Sustainable Holiday Guide: Gifts, Cards, Wrapping & More

The holidays are about connection: sending a card to someone you haven't seen enough, finding the right gift, gathering around a table and carrying on traditions year after year.

They can also involve a lot of stuff.

Cards are mailed. Gifts are shipped. Packages arrive inside packages. Presents are wrapped, opened and often surrounded by a pile of paper, ribbon and boxes by the end of the morning.

Celebrating more sustainably doesn't mean giving up the traditions you love. It means being a little more thoughtful about what you buy, what it's made from, how often it can be used and what happens to it when you're finished with it.

We've put together this guide to make those choices easier, from holiday cards and gift wrap to food, gifts, decorations and what to do with everything when the season is over.

Whenever possible, we've highlighted Certified B Corporations: companies that have gone through independent verification of their social, environmental and governance practices. B Corp Certification evaluates the impact of the business as a whole, rather than certifying a single individual product.

Before You Shop: What Does "Sustainable" Actually Mean?

"Sustainable" gets used to describe everything from socks to wrapping paper, which can make it difficult to know what really matters.

There isn't one perfect material or product. Instead, it helps to look at a few things together.

Buy less, but buy more intentionally
One genuinely useful gift can be better than several novelty items that are quickly forgotten. Before buying something, ask whether the recipient is likely to use it and whether it's made to last.

Consider what it's made from
Depending on the product, look for attributes such as:

• Recycled or post-consumer recycled materials
• Reclaimed materials
• Responsibly sourced wood or paper
• Organic or regenerative agricultural ingredients
• Reusable rather than disposable construction
• Materials that can be recycled or composted locally when their useful life ends

Pay attention to packaging

Look beyond the product itself. Minimal packaging, recycled shipping materials and reusable containers can all help reduce unnecessary waste.

The EPA recommends choosing products with less packaging and recycled content and reusing or recycling wrapping materials whenever possible.

Think about longevity
A durable product you'll use for ten years may ultimately be a better purchase than a supposedly "green" version that has to be replaced every year.

Look for credible third-party standards
One reason we like using B Corp Certification as a resource is that it goes far beyond a single environmental claim. B Corp is a rigorous third-party certification that evaluates a company’s broader social, environmental and governance impact, from its workers and communities to customers and the environment.

You can also use the B Corp Directory to search for certified companies by category and location. 

1. Sustainable Holiday Cards

Holiday cards are one of our favorite traditions because they're really about connection. A card can sit on someone's mantel for a month, get tucked into a photo album or become one of the photographs a grandparent keeps for years.

The material choices still matter.

B Corp Pick: Paper Culture
Best for: Personalized holiday cards, Christmas cards and New Year cards

Paper Culture's personalized holiday cards are made with 100% post-consumer recycled paper. The company also plants a tree with every order and offsets its carbon footprint. Paper Culture is a Certified B Corporation, and B Lab notes that the company has planted more than one million trees.

Why it made the guide: Paper Culture offers a way to keep the tradition of sending a physical card while choosing recycled materials and supporting reforestation.

What to look for in a holiday card
When you're comparing holiday cards, consider:

• Post-consumer recycled paper
• Recyclable paper
• Minimal plastic packaging
• Responsible forestry certifications when virgin fiber is used
• Transparency about the company's environmental practices

2. Wrap Gifts Without Creating a Mountain of Waste

One of the easiest places to rethink holiday waste is gift wrapping.

Before buying another roll of wrapping paper, look around the house.

You may already have:

• Kraft paper saved from shipments
• Paper shopping bags
• Newspaper
• Children's artwork
• Old maps
• Fabric remnants
• Scarves
• Gift bags from previous years
• Boxes from deliveries

The EPA specifically recommends reusing gift bags, boxes and tissue paper and notes that shiny or laminated gift wrap often isn't recyclable. Newspaper is another simple alternative.

B Corp Pick: GimmeBack Gift Wrap by Circularly
Best for: Reusable fabric wrapping

B Lab has highlighted Circularly's GimmeBack Gift Wrap, made from textile waste and designed to be used repeatedly instead of discarded after one celebration.

Why it made the guide: Good reusable wrapping can become part of the holiday tradition itself. Fold it up on December 26 and bring it back out next year.

A simple gift-wrap rule
Before buying wrapping, ask three questions:

Can I reuse something I already own?

If not:

Can the recipient reuse this?

If not:

Can it easily be recycled where I live?

Also be cautious with glitter, plastic coatings and elaborate mixed-material decorations. The EPA notes that these materials can make wrapping difficult or impossible to recycle.

