Green Gifts for Women
We’ve got gifts for every budget, and they are listed in increasing order by price. The most affordable gifts come first, followed by the higher-priced offerings. This list will be updated as I find more unique, thoughtful gifts. Some gifts appear in more than one category.
Featured Gift Idea
Dsenyo — Fair Trade Gifts
Dsenyo is a Fair Trade organization that offers gorgeous goods handmade by women in Malawi, including handbags, aprons and accessories that celebrate African textile design. Artist Marissa Perry Saints founded Dsenyo after living and working in Malawi in an effort to create social and economic opportunities for the women there. Dsenyo also donates a portion of its profits to community development projects in Malawi and has developed partnerships with various nonprofits to help raise money for their causes. You can get something for every woman and girl on your list. Shop: APRONS | HOBO BAGS | HAIR CLIPS | LITTLE FRIENDS DOLLS
SAVE! Get 10% off your Dsenyo order with coupon code GREENDEC10.
Deeply-Discounted Experiences: $5-200
Instead of sweating over a physical gift, give the gift of experience — at a steep discount. Give a night out at a restaurant, sports or concert tickets, an art class, car detailing service or one of a million other options. Sites like Groupon and Living Social are famous for deals of up to 75% off on local businesses. Save a ton of money and give a gift they will never forget — sans packaging and wasteful materials. (aff)
EcoTools Makeup Accessories: $6-25
Help her replace those outdated, potentially toxic plastic tools with something more sustainable. These makeup brushes and tools are made of renewable, naturally antimicrobial bamboo. NOTE: Also available at Target, Walgreens and other retailers. (aff)
Nostalgia organic soaps & toiletries: $9-12
This is one of my personal favorite, and I am a regular customer of this company. If you know any women (like me) who are obsessed with organic, handmade, luxury soaps or anything that makes her feel pampered, she will love Nostalgia Organics. Plus, the super cute packaging will make her smile.
Vidal Sassoon EcoStyle tools: $15-28
Chances are the lady on your list spends a bit of time getting ready and uses a variety of tools to tame her hair. These options from Vidal Sassoon’s EcoStyle collection will help her do so using at least 35% less energy. There is also a printed reminder on the hair dryer to unplug when she’s not using it. Hair dryer, curling iron and flat iron available. (aff)
PACT organic cotton underwear: $15-30
These are NOT your mother’s underwear. They are bold, graphic and anything but boring. The women’s undies are available in a variety of styles, including bikinis, boy shorts and thongs, and each pair is inspired by a social or environmental cause. They are made of organic cotton, shipped in a compostable envelope, and 10% of every sale goes to Pact’s non-profit partners. (aff)
Natural Fitness Eco-smart Yoga Mat: $19.98
If she loves yoga, she’ll think you’re the most thoughtful person in the world when you present her with a new mat. This one also happens to be free of PVC and phthalates so she can breathe easy when she practices. And to make it better, for every product Natural Fitness sells, they fund the planting of a tree in areas of the world that benefit most. (aff)
Feisty Elle eco-jewelry: $20-65
Feisty Elle jewelry is fitting of its company name. These pieces are beautifully designed and distinctive, and they are made of materials like pure marino wool and bamboo. Plus, all pieces are designed and assembled by hand in San Francisco. If she loves big earrings, she’ll be happy to hear that they are also very lightweight.
nvey eco Makeup: $22-63
Some women love their makeup. Still, she’ll want her to be careful about what she puts on her face. Nvey Eco is among the leading eco-friendly makeup brands on the market. She’ll love the fact that she’s still getting to feel dressed up and put together, and you’ll love the fact that you’re helping her avoid toxic chemicals and animal testing.
Alex and Ani eco-bracelets: $24-138
In a word, Alex and Ani jewelry is fabulous. My husband gave me a couple of pieces for my birthday last year, and I love them. All their jewelry is made from recycled metals, so she can feel eco-chic. But if her style is more “chic” than “eco,” she’ll love knowing that celebrities can’t get enough of this line. Plus you can buy her several bracelets to stack together. (aff)
Spa Finder Gift Certificate: $25-1000
What woman wouldn’t appreciate a spa day? More than that, you’ll be giving her the gift of relaxation and time to herself. She’ll be able to use her Spa Finder certificate at any spa in their network. Plus, she can search for terms like “organic” and “eco” to find greener spas in her area, and even contact the spa and book her appointment.
