Unique Eco Gift Ideas for People Who Have Everything

Finding the perfect gift for someone who has everything is tough. But what if the best gift isn’t the latest gadget? Instead, think eco-friendly. Eco gifts are practical, meaningful, and help support sustainability.

This article explores some fantastic eco-friendly gift ideas for those hard-to-shop-for individuals.

For the Vegan in your life (Who’s Missing Cheese!)

Finding the perfect gift for a vegan can be tricky for some, especially if it’s not a world you’re used to. But it doesn’t have to be difficult at all—there are so many incredible gifts available. Consider gifting them a Dairy-Free Cheese Making Course. This hands-on experience will teach them how to create their own plant-based cheeses using whole foods like sunflower seeds, cashews, almonds, and nutritional yeast. The best part? They get to indulge in delicious vegan cheese without the plastic packaging. It’s a great gift for someone who loves to cook and enjoys trying new things—plus, they’ll have homemade vegan cheese for life!

For the Loved One Needing a Homemade Hamper

There’s nothing better than a Christmas hamper of treats. If you enjoy crafting homemade gifts, a DIY hamper filled with eco-friendly goodies is a fantastic option. You can fill the hamper with homemade delights like Piccalilli, Honey Fermented Carrot Jam, or Mulled Pears. Alternatively, you could include baked goods such as Shortbread or Linseed and Rosemary Crackers. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding some homemade fermented foods like Smoked Celeriac Krautchi or Rhubarb Ginger Beer. These homemade gifts are not only sustainable but also personal, making them a heartfelt gift for the recipient. (And lucky for you, all of these recipes are available on our website—how convenient!)

For the Keen Gardener

For someone who loves to garden (or is looking to start), you can’t go wrong with a gardening course. A gift voucher for a Get Growing course at River Cottage will inspire them to grow their own organic produce, keeping soil health and biodiversity at the forefront, while learning new skills and embracing the best of the River Cottage lifestyle. Pair this with a selection of organic seed packets to kickstart their gardening adventure. It’s the gift that keeps giving—fresh herbs and vegetables right from their own backyard!

For Those Wanting to Reduce Single-Use Plastics

In today’s world, cutting down on single-use plastics is a big deal. For anyone looking to live a more sustainable lifestyle, gifts that reduce plastic consumption are a win. Consider items like beeswax wraps for food storage, reusable silicone lids that fit various containers, or shampoo bars that eliminate single-use plastic bottles. These gifts are not only practical but will help your friends and family move towards a more sustainable lifestyle. A zero-waste starter kit with items like reusable straws, produce bags, and bamboo cutlery would make a perfect gift for someone just starting their sustainability journey. You can usually get these gifts from any zero waste store.

For the Sourdough Enthusiast

If your loved one has a passion for baking but their sourdough starter seems to have a life of its own, this could be the perfect hint to brush up on their sourdough skills. Why not give them a gift that helps nurture that hobby? A Sourdough Day experience or even a DIY sourdough starter kit could be the perfect gift. These kits include everything needed to create a healthy starter, helping the recipient level up their bread-making skills. For an even more personalised touch, consider gifting them a Recipe Book or a workshop with a professional to learn how to master the skill. It’s a fun, sustainable gift that keeps on giving—fresh bread, anyone?

For Those Who Love to Support Local

When buying gifts, opting for local suppliers can make a world of difference. Supporting local artisans, crafters, and food producers not only helps reduce carbon emissions from shipping but also strengthens the local community. Look for locally made products like handcrafted ceramic mugs, wooden kitchen tools, or delicious locally sourced jams, chutneys, and honey. These gifts not only add a personal touch but are unique and often one-of-a-kind. Plus, you’ll be supporting businesses that prioritise sustainability, whether through their materials or production processes.

For the Health-Conscious

If you’re shopping for someone who is focused on health and wellness (or plans to come January!), there are some great eco-friendly options. Books like “How to Eat 30 Plants a Week” and the “Fermentation Handbook” can inspire them to eat more plant-based foods while learning new, gut friendly, sustainable ways to prepare them. Pair this with a fermentation starter kit, to really encourage them to try their hand at creating their own fermented foods or kombucha. It’s a thoughtful way to support their health journey while being mindful of the planet.

For the First-Time Mover

If someone in your life is moving out for the first time, they’re likely in need of some practical help to keep up their nutrition levels when living on their own. A cookbook like River Cottage Every Day or Much More Veg would be an excellent choice for someone looking to start a healthier lifestyle. These books emphasise local, seasonal every day recipes, making them perfect for the newly independent. To make it even more special, you could pair the cookbook with a reusable kitchen tool set, windowsill herb pots or even a compost bin to encourage them to adopt eco-friendly habits from day one.

For Those Needing a Shared Family Memory

Instead of individual presents, why not gift the whole family a memory they can cherish forever? 

A tailored cookery course—think of it as your very own bake-off or Masterchef experience—followed by a delicious family dinner at River Cottage, would create an unforgettable day. The whole family can learn something new while enjoying quality time together. To make it even more special, pair the experience with a stay in our accommodation for the perfect family getaway. It’s a great way to bond, have fun, and create lasting memories. If you’re interested in any of these ideas, feel free to enquire with our private events team.

For Those Who Forgot About Their Furry Friends

Let’s not forget our furry companions – they’re just as much of a part of the family! Pets deserve eco-friendly gifts too. If you have a lot of friends and family with dogs, consider gifting them homemade dog bone biscuits. These tasty treats can be made using simple, sustainable ingredients and will keep their tails wagging. You could even personalise the gift with a cute, eco-friendly dog bandana or a recycled material chew toy. It’s a thoughtful way to include pets in the holiday cheer!

Don’t forget to wrap it!

Gift wrapping is often overlooked when it comes to sustainability, but it’s one area where small changes can make a big impact. Instead of using traditional wrapping paper (which often can’t be recycled), opt for fully recyclable options. Or, take inspiration from Japan and gift wrap using furoshiki cloth, a beautiful and versatile method of wrapping that can also double as a scarf or reusable bag. Not only will your wrapping be eco-friendly, but it’ll also make your gift stand out in a creative, thoughtful way.

So, where to start?

When shopping for gifts, it’s easy to get caught up in the latest trends. But the best gifts are often the most thoughtful and sustainable. Eco-friendly gifts—like a fermentation starter kit, a locally made product, or a gardening course—are sure to impress. And don’t forget your furry friends! 

Start by focusing on one person at a time, and remember, your loved ones will appreciate anything you give them. Choosing eco gifts not only makes a positive impact on the planet but also provides something meaningful and memorable. Happy gifting!