50 best sustainable gifts: Eco-friendly gift guide

The small choices we make as consumers every day can make a big impact on the planet and our community. Whether that’s in our kitchens, where single-use plastics such as sandwich bags are notoriously prevalent, or in the gifts we choose to give the people we love.

Supporting brands that give conscious weight to sustainability can help us meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same.

We’ve compiled a selection of sustainable gifts from brands big and small that are doing their bit – from ethical standards of production and transparency in the supply chain to using eco-friendly materials and minimising waste.

Discover everything from eco-friendly kitchenware to zero-waste starter kits and the best eco gifts for under £10.

Confused? It’s a tricky topic. Check out our sustainability glossary for expert definitions of the buzzwords and terminology used when talking about environmental issues.

If you’ve got questions like how to cut your carbon footprint or what does biodegradable really mean?, we’ve got guides for these, too.

Best sustainable or eco-friendly gifts

Recycled wine glasses

Hand-blown from recycled glass, these unique pieces are a beautiful alternative to traditional wine glasses. Each will be slightly unique in shape due to the nature of production and two designs are available; clear glass and green. Dishwasher safe. Discover more unusual wine glasses to pep up your glass collection.

Available from: Spicer and Wood (£14)

Paperwork sustainable wood and newspaper clock

Hundreds of layered and compressed newspaper pages produce the unique affect on this oak and paper clock. Both are coated with an eco protective varnish so it would happily withstand the steam from the hob if hung in the kitchen. It just requires two AA batteries to start ticking.

Available from: Not on the High Street (£95)

Stainless-steel lunchbox

Stainless steel offers a durability that’s hard for plastic lunchboxes to compete with. This one by Planet Organic holds two stacked sandwiches and leaves just enough space at the end for a handful of snacks. Though not 100% water tight, the lid slots on snugly and is secured by two flick-hinges at either end creating a leak-resistant seal.

Available from: Planet Organic (£16.99)

Paper High sustainable mango wood long chopping board

Practical for both food preparation and presentation, wooden chopping can become a rustic staple for any kitchen. This particular board is handmade from sustainably grown mango wood by the skilled artisan makers of Noah’s Ark, a Fairtrade organisation.

Available from: Not on the High Street (£21.95)

Curated Pieces stacking veggies

Made from sustainably managed rubberwood trees at the end of their rubber-producing life, this set of three happy root vegetables are finished with water-based colours and hand-sewn fabric leaves for character. The carrot, beetroot and radish each consist of three sections so can be mixed and matched for fun. Suitable for kids aged 18 months or older.

Available from: Curated Pieces (£19.99)

Bike-shaped pizza cutter

There’s something really fun about using bike wheels to cut a pizza into slices. This Fairtrade copper-coated gadget offer two circular cutting blades, making it easier to get the perfect slice every time. Rest your hand against its seat and frame to apply pressure while cutting.

Available from: Shared Earth (£19.99)

Uashmama wine caddy

As a brand, Uashmama holds sustainability as one of its three core principles and is committed to upholding that throughout its manufacturing and production processes. The innovative washable paper its caddy is constructed from consists of sustainably sourced and reconditioned raw materials, treated with natural vegetable waxes.

Available from: Trouva (from £25.99)

Recycled glass cake dome

We think the quality and build of this hefty glass dome more than justifies the price. Its size is perfect for storing anything from cakes and bread to cheeses, with the lid creating a seal that’ll compete with traditional bread bins. As a kitchen storage idea, it’s not just functional but would also be something of a centerpiece for your table.

Available from: Nkuku (£69.95)

Recycled 800ml glass carafe

To continue the theme of eco-friendly tableware, a water carafe with a broad spout for easy filling is a perfect addition. This carafe is embossed with a ‘100% Authentic Recycled Glass’ stamp. When not using it, stand some flowers in it.

Rave coffee

This brand aims to make coffee sustainable, affordable and delicious, and is a firm favourite of BBC Good Food experts. Find our picks of the best gifts for coffee lovers and other gift guides in our reviews section.

Available from: Rave (from £3 for whole beans)

Handmade recycled craft beer bottle glasses

Upcycled from used craft beer bottles in the UK, these tumblers would make an apt sustainable gift for anyone who loves their hops. Our experts have taste tested hundreds of craft beers. Read our definitive guide to craft beer right here.

