When it’s time to find the perfect gift for the person you call Mom, you might find yourself overthinking a bit. Okay, maybe a lot. Afterall, how do you choose what to get such an important person in your life?
We get it. You don’t want to get her something she’ll never use, especially when there’s already a massive problem with gift-related waste. Plastic alone, which is a popular choice for packaging, is a huge contributor to CO2e gas emissions per year.
Although eco-friendly shopping is becoming increasingly popular, that hasn’t stopped companies from greenwashing, which has led consumers to not trust, well, any of them.
This understandable distrust in companies can make shopping all-the-more stressful.
Worry not, though, because that’s why we’re here! We’ve done some research of our own to share a gift guide that will help make your search easier, including details about why you can feel good about each item on this list, should you choose to make a purchase.
So, no matter the holiday or special occasion that has you celebrating your mom, you can rest assured knowing that it’s possible to make her happy all while treating the planet with care.
By the way, some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link, we may earn a commission at no extra charge to you. Everything in this article was independently and honestly written by the author. Thank you!
Explore more eco-friendly gift guides: Best Eco Friendly Gifts | Inexpensive | For Him | For Her | For Mom | For Kids | For Coworkers
Your guide to sustainable gifts for Mom
Agood Company Stone Paper Notebook
Journaling can provide lots of mental health benefits, but it’s not always the best for trees. That’s why we adore this notebook from agood company. To avoid partaking in deforestation, it’s made from reused stones. This means no wasted water or chemicals, either!
What’s good:
- The Stone Paper Factory eliminates deforestation and water waste
- 500 liters of safe, clean water is donated for every journal sold
- Climate-positive product
Shop: agood company | Earth Hero
→ Check out some more of our favorite guided journals, too!
Girlfriend Collective Compressive High-Rise Leggings
Anyone who puts on a pair of these leggings is bound to exclaim, “Wait, these have pockets!?”
Made to be soft yet supportive for high-impact workouts, each pair of Girlfriend Collective’s leggings is made from 79% recycled plastic bottles. That means 25 water bottles are diverted from landfills for each pair made.
Girlfriend Collective doesn’t just say that being eco-friendly is a top priority; they prove it with a list of ways they’re taking action. That includes the ReGirlfriend program which allows customers to return old leggings so they can be upcycled into a new pair.
What’s good:
- Packaging is 100% recycled and recyclable
- OEKO-certified safe dyes
- High-standard wastewater practices that separates dyes and stray fibers so nearby water sources aren’t contaminated
- Ethical manufacturing practices - SA8000 certified
- Items can be sent back through recycling program at the end of their life
Shop: Girlfriend Collective | Amazon
Numi Rooibos Chai Tea
Just about any activity can become cozier with a warm cup of tea.
When Numi crafts its organic, delicious teas, the company aims to keep “people, planet, profitability, and purpose” in mind, something that is also carried over to the Numi Foundation.
As one of the first 30 B Corps, Numi makes it clear what steps are being taken to not only be eco-friendly but to actively fight back against the climate crisis. This includes a five-step plan shared on the brand’s website.
Choose from a variety of flavors, including their popular rooibos chai which includes warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
What’s good:
- Fair Trade and B Corp certified
- Compostable tea bag wrappers
- 5-step plan to fight the climate crisis
GLDN Made-to-Order Jewelry
Feeling beautiful doesn’t have to come at the cost of workers or the planet.
From necklaces and rings to bracelets and earrings, 90% of GLDN’s metals are recycled and 100% are sourced ethically. Plus, 85% are made to order, meaning they create almost zero waste.
Whether you want to give your mom a pair of ethical pearl earrings, or a beautiful gold chain with a meaningful charm, GLDN’s jewelry is as pretty as it is planet-forward.
What’s good:
- Raw materials are USA sourced
- 85% of pieces are made to order
- 10% of profits are donated to organizations that promote mental wellness, support the arts, and more
Shop: GLDN
Planted Calming Lavender Candle
Saving the planet never smelled so good.
All of Planted’s candles are plant-based and cruelty free. With fresh, calming scents like lavender, it’s the perfect addition to a relaxing evening at home.
Once you’ve finished your candle, Planted is happy to take back the container so it can be upcycled. In fact, candle jars that aren’t nicked or scratched can be used up to 10 times.
Living up to its name, Planted plants a tree with each purchase. This is made possible through a partnership with The Eden Project.
What’s good:
- Candle jars can be reused up to 10 times
- Trees are planted with each purchase
- Ethically sourced, vegan ingredients that aren’t tested on animals
Shop: Planted
→ Explore more eco-friendly candles
Allbirds Sneakers
Allbirds creates comfy, stylish shoes made with sustainably sourced materials that are either natural or recycled. The brand uses stuff like recycled bottles and castor bean oil in its manufacturing, and they’re only getting started.
By 2025, Allbirds aims to cut its carbon footprint in half. Then, by 2030, the company wants that number down to zero. Until then, Allbirds funds high-impact carbon projects as a way to offset its carbon emissions.
What’s good:
- Certified carbon neutral by Climate Neutral
- Created from sustainably sourced natural and recycled materials
- Supports high-impact carbon projects to offset carbon emissions
Shop: Allbirds
Allégorie’s Black Gala Apple Leather Tote II
Made Trade gives makers a platform to sell their handcrafted goods. Each one must pass an extensive application process to ensure they meet the company’s equity, sustainability, and transparency standards.
Allégorie is one of these makers —and we understand why. The BIPOC-owned brand’s Black Gala Apple Leather Tote II is made with apple peel and recycled plant-based material.
It’s large enough to fit a 15-inch laptop and includes the option of a removable shoulder strap. To top it all off, the sophisticated vibe is sure to help Mom serve some looks.
What’s good:
- Materials are World Fair Trade Organization certified
- BIPOC-owned company
- Made Trade is certified Climate Neutral
Shop: Made Trade
Avocado Organic Yoga Meditation Pillow
If there’s one thing moms deserve more of it’s time to unwind. Avocado’s meditation pillow was made exactly for those moments.
Each pillow cover is made of GOTS organic certified cotton and is filled with plant-based buckwheat hulls. Plus, you can also relax knowing that each product is made in Los Angeles in a GOTS certified factory, meaning Avocado’s team earns fair wages in safe working conditions.
We’ve previously highlighted Avocado as one of our favorite brands for an eco-friendly bedroom — from mattresses and bed frames to pillows and bedding.
What’s good:
- Net-negative carbon footprint
- GOTS organic, vegan, and Climate Neutral certified
- Highest-scoring Certified B Corp in the mattress and bedding industry
Shop: Avocado
