Before we get to the eco-friendly gifts – first things first – make sure your stockings are sustainable. Can you reuse them each year? Are they made from eco-friendly materials? Choose stockings that will last for years to come or can be passed down from generation to generation. Once your stockings are hung by the fireplace and ready to be filled, it's eco stocking stuffer time! Here's a look at eco-friendly gifts that'll land you on Santa's “nice” list this year.

1. Digital Magazine Subscriptions and eBooks

For as little as $5, you can gift an online magazine subscription to just about anyone (if you know their taste). You'll save on trees while simultaneously sprucing up their reading list. You can also email an e-book as a gift and print out a voucher which you can include in the stocking.

2. Reusable Bags

Reusable bags are “totes” a great choice for a stocking stuffer! From cooler bags to messenger bags and wine totes, there are a ton of different types of reusable bags out there to choose from. You can even have them personalized with the gift receiver's acronyms or full name.

3. Recycled Notebook

Ideal for journaling, grocery lists, or just jotting down ideas, recycled notebooks are the perfect eco-friendly stocking stuffer. Choose notebooks that are made with 100-percent post-consumer recycled paper.

4. Stainless Steel Reusable Mug

Hopefully, by now, most people you know are using reusable mugs when looking to get their caffeine fix, but if you've still got a family member or friend that can't kick their single-use cup habit, get them a reusable mug they can use again and again. Stainless steel and BPA-free is the way to go. As an extra touch, add some locally grown coffee or a handmade, reusable cup cozy.

5. Seed Bombs

Seed bombs, also known as seed balls, bring meaning to the term “flower power.” Guerrilla gardeners have been using seed bombs since the early '70s as a way of beautifying vacant city lots and neglected spaces. But seed bombs – made from compressed soil and seed mixture – aren't just for social activists. They've become somewhat of a hot commodity in recent years, used as wedding favors and now, stocking stuffers.
About the author

Custom Earth Promos Editorial Team publishes practical guides on reusable promotional products and sustainability, drawing on publicly available sources.

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