Last Updated on January 9, 2023

On the hunt for some eco friendly gifts that won’t break the bank? There’s a bunch of fun sustainable gifts you can make using thrift store finds.  

I love hitting up the thrift store for gifts because not only are you keeping something out of the landfill, but you can also get a lot of great deals always lower than the retail price.

For example, something that would have a retail price of $100 or more could be marked down to $20 or lower. You never know what you’ll find. 

Truth is, eco friendly gifts don’t have to be expensive. Recently, I went to my local secondhand shop and spotted several items that inspired me to make fun gift baskets! 

Also, be sure to check out my sustainable gift guide and stocking stuffer guide for more sustainable gift ideas. Here are 6 fun eco friendly gifts you can nab from secondhand stores. 

movie night bucket 

You can thrift a cute popcorn bucket at your local thrift store. I found a really cute ceramic bucket that had popcorn art on it so I couldn’t resist! 

Include:  

• Homemade popcorn seasoning (I used nutritional yeast, kosher salt, garlic powder and a pinch of mustard powder) 
• Popcorn kernels (which you can get package free at the bulk food store + store in a glass jar) 
• A ticket for a movie of their choice 
• Thrifted popcorn bucket 

Tip: Use some upcycled tissue paper, salvaged packaging paper, or shredded paper to prop up your gifts so they’re at the top of the basket rather than at the bottom. 

plant milk basket 

I saw an adorable ceramic milk jug at the thrift store and just knew I had to make a plant milk basket. 

Include: 

• Joi almond milk base or oat milk powder 
• Homemade vanilla extract 
• Thriftable wicker basket with a handle 
• Thrifted ceramic or glass milk jug 

mulled wine basket 

This is the perfect gift for someone who enjoys drinking a glass of wine with dinner every night. Or it works as a hostess gift.

Include: 

• An inexpensive red table wine 
• Cinnamon sticks (you can typically find these in a glass jar) 
• An orange decorated with whole cloves 
• A thriftable wicker basket with a handle 

simmer pot basket 

Simmer pots are such a simple but effective way to make a home smell amazing. This holiday-themed simmer pot is a creative alternative to gifting a candle. 

Include: 

• Oranges 
• Cinnamon sticks 
• Cranberries 
• Sprigs from your Christmas tree 
• Mason jar from a thrift store 

Tip: Store it in a glass jar and tie an upcycled ribbon around it. You can also tie on a gift tag made from upcycled Christmas cards using twine.  

candle basket 

You can place these unique candles in a basket or literally tie an upcycled bow on them and gift them as is! Most thrift stores have super unique candle holders (some that are vintage too) to choose from. 

Include: 

• Thriftable candle holders 
• Tapers from a local artists and candle maker 
• A thriftable wicker basket with a handle 

favorite drink basket 

I saw some really unique glasses at the thrift store one day and it inspired me to make a favorite drink basket. What I love about these eco friendly gifts is you can customize it to whatever that person likes best! 

Include: 

• For tea: Thriftable tea cups, compostable tea bags or loose leaf tea bought in bulk 
• For wine: Thriftable wine glasses, red or white wine of their choice 
• For hot cocoa: Thriftable mugs, DIY hot cocoa mix 
• A thriftable wicker basket with a handle 

What do you think of these eco friendly gifts? Which basket was your favorite? Be sure to check back here as I plan to update this post with more ideas soon!