If you have a friend who is conscious about sustainable practices, you may struggle to find the perfect present for them. Fortunately, sustainable gifts are a wonderful way to show your love whether it’s for the holidays, a birthday, anniversary, graduation, or any other special occasion. Eco-friendly gifts are useful and beautiful, plus they don't exhaust the natural resources the planet provides and everyone needs.

Maybe you have vegan friends who appreciate a nice pair of shoes—leather-free, of course. Or, someone who may love a high-quality tote bag they can take to the farmer's market every week. When it comes to presents for eco-friendly friends, the possibilities are endless. Check out a few of our favorite sustainable gift ideas below.

Produce bags

The World Counts estimates that 160,000 plastic bags are used every second to carry groceries and similar items. Those plastic bags often end up in landfills, where they take years to decompose, or worse, in the lakes, rivers, and oceans. You can positively impact the environment by switching to reusable bags. You can also minimize your exposure to plastic byproducts when you carry your produce in a reusable bag.

Travel luggage

For those who constantly travel, a stylish and efficient way to carry belongings is paramount. That's why travel luggage pieces from Rothy's are great sustainable gifts. The Weekender is a high-quality carry-on bag that fits in the overhead bin of most passenger planes and comes in several attractive, sophisticated colors. Like many of our products, The Weekender is knit with thread made from recycled marine plastic bottles.

Both you and the recipient of your gift can feel good about protecting the environment while you enjoy the convenience of a washable overnight bag with adjustable and detachable straps.

If you're looking to give a friend a more compact, versatile travel style, The Backpack is a great option. The Backpack features a secure main compartment with an inner slip pocket, exterior zip pocket and adjustable padded straps that feel comfortable on your shoulders. Like The Weekender, it's also washable and sustainably made.

Compost bin

The gardeners in your life will love the nutrient-rich soil produced by a compost bin, which makes a great eco-friendly present for those who love to grow their own fresh vegetables or flowers. Instead of throwing organic waste, like egg shells and vegetable scraps, into the trash, you can put it into a compost bin to create gardening fertilizer.

The best compost bin will depend on how much space your friend has, how much waste they plan to compost, and where they plan to keep it. Whatever composting container you decide to purchase, your environmentally-conscious recipient will love this gift that can be used for years to come.

Recycled journals

Recycled journals are a great choice for a sustainable gift. If the office where you work has a holiday gift exchange program with a price limit on presents, recycled journals are an inexpensive way to give something both beautiful and sustainably made. These types of journals often feature simple designs that can be personalized for a unique eco-friendly gift.

Everyday sneakers

Statista reports that 30% of people want either clothing or shoes as a holiday gift. So, what better present than a pair of everyday sneakers made with sustainable materials?

The shoes we wear daily must be comfortable, and it's a bonus if they're stylish too. Rothy's sneakers for women are knit from our signature thread made from recycled plastic bottles. They're durable as well as trendy and comfortable. Choose between slip-on and lace-up styles— why not try our Lace Up Sneakers?

We also carry men’s sneakers. Like women's sneakers, they're washable and available in many colors and styles. Our selection of casual shoes and sneakers will carry your friend through their busy life in style—perhaps they might like to add The RS01 Sneaker in their shoe rotation.

Comfortable flats

Casual Fridays at the office and working remotely are more common than ever, so having a few pairs of comfortable women’s flats has also become necessary. Rothy's flats are sustainable and come in various colors and styles, plus they're as comfortable as they are stylish. Our flats are also durable and washable, so your friend can wear them again and again without worry.

Choose from full or half sizes ranging from size 5 to 13. They’re an exceptionally comfortable, stylish and, most-importantly, sustainably-made present that fits just right.

Food storage bags

We all need a way to store leftovers after cooking a big meal, but who wants to contribute to the tons of discarded plastic that eventually ends up in the ocean? Reusable food storage bags are a popular option to combat this dilemma. Storage bags made of food-grade silicone are free of toxins like BPA, and most can be placed in the dishwasher, so they're clean and ready for reuse. Often biodegradable and compostable, these resealable bags are made from plant-based materials that can minimize contributions to the harmful waste that ends up in landfills.

Some reusable food storage bags even come in decorative patterns that make lovely eco-friendly gifts.

Crossbody bag

Consider a crossbody bag if you're looking for a sustainable gift that never goes out of style. Crossbody bags are not only stylish, but they also can adapt to a variety of organizational needs.

Our Daily Crossbody features a zip closure that protects your belongings and two generous interior pockets for your smartphone, wallet, lip balm, keys, and other necessary items. This sustainable crossbody bag even comes with a special wash pouch you can use in the washing machine. Our crossbody bag is available in various rich neutral colors, and it’s one of the many sustainable gifts you'll want to buy this year.

Reusable water bottle

Staying hydrated is essential, but busy schedules can impede water consumption. Drinking enough water while on the go without contributing to the mass of plastic bottles polluting the ocean can also be challenging.

Fortunately, reusable water bottles can keep as many as five to eight billion plastic bottles out of the ocean each year, and they also make great sustainable gifts that are reasonably priced. Reusable bottles are made of BPA-free materials and often come in cute colors and patterns. Your friend can reduce their carbon footprint and meet their hydration needs.

Merino slippers

Help your friend stay cozy at home with a pair of sustainable merino slippers. Whether they're a stay-at-home parent, work remotely, or simply enjoy spending time in their home, these slippers are an investment in comfort and style.

Rothy's offers slippers for men and women, constructed with a blend of merino wool and our signature thread woven from recycled plastic bottles. Rothy’s slippers can be worn indoors and out, so wearers don't have to remove them in order to fetch the mail or lounge on the porch. They're also washable—just toss them in the wash with cold water and mild detergent whenever you need a refresh. 

Tote bag

Tote bags are great for a sunny day at the beach or shopping at the farmer’s market. With a spacious tote bag, your eco-friendly friend can easily fit all their belongings and purchases. Plus, working friends will enjoy a tote they can use to carry their laptops or tablets.

Here are a couple of tote bags to consider:

• The Classic Tote: A premium, stylish choice with a secure top zipper and two D-rings to add a strap.
• The Lightweight Tote: This tote features a convenient key leash, sturdy handles, and a spacious interior.

All tote bags from Rothy's are sustainable and made from marine plastic bottles in a factory that uses earth-friendly practices.

Find sustainable gifts at Rothy’s

If you're looking for sustainable gifts for an eco-friendly person, turn to Rothy's. You'll find a wide selection of sustainable shoes for women and men, bags, and accessories for everyone on your list. Our sustainably-made gifts are all designed with style and comfort in mind, so your friends are sure to love a present from Rothy's.

Practical, durable, polished, and fresh, everything at Rothy’s is woven from signature thread made from marine plastic bottles and designed to last for many years to come.