The holiday season often brings an increase in consumer spending—and, unfortunately, a surge in waste. From excess packaging to single-use plastics and products with short lifespans, traditional holiday shopping can have a substantial environmental impact. This year, consider the benefits of sustainable shopping: by choosing eco-friendly, earth-conscious gifts, we can reduce waste, support ethical practices, and contribute positively to the planet. Sustainable shopping encourages us to look for quality over quantity, choosing gifts that last and will be cherished, not quickly discarded.
Eco-friendly shopping is about making mindful choices—whether through package-free shops, zero-waste stores, or selecting sustainable products crafted from renewable, durable materials. Opting for sustainable items like reusable razors, reclaimed materials, and compostable items, we support companies committed to responsibly sourced materials and environmental stewardship. This mindful approach fosters a circular economy where items are reused, upcycled, or composted rather than thrown away.
At Mudd House Mercantile, your zero-waste store, we’re excited to offer thoughtfully curated, earth-friendly products that bring joy to your loved ones while benefiting the planet. Let’s explore some of our favorite sustainable gift ideas, each packed with quality, charm, and a touch of holiday magic—helping to make this season a time of meaningful giving that will be remembered by friends, family, and Mother Earth alike.
Newspaper Colored Pencils
Why It’s a Sustainable Choice: These zero waste, earth-friendly products are crafted from 100% recycled newspaper, reducing the need for new wood and minimizing landfill waste. By choosing these pencils, you’re supporting sustainable shopping and eco-friendly practices that contribute to a cleaner planet. Plus, they’re non-toxic and biodegradable, making them safe for everyone and a great addition to any zero waste lifestyle.
Tip for Gifting: Pair these colored pencils with a recycled paper sketchbook or an eco-friendly coloring book for a complete, sustainable gift set that promotes creativity without compromising the planet. Perfect for artists, students, or anyone embracing a love for earth-friendly products, this thoughtful set adds color and creativity to any day.
Recycled Newspaper Colored Pencils
$8.00
Color Your World Green with Sustainable Art Supplies Bring your creativity to life with our Recycled Newspaper Colored Pencils, a perfect addition to our zero waste store. Made entirely from 100% recycled newspaper, these eco-friendly products offer a sustainable alternative… read more
Friendsheep Wool Dryer Balls
Nothing says cozy like a warm, soft load of laundry. Friendsheep Wool Dryer Balls bring that comforting experience to another level by cutting down on drying time and adding a natural softness to clothes. Made from 100% wool, these fair-trade balls reduce static and are reusable for hundreds of loads, making them a gift that lasts for years.
Why It’s a Sustainable Choice: Friendsheep dryer balls are a chemical-free alternative to disposable dryer sheets, reducing plastic waste and conserving energy with every load. They’re also handcrafted and compostable, supporting ethical labor and sustainable practices.
Tip for Gifting: For a laundry lover or eco-conscious friend, pair these dryer balls with a Meliora Laundry Powder or essential oil set for a fresh, non-toxic laundry routine. This practical gift is one that keeps on giving, load after load, and is the perfect sustainable shopping purchase.
Friendsheep Dryer Balls
$6.00
Soft and Eco-Friendly! Ditch wasteful dryer sheets and embrace Friendsheep Wool Dryer Balls—your must-have for a greener laundry routine! Crafted from 100% natural, untreated wool, these dryer balls offer a non-toxic, eco-friendly solution for softer, fresher clothes. Why You’ll Love… read more
Cognitive Surplus Water Bottle
For the person who loves staying hydrated in style, the Cognitive Surplus Water Bottle is a perfect sustainable gift. This durable, stainless steel water bottle features a sleek design and is built to last. Whether you're out on a hike, heading to work, or traveling, this reusable water bottle is a practical and eco-conscious companion.
Why It’s a Sustainable Choice: The Cognitive Surplus Water Bottle is made from high-quality stainless steel, which is reusable and long-lasting, reducing the need for single-use plastic bottles. It is free from BPA and other harmful chemicals, making it safe for both you and the planet. Stainless steel also ensures that your drink stays at the right temperature for hours, helping to reduce the need for single-use cups or disposable bottles. By choosing this bottle, you’re supporting a more sustainable lifestyle, while also avoiding the environmental impact of plastic waste.
Tip for Gifting: Pair the flask with a set of Marley's Monsters sustainable tea bags and loose leaf tea, perfect for someone who enjoys sipping on the go. This flask makes a thoughtful gift for anyone aiming to reduce their plastic consumption while staying stylishly hydrated.
Cognitive Surplus Water Bottle
$40.00
Meet Your New Favorite Water Bottle Stay stylish and hydrated with the Cognitive Surplus Water Bottle, crafted from top-notch stainless steel for unbeatable safety and durability. This sleek, insulated bottle is perfect for all kinds of drinks, making it an… read more
KeepCup Reusable Coffee Cup
For the coffee lover on your list, KeepCup is a stylish, eco-conscious choice that reduces single-use waste with every sip. This durable glass cup is perfect for coffee on the go or cozy morning rituals, providing the ideal blend of style and sustainability.
