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30 Zero Waste, Eco Friendly Stocking Stuffers

Winter

Last Updated on December 7, 2023

Stockings were always my absolute favorite part about the holiday season so I had to create a guide for this year’s hottest zero waste and eco friendly stocking stuffers.

I love small gifts; they have always been my favorite. What can I say? I love the little things like socks, bars of soap, the occasional gift card, and chocolate! Lots of chocolate.

30 zero waste, eco friendly, stocking stuffers from small businesses

This post was sponsored. Many of the links below are affiliate links for more information please see my disclosure policy.

So, I wanted to create an easy guide so you can find a few perfect gifts that will easily slide into a stocking a Christmas morning, and so you can avoid Amazon.

If you’re looking forward to stuffing stockings this year, I’ve rounded up some zero waste and eco friendly stocking stuffers so you can ditch plastic trinkets and gadgets for some of these zero waste, ethical alternatives. 

getting active in the new year:

Know someone who enjoys barre, spin, and orange theory classes? Here are a few of my favorite workout companions!

for outdoor runs:

EarthHero is an online marketplace for thousands of sustainable goods! 

They’re a B Corp, 1% for the Planet, and uses plastic-free and carbon-neutral shipping. 

For stocking stuffers, check out their Hip Pack from Cotopaxi. It’s made from 100% repurposed nylon. Plus, this 3L fanny pack donates 1% towards world-changing nonprofits worldwide! 

Use code EARTHHERO15 to save 15% off sitewide. 

stay hydrated:

Klean Kanteen’s TKWide 16oz bottle or Stainless Steel Straws are perfect stocking stuffers!

They are a family owned, B corp that’s completely plastic-free. And, they’re members of 1% For The Planet so they donate portions of each sale to environmental organizations, and are certified climate neutral!

relaxing at home:

I think my favorite part of winter is getting cozy inside so I hope this holiday season, you’ll find some time to get snuggly.

Slip on your favorite jam-jams, light a few candles, snuggle with a thick blanket, sip some hot cocoa, eat a few cookies, and watch a bad holiday movie or a board game – whatever you’re into.

take a hot shower:

If you love taking hot showers to relax, make sure to pair it with Davine’s solid shampoo bars. These plastic-free, CO2 neutral shampoos provide 60% more washes than their liquid counterparts. 

The active ingredients in them are broken down using sunflower oil, not chemical solvents. 

The packaging is made with 100% FSC-certified paper and is recyclable. All CO2 is offset using EthioTrees. 

keep your toes toasty:

Simple Switch is a convenient one stop shop with more than 3,000+ products supporting more than 50 causes that make a real social and environmental impact. Perfect for all your eco friendly stocking stuffer needs.

One of my faves is theeir Khushee (Happiness) Socks handmade in the Himalayas and 50% of net profits goes to orphaned and destitute children.

stay comfy:

Pact creates underwear made from 95% GOTS certified organic cotton. Plus, they’re so comfy!

A pair or two should easily fit into a Christmas stocking! I love how cozy this 6-pack of boy shorts look.

Plus, all of Pact’s clothes are made in a fair trade certified factory, shipped carbon neutral, and have plastic-free recyclable packaging.

sip something warm:

Arbor Teas offers organic, fair-trade, loose-leaf tea in backyard compostable packaging.

It’s made from a cellulose material, and even their labels on the package are made from sugar cane waste and compostable too.

I love their green tea, but if you want to keep the holiday theme going, you need to try their Holiday Spice Black Tea!

add some ambiance:

P.F. Candle Co makes 100% vegan and non-toxic soy wax candles hand-poured into apothecary inspired glass amber jars. Vegan candles are amazing and I love that it has a kraft paper label and brass lid!

This plastic-free candle is paraben-free, phthalate-free and never tested on animals. It’s homemade in California with 100% domestically grown soy wax and has a cotton core wick.

worth waking up for:

Looking for something to look forward to? All these gifts will make mornings in the winter more bearable.

So whether you’re getting ready for the day, or just trying to get your mojo going, these are my top picks!

floss those teeth:

Don’t just brush those pearly whites – floss them too! Cocofloss gets chompers jolly clean with its patented, loofah-like weave of 500+ scrubby threads spun from recycled water bottles.  

