In the age of planned obsolescence and fast fashion, we like to take the holidays as an opportunity to spread fun gifts that support people as well as the earth that supports us all!
Take a look at our sustainable gift-giving guide for all types of people in your life: The Tree Person, The Gardener, The Eco-Adventurer, and The Kiddos.
Use this guide as a starting point, there’s a world of sustainable gift-giving options out there to make your holiday fun and eco-friendly!
For the Tree Person:
Gift-giving got you stumped? Branch out and surprise loved ones in your life with a tree! For as little as $25, you can show them just how much you care while taking steps to care for the planet. Every donation comes with a specially designed card or certificate with a personal message from you! It’s a great way to send a warm season’s greetings while also supporting the planting and care of thousands of trees devastated by drought and rising heat. Order your tree dedication by December 18 to ensure you receive it before the holidays!
Membership to the L.A. Arboretum
Bring the beauty of L.A.’s 127-acre botanical garden to your favorite tree person this year! A membership to the Arboretum is the gift that keeps on giving, too. Each membership offers free admission to more than 300 participating gardens throughout the United States and Canada, discounts on most classes, workshops, lectures, tours, family programs and much more!
The California Guide to Trees!
What’s better than a book all about our state’s beautiful trees? With more than 150 species, this book is the perfect guide to help you spot the trees that shade our parks, grace our yards, and line our streets.
EKP Creations is an L.A.-based candle company that uses all-natural, American-made soy wax that contains no toxins, carcinogens, or pollutants. They use recycled materials as containers for you to choose from: from wine bottles to mason jars. Fill your home with a wide range of scents from this awesome local company!
For the Gardener:
Rain chains are a beautiful addition to any garden to slow, sink and spread those precious drops back into the ground or a rain tank. And what’s even better? Every storm, they can look forward to the soothing sound of trickling water.
Learning how to collect and conserve rainwater year-round is a great first step into greener living for that conscious gardener in your life. Did you know with just four rain barrels, you can collect up to 200 gallons of water in just one storm!? Think about all the free drinks you could give your plants and trees when the rainy season is over! Rain barrels really are the gift that keeps on giving back…to the planet.
Native Wildflower Seed Packets
Wildflowers– the perfect stocking stuffer for a climate fighting gardener! Choose from a variety of California native plants and watch the joy on your loved one’s face grow alongside their newly planted native beauties all year long.
Hoses are necessary for every garden, so having one with toxic plastic materials is no good for any gardener. This one from Swan is lead and phthalate-free, keeping harmful chemicals away from your plants and loved ones.
For the Modernist :
The holidays are “new phone season,” and what better way to protect that new phone than with a fully compostable case from Moment?
Every eco-warrior needs a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. Here’s one of our favorite, family-owned, California-based canteen companies out there!
A perfect way to keep your cell phone or GoPro charged, this solar-powered charger is water-resistant, shockproof, and comes with dual charging ports and an emergency flashlight.
These yoga mats are made of cork and recycled materials! Help your loved one bring a little bit of environmentalism to their next yoga class.
For the Eco-Adventurer:
Give the gift of adventure this holiday season! No outdoorsy friend or loved one is complete without their annual pass to the more than 2,000 National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands. It’s a perfect gift to hike, camp and explore all year long.
Southern California Hiking Guide
This guide is the perfect accessory for the hiker in your life. Whether they are just starting to explore SoCal’s trails, or they’re a seasoned expert, this guide is sure to keep your favorite adventurer from getting lost. Check it out and see some of the region’s best trails that include topographical maps, elevation profiles, full-color photos, and hikes-at-a-glance charts to help find the perfect trek easily and quickly.
REI Hiking and Camping Classes
Make sure your adventurer is prepared for their next trip by gifting them one of REI’s hiking and camping classes! Topics range from tying basic knots to wilderness survival skills. Nothing is better than the gift of knowledge.
A Moonlit or Adventure Hike in Coldwater Canyon Park
This year, treat your adventurous loved one to a guided hike in our very own Coldwater Canyon Park. With 45 acres of land covered in trails with gorgeous views of the city to explore, this will be an experience to remember!
For the Kiddos:
Eco Stars Environmentally-Friendly Crayons
The perfect stocking stuffer for kids of all ages, these eco-friendly crayons are made of non-toxic materials. Challenge your little ones to draw trees of all kinds and to support the earth around them!
These dolls serve as the perfect educational play companions for kids. Use them and their stories to teach your little ones about climate change, conservation, recycling, and more!
A Beautifully-Illustrated Book
A fantastic bedtime book, “What Does it Mean to be Green” will introduce your kids to environmentalism and inspire them to be green every day!
These amazing birdhouses from Green Toys are made of recycled materials to teach your kids about local birds while honing their construction skills at the same time!