3. Sustainable Gifts for People Who Are Hard to Shop For

Sometimes the hardest part of shopping sustainably isn't finding a sustainable version of a product. It's figuring out what to buy in the first place.

B Corp Pick: Uncommon Goods
Best for: Unique gifts and independent makers

Uncommon Goods has been part of the B Corp movement for many years and sells products from independent artists, designers and makers.

Why it made the guide: It's a useful starting point when you want a gift to feel distinctive rather than mass-produced.

Consider a gift that gets used up
Consumable gifts can be particularly good choices for people who don't want more possessions:

• Chocolate
• Coffee
• Olive oil
• Preserves
• Spices
• Baked goods
• Tea
• Flowers
• Restaurant gift cards

 4. Personalized Gifts That Feel More Meaningful

Personalized gifts can be a thoughtful alternative to buying something generic. They turn a favorite photo, milestone or memory into something created specifically for the person receiving it.

B Corp Pick: Paper Culture
Best for: Personalized photo books, framed prints, stationery and keepsakes

Paper Culture creates personalized gifts that help preserve meaningful moments, including photo books, framed prints and stationery.

As a Certified B Corporation, Paper Culture also brings the same broader commitment to responsible business practices to its gift collection that it brings to its holiday cards.

Why it made the guide: Personalization can make a gift feel more intentional and more likely to be kept. Instead of another generic present, it becomes a way to preserve a memory, celebrate a milestone or create something that feels uniquely theirs.

A few ideas:

• Turn family, vacation or summer photos into a photo book
• Create personalized stationery for someone who loves to write
• Use photos from the year to make a keepsake for grandparents
• Celebrate a wedding, new baby, graduation or other milestone with a framed print.
• The best personalized gifts do more than add a name or monogram. They give someone a reason to hold onto the gift long after the holidays are over.
  
  

5. Gifts for Outdoor Lovers

Outdoor enthusiasts tend to appreciate products that work hard and last.

B Corp Pick: Cotopaxi
Best for: Outdoor gear, travel bags and apparel

Cotopaxi is a Certified B Corporation producing outdoor apparel, bags and gear while incorporating social and environmental initiatives into its broader business model.

Why it made the guide: Outdoor gear is one category where durability should carry a lot of weight. A backpack or jacket that's used for years can make a better gift than a succession of short-lived alternatives.

When comparing gear, consider whether:

• Parts can be repaired or replaced
• The company offers a repair program
• The style is likely to outlast a trend
• The product serves multiple purposes

The most sustainable product in your closet is often the one you don't need to replace.

6. Practical Gifts That Give Back

Some gifts have an impact that goes beyond the materials they're made from.

B Corp Pick: Bombas
Best for: Socks, slippers and practical apparel

Bombas is a Certified B Corporation built around a giving model that donates essential clothing items through organizations serving people in need. B Lab has highlighted the company among B Corps using apparel businesses to combine commerce with community impact.

Why it made the guide: Socks may not be the flashiest gift under the tree, but useful things often make excellent gifts precisely because they won't sit unused.

7. Food Gifts You Can Feel Good About Giving

Food is one of the best solutions for the person who tells you, "I really don't need anything."

It creates an experience without necessarily creating another permanent object in the home.

B Corp Pick: Lake Champlain Chocolates
Best for: Chocolate gifts and stocking stuffers

Lake Champlain Chocolates is part of a growing group of Certified B Corporations working to incorporate social and environmental considerations into the food industry. B Lab has highlighted B Corp food companies for practices ranging from more transparent sourcing to climate-conscious agriculture and community investment.

B Corp Pick: Bona Furtuna
Best for: Italian pantry gifts

B Lab included Bona Furtuna in its 2025 Holiday Gift Guide and highlighted its recyclable gift-set packaging as well as charitable initiatives related to trees, water, food access, education and wildlife.

What to look for in a food gift
Depending on the product, consider:

• Transparent sourcing
• Fair Trade certification
• Organic or regenerative ingredients
• Recyclable or reusable packaging
• Local producers
• Companies investing in farming communities

• And when you can, give something you can enjoy together.

8. Gifts That Support Independent Businesses

Where you spend your holiday budget matters too.

Shopping from independent businesses, local makers and smaller producers can help direct more of your spending toward communities and individual creators.

B Corp Pick: Libro.fm
Best for: Readers and audiobook listeners

Libro.fm lets customers purchase audiobooks while supporting an independent bookstore of their choice and has been featured by B Lab among Certified B Corp gift options.