This eco floss is infused with coconut oil, vegan wax, and irresistible scents. The floss is free from BPA, parabens, SLS, and PFAs.  

The Cocofloss Holiday Collection includes Elf-Care Samplers, Cocofloss Holiday Sets, Cocobrush Holiday Sets, Sea-Life Conservation Sets, and Minty Mistletoe Duos. 

for extra energy:

Further Food’s Superfood Matcha is everything you need in the morning to give you all day energy that also gives your metabolism a boost. Best of all, it promotes sustained energy without the jitters! 

This vegan, sugar-free matcha is USDA organic certified. It’s also keto and paleo safe.  

You can take this matcha with you anywhere and add 1 to 2 scoops to hot water or milk to make a matcha latte or tea. You can even super boost your desserts, smoothies and recipes with it! 

brush those pearly whites:

Kindhumans’ marketplace sells Geoorganics’ toothpaste tablets that make brushing your teeth a cinch. There’s 120 tablets in a jar and they’re made with vegan, cruelty-free and organic ingredients.

To use, chew one tablet in your mouth and let it dissolve. Then brush as usual!

Plus, every purchase on Kindhumans gives back 3% to a world-changing cause. Kindhumans is a B Corp that’s carbon neutral and members of 1% For The Planet.

glam up:

Get ready for the day with Billion Dollar Beauty’s Babe Bundle. This kit comes with a beauty box, blush, brow powder, brow pomade, eyeshadow, highlighter, lip balm and tweezers – and it’s all vegan, cruelty-free and paraben-free. 

Better yet, you only have to buy it once – because it’s refillable for life! The box it comes in is reusable and made from 30% PCR plastic. You can refill it with any colors you want, which helps reduce waste because you’ll pick shades you desire. 

to brighten your day (and skin):

Kiss dull skin in the morning goodbye with Aurahïa’s Glass Face brightening serum. This EWG verified serum is vegan, cruelty-free and made with natural, gently exfoliating ingredients.  

Apply it twice daily for best results, once in the morning and once at night. Use it before moisturizing or after cleansing for soft glowing skin. 

Aurahïa uses packaging materials that are recycled, reusable or zero waste. Their labeling ink is non-toxic and water-based. 

style your mane:

Detangle your morning hair with Tek Brushes’ small oval brush – a perfect stocking stuffer that can also fit in your handbag. The handle is made from ash wood, the pins hornbeam wood, and the cushion is pure rubber. 

Tek Brushes are handmade in Italy with FSC 100% certified wood. It’s ideal for all hair types and is antistatic.  

for the skincare fanatics:

If you’re a skincare fanatic, I love you. No, really! I have sensitive acne prone skin and no matter what I do I always seem to have texture on my face.

For the first time in years, I’ve come prettyyyy close to fixing it. I mean it’s still textured but it’s better than it was last year! And, that’s thanks to skincare fanatics and the geniuses behind some of my favorite products.

Check out my blog post 20 Organic Zero Waste Skincare Brands for even more recommendations!

for pregnant mamas:

Eliah Sahil is an all-natural and sustainable skincare and body care brand. They’re vegan, organic and zero waste.  

All their packaging is plastic-free, and their labels are made from a stone-ground flour solution that requires 80% less water than paper labels. 

For stocking stuffers, their pregnancy oil is a perfect addition to any pregnant mama’s collection. When used regularly, it prevents stretch marks and promotes the recovery of tissue after birth. 

Use code KAT22 for a discount.

refills on refills:

Activist Skincare is refillable, vegan, cruelty-free, and 5% for the planet. The Sample Kit, Sea to Skin Cleansing Gel and Calming Force Clear Skin Serum for acne-prone skin are perfect stocking stuffers.

You can keep your empty glass bottles and refill them at home. The pouches are recyclable through TerraCycle and the ingredients are super-effective actives and botanicals. 

You can keep your empty glass bottles and refill them at home. Activist’s pouches are recyclable through TerraCycle and the ingredients are super-effective actives and botanicals. 

sustainably harvested:

Josie Maran is a woman owned beauty brand that packages most of their products in glass bottles and has partnered with Terracycle to take back empties.

Their 100% Pure Argan Oil (their whipped version is my absolute favorite! ) is vegan, cruelty-free and completely pure – it’s intensely hydrating and benefits your skin head to toe.

