With Christmas 2020 quickly approaching, you may have been wondering what to get for your travel-loving friend or family member (or, let’s be honest, for yourself). In this post, I’ve gathered up the best sustainable gifts for travelers (that they’ll actually use!).
All prices below are in US dollars.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. When you purchase through links on my site, I may make a small commission (at no extra cost to you!).
Why shop sustainably?
Sustainable can mean different things depending on who you ask — it can be reducing the use of single-use materials, supporting small businesses and local economies, or making an effort not to over-consume. It can also mean avoiding fast fashion and sticking to companies that can trace their supply chains. Gifting non-tangible experiences is also a great way to give sustainably.
By gifting a sustainable gift, you’re killing two birds with one stone — the recipient receives a useful gift, and you’re not harming the planet in the process. You can feel good about buying these items because they reduce the need for disposable products. Many of the companies listed below also have commitments to improving their eco footprints and donating to reputable charities.
Best sustainable gifts for travelers
1. Travel utensil kit
Reducing consumption of plastic utensils is one of the easiest ways to minimize your own individual footprint (plus, it’s super convenient for all of those last-minute meals on the road). Travel utensil kits often come with an airplane-friendly knife, spoon, fork, set of chopsticks, and a straw, making it a handy all-in-one bag for all your snacking needs.
Amazon metal ($14) // REI bamboo ($15)
2. Reusable water bottle
This is something that everyone, travel-lover or not, should own. A reusable water bottle is key to making sure you stay hydrated and saves you from buying plastic bottles over and over. Many reusable bottles can also fit a whole bottle of wine inside, just saying!
Hydroflask ($33) // S’well (from $25) // GRAYL filtering bottle ($70)
3. Reusable coffee cup
A must for any coffee or tea drinker. Many takeaway coffee cups are coated with special heat-retaining chemicals on the inside, making them neither recyclable nor compostable. A reusable tumbler keeps your drink warm and looks super cute to boot.
Keep Cup (from $23) // Starbucks (from $1)
4. Microfibre beach towel
Dock & Bay is an Australian company that makes microfibre towels out of 100% recycled materials. These towels dry extremely quickly and take up hardly any space, making them perfect for travel days. They come in a bunch of cute patterns and colors as well.
Dock & Bay (from $20)
5. Shampoo & conditioner bars
One of the best ways to pack lighter is to reduce your liquids. Shampoo and conditioner bars do just that! They also last a long time and reduce the amount of plastic in bottles you’re buying. Bars work just as well as normal shampoo & conditioner and are much easier to travel with.
Ethique (from $15) // Lush (from $12)
6. Merino wool socks
Maybe not the most exciting gift in the world, but definitely one that anybody would appreciate. Merino wool is a completely sustainable material that doesn’t itch or smell (even after repeated wear — I’m not here to judge). These socks are great for hiking, walking around town, or to help break in new shoes.
Icebreaker (from $15 // this is one of the most popular Kiwi brands!)
7. Reusable tote bag
Reusable tote bags are extremely handy to have traveling and at home. They can serve as grocery bags, beach bags, or as a purse — the sky is the limit. Make your gift count even more by supporting a local artist through Etsy. There are so many cute designs out there that would suit any style!
Etsy (any and all budgets) // Ecobags (from $6) // Baggu (from $12)
8. Reusable face mask
Ahh, 2020. With face masks being necessary on airplanes and public transportation for the foreseeable future, a reusable mask is a travel essential. Many are being made with sustainable materials, like organic cotton or linen. Look for ones with adjustable ear straps for extra comfort.
Anthropologie (from $8) // Reuse Masks (from $10)
9. Travel voucher for their next trip
With the pandemic disrupting so many travel plans, many businesses in the travel sector are struggling to stay afloat. Purchasing an airline gift card or tour voucher is a great way to support those companies while being something you know they’ll use. Make sure that any gift cards or tour vouchers have good cancellation policies and don’t expire.
G Adventures ($200) // Intrepid Travel (any amount)
10. Gift card to a local business
Travel doesn’t have to mean going across the world — you can be a traveler in your hometown as well. A gift card to a local restaurant, cafe, or shop can help your recipient discover a new favorite spot right in their backyard. By buying a gift card to a small business, you’re directly supporting the local economy — bonus points if the business is women- or minority-owned.
There are many small business directories online! Here’s one for Chicago.
11. Offset their carbon emissions
Although we can try to reduce our carbon footprint, it’s not realistic for most people to completely stop driving and flying. By purchasing carbon emission offsets, you’re mitigating the impact of your carbon footprint. One such company, Terrapass, uses gift card purchases to fund renewable energy and methane capture projects. This is the perfect feel-good gift for the frequent flier in your life.
Terrapass (minimum $5)
More than being just practical, these sustainable gifts for travelers are sure to bring a smile to their face. There’s no better feeling than giving a gift you know they’ll use and helping the planet at the same time. Stay tuned for more posts on sustainable living soon!
xoxo Niki