Available from: Etsy (from £9.99)

Bambaw bamboo cutlery and travel set

You get a lot for your money with this reusable bamboo cutlery set. A bamboo straw plus cleaning brush, spoon, knife, fork and chopsticks fit into this ergonomically designed roll pouch, that secures with a popper. Plus, you can put them in the dishwasher.

Notabag in yellow/grey

With a quick tug on the straps, this duel functioning bag transforms from an eco-friendly tote shopper into an easy backpack. An award-winning German design team are to thank for its smart design, constructed from a water-resistant cotton and rip-stop nylon mix that’s also machine washable.

Available from: Yorkshire Wildlife Trust (£23.95)

Tabitha Eve watercolour multi wipes x3

Each towel in this pack of three has smooth organic cotton on one side and scrubby bamboo on the other – features designed to make them a durable reusable alternative to single-use kitchen roll and wipes. Each is 17cm square and can be popped in the washing machine. The water colour designs are far more exciting than plain kitchen roll, don’t you think?

Available from: Planet Organic (£12.99)

Playin Choc boxes

If you’re looking for a treat for someone following a plant-based diet, these individually wrapped tasty morsels are vegan-friendly and arrive in compostable packaging. They are gluten-, dairy- and soy-free, too.

Available from: PlayinChoc (£5.95)

Colander light pendant

Yes it’s a quirky idea, but why not use a colander as a lampshade? These colourful colanders have been transformed from kitchen essentials to light fittings with fantastic results. The natural patina has been kept intact for a durable, sleek finish, plus the light shining through the drainage holes creates a beautiful dappled effect. Available in multiple colours.

Available from: Etsy (£58.90)

Kambukka ETNA thermal mug

The Kambukka ETNA was voted best all-round travel cup and awarded 5/5 stars by the BBC Good Food experts when tested against the best reusable coffee cups. Not only will its insulation keep your drink hot for 11 hours, but its nifty design features, including the watertight ‘Snapclean’ lid, can be easily washed.

Kami glass serving bowl

Made from clear recycled glass, this serving bowl has a rustic, organic design with a rough texture that would add character to any table. Load it with classic potato salad and then pop it in the dishwasher for easy cleaning. Dimensions: 6.5 x 27cm.

Available from: Nkuku (£32.95)

Chapra two-tier lunchbox

This stainless steel lunchbox has two tiers and snap closures, ideal for filling with two dishes or mixed snacks for lunch on-the-go. It’s a robust lunch box that would withstand being thrown around inside a bag, and is dishwasher safe.

Available from: A Slice of Green (£15)

Reusable whisky chillers

Made from granite and soapstone, these whisky stones can be kept in the freezer and will chill your drinks without diluting the way ice does.

Available from: Oliver Bonas (£10)

Nkuku Jahi brass candlesticks

These elegant Fairtrade candlesticks are hand-forged using traditional techniques. Standing at just 16cm high and 5cm wide, they’re perfect for smaller tables and would be a great gift for those looking to make a positive social impact through their purchase.

Available from: Trouva (£22.95)

Bambu bamboo travel utensil set with cotton pouch

For an eco-friendly, plastic-free set of reusable cutlery this one by Bambu ticks all the boxes. The fork, knife and spoon are each made from organic bamboo and slip inside a cork travel pouch. Each element is natural, plastic-free, biodegradable and sustainable so for a low-impact present that can be used again and again, look no further.

Available from: Peace with the Wild (£13)

Recycled woollen rug

Made from recycled end-cuts of yarn by Tweedmill on the edge of the River Dee estuary, every one of these 120cm x 150cm rugs is different as colours vary depending on the off-cuts. Perfect for wrapping up on chilly winter evenings.

Available from: Natural Collective (£19.95)

Eco living kitchen kit

This is for anyone looking for simple ways to start swapping out the plastics in their daily routine. Included is a natural bristle wooden dish brush, a replacement brush head, a dishwashing soap bar that’s free from SLS, fragrance and parabens, a bamboo soap dish rack and a 4-pack of compostable sponge cleaning cloths. The pack is customisable for added flexibility.

Available from: Peace with the Wild (£22.60)

LIGA eco cork and ceramic mug

This ceramic eco coffee mug from Liga’s Earthware collection is available in cream or storm grey and is a contemporary little mug for your favourite brew. The cork grip can be removed for easy cleaning and is sustainably sourced. If coffee is your loved-one’s drink of choice, find a host of inspiration in our guide to the best gifts for coffee lovers.