Differently Clothing organic t-shirts: $25.99-28.99
Green living doesn’t have to come with dowdy clothes. Give them one of these tees and show them you can live green AND still look fly! The Eat Local and natural hair themed t-shirts are especially popular. Live Differently. Dress Differently. Disclosure: This is the t-shirt company I started with my husband. (aff)
Kris Nations Recycled State Pendant Necklace: $42
Does the woman on your list love where she lives or where she’s from? Give her a chance to show her state pride with this gorgeous necklace from Kris Nations. Each state pendant is cut from sheets of recycled metal, and they are available in sterling silver or 14k gold.
New Balance newSKY WW01: $47.50-99
These aren’t high-performance running shoes, but if she’s a runner, she’ll appreciate the slick, minimal styling of the New Balance 01 newSKY shoe. Plus, the upper is made of 95% recycled P.E.T. Every pair incorporates an average of 8 PET plastic bottles, so she can look good and do good for the planet at the same time. Available in three colors. (aff)
TOMS shoes: $54-99
TOMS is one of those companies that you can’t help but love. For every pair of shoes this awesome company sells, they donate pair of shoes to a child in need — known as the One for One approach. These days, TOMS are available in a wide variety of styles and colors, including the original slip-ons, wedges, sneakers and even boots.
Timberland Earthkeepers Women’s Collection: $60-500
The fashionista on your list (who’s not vegan) will love Timberland’s Earthkeepers collection. You’ll find stylish shoes, clothing, outerwear, handbags and more. Plus, they’re all made with materials like organic cotton; recycled rubber, plastic bottles and nylon; and leather from a silver-rated tannery. (aff)
A Perfume Organic: $65/bottle
Perfume tends to be a “go to” gift when shopping for a woman. But who knows what’s in most perfumes these days? A Perfume Organic is blended from USDA-certified organic ingredients, hand-poured in small batches to maintain purity. Choose from four fragrances: Green, ROSÉ, Urban Organic and White Magik.
Customizable Family Tree Art: $65
Any woman would appreciate this whimsical, graphic representation of her family. This will need to be given to someone you know reasonably well, since you’ll have to provide her name, plus the names of her parents, grandparents and great-grandparents. In the end, she will absolutely appreciate your effort!
Juicy Couture Choose Green Jasmine Sunglasses: $69
If she’s a fashionista, she’ll love these sunglasses. Juicy Couture’s Choose Green shades are made from plant-derived plastics and bamboo and sold in an organic canvas pouch printed in soy ink with a recycled paper tag. Available in black, brown, pink and blue. Also available in the Fern and Peony styles. (aff)
Amala Detoxify Spa Set: $74
Everyone wants to be pampered once in a while. Give a gift that will let her pamper herself, naturally. The Amala Detoxify Spa Valise body collection includes the detoxifying body cleanse, body polish, body butter and bath crystals, all enclosed in an eco-luxe organic hemp and woven paper clutch. So really, she’s getting two gifts in one.
Jo Totes Vegan Camera Bags: $87-119
If she loves photography and has a quality camera, chances are she needs a quality bag in which to carry it. These vegan beauties are part camera bags, all fabulous! She can carry her precious Nikon or Cannon in their padded compartments, along with charger, extra lens and more. The best part though? It also functions as an “everyday” bag in which she can also carry her wallet, keys and other necessities too!
BHG Stainless Steel Cookware Set: $129
Quality cookware makes a difference when making a meal. If she’s the cook in her household, she will agree! Stainless steel is a great option, and this heavyweight set from Better Homes & Gardens is great quality for the price. I own these pots, and they cook evenly and quickly and, incredibly, are nonstick and dishwasher safe. Plus, almost all stainless steel is made with recycled content. (aff)
Amy Butler Organic Laptop Bag: $132-170
Amy Butler fabrics are legendary, and every techie woman (or ANY woman these days, really) need a good laptop bag. These roomy bags just also happen to be made of 100% organic cotton, and you can choose from a variety of patterns in great colors. Her laptop won’t be able thank you enough. (aff)
MORE GREEN GIFT IDEAS
I’m Jennae Petersen, and I’m a lot of things. A mother, a graphic artist, a connosieur of beautiful interiors and a purveyor of all things design. Green Your Decor was borne of frustration in my attempts to find eco-friendly housewares that were also beautiful, and inspiration to do something to reduce my own carbon footprint and help others do the same in a beautiful way.
