Do you have a friend or a family member who loves travelling as much as they love our planet? This article presents a detailed look at the best eco-friendly gift ideas that will help conscious travellers explore the world whilst making their time outdoors more sustainable.
Sustainable travel may be a term you have heard before. If not, responsible tourism means exploring the world whilst being aware of your surroundings and having a positive social, environmental and economic impact on the places you visit.
As travellers, it is increasingly our responsibility to reduce our carbon footprint and make a difference.
Therefore, after choosing our destination and booking our trip, what we pack is the next step in reducing our impact, and the best way to avoid waste and plastic when travelling is to arrive prepared. That is why it is essential to consider what items we bring and the experiences we buy.
In this article, discover 15 unique eco-friendly travel gifts for couples, friends, families and kids. They will allow your loved one to explore during any season (from winter to summer) without damaging our planet. Enjoy!
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Overview: responsible travel gift ideas
- Reusable filtered water bottle
- Ethical clothing & footwear
- Eco-friendly travel journal
- Sustainable luggage & backpack
- Eco-friendly travel yoga mat
- Sustainable travel & beach towel
- Portable solar charger
- Reusable cup & mug
- Eco-friendly earphones
- Zero-waste & reef-safe sunscreen
- Eco-friendly travel tote & beach bag
- Solar smartwatch
- Eco-friendly sunglasses
- Eco-responsible experiences
- Reusable straw
15 best gift ideas for eco-conscious travellers
Here is a list of 15 sustainable gifts for the eco-friendly traveller in your life (or for yourself):
1- Reusable filtered water bottle
Reusable water bottles are a great way to cut down on single-use plastic and should become a must-have in your life, even when you are not travelling! And to go a step further, discover filtered water bottles.
Filtered water bottles for travel and hiking are an excellent alternative for creating clean and safe drinking water. Plus, having one of these portable bottles during outdoor adventures is incredibly beneficial: it saves you money, protects the environment by reducing plastic waste and preserves your health by filtering out harmful components.
Brands we recommend:
For staying hydrated on-the-go: LifeStraw, LARQ and Grayl.
Our favourite filtered water bottle:
Grayl UltraPress Purifier
The UltraPress Purifier Bottle fits into any bag pocket, requires no setup and produces safe, great-tasting drinking water in less than ten seconds. It is the perfect on-the-go filtration and purification for the hiker, backpacker, camper or global traveller seeking fast-flowing purified water for staying hydrated whilst enjoying the outdoors.
2- Ethical clothing & footwear
Whether you like to climb the highest peaks or stroll through the city with your friends, organic and eco-responsible clothing and boots are practical, functional, and a great way to celebrate the adventurer in you whilst protecting our planet.
Want to know more about ethical winter coats and jackets? Check out this article:
10 Best Ethical Coats for Iceland in Winter
Why buy eco-friendly clothing?
- They are better for your health and kind to the environment as they contain no harmful chemicals.
- They are free of animal products.
- They are high-quality and durable.
- They help you save money by being long-lasting.
- They encourage green business practices and fair labour.
Brands we recommend:
- For organic, recycled and sustainable clothing: NxTSTOP, Rab, and Patagonia.
- For eco-friendly hiking boots: Merrell and La Sportiva. They have a whole line of vegan hiking shoes.
Our favourite winter coats:
- Our favourite winter coat for women: Nuuk Parka.
- Our favourite winter coat for men: Singi Wool Padded Parka.
3- Eco-friendly travel journal
The stories we collect when we travel are some of the most meaningful narratives of our lives (and can even sometimes transform the way we see the world – and ourselves!). We can keep these stories forever – if we can remember the details. That is why journaling helps keep our memories vivid and inspires us to reflect on what we have learnt.
It is an incredible tool to organise our thoughts and emotions, be creative and highlight our journeys. Plus, journaling encourages us to slow down and appreciate the present moment. An essential item for conscious exploration!
