Looking for the best sustainable Thanksgiving gifts for friends and family? Great call!
Thanksgiving is about more than just turkey, pie, and that post-dinner food coma (though we all know how glorious that is). It’s also a time for gratitude, connection, and yes—gift-giving! But with all the consumerism that comes with the holidays, it’s time to rethink how we express our thanks to the ones we love. Seriously, how many times have you received a Thanksgiving present that ended up collecting dust on a shelf, or worse, ended up in the trash?
Enter: eco-friendly Thanksgiving gifts, the perfect way to show your appreciation without leaving a giant carbon footprint in your wake. Remember, the best green Thanksgiving gifts are the ones that reflect the recipient’s personality and values, and what better way to do that than with something that’s both meaningful and eco-friendly?
Whether it’s a cozy pair of fair trade slippers, an organic bath & body bar set, or a set of coffee blends from all around the world, finding something sustainable shows that you’ve put extra thought into what matters to them—and the planet.
We scoured the wide web to find the most sustainable and ethical Thanksgiving gifts in 2023 for everyone on your list. We included options ranging from under $15 to well over $100 – so there are plenty of Thanksgiving present ideas for every budget.
Why Choose Sustainable Thanksgiving Gifts in 2024?
Sustainable Thanksgiving gifts help reduce the environmental impact that comes with traditional holiday shopping. You’ve probably heard that we generate more waste during the holiday season—according to Stanford University, Americans throw away 25% more trash between Thanksgiving and New Year’s than at any other time of the year. That’s an extra 1 million tons of waste, which includes everything from wrapping paper and decor to food waste.
By choosing Thanksgiving gifts that are eco-friendly—whether they’re made from recycled materials or are designed to be reusable—you’re helping to cut down on this massive holiday waste. And it’s not just about what ends up in landfills. Traditional manufacturing processes can have a heavy carbon footprint, from excessive water usage to harmful emissions. Sustainable products often use less energy, water, and raw materials, making them a more planet-friendly choice.
For instance, a 2021 report by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation highlighted that circular economy practices—where products are reused, repaired, or recycled—could reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by 39%.
Ethical and Social Responsibility
The holidays aren’t just about giving gifts—they’re also about giving back. When you choose truly ethical Thanksgiving gifts, you’re often supporting businesses that thrive on offering fair wages, guaranteeing safe working conditions, and choosing eco-friendly manufacturing processes.
For example, the Fair Trade Certified™ verifies that producers receive fair wages, work in safe environments, and engage in sustainable farming practices. According to Fair Trade USA, over $740 million has been generated in community development funds worldwide, thanks to fair trade purchases.
Types of Eco-Friendly Thanksgiving Present Ideas
Eco-Friendly Home Décor
If your friends and family love sprucing up their homes for the holidays, eco-friendly home décor can be a perfect gift. Think beyond mass-produced items and look for sustainable Thanksgiving gifts made from recycled materials, organic textiles, or natural elements like wood, bamboo, or cotton.
Here are a few ideas:
- Reclaimed wood picture frames or vases add a rustic, natural touch to any room.
- Handmade candles made from soy wax or beeswax are a cleaner-burning alternative to traditional paraffin candles (which are derived from petroleum).
- Organic cotton tablecloths or napkins make a lovely addition to any Thanksgiving dinner, without harming the environment in their production process.
Locally-Sourced or Handmade Gifts
Giving a locally-made or handmade gift is an excellent way to reduce the environmental impact of shipping and support small businesses in your community. Whether it’s a hand-thrown ceramic mug from a local artisan or a cozy, hand-knitted scarf, these sustainable Thanksgiving gifts are unique and often more meaningful than anything you’d find at a big-box store.
- Homemade candles, pottery, or knitted blankets not only add a personal touch but also reduce the carbon footprint by limiting transportation emissions.
- Handmade soaps and lotions using natural ingredients like shea butter, olive oil, or essential oils offer a luxurious experience without the chemicals found in many mass-produced beauty products.
Organic and Plant-Based Food Baskets
Since Thanksgiving is all about sharing a meal, why not gift a sustainable food basket filled with organic, locally sourced, or plant-based goodies? Food baskets are practical, appreciated, and can easily reflect your commitment to sustainability.
