Shopping sustainably isn’t just about making eco-friendly choices for now. It’s about finding beautiful and useful items that can be enjoyed for many years. Sustainable gifts aren’t a new concept, either. Traditional sustainable gifts include things like citrus fruit and nuts that can be consumed, quilts and winter coats that can be mended and repurposed, and cookware that lasts generations. Almost everything you can think of has an eco-friendly counterpart available. When browsing online for sustainable gifts for book lovers, look for natural, recycled, or handmade materials. Even with electronics, look for clever gadgets that make life easier and greener. There’s more than the gift to consider, too. In the U.S., over 2.3 million pounds of waste is generated every holiday season with gift wrap alone! It’s easy to wrap gifts in an earth-friendly way. Try a silk scarf from the thrift store for gift wrap or save up paper grocery bags to wrap gifts. Use scrap yarn to tie on a gift tag made out of an old cereal box. Get creative and have fun! From upcycled stationery to bookish wearable goods, these are the best sustainable gifts for readers!
Paper Goods
Plant the cover of this 140-page recycled notebook for a gift that keeps on giving! $12 Opt for a surprise book or a favorite, and give the torn page of a book new life with a couple of these bookmarks. $4 each When the bookshelf reading log is full, it’s time to plant these cute bookmarks. $5 each
Clothing & Accessories
Show the Austenite in your life you care, most ardently, with a recycled book bracelet. $21 This PDF pattern inspired by Claire Fraser’s Carolina Shawl fits inside an email! $10 This 100% cotton tote is perfect for library trips, book club, buying snacks, and making strangers look up Daisy Jones on Spotify, $25
Self-Care
Time to reset and relax with this custom soap and library-scented soy candle set. $25 Smell like a hero with this delicious blend of pomegranate, sandalwood, and cypress perfume oil. $14 Perfect for frequent travelers, this solid perfume packs a punch in a teeny, tiny recyclable container. $16 Orange you glad this Agatha Christie inspired lip balm comes in a zero-waste container? $12
Home
Help them keep the winter chill away with this personalized bamboo tea infuser tumbler. $30 Savor the classics with this literary-inspired tea sampler, starting at $17. The little readers in your life can tell Little Women their own way with this hand painted peg doll set. $75 for the set. Leather, teakwood, dark musk, patchouli, with a smack of leave-me-alone-I’m-reading, this soy wax candle is perfect for gifting. $20
Books
When gifting books, the used bookstore is a great place to shop, especially if your recipient is trying to build their library. Ereaders are a popular choice for sustainable gifts, but consider a refurbished one instead! Ebooks can also be gifted for others through your favorite bookseller. Finally, ask your friends and family if they have any specific reading goals or what books are on their wishlist. Returning gifts is another major contributor to holiday waste. Need more gift ideas? Try these eco-friendly ideas or check out last year’s Holiday gift guide for some inspiration.