Brands we recommend:
For eco-friendly travel notebooks: Dingbats, Bear In Mind, and MELPOM.
Our favourite travel journal:
Moleskine Voyageur Notebook
The Moleskine Voyageur Notebook is a perfect travel diary for organising and documenting all your trips. This notebook made of acid-free paper and cotton canvas cover is an ideal companion to help you plan and map every detail of your journey. Plus, the diary section allows you to record your adventures by adding notes, tickets or photos.
4- Sustainable luggage & backpack
It is hard to explore the world without a backpack or luggage!
Whether you plan a weekend hike or an adventure across the globe, luggage and backpacks are essentials for carrying your gear whilst protecting them.
But why not look for sustainable alternatives?
Sustainable bags and luggage can help us pack our travel belongings and enjoy the outdoors whilst respecting the planet. They are practical and kind to the environment – a perfect combination for any mindful traveller.
Want to know more about sustainable backpacks for travel and hiking? Check out this article:
10 Best Sustainable Backpacks for Eco-Travel
Brands we recommend:
For ethical luggage and backpacks: Osprey, Cotopaxi, Solgaard and Samsonite.
Our favourite luggage & daypack:
- Our favourite luggage: Samsonite S’Cure.
- Our favourite backpack: Cotopaxi Luzon.
5- Eco-friendly travel yoga mat
If you love yoga and want a space to continue your practice whilst travelling, eco-friendly travel mats are a beautiful way to take care of the planet whilst taking care of yourself.
They are also very light and thin, so you can easily fold them into your backpack or luggage, making them excellent travel companions – and a perfect eco-friendly gift!
Brands we recommend:
For eco-friendly and lightweight yoga mats: Yogamatters, Yoga Studio, and Lifeform.
Our favourite travel mat:
Liforme Travel Yoga Mat
The lightweight and portable Lifeform Travel Yoga Mat is the perfect travel accessory for exploring the world whilst taking care of yourself. Made using body kind and eco-friendly materials and processes, it features its unique and original AlignForMe alignment system and GripForMe material for exceptional grip when practising on the move.
6- Sustainable travel & beach towel
Travel towels are great for any adventure – from relaxing on the beach to hiking in the mountains. A quick-drying, antimicrobial towel made of eco-friendly fibres or recycled materials is a must-have and all-in-one option.
It is also very convenient as it folds easily and does not take up space. Plus, it requires less washing which is ultimately better for our planet.
Brands we recommend:
For eco-friendly and quick-drying towels: Trespass, Dock & Bay, Youphoria and 4Monster.
Our favourite travel & beach towels:
- Our favourite travel towel: 4Monster Microfibre Travel Towel.
- Our favourite beach towel: Dock & Bay Beach Towel.
7- Portable solar charger
Having gear charged on your trip is essential to capturing your beautiful journey and coming home with unforgettable memories. However, keeping them charged can sometimes be problematic when you are on the road. That is when solar chargers come in handy!
You can easily take them on any adventure, from city breaks to camping trips. They are a great environmentally friendly gift for active travellers and backpackers who spend a lot of time outdoors.
Brands we recommend:
For lightweight and portable solar chargers: Goal Zero and Anker.
Our favourite solar charger:
Goal Zero Nomad 10 Panel
Rugged and durable, the Goal Zero Nomad 10 Solar Panel is the perfect accessory to keep your gear charged on the go. With a built-in kickstand, you can position your panel for optimal solar collection and ensure it stays in place. In addition, its lightweight design can be attached to your backpack or tent and folds up easily for storage.
8- Reusable cup & mug
Reusable cups or mugs are the perfect way to enjoy your trip whilst having a positive impact, as they dramatically reduce the number of single-use plastic items you might need on your journey. That can apply to your coffee on the go and your glass of wine on the plane.
Brands we recommend:
For light, safe and eco-friendly cups and mugs: KeepCup, Circular&Co, Klean Kanteen and STOJO.