Here’s what you can include:
- Organic jams and spreads made from locally-grown fruits.
- Artisanal bread from a local bakery, free of preservatives and artificial additives.
- A variety of plant-based snacks, such as roasted nuts, granola, or dark chocolate.
- Zero-waste packaged spices or gourmet cooking oils.
Reusable and Zero-Waste Products
Reusable and zero-waste products are practical, eco-conscious gifts that help cut down on everyday waste. These green and sustainable Thanksgiving gifts are perfect for anyone looking to reduce their environmental footprint without sacrificing convenience.
Popular options include:
- Stainless steel or bamboo straws for the eco-conscious sipper in your life.
- Beeswax wraps to replace single-use plastic wrap. These reusable wraps are perfect for keeping leftovers fresh without waste.
- Reusable shopping bags, which are both stylish and practical, help your gift recipient avoid single-use plastic bags.
- Glass or stainless steel water bottles that keep drinks cold or hot for hours while cutting down on plastic waste.
Experience-Based Gifts
For those who prefer to give the gift of an experience, you’re in luck! Experience-based gifts are inherently sustainable because they don’t require physical products or packaging. Instead, they focus on creating memories and deepening relationships.
Here are a few ideas:
- Cooking classes focused on plant-based meals or locally sourced ingredients.
- Nature walks or guided hikes in a local park, offer a chance to reconnect with nature and spend quality time together.
- Tickets to eco-friendly events or workshops, such as a DIY sustainable living seminar or a zero-waste craft workshop.
Best Sustainable Thanksgiving Gifts for Friends & Family
1. Cast Iron Pumpkin Cocotte
Price: $199.99
Let’s start with one of the cutest, sustainable Thanksgiving gifts in 2024. This charming 3.5-quart cocotte is shaped like a pumpkin, bringing a touch of whimsy to your kitchen. Crafted from enameled cast iron with a stunning burnt orange Majolique finish, it adds a vibrant pop of color to any meal. The textured black matte interior requires no seasoning and provides excellent browning while ensuring superior heat retention and distribution. With a smooth enamel bottom, it’s compatible with all stovetops, including induction. Plus, the heavy, tight-fitting lid keeps moisture locked in, making it perfect for stews, casseroles, and more!
2. Green Pan Knife Set
Price: $63.15
This knife set is a cut above the rest—literally! It includes everything from a 7″ chef’s knife to multifunctional shears, all nestled in a sleek rubberwood block. The blades are made from recycled stainless steel, treated at a sizzling 2000°F for unbeatable durability, and finished with a titanium coating that resists corrosion (so they stay sharp for the long haul). The slip-resistant handles ensure a steady grip, even when things get slippery.
3. Bodum Coffee Maker
Price: $19.99
Next up we have one of the most universally-loved, eco-friendly gifts for family and friends with over 40.000 glowing reviews! Help them brew barista-level coffee right at home with this sleek manual pour-over coffee maker. Made with durable borosilicate glass and featuring an elegant cork band, it’s as stylish as it is functional. The stainless steel mesh filter guarantees that all the rich oils and flavors make it into your cup, without the waste of paper filters. Simply add your coarse coffee grounds, pour hot water, and watch as the magic brews—no fancy equipment required!
4. Nooktas Fair Trade Slippers
Price: $89
Looking for ethical Thanksgiving gifts? These premium wool house slippers are handmade by skilled artisans over three days, from the highest quality, all-natural wool, which insulates and breathes to keep your feet warm without overheating. The felted wool is soft and perfect for sensitive skin, and it wicks away moisture, making it ideal for anyone with sweaty feet. With a roomy toe box and a flat, padded bottom, these slippers offer a barefoot feel, allowing natural movement without structured arch support.
5. Fair Trade Coffee
Price: $39.95
Next up we have every coffee lover’s favorite fair trade Thanksgiving gift – this Bourbon Coffee Gift Box Set. Featuring Grade 1 whole bean single-origin coffee, this set includes four delicious barrel-aged varieties: Kentucky Bourbon (Colombian), Malt Whiskey (Sumatra), Rye Whiskey (Ethiopian), and Rum (Rwanda). Each bean is aged in award-winning whiskey and rum barrels, creating a bold fusion of flavors that coffee and whiskey connoisseurs will love.
