The 15 Best Sustainable Gifts For Her In 2023
The Good Trade editors endorse products we’ve personally researched, tested, and genuinely love. Learn more about our methodology and business model here.
After the last few years, we’re thrilled to spend the holidays in person with our family and friends again (while keeping health precautions in mind, of course!). And is there anything better than watching a loved one unwrap a gift you’ve chosen just for them? We didn’t think so!
Our 2023 gift guide features our favorite sustainable, ethical, and responsible brands—and the picks below support artisans and makers across the globe, focus on eco-friendly production and materials, and, most importantly, are made to last. That said, some products are considered investments but we’re focusing on fewer, better, and timeless. (Not looking to purchase anything new? Consider this inspo on where to start while thrifting or going secondhand!)
Need more ideas? Be sure to check out our sustainable gift guide for men, and head here for our top gifts under $50. And if you’re looking for less, here’s our minimalist gift guide, as well as tips for giving free gifts. Happy gifting! 🎁✨
1. Alpaca Wool Throw, $174 | Avocado
Gift sustainable style this season, with Avocado’s dreamy Alpaca Wool Throws. Stocked in six gorgeous colorways (including a grey/camel fade ombré we’re swooning over), these blankets are handmade by Peruvian artisans with 100 percent ethically sourced alpaca fiber. Plus, they’re Climate Neutral Certified and give back via 1% for the Planet. Whether your loved ones are celebrating a new home, baby, or career milestone, this will be the most thoughtful gift for them to snuggle in and enjoy.
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2. Everyday Chelsea Boot, $200 | Nisolo
Check out this wardrobe staple that everyone from your fashionista friend to your stylish mama will appreciate: Nisolo’s best-selling Everyday Chelsea Boot. These conscious and comfortable boots combine five layers of cushioned foam and Working Group Certified leather (the most ethical label leather can tout). The makers themselves earn living wages, too. Available in six neutral colors and sizes 5-11, these classic boots are effortlessly chic. Whoever you gift these to will think of you every time they wear them—aka all season long.
Use code THEGOODTRADE20 for 20% off until 12/31/22
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3. Make Your Matcha Kit, $48 | Golde
For the wellness lovers in your life (or anyone trying to wean off coffee), you can’t go wrong with the Make Your Matcha Kit from Golde. What started in a one-bedroom Brooklyn apartment by Trinity Mouzon Wofford has turned into a Black woman-owned small biz you can find in health stores worldwide. This kit contains a traditional bamboo whisk and 40g of matcha powder sourced specially from Uji, Japan. Help turn their coffee breath, jitters, and afternoon crash into a special morning ritual that provides sustainable energy all day long.
4. Merly Jacket, $150 | ABLE
Calling all parents and partners: Gifting ABLE’s Merly Jacket will win you brownie points with the chic ~girlie~ in your life. Designed as the first denim jacket for the brand, this piece has hundreds of five-star reviews for its effortless style, expanded size range (XXS-3X), and updated fit for all kinds of body shapes. ABLE’s denim is crafted exclusively by 500+ women makers in Mexico, who use eco-friendly and low-waste production every step of the way. Three colors, ten sizes, and countless ways to style—grab one to gift and thank us later.
Use code GOODTRADE for 30% off, valid through 12/31/22
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5. Weekender Set, $645 | Paravel
For weekend warriors and explorers, Paravel is one of our go-tos for travel. The Weekender Set—available in five colors—combines the brand’s top-selling Aviator Carry-On bag with a Weekender bag. Not only does this dual-set scream style, but it’s also fairly sustainable, too: The Weekender comprises of eco-friendly canvas while the carry-on is carbon-neutral. Plus, it’s exceptionally durable and functional, built with 360 degree rotation, carbon-steel bearings, and removable straps. While it’s definitely a splurge, it’s the present that your loved one will enjoy for years to come.
6. Saanvi Ankle Dress, $278 | Cleobella
Our exclusive Cleobella x The Good Trade Collection celebrates slow handmade techniques, one-of-a-kind details, and has all the essentials for the holiday season. Made of 100% GOTS certified organic cotton mulmul, the Saanvi Ankle Dress is the perfect holiday dress. Fun and fresh with a flattering smocked bodice and pockets, it can be dressed up or down. Check out the entire collection for cozy holiday inspo.