Our favourite cup:
STOJO Collapsible Cup
The reusable and collapsible STOJO cup lets you enjoy your favourite beverages anywhere and anytime. Once you have finished your drink, collapse the cup, pack it and go. Durable and leakproof, it includes an insulated lid and sleeves to protect your hand from hot beverages – the perfect eco-friendly mug made of recycled materials.
9- Eco-friendly earphones
Whether we love listening to songs on the go or whilst relaxing at the beach, music plays a significant role in our lives. They help us pass the time or immerse ourselves in a new universe. Either way, having earphones when travelling is a must, especially for long journeys.
If superior sound quality, long battery life and powerful bass are essential qualities, we also need to consider the ecological features of audio products. Luckily, many brands are now creating durable headphones and earphones that complement sustainable travel.
Brands we recommend:
For high-quality and eco-friendly earphones & headphones: House of Marley, Meze and Symphonized.
Our favourite earphones:
Marley Smile Jamaica
The Smile Jamaica in-ear headphones are high-quality earphones made from natural materials and recycled plastics. Even though they are small, the 9mm dynamic driver delivers rich and full sound, and the noise-isolating design means you can block out any surrounding sounds on the move. Bring convenience to your adventures by freeing your hands and enjoying your music.
10- Zero-waste & reef-safe sunscreen
Protecting your skin from the sun during the hottest hours of the day is non-negotiable, especially during outdoor activities. But why not look for alternatives that are kind to your body and the environment?
Zero-waste and non-toxic sunscreen is an excellent substitute for chemical cream and for creating safe and healthy sun protection. Plus, having one of these eco-friendly sun creams is incredibly beneficial: it protects the environment by reducing plastic waste and preserves your health by eliminating harmful components.
Want to know more about eco-friendly sunscreen? Check out this article:
10 Best Zero-Waste & Reef-Safe Sunscreens
Brands we recommend:
For reef-safe and non-toxic sunscreen: Raw Elements, Badger, COOLA and Green People.
Our favourite sunscreen:
Raw Elements Face + Body
Raw Elements Face + Body SPF 30 Plastic-Free is a reef-safe, water-resistant sunscreen perfect for a day at the beach! Made from certified all-natural ingredients, it gently protects your skin from sun exposure and provides broad-spectrum UVA-UVB protection. Plus, the lotion comes in a recyclable and reusable tin – the ideal way to take care of your body and our planet.
11- Eco-friendly travel tote & beach bag
Travel tote bags are an excellent substitute for single-use plastic bags and can be very helpful for shopping or spending a day exploring the city! They are practical, functional and easy to take wherever you go.
Additionally, if you are a beach lover, why not look for an eco-friendly beach bag that will carry your summer essentials whilst being kind to our planet?
Brands we recommend:
For eco-friendly tote & beach bags: EcoRight, Eco Beach, Weaver Green and Beach’D.
Our favourite travel tote & beach bags:
- Our favourite tote bag: EcoRight Canvas Tote Bag.
- Our favourite beach bag: Mini East Hampton Raffia Tote.
12- Solar smartwatch
Solar-powered smartwatches are perfect gifts for thrill seekers and adventure enthusiasts. With extended battery life through solar charging, they take you from the underwater world to the top of the highest mountain.
Built to last and shock-resistant, they are ideal for tracking any activity from running to biking and swimming. In addition, solar smartwatches help you better understand your health and well-being with all-day monitoring.
Brands we recommend:
For solar-powered smartwatches: Garmin & Casio.
Our favourite solar smartwatch:
Garmin Instinct Smartwatch
Garmin Instinct is a rugged, solar-charged GPS smartwatch with incredible battery life and expedition modes. Enjoy the outdoors and your favourite sports with preloaded activity profiles and multiple global navigation systems to track your adventures. The watch also monitors your health and how your body uses energy.
