Practical, Reusable Gifts For Kitchen, Home and On-the-Go
A roundup of thoughtful reusable gifts that keep on giving throughout the year by replacing wasteful, disposable products with eco-friendly versions. Includes eco friendly kitchen products, useful gifts for the home and reusable products for on-the-go.
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, reusable 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 reusable gifts are awesome is because they can be so much better for the planet. Reusable gifts typically replace disposable, single-use items – like paper towels, plastic wrap or plastic bottles and will be appreciated wherever someone is on their zero waste journey.
The way I look at it, practical, reusable gifts are just better all around!
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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 reusable kitchen products to the zero waste items for 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 – whether it’s for the holiday season or any time of year!
Bonus good news: A reusable gift keeps giving all year long by reducing waste and working hard!
Eco Friendly Kitchen Products
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?
In my humble opinion, reusable products made from durable, sustainable materials are some of the best gifts for the kitchen because they will be used and enjoyed all year long!
I hope you find some great ideas in this list of the best sustainable gifts I’ve found! If you can’t decide what exactly to give, a gift card to a sustainable company like Earth Hero or for zero-waste gifts on Etsy could be a great option! Shopping for green gifts at local businesses is also a great idea.
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 and are a perfect gift idea for friends or family. We use ours constantly!!
Bee’s Wrap
Ditch the plastic wrap and single use plastic bags and switch to this pliable organic cotton cloth infused with beeswax, jojoba oil and tree resin. Bee’s Wrap is a great alternative for wrapping cheese and sandwiches or to cover a bowl. It comes in lots of fun colors and patterns so it’s enjoyable to use. If you’re up for a DIY – you can easily make homemade beeswax wrap with the fabric of your choice!
If you do order Bee’s Wrap, you can get FREE shipping on orders over $25
Paperless Towels
Say goodbye to wasteful paper towels and hello to reusable Paperless Towels. These reusable kitchen towels are made from super absorbent birdseye cotton with your choice of colored edging. I keep a stash of these under my kitchen and bathroom sinks so they are handy for any cleanup situation I have. Love that they help me reduce my environmental impact in my kitchen.
Stasher Silicone Food Bags
Food grade silicone contains no BPA, phthalates or petroleum, making these silicone food bags non-toxic and safe to use, even in the microwave. Stasher bags come in a variety of styles and sizes, making them perfect for packing sandwiches, carrying snacks on-the-go and storing food too. I love that they are super easy to seal and are both freezer safe and dishwasher safe – not to mention a great way to reduce plastic waste!
Get FREE shipping on orders of $49+
Reusable Sponges
These handmade sponges will last much longer than regular, disposable sponges and are much nicer to look at! They come in lots of fun fabric choices and can be tossed in the dishwasher or laundry to thoroughly clean. Each sponge has a polyester mesh on the one side and 100% cotton flannel to give multiple scrubbing options.
Stainless Steel Straws
Sayonara plastic straws. Hello stainless steel! Every household needs a set of these durable, reusable stainless steel 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 metal straws!
Glass Food Storage Containers
Make meal prep and food storage easier and less wasteful with these divided glass containers with lids. The lids lock food in with an airtight seal for secure, leak-free storage that helps eliminate food waste. These glass containers are safe for the dishwasher, microwave and freezer, making them extra valuable in the kitchen.
Useful Gifts for the Home
The kitchen isn’t the only place where reusable products come in handy. Check out these fun sustainable gift ideas for the bathroom, the laundry room and other places around the house.
Reusable Makeup Remover Pads
You’ll want to ditch those disposable cotton pads immediately once you start using these soft reusable makeup remover pads (great to use with homemade makeup remover liquid). 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
It’s time to ditch those disposable dryer sheets! Reduce static and soften clothes naturally with dryer balls made from natural sheep wool. These cute wool dryer balls are handcrafted in the U.S. from cruelty free wool from rescued sheep.