7. Croissant Dome Hoops, $78 | Mejuri
We’ve all been on the hunt for that perfect hoop earring, but we have good news: We’ve finally found them. Mejuri’s Croissant Dôme Hoops are the elevated everyday earrings that add texture and French-inspired style to any outfit, whether you’re at work, on a first date, or enjoying a holiday dinner with family. The base is sterling silver covered with 18k gold vermeil, so it’s made with quality (and sustainably recycled!) materials. Mejuri’s jewelry comes with free 30-day returns and a two-year warranty, but we have a feeling you’ll never need to use either. Read our editor’s Mejuri review here.
8. Wool Dwellers, $65 | Allbirds
For our introverts, homebodies, or partners who are “impossible to shop for,” Allbirds’ Wool Dwellers are perfect for all genders and ages. This certified B Corp uses upcycled wool scraps (from its other wool shoes), FSC certified natural rubber, and recycled polyester soles for the softest, coziest slippers you’ll love snuggling in. Crafted in Korea, they’re also responsibly made, carbon-neutral, and machine washable (!!!). Even those fancy hotel slippers won’t stand a chance.
9. Undaria Algae Body Oil, $12+ | OSEA
Adored by nearly all of The Good Trade team, OSEA’s Undaria Algae Body Oil is the one skincare product we feel confident giving to anyone and everyone. Formulated with a whopping 10 oils—from sunflower seed to sesame and linseed—this seaweed infused body oil absorbs in no time at all leaving skin smooth and soft. Trust us when we say this luxuriously scented and hydrating body oil will be considered the gift of the season.
10. Recycled Backpack, $82 | Girlfriend
Commuters, students, and travelers alike will appreciate this gift from Girlfriend: the Fawn Please Recycle. This minimalist and water-resistant backpack is strategically designed in every way: It’s made with recycled plastic water bottles, contains four pockets and sections, and has adjustable straps and thumb loops for easy use. Out of the eight colors, we most like the Fawn color, but Rosewood and Black are our other faves. Oh, and don’t forget to recycle it when you’re done with it!
11. “Drizzle & Sizzle” Variety Pack, $35 | Graza
We don’t really eat to live, we live to eat. If you’re like us, you’ll want to get your hands on Graza’s delicious olive oil. Unlike most EVOOs in the US that come from lower quality oils, Graza sources Picual olives from the Andalusia region in Spain. There are two main olive oils here; the first is Drizzle, which has a grassy and punchy kick to it, and can be used sparingly to finish salads or in pesto. The other, Sizzle, is more mellow and made for casual cooking like for sauteing and roasting. While you can purchase one or the other, we like this variety pack specifically for gifting.
12. Dutch Baby, $120 | Great Jones
Whether your loved one is an aspiring cook or a seasoned chef looking to upgrade their collection, don’t sleep on Great Jones’ Dutch Baby. This 3.5-quart cast iron dutch oven is perfect for small kitchens everywhere and a great gift for the person who wants to make whipping up delicious dinners that much easier (it fits perfectly on one burner). Plus, the colors are bound to make her happy.
13. Guided Journal, $17 | Bookshop
Set yourself (or a loved one) up for success in the new year, thanks to this motivational journal from creativity and productivity expert Kara Cutruzzula. Featuring art by Tyler Spangler, this groovy little book includes short essays and writing prompts designed to help creatives push past failures and cultivate their most meaningful work (whatever that looks like for the individual). This is a great gift for entrepreneurs, artists, or anyone who needs a bit of encouragement and creative motivation for their next big project!
14. Signature Candle, $49 | Parachute
A gift you can never go wrong with? A good scented candle. Enter: Parachute’s signature candle. There are two scents here, one for the day (Salt Water with notes of sea salt, seagrass, and driftwood) and one for the night (Dusk with jasmine, saffron, and ebony wood). Both are intoxicating, relaxing, and downright luxurious—reviewers rave about the scent, the chic concrete vessel, and the 60+ hour burn time. It’s the perfect present for welcoming a new neighbor or impressing your mother-in-law (or picky boss!).
15. Natural Wine Club Subscription, $85+ | Mysa
Move the happy hour from the bar to your home with MYSA’s Natural Wine Club subscription. Natural wine—which is having its mainstream moment, deservedly—leverages organic farming, biodynamic practices, and avoids filtering or adding sugar and acid. Whether you or your recipient prefer orange natural wines, funky piquettes, or a rosé, MYSA has you covered. Start a subscription and you can opt for three, six, or 12 bottles, and monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly frequencies. Delivered right to your door, these wines are made by small, regional winemakers so you’ll support local businesses, too.