Josie Maran’s argan oil comes from a UNESCO-protected region to help prevent deforestation and over-harvesting.

A single argan tree can live for more than 600 years and produce fruit throughout its entire lifecycle!

they got it ALL:

BLK + GRN is an all natural marketplace by all Black artisans. They have everything ranging from nail polish to hair care.

Their Carib Lime Body Soap is made from 100% plant essences, cold-processed and has a revitalizing citrus scent that’ll make any Christmas stocking smell great.

Justin and I have a tradition of gifting each other multiple bars of soap in our stockings! It’s an in expensive treat that we get to use all year long!

for book lovers:

Know someone whose always got their nose in a book? Here are a few of our favorites reads that would fit in perfectly with your eco-friendly stocking stuffers!

zero waste newbie:

Shameless plug, but 101 Ways to Go Zero Waste is my book! It would make a great addition to any stocking stuffer.

In 101 Ways to Go Zero Waste, I share low waste tips, DIY recipes for beauty and home; advice for responsible consumption; and even secrets for how to go waste free at the airport.

plant parents guidebook:

Farmer Nick, aka Nick Cutsumpas’ new book Plant Coach, is a plant lover’s dream.

Plant Coach is his comprehensive guide for the everyday plant owner who wants to alleviate the stress of plant ownership while doing the best for their plants and the planet.

Cutsumpas reframes what it means to be a plant parent by viewing the home as an ecosystem, introducing unconventional and sustainable plant tactics.

climate optimists rejoice:

Know a climate optimist? Be sure to stuff this into their stocking: Saving Us by Katharine Hayhoe is a climate scientist’s case for hope and healing in a divided world.

This is not another doomsday narrative about a planet on fire. It is a multilayered look at science, faith, and human psychology, from an icon in her field—recently named chief scientist at The Nature Conservancy.

kickin’ it in the kitchen:

Whether you know an aspiring chef, love to meal prep, or generally dislike cooking, these eco friendly stocking stuffers will help reduce food waste and get dinner on the table fast! Plus, an extra treat for the kitchen’s number one fan – your dog.

freezer prep:

Stasher Bag sells reusable silicone bags that are versatile, plastic-free and BPA-free.

The assorted 4 piece pack includes 1 snack size, 2 sandwich sizes, and 1 half gallon size. 

These silicone food storage bags can be used in the freezer, microwave, oven or dishwasher. They’re designed to replace plastic zip lock bags.

keep it fresh:

Usually, we eat avocados one half at a time, right? Avocado Huggers were created to reduce food waste by keeping the leftover half fresher longer!

These huggers are BPA and phthalate free, and come in two sizes with a unique pit pocket that can be pushed in or out so you won’t need any more disposable plastic wrap, baggies or foil! 

treatos:

Chippin creates planet-friendly pet snacks! Pups will love the Chippin Combo Pack, or the Sustainable Dog Treat Subscription with free treat tin.

This woman owned, small business uses cricket protein for a low “carbon pawprint”. Per pound of edible protein, crickets produce zero methane and use only 1 gallon of water vs. over 2000 for beef!

survive the cold weather:

Cold weather can be brutal on the skin and body so make sure your loved ones are stocked up on all the essentials! These gifts will get them through the winter in more ways than one.

keep dry skin at bay: 

Dry winter skin? Plaine Products body lotion can help. This lightweight, palm-oil free, vegan and cruelty-free lotion is fast-absorbing and will hydrate the skin.  

Plaine Products specializes in refillable products – you can ship back your empties and they’ll send you a refill. They sanitize and reuse all the bottles they get back too, creating a more circular economy. 

All the bottles are made from aluminum which is easy to recycle. You can also request “no pump” if you already have some to further avoid waste. 

keep those hands moisturized: 

Dry, cracked hands? Superzero’s hand balm bars will deliver luxurious hydration on the go all winter long, minus the plastic packaging. These vegan, cruelty-free plant-based hand balm bars will activate by gently massaging the bar between dry hands.  

The hand balm bars come wrapped in compostable wrapper that can be re-used to store the bar. It’s otherwise packaged in recycled and recyclable cardboard boxes. You can also gift it with the balm storage case for easy travel. Bars are TSA and portable.  

sweaters for your legs:

I tested it just to make sure, but these leggings will fit into a stocking! They’re also super cozy and will keep your legs very warm.