Bamboo Toothbrushes
Make your tooth brushing routine less wasteful and reduce plastic use 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 and disposable plugins with a reusable essential oil diffuser that scents the air with natural, therapeutic essential oils. These heat-free, cool mist diffusers are both functional and fashionable decor for your home, making them a great gift idea!
Reusable Mop Pads
These handy reusable mop pads are made using multiple layers of scrap felt that are sewn together to create an absorbent and heavy duty fabric that can be used wet or dry. A much more eco-friendly alternative to disposable mop head sheets.
Reusable Products for On-the-Go
There are so many awesome reusable products for eating, drinking and carrying stuff on the go. Here are a few of my favorites:
Reusable Shopping Bags
Shopping bags do not have to be boring. These cute reusable tote bags hold up to 40 pounds but fold up into a small carrying pouch with a handy carabiner clip. Choose from a variety of colors and styles – there’s something for everyone!
Travel Utensil Wrap
Be prepared for waste-free meals on-the-go with this beautifully designed utensils wrap made from screen-printed cotton, from a Fair Trade company in South Africa. Utensils not included – but you can get some cute bamboo utensils to add in to the gift.
KeepCup Reusable Coffee Mug
Perfect for coffee shop regulars, a KeepCup is a barista-friendly substitute for a disposable coffee cup. KeepCups are reusable coffee cups made from durable, tempered glass, with a silicone band and a safe plastic lid. A bunch of different colors and styles are available.
Reusable Snack Bags
These zippered reusable bags are good for snacks, lunch foods and even cosmetics or small toys. You really can’t have too many reusable bags! They come in so many cute cotton fabric designs – there is bound to be something you love. (Here are plenty more reusable food storage bags to choose from if you need them.)
Organic Cotton Napkins
Liven up your picnic or lunchbox with these colorful organic cloth napkins. The designs are hand-printed on flour-sack cotton and are washable and reusable. You pick the styles you love from a variety of designs!
Stainless Steel Water Bottles
A reusable water bottle from Klean Kanteen makes a fantastic gift because it is so practical, yet stylish too. These insulated bottles have double-wall vacuum insulation that can keep drinks hot for up to 20 hours, and icy cold up to 50 hours! Plus, they are made from food grade stainless steel, with a leak proof cap, to ensure no spills, messes, or dents. Choose from a variety of fun colors.
Reusable 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. This set of 4 washable, reusable produce bags includes two mesh bags, and two solid bags to handle all your grocery store or farmers market shopping needs.
Linen Straw Pouch
Tote around your reusable straw in one of these cozy pouches made from remnant linen fabric. Your straws will stay 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!
I love every single one of these trustworthy brands! Thanks for a great gift guide!
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!
Not sure how I lived without my dryer balls! One of my three is missing right now and I need to find it! 🙂
I got these great silicone reuseable silicon bags from my sister in-law called Silichef . She got them off Amazon , they are amazing at keeping things fresh! I put bead in there and it doesn’t get stale! The customer service for them is great as well!
Cool! I hadn’t heard of Silichef so thanks for the head’s up!
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!
Everything is so perfect here! I need those reusable produce bags right now
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.
That roll-up bib sounds brilliant and I love those mini bamboo utensils! Thanks for sharing!
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!
These are great gift ideas
Really enjoyed your ideas & Etsy shop! I will be back later to shop.
Did I just become a hippy? I think so.
LOL! I think reusable products are becoming pretty mainstream these days!
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!
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!
Handkerchiefs!! Need very soft fabric– bamboo is really nice…
Excellent ideas! Will definitely add these ideas to my green gift list.
I always present gifts in reusable bags. This way the receiver can use it for shopping or some other way later.
These are some great ideas! I especially love the travel cutlery holder.
I have been paperless in the kitchen for years. Once you’re at up, it’s very easy to maintain. Hand cloth napkins, reusable straws and also make my own laundry and dishwasher detergent. It’s quick and easy…costs WAY less and is eco friendly
I agree!
Silicone baking mats instead of parchment paper, I think, also makes a great gift that keeps on giving and saves the environment. Thank you for this wonderful list of ideas!
Great idea!