’s be honest now that Christmas is nearing—even Santa would approve of a little less plastic under the tree.
Make your gift-giving more meaningful with Join The Planet
When it comes to gifts that make a real impact, it’s difficult to top something as unique and eco-friendly as the Join The Planet Messi collectible boot. Crafted from recycled ocean plastic, this limited-edition boot honors one of soccer’s greatest players and helps reduce plastic waste in our oceans all at once.
Support sustainability and choose a gift with a purpose. Plus, with worldwide shipping, you can send this eco-conscious gift to anyone, regardless of where they are, and still have it arrive in time for the holidays.