Why It’s a Sustainable Choice: Each KeepCup saves hundreds of disposable cups from landfills, helping coffee drinkers reduce waste with ease. Its high-quality design means it’s built to last, making it a gift that keeps on giving.
Tip for Gifting: Pair a KeepCup with a bag of fair-trade coffee or our zero waste coffee filters for a thoughtful, sustainable gift set. If you know someone who’s always on the move, this cup will be a beautiful reminder of how small choices can have a big impact. It’s perfect for someone looking to embrace a sustainable lifestyle.
KeepCup
$30.00
Sip Sustainably with Style The KeepCup is the perfect partner for coffee on the go, crafted from premium, eco-friendly products like glass and BPA-free plastic. These materials ensure a safe, non-toxic, and clean drinking experience, making the KeepCup a sustainable… read more
Audubon Coffee: A Brew with a Cause
For coffee enthusiasts who care about the environment, Audubon's Bird Friendly Coffee offers a perfect sustainable gift. Sourced from ethically grown beans, this coffee supports bird conservation efforts and promotes sustainable farming practices. With every cup, you're not only enjoying a rich, flavorful brew but also contributing to preserving vital bird habitats.
Why It’s a Sustainable Choice: Audubon Coffee is part of the Birds & Beans initiative, which works with farmers who use bird-friendly, shade-grown practices. This helps protect ecosystems and ensures the long-term health of both the environment and the wildlife it supports.
Tip for Gifting: Pair Audubon Coffee with a KeepCup or a set of our CoffeeSock reusable coffee filters for an eco-conscious, practical gift that keeps on giving—whether you're gifting to a coffee lover or someone passionate about protecting nature.
Karma Cat Wool Snowmen Toys
Looking to add a little festive cheer to your pet’s playtime? The Karma Cat Wool Snowmen Toy is a perfect holiday-themed addition. Handcrafted from natural wool, it’s a charming and safe toy for your furry friends to enjoy during the season. These snowmen are not only cute but durable, making them a long-lasting eco-friendly gift for your pet.
Why It’s a Sustainable Choice: Handcrafted from sustainable wool and produced under fair-trade conditions, Karma Cat toys are as eco-friendly as they are fun. These toys are odor-resistant and don’t require frequent replacements, reducing waste over time.
Tip for Gifting: Bundle a few of these adorable toys with organic catnip or a cozy pet blanket for a complete pet-friendly gift. It’s a thoughtful way to treat furry friends while supporting ethical and sustainable practices, in line with zero waste store shopping.
Karma Cat Snowman Toy
$10.00
Festive Fun for Your Feline! The Karma Cat Snowman Toy is made from 100% natural felted wool, ensuring it's as safe as it is eco-friendly. Free from harmful chemicals and toxins, this holiday-themed toy offers peace of mind while your… read more
Marley's Monsters Unpaper Towels
For those seeking to reduce waste in the kitchen, Marley's Monsters Unpaper Towels are a practical and sustainable upgrade. Made from soft, absorbent cotton, these reusable towels replace single-use paper towels, helping reduce household waste while adding a touch of style to any kitchen.
Why It’s a Sustainable Choice: These reusable towels are machine-washable and durable, making them a fantastic alternative to disposable options. Designed to be used again and again, they’re a perfect fit for any low waste store.
Tip for Gifting: Pair these Unpaper Towels with a Marley's Monsters wooden towel holder and paper towel tube for the perfect paper towel alternative gift pack. It’s a gift that keeps on giving, with every spill and countertop wipe. A great choice for anyone embracing a sustainable store lifestyle.
Marley's Monsters Unpaper Towels
$38.00
The Eco-Friendly Clean-up Crew! Say hello to Marley's Monsters UnPaper Towels—your new cleaning superheroes! Made from soft, absorbent flannel cotton, these reusable towels are perfect for tackling spills, drying dishes, dusting, and everything in between. Crafted from 100% cotton, they're… read more
Albatross Safety Razor
For those committed to sustainable shopping and a plastic-free lifestyle, the Albatross Safety Razor is a standout choice from our zero waste shop. Crafted from high-quality stainless steel, this durable, reusable razor delivers an exceptionally close shave while minimizing environmental impact by reducing the waste associated with disposable razors.
Why It’s a Sustainable Choice: The Albatross razor is designed to be a zero-waste alternative to traditional plastic razors. Its robust stainless steel construction ensures it will last for years, making it a sustainable, earth-friendly product. By choosing this safety razor, you’re not only opting for superior shaving quality but also reducing the need for single-use plastic razors that often end up in landfills and oceans.
Tip for Gifting: Create a thoughtful, eco-friendly grooming set by pairing the safety razor with a natural shaving soap or Albatross Shaving Brush. This combination is perfect for anyone ready to make the shift toward a sustainable, zero-waste lifestyle and prioritize earth-friendly grooming essentials.
Albatross Razor
$30.00
Upgrade Your Shave with the Albatross Razor Ditch the disposable razors and elevate your shaving routine with the eco-friendly Albatross Razor. Now available at Mudd House Mercantile, this razor blends classic design with sustainable materials for a smooth, long-lasting shave.… read more
Donating to Your Favorite Animal Shelter or Rescue
This holiday season, another impactful way to give is by donating to your favorite animal shelter or rescue. Many shelters rely heavily on the generosity of individuals to support their mission and care for the animals in need. A donation to an animal shelter is not only a gift to the animals but also a way to spread kindness to the community.