Icebreaker is made mostly from merino which is anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and rockstar for temperature regulation. They produce a transparency report every year that covers everything from social responsibility, worker safety, animal welfare, and environmental integrity. Read the Report

don’t forget your ears:

Tentree plants ten trees for every single purchase!

They specialize in using eco-friendly and recycled materials, and offer a number of great stocking stuffers like their mittens and adorable beanies.

when you need to unwind:

I can’t figure out if the holidays are more stressful this year or less? I attend a lot of gatherings so I’m completely wiped out at the end of the day.

Here are a few small ways I like to relax and unwind. All of these eco-friendly stocking stuffers are perfect for your friend, parent, or spouse who needs to carve out some time for themselves to recharge!

take a nap:

Olive + Crate creates sustainable bedding made from certified Tencel fiber, which is grown free of pesticides and insecticides.  

Their vegan eucalyptus silk eye mask is a perfect stocking stuffer! If you know someone who enjoys napping, this will be their new best friend. It’s moisture wicking, breathable, and blocks out light so you can nap any time of day. 

light a candle:

Candleholic Shop makes adorable soy candles in recycled liquor and wine bottles. This process saves bottles from going to the landfill, and also creates truly unique gifts.

They carefully cut each bottle by hand, sand it to perfection, and then pour their premium natural soy wax.

These candles are cruelty-free, paraben-free and PETA-approved!

at home spa:

Lalin et la siren is a Black-owned natural body care brand that utilizes ecofriendly packaging and organic ingredients inspired by the team’s Afro-Caribbean roots.

Their La Siren bath bomb would make a fun and unexpected stocking stuffer.

Here are 30+ eco friendly stocking stuffers! Of course, this is only the tip of the iceberg so be sure to check out my guide for consumable gifts and experience gifts.

I’m also working on a post about handmade gifts this year! I love to do a mix of all of these so I’m reducing consumerism as well as supporting sustainable brands who are doing good things for our planet.

Do you have a favorite sustainable brand that’s perfect as a stocking filler?

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  1. Pela case’s website says they are compostable…do you know if they break down in a home composting environment? I have been looking for a better phone case for a while now, and have yet to find a good (and not bank account-depleting) option.

    1. It would have to be sent to a heated facility. However, I would still buy one! When the time comes to get a new case (hopefully a couple of years from now) you might have municipal compost in your area. Or you could always mail it to me, and I’ll send it to the compost. 😉

  2. We don’t do stockings in my country but after reading this I just bought myself my first bamboo toothbrush for Christmas 😀 I do prefer manual toothbrushes to electric ones, but my dentist really prefers the last (and she lets me use my DIY remineralizing toothpaste… dentist 1 – me 1) because she says they clean way better (since I hate flossing and mouthwash, I really need to be sure I get clean as a whistle teeth and gums), so I use the electric one 80% of the time and enjoy the manual the rest. I’m super thrilled to finally try a zero waste one!! 🙂

  3. So funny, I blogged last week about zero-waste stocking stuffers and our lists are fairly similar. I LOVE Christmas but there is just so. much. waste.

    Our family hit it out of the park this year, though, with amazing experience gifts – a zoo membership for my kid, and a card-making class at a local stationary store for me. So fun!

  4. Hello! I am looking into getting a reusable razor and have a question – are the blades somehow recyclable or able to be sharpened again? If not, do you simply throw them away when they’ve become dull? Thanks for your help!

  5. One thing about that floss that I’ve learned is that it comes in a plastic container. There are other sites out there that you can buy just the floss, or the floss in a glass container that can be refillable.
    Otherwise, great suggestions!

  6. I love how everything that was old is NEW again like the safety razor! It makes you wonder what "progress" really is. Seems to me it’s mostly been bad news for the environment 🙁
    I really love the bamboo toothbrushes and natural floss tips, thank you. I hope I can find them in Canada, if not I’m sure I can get them online.

  7. I’m conflicted about the floss!! I heard that they boil the little insects that make the silk inside their cocoons. Alive. :S I’m not the worlds biggest bug lover. I’m not a bug lover period. But I’m not comfortable with that…

  8. My kids love finding homemade vegan cookies in their stockings on Christmas morning. You can wrap them in a cloth napkin. They are even allowed to eat them before breakfast :).