15 Sustainable Gifts Under $50 For Everyone On Your List
The Good Trade editors endorse products we’ve personally researched, tested, and genuinely love. Learn more about our methodology and business model here.
During gift-giving season, we look for thoughtful keepsakes and the chance to give back with our purchases. But in addition to being conscious of our values, we still need to be conscious of our budgets. Below is our roundup of gifts under $50 from brands that are fair trade, handmade, or sustainable, and all are on a mission to make the world a better place. Looking for more ethically made and sustainable gifts for the holiday season? Check out our 2022 guide to the best sustainable gifts (and best gifts for him, too). Happy giving! 🎁
1. PureFit Leggings, $28 | Pact
Can anyone ever have too many leggings? In the words of Cady Heron, the limit does not exist. For ones that are worth stocking up on, consider Pact. Buttery soft, breathable, and perfect for layering, these leggings are a blend of GOTS certified organic cotton and a hint of elastane for added stretch. Responsibly produced in Fair Trade Certified factories (and with low-waste water production), they’re better for you and the planet. With some sale items starting under $20, they make great stocking stuffers, too. Choose from seven patterns and colors in sizes XS-XXL.
Use code GOODTRADE for 20% off your first purchase through the end of the year
The Good Trade Partner
2. Small Hoop Earrings, $35 | Nisolo
Stylish everyday earrings that are budget-friendly, too? Yes and yes. This certified B Corp partners with independent makers worldwide for its shoes, jewelry, and luggage; these Small Hoop Earrings, specifically, are handmade by women artisans in Kenya using upcycled brass. They’re delicate yet durable—subtle but not so flimsy that they’ll fall out or easily bend. Paired with a chignon bun, updo, or a half-up half-down look, these are easy, effortless earrings to wear time and time again.
Use code THEGOODTRADE20 for 20% off until 12/31
The Good Trade Partner
3. Dark Chocolate Variety Pack, $48 for 8-pack | Hu
Perhaps the most beloved present of all time is chocolate. And Hu’s health and human-centric chocolate is just as good as all the other mainstream names, if not better! You won’t find any dairy, palm oil, cane or refined sugar, or emulsifiers in these chocolate bars, but you will enjoy certified Fair Trade cocoa, gluten-free additions, and vegan/paleo-friendly formulas. Plus, you can give the gift of variety with this multipack (or give one each as a stocking stuffer) with flavors like Cashew Butter + Vanilla Bean, Hazelnut Butter, and Crunchy Mint. Turns out chocolate can be good for you.
4. Block Printed Headband, $38 | Cleobella
We love Cleobella for their globally inspired, ethically made designs, and this gorgeous block printed headband is no exception! Part of the exclusive Cleobella X The Good Trade Collection (😍), this gorgeous hair accessory is made from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton mulmul. Ethically handmade with a block printed bold pattern, this headband will elevate any look.
Use code TGT15 for 15% off sitewide through 12/31/22.
5. Full Collection, $45 | Henry Rose
Launched by actress and entrepreneur Michelle Pfeiffer, Henry Rose is a cruelty-free fragrance brand for all genders. Every product is free from the “bad stuff” like parabens, phthalates, endocrine disruptors, and formaldehyde. Instead, the scents are made with all natural ingredients like Moroccan orange flower, vetiver, and Turkish rose. You can use the “Find Your Scent” quiz or just try the Full Collection discovery set with 11 samples. Each set also offers a $20 off code on your first full-size product! Find a new signature set or switch things up with this worthwhile gift.
6. Chunky Bed Socks, $18 | Boody
Certified B Corp Boody’s Chunky Bed Socks are so comfy, just looking at the photos make us feel cozier! Homebodies and snugglers alike will love these soft, thick-knit socks because they check all the boxes: A wide ankle opening, reinforced toe and heel for durability and grip, and a mid-calf rise for layering and added warmth. And they’re made from bamboo and organic cotton, so they’re sustainable to boot. Choose from three colors or get a three-pack; we recco getting one for every woman in your life, tbh.
7. Reusable Bag, $14 | Baggu
For that friend who’s always carrying around plastic bags (listen, we’ve been there), consider gifting them a reusable bag from Baggu. Made from recycled nylon, these bags can hold up to three times the amount a normal plastic bag can (up to 50 lbs!) and can be easily folded, washed, and transported. There are dozens of whimsical and bold styles to choose from but if you’re not sure where to start, consider a gift card instead. Then they’ll think of you on each trip to the farmer’s market, beach, and every errand in between.
