Sustainable Stocking Stuffers

Traditions around the holidays play a big part in making the season special. All the effort put into climbing the ladder to hang the lights, hauling the holiday tree from the garage, and hanging the stockings by the chimney with care makes the home feel cozy and warm. Sometimes, though, there’s wiggle room to put your own spin on tradition, especially when your version benefits the Earth! Many traditional stocking stuffers tend to be made of or wrapped in disposable packaging: such as candy canes, mints, chapstick, or mini toys. That’ll burst your bubble if you’re trying to be more eco-friendly. The good news is, there are plenty of sustainable stocking stuffers that are still fun for the whole family.

If you’re looking to be more eco-friendly with your stockings this year, here are some ideas.

Sustainable stocking stuffers for teens and adults:

1. Organic Bath & Body Items – Look for brands that use recycled paper or biodegradable packaging. Opt for bar soaps over liquid in plastic containers. You could also pick beeswax lip balm or a reclaimed-wood hair comb for dad.

2. Reusable Loose Leaf Tea Bags – Metal-based steepers work great, but if you’re picky about any tea leaves slipping out (which sometimes happens with the metal versions), opt for washable material-based bags made out of cheesecloth or muslin.

3. Biodegradable Phone Cases – Stay connected in style while benefiting the Earth with a compostable one. Make sure the brand you choose has proven that the case will actually break down in under 6 months, such as Pela Case.

4. Recycled Toques, Mits, or Socks – Apparel made of recycled material is on the rise. There are lots of different brands to choose from, we recommend shopping locally to support your community. If you’re in Canada, Finnley has a nice selection.

5. Sustainable Candles – Choose soy wax, beeswax, or coconut wax candles without lead wicks are great eco-friendly stocking stuffers. These are just as bright, if not more bright, than the usual variety!

Ideas for little kids:

1. Sustainable Scrunchies – These days, there are a lot of options for recycled-material based and even compostable scrunchies. These are more eco-friendly than the alternative rubber hair ties.

2. Eco-Friendly Crayons – Soy-based or beeswax crayons are better for the environment than the paraffin wax (petroleum-based) traditional kind, the colors of these kinds can also be brighter and less flaky!

3. Plantable Confetti – Use these heart-shaped biodegradable seed paper confetti pieces for a crafts night, and then start an indoor wildflower garden together! Try creating this 3D seed paper flower card or a hanging seed paper heart backdrop.

4. Eco-Toys – Try looking at Green Toys which are made from 100% recycled plastic or Hevea Planet toys which are made from natural rubber from trees.

5. Homemade Play Dough – If you’re a DIY enthusiast, this recipe for squishy playdough with all-natural ingredients might make for a fun project!

What are your favorite sustainable stocking stuffers? Let us know in the comments below!

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