Practical but stylish, reusable gifts that keep on giving throughout the year by replacing wasteful, disposable products with eco-friendly versions.
Socks. Underwear. Really?
As a kid, getting a practical gift was always a bit of a disappointment. But as an adult, especially one who already has a lot of stuff, a practical, reusable gift makes great sense.
Practical gifts rock for a couple reasons. One, because they are actually used – unlike a knick-knack or tchotchke – which might seem cool at first, but later sits on a shelf and collects dust.
The other reason practical gifts are awesome is because they can be so much better for the planet. Reusable gifts typically replace something that is usually disposable – like paper towels, plastic wrap or dryer sheets.
The way I look at it, practical, reusable gifts are just better all around!
The Best Reusable Gifts To Give
Over the course of many years, I have switched most of the products I use from disposable to reusable – from kitchen products to the bathroom and everything in between. And because I find reusable items so much nicer to use, I started giving them as gifts!
Here’s a list of of many of my favorite reusable products that make great gifts (although you’re going to want some of them for yourself as well!) All of these products are durable, high-quality and very nice looking too – which is why they work so well for gift-giving!
Bonus: A reusable gift keeps giving all year long by reducing waste and working hard!
Reusable Gifts for the Kitchen
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Reusable Bowl Covers
Once you own a set of these reusable bowl covers, you will forget about the plastic wrap and aluminum foil. The stretchy sides allow them to fit easily and snugly around bowls. These come in a variety of cute, machine washable laminated fabrics. We use ours constantly!!
The kitchen is FULL of wasteful, disposable products like plastic wrap and paper towels so it’s a great place to start with reusables. Plus, who doesn’t love a kitchen gift?
Bee’s Wrap
Ditch the plastic wrap and switch to a pliable organic cotton cloth infused with beeswax, jojoba oil and tree resin. Great for wrapping cheese, sandwiches or to cover a bowl. If you’re up for a DIY – you can easily make homemade beeswax wrap with the fabric of your choice!
Paperless Towels
Say goodbye to wasteful paper towels and hello to reusable Paperless Towels. Made from super absorbent birdseye cotton with your choice of colored edging. I keep a stash of these under my kitchen and bathroom sinks – love them so much!
Silicone Food Bags
Food grade silicone contains no BPA, phthalates or petroleum, making these bags non-toxic and safe to use, even in the microwave. Perfect for sandwiches, snacks on-the-go and storing food too. I love that they are super easy to seal and dishwasher safe!
UnSponge
These handmade sponges will last much longer than regular, disposable sponges and are much nicer to look at! Dishwasher and laundry safe too.
Stainless Steel Straws
Sayonara plastic and paper. Hello stainless steel! Every household needs a set of these durable, reusable straws on hand for the next smoothie attack. Be sure to buy a set (with a cleaning brush) because you’ll want more than one of these handy straws!
Glass Meal Prep Containers
Make meal prep easier and less wasteful with these divided, 3-compartment glass containers with lids.
Reusable Gifts for Around the House
The kitchen isn’t the only place where reusable products come in handy. Check out these fun reusable gifts for the bathroom, the laundry room and other places around the house.
Reusable Makeup Pads
You’ll want to ditch those disposable pad immediately once you start using these soft reusable makeup pads. These come in an assortment of pretty fabrics with a soft cotton terry backing. After use, wash them in the mesh laundry bag that comes with your order. I love mine!
Wool Dryer Balls
Soften clothes naturally with dryer balls made from natural sheep wool. Handcrafted in the U.S. from cruelty free wool from rescued sheep.
Bamboo Toothbrushes
Make the tooth brushing routine less wasteful with toothbrushes made from biodegradable natural bamboo with nylon bristles. Each family member gets a different color! Add in some refillable Dental Lace dental floss for a fun stocking stuffer.
Essential Oil Diffuser
Replace toxic air freshening sprays with a reusable essential oil diffuser that scents the air with natural, therapeutic oils.
Reusable Wet/Dry Swiffer Pads
These handy reusable mop covers are made with fleece on one side for dry mopping and absorbent terry cloth on the other side for wet mopping.
Reusable Gifts for On-the-Go
There are so many awesome reusable products for eating, drinking and buying stuff on the go. Here are a few of my favorites:
Reusable Shopping Bags
Shopping bags do not have to be boring. These cute bags hold up to 40 pounds but fold up into a small carrying pouch with a handy carabiner clip.
Travel Utensils Wrap
Be prepared for waste-free meals on-the-go with this beautifully designed utensils wrap. Includes a built-in wet bag for dirty utensils.
KeepCup Reusable Coffee Mug
Perfect for coffee shop regulars – a KeepCup is a barista-friendly substitute for a disposable coffee cup.
Reusable Snack Bags
These zippered reusable bags are good for snacks, lunch, even cosmetics or small toys. You really can’t have too many reusable bags!
Stainless Steel Water Bottles
These stainless bottles are super durable and come in lots of different fun colors and patterns. I love that they keep cold thing cold and hot things hot!
Produce Bags
It’s time to up the eco-ante and start using reusable bags in the produce section as well as bringing your own grocery bags. Set of 5 washable, reusable produce bags.
Cloth Lunchbox Napkins
Liven up your lunch with these double-sided napkins in fun, kid-friendly prints.
Straw Sleeves
Tote around your reusable straw in one of these cozy hemp fabric pouches to keep it clean and protected anywhere you go.
These reusable gifts are much better than socks or underwear, don’t you agree?
What are your favorite reusable gifts to give or get?
On a mission to replace wasteful disposables with reusables? You’ll find lots more reusable products on the blog!
Alicia says
I love every single one of these trustworthy brands! Thanks for a great gift guide!
Lindsay says
I still haven’t tried the beeswax wrap and need to! I started using wool dryer balls and love them. I think they cut down on dry time and save energy!
Micaela says
Not sure how I lived without my dryer balls! One of my three is missing right now and I need to find it! 🙂
Betsy (Eco-novice) says
I think reusables are some of the best green gifts to give! I also need to try the beeswax. Many of the other recommendations on your list we own and love!
Danielle says
Everything is so perfect here! I need those reusable produce bags right now
Kathryn Grace says
Ooooh. I have not seen the reusable silicon snack bags. Will watch for those in my local store. One of my favorite carry-alongs with a learning-to-eat grand-baby is a bib that rolls into itself like a Chico bag. The other is a child version of the bamboo knife, fork and spoon in its own thin carry pouch. I’ve avoided many a plastic fork and spoon on outings with the wee ones with those tucked in my purse.
Micaela says
That roll-up bib sounds brilliant and I love those mini bamboo utensils! Thanks for sharing!
Amanda says
I was given those produce bags from a local farmer at a farmers market. They have no tare weight but I find them flimsy. I usually use them for straining juisce instead of produce. But otherwise I think this a great list!
Janice says
These are great gift ideas
Michelle says
Really enjoyed your ideas & Etsy shop! I will be back later to shop.
Megan says
Did I just become a hippy? I think so.
Micaela says
LOL! I think reusable products are becoming pretty mainstream these days!
Aimee says
I am so excited about the cloth food wraps! I am highly allergic to beeswax(I know, weird) and bought ‘reusable’ plastic bowl wraps but they are falling apart after a year and all I can think about is how I am just going to end up throwing them out. Thanks!
Micaela says
Oh good – the cloth bowl covers I have are super durable! I’ve had the cheap plastic ones too and they are good for awhile, but don’t last forever!