8. Vagus Nerve Pillow Mist, $32 | OSEA
Know someone who needs a bit of relaxation lately? Maybe a parent of twins, your work bestie slammed with a year-end project, a friend who’s moved to a new city? Consider this thoughtful gift to help bring some calm to their nighttime routine. By stimulating the vagus nerve (the main nerves of your parasympathetic nervous system which help modulate your brain and digestive systems), you can help soothe and ease stress in minutes. This pillow mist, which our Senior Editor loves, is formulated with all natural oils like chamomile, lime, and rosemary. A few spritzes before bed can help make all the difference this holiday season.
9. Snoozy Bath Soak with Magnesium Flakes, $48 | Avocado
Sometimes a relaxing bath at the end of a long day is the perfect way to let go. Help someone on your list upgrade their nightly ritual with this sophisticated blend of lavender and rose oil, with hints of geranium and citrus. The aromatherapeutic soak will relax and soothe both muscle tension and stress with himalayan sea salts and magnesium flakes. Throw in a couple of bars of high quality chocolates and a candle and maybe keep it for yourself (we won’t tell!).
10. Trucker Hat, $39 | Patagonia
If there’s one brand out there doing it right, it’s gotta be Patagonia. This certified B Corp prioritizes sustainability and responsible production above all, while also emphasizing the importance of our planet. For friends who like to explore the great outdoors, you can’t go wrong with one of Patagonia’s trucker hats available in eight different styles. They’re sewn in Fair Trade Certified factories using recycled fishing nets, organic cotton, and recycled polyester.
11. Makeup Towels, $30 | Homebird
For our skincare-lovin’ gworlies, we highly recommend these towels from Homebird. After you’ve washed your face, pat it dry with these GOTS certified organic cotton makeup towels—gentler than most hand towels and free of any toxic chemicals. They’re woven in fair trade factories in India, finished with rounded corners and piped edges for an elegant finish. Homebird ships across its homebase of Canada and the US for free, and offers 45-day returns. Soft, sustainable, and skincare ready.
12. Build Your Adventure Bundle, $35+ | Kinfield
As Kinfield cleverly writes, these bundles are “for getting, for gifting, for ‘just so we have extras’-ing.” This outdoor wellness brand focuses on plant-based products for every second we’re outdoors, from its best-selling mosquito repellent spray to SPF 35 sunscreen. Choose from four pre-made sets—Bestsellers, Bug Off, Sunny Days, or Winter Hydration—and a limited edition zippered pouch for an all-in-one kit you can bring wherever you’re headed next. And while we’re at it, we should remind you: Skincare isn’t just for the summer. 😉
13. Candles, $24+ | Made by DWC
One of our favorite mission-driven businesses here in Los Angeles is MADE by DWC, a social enterprise of the Downtown Women’s Center offering employment to women experiencing houselessness. Each of the candles here is hand-poured by these employees, using soy candles and scented oils, and the results are truly aromatic. Inspired by and named after California landmarks like Joshua Tree, Big Sur, and Napa Valley, these blends include ingredients like sun-dried Earl Grey tea leaves, white magnolia, and seaberry. Pick from two sizes or a pack of two for an added discount; if you’re really loving it, consider a soap and candle gift set—all proceeds directly support this employment program.
14. Dog Supplements & Treats, $45+ | PetPlate
Furry friends deserve some holiday love, too! PetPlate makes the food your pup deserves, with organic, whole-food ingredients. We (as in our editors and their dogs) are big fans of the brand’s supplements—and you can purchase them all in a four-pack. Developed by vets and made in USDA human-grade kitchens, these cookies and bites support their overall wellbeing. Bon-e appetit and paw-py holidays.
15. Photo Gifts, $10+ | Artifact Uprising
The most meaningful gift doesn’t have to be one that breaks the bank. That’s why we adore Artifact Uprising, for its Under $50 gifting collection—from customizable photo calendars to baby books to wall calendars, you can create a personalized gift for anyone celebrating a milestone. (Looking for holiday cards? They got those, too, and the quality is A++.) Artifact Uprising priorities sustainable materials, using recycled fibers, reclaimed pine wood, and more inspired by its Colorado HQ. Mementos from Artifact Rising will be the presents that remind you of the past while investing in the future.
