Now that we’ve turned the calendar to December, Christmas shopping season is in full swing. If you love stocking stuffers, but don’t love the waste they often create, you’re in the right place. Read on for 33 great ideas for sustainable stocking stuffers that won’t fill the landfill.

Originally published in December 2019 as “20 low-waste stocking stuffers”

Reducing waste at Christmas

As I’ve become more aware of the impact of our consumption-fuelled habits on the planet, I’ve made a conscious effort to reduce waste in all areas of my life. Christmas celebrations, and gift giving in general, are a challenge for the Earth-conscious. With a little creativity, you can reduce the amount of waste you’re sending to the curb on Boxing Day.  

33 ideas for sustainable stocking stuffers

Stockings are such fun. I’ve always enjoyed looking for small out-of-the-ordinary treasures to fill our stockings. As my daughters got older, I shifted from trinkets and toys to more practical and consumable stocking stuffers. That shift alone made it easier to find sustainable stocking stuffer ideas.

Here are some ideas to fill those stockings without generating a ton of waste.

Personal care items

• Unwrapped bar soap
• Bath bombs
• Washcloths or sponges made from natural fibres
• Bamboo toothbrush
• Shampoo and conditioner bars

Food and snacks

• Homemade treats in mason jars
• Bulk candy in mason jars or other reusable containers
• Loose leaf tea, speciality coffee, hot chocolate in refillable tins

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Sustainable living supplies

• Reusable straws
• Reusable shopping bags
• Produce bags
• Travel mug
• Refillable water bottle

Household items

• Tea towels
• Dish cloths

Clothing and accessories

• Hair turbans and wraps
• Scarves
• Mittens
• Toque/beanie
• Socks
• Underwear
• Handcrafted jewellery from local artists

Entertainment

• Movie passes
• Theatre or concert tickets
• Subscription to streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Spotify

Gardening items

• Gardening gloves
• Seed packets

Miscellaneous

• Notebooks and journals
• Small candles
• Books and magazines
• Lottery tickets
• Gift cards
• And finally, the all-purpose stocking stuffer – cash!

I’m not The Grinch, and there will be exceptions for some of my family’s favourites, but it was surprisingly easy to come up with this list of 33 ideas.

What would you add to this list of sustainable stocking stuffers? Tell us your ideas below.