The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the daunting task of finding the perfect gifts for our loved ones. But this year, why not make your gift-giving a little more meaningful and sustainable? With so many amazing eco-friendly and socially responsible products on the market, there’s no excuse not to give gifts that make a positive impact on the planet. In this holiday gift guide, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite eco-conscious gifts that are sure to please even the most discerning individuals.
For the Ocean Lover
Symbolically adopt an ocean animal. For the animal lover in your life, consider giving a gift that will protect ocean wildlife by symbolically adopting a dolphin, whale, sea turtle, or albatross. Your symbolic animal adoption gift will help us provide needed support for our research and conservation programs!
Shop with Oceanic Society. Shop in our online store for a variety of ocean-themed gifts, including apparel, accessories, and home goods. All proceeds from your purchase will support Oceanic Society’s mission to protect marine ecosystems and the animals that depend on them.
For the Bookworm
Move Like Water by Hannah Stowe. Growing up on the coast of Wales, and then working as a sailor and marine biologist, author Hannah Stowe’s life has been intertwined with the sea. This book is a reflection of her experience, and why so many are drawn to the ocean.
The Underworld: Journey to the Depths of the Ocean by Susan Casey. By the author of The Devil’s Teeth, about the history of the Farallon Islands, the newly released book The Underworld dives into the mysterious deep sea. This captivating read was given the Amazon Editor’s Pick of “Best Books of the Year 2023.”
Wire Elephant Bookmark from Ten Thousand Villages. To go with a new book, consider this beautiful bookmark! Handcrafted in Kenya by the skillful hand of Kenyan artisans in Kisumu, the paper backing is made from water hyacinth. After being introduced to Lake Victoria, water hyacinth has had a negative impact on Lake Victoria’s ecosystem. Innovative use of this plant for crafts is helping the rehabilitation of Africa’s largest lake (by area).
For the Foodie
Daybreak Seaweed. This woman-owned company aims to make seaweed a staple in the everyday kitchen in a sustainable way. They offer dried seaweed, spice blends, and seasoned salts that incorporate sustainably-grown seaweed from regenerative ocean farmers.
For the Self-Care Enthusiast
Lush Plastic-Free Self-Care Products. We all need a little self-care, whether it’s for you or your bestie, consider any of the self-care items from Lush that are entirely plastic free! With so many options, we don’t know which to choose.
For the Coffee Drinker
Upwell Coffee. To get through the rest of the holidays, help the coffee drinker on your list with some Upwell Coffee. With every bag of coffee you purchase, Upwell donates $1 to research and conservation efforts – including Oceanic Society!
For the Tea Drinker
Rare Tea Company Loose Leaf Tea. Have friends who love tea? We got you covered with Loose Leaf Tea. The Rare Tea Company sells ethically produced, sustainable tea, and their flavors are a-plenty. Pair the tea with a reusable tea strainer from Unpacked Living for the perfect cuppa!
For the Eco-Conscious Shopper
Bamboo Straws from Public Goods. Help your loved ones reduce their waste by gifting them a set of bamboo straws. Bamboo straws are a sustainable and reusable alternative to plastic straws.
For the Fashionista
Patagonia GuppyFriend Washing Bag. Help your friends and family protect their clothes and the environment by gifting them a GuppyFriend Washing Bag! This unique bag traps microplastics released from synthetic clothing during the washing process, preventing them from entering waterways.
For the Globetrotter
Stream2Sea Sunscreen & Mask Defogger. This high-quality reef safe sunscreen will keep your skin safe while minimizing your impact on the environment. Stream2Sea sunscreen is biodegradable and tested and proven reef safe. As an added bonus, Oceanic Society community members receive 10% off their purchase when you use this link (discount added in cart).
Grayl GeoPress Water Filter and Purifier Bottle. An adventurer’s dream: the Grayl GeoPress Water Filter and Purifier Bottle will protect the globetrotter on your list from viruses, protozoa, bacteria, particulates, chemicals, and heavy metals. The Grayl GeoPress Water Filter and Purifier Bottle can help reduce plastic waste by purifying water in areas where it’s recommended to drink bottled water.
For the Dreamer
Decomposition Flying Sharks Lined Spiral-Bound Notebook. If you’ve got someone on your list who loves to daydream or loves a good list, check out the Flying Sharks Decomposition Book, made from 100% Post-Consumer Waste Recycled Paper and printed with soy ink.
For the Constantly On-The-Go
Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler. We all have a friend on our holiday list who’s constantly on the go or needs their emotional support water bottle at all times. Upgrade their travel tumbler to the Quencher H2.0. These tumblers are made with 90% recycled stainless steel.
For the Busy Bee
Bee’s Wrap Reusable Food Wraps. Help your loved ones reduce their waste by gifting them a set of Bee’s Wrap reusable food wraps. Bee’s Wrap is a sustainable and reusable alternative to plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
For the Fragrance Lover
5 SENS Vegan Fragrances. 5 SENS is a vegan, cruelty-free, BIPOC-founded fine fragrance company on a mission to capture a mood in a bottle. This company was also a supporter of our 2023 Global Ocean Cleanup!
For the Tidy-Upper
Koala Eco Gifts. Feel good inside and out with Koala Eco products. Their sleek packaging and plant-based products bring people closer to nature, and the company proudly supports Oceanic Society’s efforts to improve access to ocean experiences in the San Francisco Bay Area. These products are staff recommended, and there’s something for everyone (including the pets!).
We hope this holiday gift guide has inspired you to give gifts that are good for both the planet and your loved ones. With so many amazing options available, it’s easy to make your holiday planet-friendly this year!