Available from: Not on the High Street (£11)

LARQ self-cleaning water bottle

This filter-free solution to getting purified water on the go uses UV-C LED technology to kill bacteria, germs and viruses in water in just 60 seconds (99.9999% of E Coli bacteria when in Adventure Mode.) It’s a chemical, ozone and mercury-free gift for those looking for an alternative to buying bottles of filtered water.

The Organic Company lunch bag

Made from 100% GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified organic cotton, this heavy weave canvas lunch bag rolls down and closes with a cotton strap. The standard guarantees consumers that the fabric’s production is free from toxic and polluting chemicals and also that a series of international workers’ rights are met. Organic cotton is a renewable and biodegradable natural fibre, so if you’re looking for a plastic-free gift for foodies, this is one to consider.

Available from: Silver Mushroom (£16.50)

Klean Kanteen 800ml steel bottle

Super lightweight, dishwasher safe and with an easy-to-open sports cap, this stainless steel bottle was named best reusable water bottle in our recent test, scoring 5/5 stars. It’s a consciously made, high-quality bit of kit made for lifetime use. Climate-neutral certified, Klean Kanteen is a B Corporation and a member of 1% for the Planet.

Available from: Surf Dome £16.95

Pizza Parlour toy set

Pizza is a classic meal to make with kids and with this Pizza Parlour toy they can build their very own creations. Each piece is made from 100% recycled plastic milk containers and is BPA-free, along with other common chemicals often found in children’s toys. These are slices of fun to discover with or without a toy kitchen.

Available from: Burton Art Gallery (£27)

Greenpan Venice pro frying pan

Named best eco-friendly frying pan by the BBC Good Food team, this is a tried-and-tested favourite for chemical-free cooking. GreenPan uses a unique Thermolon ceramic coating that’s PFOA free; a chemical often found in traditional non-stick pans. Suitable for all hob types, this bit of kit is not only good value for money but also produces evenly cooked ingredients.

Viners organic green five-piece knife block

Made from 80% recycled steel and organic wheat fibre (a natural by-product of the farming industry that’s traditionally burnt by farmers) this set of five knives by Viners would make a unique sustainable kitchen gift. Along with the knife block, this set contains a 20cm chef’s knife, 20cm carving knife, 20cm bread knife, 13cm utility knife and 9cm pairing knife.

Available from: Silver Mushroom (£34.36)

FRoG unpaper towels

A great substitute for disposable kitchen roll, these reusable towels by Friends of Gaia (FRoG) are made from organic cotton that’s 100% biodegradable. The brand aims to make ethical products that are functional and kind to the earth. With such colourful fun designs including tropical pelicans and watermelons, we think these would be a great eco-friendly kitchen gift.

Available from: The Clean Market (£8.95/pack of four)

Zero-waste kit

For those wondering how to go about switching to a zero-waste journey, this kit contains some essential bits of kit to help them. Included is one natural bamboo bowl and brush, a stainless steel straw set, a vegan olive oil body soap, an organic cotton net bag and two silicone food bags. The kit is designed to help you reduce your use of plastics.

Available from: The Clean Market (£32)

Husk plastic-free set of three pots

Husk has combined coffee husk, bamboo fibre and chaff with cornstarch and resin to create a plastic-free and biodegradable trio of plant pots, perfect for growing an indoor kitchen garden.

Available from: Husk (£11)

HERD tote bag

We love the bold, arty designs of HERD’s recycled tote bags, made from recycled bottles and built to be durable.

Available from: Herd Bags (from £12)

Wooden tea set

Made from sustainably sourced linden wood and birch plywood, this beautiful wooden tea set is a great choice if you’re buying a gift for kids. Included are two teacups, two saucers, two plates, two teaspoons, a tea pot with lid, sugar pot, two spoons and a wooden tray. All paints and varnishes are non-toxic.

Available from: Happy Little Folks (£45) 

Chad Valley wooden kitchen with breakfast bar

This play toy kitchen would make a duluxe present for amateur foodies and comes brimming with interactive features made using sustainably sourced materials. Included is a breakfast bar and tiled splashback, wood-look worktop and wipe-clean fittings.