13- Eco-friendly sunglasses
Sunglasses are another excellent gift idea for all types of adventurers. No matter the destination, a good pair of sunglasses is always invaluable as it protects from UV rays all year round. But sustainability is also something to keep in mind. Plastic frames negatively impact our planet, and most commercial sunglasses contain chemicals that can harm the environment.
Thankfully, we have alternatives! Eco-friendly and recycled sunglasses are perfect for caring for your eyes whilst being environmentally friendly. Whichever style you choose, there is a pair for everybody.
Brands we recommend:
For eco-friendly sunglasses for him and her: GOWOOD, Sunski & Bird.
Our favourite sunglasses:
Walnut GOWOOD Sunglasses
GOWOOD is here to reduce plastic by offering an alternative: quality sunglasses made with natural and renewable resources. Their Walnut sunglasses for men and women are built with wood for the frame’s temples and acetate, a raw plant material. They also protect against UVA and UVB rays and are polarised and impact-resistant.
14- Eco-responsible experiences
Another eco-responsible gift idea for travellers is to offer a unique experience abroad or make a donation towards a specific cause.
For instance, you could donate to a charity or project your friend particularly cares about and admires. Another great idea would be to book an eco-friendly trip where your loved one will have the opportunity to travel whilst making a difference.
Want to know more about ecotourism activities? Check out this article:
Best Ecotourism Activities Around the World
travel agents we recommend:
For ecotourism and responsible adventure: G Adventures, Intrepid Travel & Lokal Travel.
Our favourite eco-activities:
- Horse riding
- Skiing
- Sailing
15- Reusable straw
As we all know, single-use plastic straws have been incredibly dangerous to the environment and marine life, as most of them end up in the ocean and destroy the ecosystem. And if some of us do not hesitate to drink without, others prefer to enjoy their coffee, cold drink or cocktail with a straw.
That is where easy-to-clean reusable straws come in. They are an excellent alternative to plastic and are easy to transport wherever you explore. Light, practical and easy to use, they are a perfect travel companion for short or long trips!
Brands we recommend:
For reusable straws: OXO, Jungle Culture & Bambaw.
Our favourite straw:
OXO Stainless Steel Straw Set
Made of durable stainless steel, the OXO Good Grips Straw Set is perfect for reducing plastic waste and lasts for years. They are easy to use and clean thanks to the brush and removable parts and come with a handy carrying case. The adjustable silicone tips are also comfortable on the lips – perfect for smoothies or milkshakes!
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Why buy eco-friendly travel gifts?
Buying ethical and sustainable travel gifts has many beneficial impacts on our planet and people. Here are some of them:
Environment
When you buy eco-friendly products:
- You encourage sustainable production and help towards a better future for our planet.
- You reduce the use of plastic and waste involved in production.
- You also decrease waste by contributing to less or sustainable wrapping papers, which is a significant source of consumption and loss during the Holidays!
- You buy more valuable products that will be used and not accumulated unnecessarily.
People
When you buy eco-friendly products:
- You shop locally and help smaller businesses have a good impact.
- You give back to the local community.
Wildlife
When you buy eco-friendly products:
- You save wildlife habitats and protect their home by reducing waste.
- You can donate to charities that preserve flora and fauna.
The sustainable travel checklist
Get exclusive eco-travel tips + download your free sustainable travel checklist ↓
Some final tips
- Avoid single-use plastic at all costs
- Support local businesses
- Use sustainable or less wrapping paper
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
- The Complete Guide to Sustainable Travel
- Carbon Offset your Flights: What, Why & How
- 10 Best Travel Apps for Exploring Sustainably
- Sustainable Beach Guide: 10 Easy Eco-Tips
- 15 Travel Books to Inspire Your Next Eco-Adventure
Shop the editable travel packing list
Happy mindful shopping!
And you, have you got other eco-friendly travel gift ideas?
Let me know in the comments below!
With love ♡
Lucie
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