One organization that holds a special place in my heart is the Longmont Humane Society. This nonprofit provides compassionate care for pets and works tirelessly to find forever homes for animals in need. They rely on donations to support their shelter, veterinary services, and community outreach programs.
My Stella adopted from LHS 2007Why It’s a Sustainable Choice: Donating to a local animal shelter is a powerful form of sustainable shopping. Not only are you supporting the ethical and humane treatment of animals, but you're also contributing to reducing the overpopulation of pets, which can have a long-term positive impact on the environment. Many shelters focus on spaying and neutering, which helps control the animal population, reducing the number of abandoned animals and waste in the long run. By choosing to donate, you're making a sustainable decision that benefits both the community and the planet. You’re supporting organizations that work to give animals better lives, reduce the need for breeding, and promote responsible pet ownership. Additionally, donating pet supplies like food, bedding, and toys, or offering volunteer time, helps shelters reduce waste, giving these resources a second life and making them available to those in need.Tip for Giving: Consider making a donation in someone’s name as a thoughtful gift. You can include a meaningful card with details of the donation and a reminder of how their contribution is making a lasting difference. You can also donate pet supplies such as food, bedding, or toys to local shelters or volunteer your time to give love and attention to the animals. This is a beautiful way to spread kindness, give back to the community, and make the holidays even more meaningful.
Centinelle Hair Claw
Give the gift of style and sustainability with the Centinelle Hair Claw, available at our zero waste store. These funky hair accessories are more than just chic additions to any outfit—they’re crafted with an eco-friendly focus. Made from cellulose acetate, a biodegradable material derived from renewable resources, these hair claws are designed to reduce plastic waste while delivering style that’s timeless and versatile.
Why It’s a Sustainable Choice: Cellulose acetate is a plastic-free alternative, making it both durable and compostable, which helps cut down on single-use plastics. This makes the Centinelle Hair Claw an eco-conscious choice for those who love accessorizing without compromising the planet’s health.
Tip for Gifting: Pair the Centinelle Hair Claw with a Marley's Monsters cosmetic bag or sustainable hair care products like a Tangie shampoo bar and Nope conditioner bar for a complete eco-friendly beauty set. It’s a thoughtful gift for friends or family members looking to elevate their style in a sustainable way with earth-friendly products.
Centinelle Hair Claw
$30.00
Centinelle Hair Claw Say hello to effortless style with the Centinelle Hair Claw! This chic hair accessory seamlessly blends fashion and function, crafted from high-quality, durable materials designed to keep up with your busy lifestyle — be it a casual… read more
Reclaimed Sweater Puppet
For those looking to delight little ones (or the young at heart), the Reclaimed Sweater Puppet is a perfect choice from our package-free shop. Each puppet is made from reclaimed sweaters, giving new life to fabric that might otherwise end up in a landfill. These adorable, handcrafted puppets are both sustainable and unique, with each one being a one-of-a-kind creation.
Why It’s a Sustainable Choice: Using reclaimed materials for these puppets reduces textile waste and conserves resources. By choosing a gift that upcycles materials, you’re helping to extend the lifecycle of fabrics, reducing environmental impact, and promoting circular economy principles. This is a thoughtful addition to any eco-friendly products collection.
Tip for Gifting: Bundle the Reclaimed Sweater Puppet with a children’s book or cozy blanket for a sweet, sustainable story-time gift. It’s a heartwarming way to inspire children to value creativity and sustainability from a young age, all while supporting sustainable shopping.
An E-Gift Card: The Ultimate Sustainable Gift
Not sure what to get? Our e-gift card is the perfect way to share zero waste shopping with friends and family. Delivered straight to their inbox, it’s a plastic-free option that lets recipients choose exactly what they want from our earth-friendly products selection—no wrapping, no shipping, no fuss.
Why It’s a Sustainable Choice: With no packaging or transportation emissions, our e-gift card is a low-impact way to spread holiday cheer. It’s a thoughtful, flexible gift that allows recipients to find items that perfectly suit their needs and sustainable lifestyle.
Tip for Gifting: Customize your gift card with a heartfelt message, suggesting a few of our favorite sustainable products. This personalized touch will inspire them to explore our reusable store and pick out items that make their holiday even brighter.
Wrapping Up the Season with Sustainable Shopping Choices
This holiday season, let’s focus on giving gifts that reflect our care for the people we love and the planet we share. By choosing sustainable products at our zero waste store, you’re not only gifting quality and thoughtfulness—you’re also helping to build a greener future. From safety razors to reclaimed wool sweater puppets, each purchase you make with Mudd House Mercantile reflects a commitment to conscious living.
We’d love to hear from you! What are your favorite sustainable products, or what eco-friendly gifts are you planning this holiday season? Leave a comment below, subscribe to our newsletter for more eco-tips, and follow us on social media to stay updated on all things sustainable lifestyle. Happy sustainable shopping for the holidays!