Available from: Argos (£120)

KIND BAG reusable shopping bag

Six used plastic bottles make up these 100% recycled pieces, a fun eco alternative to single-use shopping bags. Each bag will hold up to 20kg and the brand also donates 10% of its profits to Just One Ocean, a charity helping to clean our seas.

Pom pom seagrass storage basket

Made from natural, sustainable seagrass, this Fairtrade basket with multicoloured pom poms would bring a pop of colour into any home. When not in use it can be folded down for easy storage.

Available from: Ethical Superstore (£29.95)

Honeycomb decomposition notebook

Every page of this notebook by Honeycomb is made from 100% post-consumer-waste recycled paper. Its styling features a sewn spine and is a twist on the classic composition notebook, using soy ink used to print its 180 lined pages. We’re fans of having a notebook to hand in case dinner inspiration strikes or simply for writing shopping lists, so think this eco-conscious jotter would make a great sustainable gift.

Available from: Waterstones (£10.99)

LP vinyl placemats

The shape and texture of old vinyls lend them well to be upcycled into quirky tableware. This set of six come in optional 7” or 12” sizes, fitted with little rubber feet and laminated labels. It’s potluck on what LPs you’ll get in your set, which we think adds to their fun as a sustainable gift. Vinyl coasters are also available.

Available from: Protect the Planet (from £21.99)

Eco gifts under £10

Eco-friendly planter

These recycled planters are perfect for brightening up a window sill and holding an indoor kitchen herb garden.

Available from: Etsy (£20+)

Cork wave placemats and coasters

Made from natural, sustainable cork, these placemats come with matching coasters and feature a wave design that’s conveniently wipe-clean. Add character to your place settings or pop them beneath hot casserole dishes in the centre of the table. Sold separately.

Available from: Graham and Green (£2.95+)

The Beeswax Wraps Co food wraps

A certified B Corporation and living wage payer, The Beeswax Co’s flexible food wraps are a tried and tested favourite with the BBC Good Food team, used daily as sustainable alternatives to cling film and foil. Made from GOTS certified cotton, each wrap is coated with UK-sourced beeswax and can be moulded around food or containers to produce a hygienic seal. The result is food that stays fresher for longer.

Available from: The Beeswax Wraps Co (from £10)

Joie rainbow reusable coloured straws

This colourful set is not only bright and cheery, but also super cost effective and firm favourites with the BBC Good Food team, awarded best plastic reusable straw when tested against other brands. At 23cm, they’re perfect for use in tall glasses and will last years, even with daily use.

Earth MOB: Reduce waste, spend less, be sustainable

If a straight-talking handbook filled with hacks and recipes sounds like your cup of tea, Earth Mob tackles the topic of our current ecological climate in bite-sized, constructive chunks. Sustainability, zero-waste, plastic free and seasonality are all explored with handy tips around how we can live and eat green.

Kilner 0.35 litre soup jar set

Kilner has a great reputation for its durable, reusable glass kitchenware and jars. This soup jar also comes with a silicone disc for microwave use, which acts as a seal once its metal lid is screwed on.

The Organic Company grey cotton napkin

Reusable napkins are sustainable alternatives to disposable paper options and can add some style to a simple dinner table. Made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton, this dark grey napkin features a useful loop for  holding cutlery or chopsticks as a simple and tasteful place setting.

Available from: Coffee and Cloth (£9)

Reusable cotton pads, pack of eight

These little beauties are a great alternative to the disposable cotton pads we know so well. Made from recycled 100% cotton fabric, use them to take off your makeup and throw in the wash when you’re done. At the end of their life, you can chop them up small and add them to your compost bin.

Available from: Etsy (£9-11.50)

Lemonaid upcycling oil pourer

Such a simple idea, but screw this reusable pourer tool into empty Lemonaid and ChariTea bottles and you have yourself repurposed, upcycled decanters for cooking or leaving on the table. Plus, 5p of every purchase goes towards the Lemonaid & ChariTea Foundations, started with the vision that every person has access to an independent, self-determined and sustainable livelihood.

Available from: Ethical Superstore (£2.45)

More on sustainability

BBC Good Food sustainability glossary
How to have a greener Christmas
10 ways to eat out sustainability
10 ways to cut your carbon footprint
What biodegradable really means
How to compost food at home
Six pieces of food packaging to avoid
Top sustainable wines for 2020

This review was last updated in October 2020. If you have any questions or suggestions for future reviews, or spot anything that has changed in price or availability, please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.