Why it made the guide: It's digital, requires no conventional gift packaging and gives shoppers a way to support independent bookstores.

Don't overlook your own neighborhood
Consider gifts from:

• Independent bookstores
• Local restaurants
• Neighborhood bakeries
• Artists and makers
• Vintage shops
• Farmers markets
• Independent toy stores
• Local florists
• Craft fairs

Local doesn't automatically mean sustainable, but shopping locally can make it easier to learn who made a product, how it was produced and where your money is going.

9. Give Experiences Instead of More Things

For the person who genuinely doesn't need another object, listen to them.

Give them something to do.

For parents

• Family photo session
• Children's museum membership
• Zoo or aquarium membership
• Babysitting for a night out

For food lovers

• Cooking class
• Restaurant gift certificate
• Food tour
• Wine or cheese tasting

For travelers and outdoor lovers

• Park pass
• Guided hike
• Bike rental
• Contribution toward an upcoming trip

For culture lovers

• Museum membership
• Theater tickets
• Concert tickets
• Independent cinema membership

For someone who needs a break

• Massage
• Spa treatment
• Yoga class
• Weekend getaway

An experience isn't impact-free, but it can eliminate the materials, packaging and storage associated with another physical object while creating something arguably more valuable: a memory.

10. Consider Secondhand, Vintage and Refurbished Gifts

"Sustainable shopping" doesn't always mean buying from a sustainability-focused brand.

Sometimes it means not manufacturing something new at all.

Vintage and secondhand shopping works especially well for:

• Jewelry
• Watches
• Books
• Vinyl records
• Collectibles
• Designer clothing
• Furniture
• Cameras
• Toys
• Sporting equipment
• Home décor

Refurbished electronics are another option when they're purchased from reputable sellers and backed by appropriate warranties.

There is also something inherently personal about finding the exact vintage book, record or object someone loves. It often requires more thought than simply clicking "add to cart."

11. Give Something Designed to Last

A sustainable gift doesn't need to look "sustainable."

Longevity counts.

Before buying, ask:

Will this person still be using this five years from now?

That could mean:

• A well-made kitchen tool
• A durable travel bag
• A reusable bottle
• A timeless item of clothing
• A piece of art
• Quality cookware
• A useful household item

Buy once, use often is a good philosophy well beyond the holidays.

12. Rethink Holiday Decorations Before Buying More

Holiday décor can become surprisingly trend-driven. New colors and themes arrive every year, even though ornaments and decorations are exactly the kinds of items that can be used for decades.

Before buying another set, start with what you already have.

Then consider adding things slowly rather than replacing an entire collection.

Some of the most memorable decorations aren't purchased at all:

• Evergreen clippings
• Pinecones
• Dried oranges
• Cinnamon sticks
• Pomegranates
• Rosemary
• Fallen branches
• Handmade paper decorations

Older ornaments also carry something a brand-new collection can't provide: memories.

A chipped ornament your child made in kindergarten may be worth far more than anything in this year's holiday décor aisle.

13. What About the Christmas Tree?

Real versus artificial Christmas trees can become a surprisingly complicated sustainability question because factors such as manufacturing, transportation, how long an artificial tree is used and how a real tree is grown and disposed of all matter.

A simpler approach is to make the best choice for your household and then maximize its useful life.

If you use an artificial tree
Keep it for as many years as possible rather than treating it like something that needs updating.

If you choose a real tree
Consider locally grown trees when available and find out what happens to your tree after collection.

Many communities operate programs that turn used Christmas trees into mulch or compost rather than sending them to landfill. The EPA recommends checking with your local solid-waste department about tree collection and mulching programs.

If you have the space
Living potted trees that can later be planted may work in some climates and homes, although they require appropriate care and aren't practical everywhere.

14. Make Holiday Entertaining Less Disposable

Hosting can quickly generate waste when convenience products enter the picture.

Instead of buying disposable holiday-themed tableware every year, start with whatever is already in your cupboards.

Mix-and-match plates can look intentional. Everyday glassware works perfectly well at Christmas. Cloth napkins don't need to have snowflakes on them.

Consider:

• Reusable plates instead of disposable ones
• Cloth napkins
• Washable tablecloths
• Real glasses and mugs
• Refillable water pitchers
•  Serving platters you use year-round

For décor, food itself can do much of the work. Bowls of citrus, pomegranates, herbs, greenery and candles can make a table feel festive without requiring a collection of single-purpose decorations.

15. Make a Plan for Holiday Food Waste

One of the less visible forms of holiday waste happens in the refrigerator.

