We will cut straight to the chase because these statistics from The Australia Institute in 2024 will blow your mind. Australians waste more than one billion dollars on Christmas gifts that don’t get used. That means over a quarter of gifts are never worn or used. Surveys show that while surprising loved ones with gifts is a cherished holiday tradition, many Australians simply do not want the gifts they receive.
What makes a gift eco-friendly?
An eco-friendly gift is one that minimises harm to the planet across its entire life cycle, from the materials used and how it is made, to how it is packaged, used and eventually disposed of.
As outlined by Oxfam, genuinely eco-friendly gifts prioritise responsibly sourced or recycled materials, ethical production practices, durability and reduced waste, rather than single-use or short-lived items. Ultimately, an eco-friendly gift supports more mindful consumption while contributing to long-term environmental and social well-being.
Ten thoughtful eco-friendly gift ideas
This guide is full of our best sustainable gift ideas for 2025. More people than ever want ethical gifts that avoid landfill, and we are right there with you. This year, let’s leave plastic shrapnel and disposable clutter behind and choose gifts that are thoughtful, eco-friendly and genuinely useful.
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An experience gift
An experience gift creates memories rather than clutter. Whether it’s an adventure, a hotel stay, an escape room, a concert, a theatre show or a cooking class, these gifts are more likely to be enjoyed and remembered. They also support local businesses and creative talent, making them a meaningful choice all round.
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Travel gifts
Everyone loves to travel, and even a short getaway or Christmas spent with family often calls for a few handy accessories. There is real value in thoughtful travel essentials, especially when they are made using environmentally sustainable materials and ethical production practices. Packing cubes, quality backpacks, passport holders, reusable water bottles and make-up bags are practical gifts that get used time and time again.
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A garden gift
Even if the person you are buying for doesn’t have a garden or consider themselves a green thumb, this is still a beautiful gift idea. Whether it’s a plant, herbs, wildflowers, a doormat or a windowsill grow kit, this sustainable option encourages a connection with nature and a sense of growth and care.
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Kitchen accessories
We know this suggestion may cause some to hesitate. We are certainly not recommending buying your partner a random kitchen bowl unless they explicitly ask for it. However, beautifully designed washable dishcloths, locally made tea towels, eco-friendly food containers, reusable sandwich wraps or stylish reusable tumblers can be thoughtful and practical gifts for the right person and occasion.
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Homemade food gifts
This is one of our favourites because it can be made in bulk and is genuinely useful. Receiving homemade relishes, jams, granola or chocolate bark is thoughtful, practical and delicious. A couple of caveats include choosing items with a reasonable expiry date, or that can be easily passed on if the recipient is unable to enjoy them themselves.
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The trusty voucher
We’re not suggesting grabbing a last-minute supermarket voucher at the checkout. Instead, support a local café or restaurant by purchasing a voucher directly from them. Most of us have a favourite coffee spot or a restaurant we’ve been meaning to try, and a voucher is a simple way to support local business while making that experience feel even more special.
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Tea and coffee
But not just any tea or coffee. Carbon-negative ground coffee is a standout, with some brands planting trees for every batch produced to offset their footprint. Sustainable coffee and tea producers are often committed to ethical sourcing and environmentally responsible practices. Whether you choose organic teas, wildlife-friendly coffee, Indigenous-owned brands or plastic-free options, there are many producers working hard to make everyday rituals better for people and the planet.
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Adopt an animal
Without a doubt, this is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give. Many Australian initiatives allow you to symbolically adopt an animal and help create a brighter future for wildlife and pets in need. Programs often include a certificate, photo, facts and updates, but the real gift is supporting the organisations protecting and caring for animals.
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Handmade gifts
We love supporting local makers, which is why our top tip is Etsy Australia. Searching for handmade or eco-friendly gifts reveals an incredible range of thoughtful ideas from Australian small businesses. It’s perfect for anyone wanting to buy handmade, support small business and choose more sustainable options. You can genuinely feel the care and creativity poured into these products.
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Charitable donation
Our locally handcrafted Angels, each paired with a donation to a charity of your choice, make a truly meaningful gift. Thoughtfully created by Australian artisans, these keepsakes are designed to be treasured long after the moment has passed while quietly giving back to causes that matter. In the same way, making a direct charitable donation is a powerful gesture of kindness that offers real impact, hope and support.
Final thoughts
An estimated one billion dollars’ worth of Christmas gifts are wasted each year, and that figure does not include gifts purchased throughout the rest of the year. With so many thoughtful and meaningful alternatives available, there is no need to contribute to that waste. Being mindful of greenwashing is also important, as vague language and unfulfilled promises can mask less sustainable choices. Choosing with intention helps ensure your gift is both meaningful and genuinely responsible.
Looking for visual inspiration? Explore our Eco-friendly Christmas Gifts Australia Pinterest board below for sustainable gifting ideas.