6. Nisolo Leather Belt
Price: $54.95
This ethical leather belt is made responsibly one Nisolo’s own ethical factory in Peru, from waterproof leather, and featuring a sleek brass-finished buckle. Plus, Nisolo is leading the way in combating climate change by offsetting 100% of its carbon emissions, verified by Climate Neutral Certification. With a purchase of this responsibly, you’ll look good and feel even better!
7. Sustainable Phone Case
Price: From $19
If you want to find truly sustainable Thanksgiving gifts that will be used and loved for years, look no further than this biodegradable phone case by Pela. Made from flax straw, it’s smooth and flexible, and features raised edges for extra protection against drops and scratches. The natural flax material provides shock absorption, so you get top-notch protection without sacrificing sustainability. Plus, the sleek, lightweight design ensures your phone stays slim and easy to handle, all while feeling great with its soft, natural texture.
8. Wood Cheese Board
Next, we have one of those Sustainable Thanksgiving gifts for family and friends that look luxurious but are actually pretty affordable. Crafted from premium Acacia wood, the Shanik Cheese Board is not just durable but also boasts a beautiful, rich color that makes it a standout in any kitchen. Its ergonomic design provides ample space to display an assortment of cheeses, meats, fruits, and crackers, perfect for gatherings or cozy nights. Whether your giftee is hosting a BBQ or an elegant dinner party, this versatile board adds a touch of class to any event. It also features a built-in cutlery set for easy serving, making it as functional as it is stylish.
9. Premium Glass Coffee Mugs
Price: $14.99
We found the best eco-friendly Thanksgiving gifts for those who take their drinkware too seriously – guilty as charged. This lightweight and durable beaker-style coffee mug set is made from hand-blown borosilicate glass, which can handle extreme temperature changes without breaking a sweat—whether you’re brewing hot coffee or enjoying an iced latte. Its sturdy design is resistant to heat and even safe for the dishwasher, microwave, and fridge, making it perfect for daily use. Lastly, the cool-touch handle ensures a comfortable grip, even when your drink is piping hot.
10. Stone Coaster Set
Price: $40
For green Thanksgiving gifts that look like they’ve just jumped out of a Pinterest board, look no further than this DORAI Home Stone Coaster Set. These artisanal coasters are inspired by nature, with each one featuring a unique shape that mimics natural stone formations. Because they are made from diatomaceous earth with innovative Diomat technology, these coasters dry quickly and prevent watermarks, keeping your surfaces clean and protected.
11. Organic Fruit, Herb, Flower Tea Set
We covered the needs of coffee lovers, so it’s time to make the tea connoisseur in your life smile! Each blend in this organic tea set features exquisite designs inspired by rare botanical illustrations from NYBG’s collection. This elegant set includes five unique organic tea blends, crafted to inspire enjoyment from the first glance to the last sip. Plus, a portion of the sales supports NYBG’s vital work in plant research, conservation, and education. P.S. All teas in this collection are USDA Organic certified, ensuring a quality experience with every cup!
12. Organic Bath & Body Bar Set
Price: $14
If you can’t afford to drop $$$ on your Eco-friendly gifts for family and friends, but still want to dazzle that special someone, we have the perfect solution. Thus luxurious bar soap is infused with olive oil and mandarin for a buttery smoothness while helping to soothe conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne. Mandarin adds a burst of Vitamin C, promoting healing and boosting skin circulation for a radiant glow. Plus, it’s cruelty-free, non-GMO, and free from harmful chemicals—triple-milled and crafted in the USA.
These were the best eco-friendly Thanksgiving gifts
Thre you have it, the most sustainable Thanksgiving gifts for family and friends. With so many thoughtful and sustainable options, it’s clear that Thanksgiving gift-giving doesn’t have to come at the cost of the environment. Whether you choose to give home décor made from natural materials, locally sourced treats, or even the gift of an unforgettable experience, your choice to go green this holiday season helps make a positive impact.