It's easy to overbuy when you're afraid of running out of food, especially when you're hosting.

Instead:

Plan portions before you shop
Consider how many people are actually attending and how many dishes you're serving.

Make the freezer part of your plan
If leftovers aren't likely to be eaten quickly, freeze them rather than waiting until they're past their best.

The EPA recommends storing holiday leftovers in reusable containers and freezing food that isn't likely to be eaten right away.

Send leftovers home
Ask guests to bring a reusable container or keep a stash of containers specifically for sharing leftovers.

Compost where possible
If your community offers food-scrap collection, use it for unavoidable scraps. Home composting may also be an option depending on where you live.

16. Be Thoughtful About Shipping

Online shopping makes the holidays easier, but dozens of separate shipments can also mean dozens of boxes.

A few small habits can help.

Consolidate purchases when practical
If you're buying several things from the same retailer, ordering them together may reduce separate packages.

Avoid unnecessary rush shipping
Planning earlier can give you more shipping options and reduce the pressure to send everything via the fastest available method.

Reuse shipping boxes
Before recycling a clean cardboard box, consider whether you have a gift that still needs to be mailed.

Pay attention to packaging policies
Some companies disclose whether their shipping materials contain recycled content, are curbside recyclable or minimize plastic.

17. Give a Gift With a Social Impact

Environmental impact is only part of responsible shopping.

Companies can also create impact through employment, charitable giving, supply-chain practices and community investment.

B Corp Pick: Packed with Purpose
Best for: Curated gift boxes

B Lab has featured Packed with Purpose among its gift resources for its model of bringing together products from organizations with social-impact missions.

This is particularly useful for corporate gifts or anyone who likes the idea of one gift supporting several purpose-driven businesses.

18. Sustainable Home and Host Gifts

A host gift doesn't need to become another decorative object.

Useful household essentials can make great gifts, especially when paired with something edible.

B Corp Pick: Meliora Cleaning Products
Best for: Low-waste household essentials

Meliora Cleaning Products is among the B Corps B Lab has highlighted in the home-care category.

B Corp Pick: Grove Collaborative
Best for: Household products and reusable home essentials

Grove Collaborative has also been featured by B Lab as a resource for shoppers seeking household and personal-care products from companies incorporating sustainability considerations into their businesses.

Pair a practical household item with locally made bread, coffee, flowers or chocolate and suddenly dish soap doesn't feel quite so utilitarian.

19. After the Gifts Are Opened: Save Before You Toss

December 26 is one of the best opportunities to make next December easier.

Before everything heads toward the recycling or trash bin, create three piles.

Reuse
Save:

• Gift bags
• Boxes
• Tissue paper that's still usable
• Ribbon
• Fabric wrap
• Bows
• Shipping materials

The EPA recommends saving reusable wrapping materials for future celebrations.

Recycle
Check your local rules before putting materials in the recycling bin.

Plain paper wrapping may be recyclable, while metallic, laminated, glittered or plastic-coated wrap often is not.

Remove ribbons, bows and other non-paper materials when required.

Donate
If a gift isn't right for you, there's nothing sustainable about leaving it unused in a closet for five years.

Consider donating it, exchanging it or passing it along to someone who will actually use it.

20. Recycle Your Christmas Tree

If you bought a real tree, check your municipality's instructions before putting it out with the trash.

Many communities offer special tree collection after the holidays so trees can be chipped into mulch or otherwise diverted from landfill. The EPA specifically recommends contacting your local solid-waste department to learn whether tree recycling or mulching is available where you live.

Be sure to remove:

• Ornaments
• Lights
• Tinsel
• Tree stands

More Sustainable Holiday Shopping Resources

If you want to explore beyond the companies in this guide, these are good places to continue your search.

B Corp Directory
Use B Lab's global directory to find Certified B Corporations by industry, keyword or location. B Corps now operate in more than 100 countries.

B Lab's Holiday Gift Guide
B Lab publishes holiday shopping recommendations featuring Certified B Corporations across categories including food, home, apparel and gifts.

A More Thoughtful Holiday

A more sustainable holiday doesn’t have to look dramatically different. It can simply mean making more intentional choices along the way.

Choose recycled materials when you can. Give fewer things, but make them more meaningful. Reuse what still has life in it. Support companies doing business responsibly. Waste a little less. Keep a little more.

The goal isn’t to celebrate less. It’s to make the traditions you already love feel a little more thoughtful, from the cards you send to the gifts you give and the memories you make.

Because the best holiday traditions are the ones we can feel good about carrying forward.