Is it just me, or is finding zero waste gifts for men harder than it is for women? Maybe the men in my life are extra complicated?
I’ve come to learn that the cliche “it’s the thought that counts” is true when it comes to gifting. This is why I focus on the experience the gift will provide the person receiving it or the story behind the item I’ve chosen to gift.
10 ZERO WASTE GIFTS FOR MEN
GIFT HIM AN ADVENTURE
If the men in your life are similar to mine, they love a good adventure! Here are a couple of ideas that can be done solo or together: spend a day hiking, skiing or kayaking. If bungy jumping or seeing a movie is on his bucket list, do the research and book it or purchase a gift card to be redeemed at the business.
A WEEKEND GETAWAY
Let him explore what your local area has to offer. Discover somewhere new or stay at your favourite location. Stay at a local budget accommodation, an Ecobnb, a luxury resort or campsite depending on how he likes to roll. Enjoy local cuisine and everything the sights and area have to offer.
A SUSTAINABLE BACKPACK
Whether he commutes to school or the office, is an avid traveller or entrepreneur, a good quality backpack made ethically from sustainable fabrics is sure to make him happy! The Day Owl Slim Backpack is the perfect bag for any occasion. Its durable, water-repellant First Mile canvas material is made from 25 plastic bottles that have been responsibly collected and recycled for a livable wage. Day Owl is also the first fully circular bag brand, offering repairs and end-of-life recycling so your bag will never end up in a landfill. What’s not to love?
A BEER GROWLER
Step up your sustainability game with a reusable beer growler! While most are made from glass, MiiR makes a lightweight stainless steel growler perfect for his outdoor adventure or picnic! It pairs well with the MiiR tallboy can or pint cup for the perfect on-the-go party! If this or any MiiR product is the perfect gift for him, use code CIRCULARCONSUMER20 and receive 20% off your purchase.
GIVE HIM A COMPOSTABLE PHONE CASE
Help protect his phone and keep waste out of the landfills and ocean with a Pela compostable phone case! You heard that right, compostable! Pela offers many styles and designs, sure to fit anyone on your list! Pela is also a B Corporation, a member of 1% for the Planet and Climate Neutral Certified. They are on a mission to eliminate 1 billion pounds of waste from the global waste stream!
SUSTAINABLE SUNGLASSES
Who doesn’t love a new pair of sunglasses? Get your guy a pair of sustainable, locally made sunnies like the ones from Swway by Pela. Swway sunglasses emit 33% less C02 emissions, use 34% less water, and create 82% less waste. Not only that, Swway is a B Corporation, a member of 1% for the Planet and Climate Neutral Certified.
ZERO WASTE RAZOR
A reusable safety razor paired with recyclable blades achieves a smooth shave with minimal skin irritation and waste, making it a great zero waste alternative to plastic disposable razors. Albatross is one of our favourites for its efforts to incorporate circular, sustainable business practices with its Blade Take-Back Program.
ALL-NATURAL SHAVING SOAP & BRUSH
An all-natural shaving soap provides a moisture barrier between your razor blade and skin to reduce irritation. Natural shaving soap helps to repair and hydrate the skin, so his face feels smooth all day!
BEARD OIL OR BALM
If the men in your life don’t need a safety razor, they could probably use some beard oil or balm! Beard oils and balms soften and strengthen the hair protecting it from damage and breakage and, depending on the product, can provide a little extra hold.
GIFT HIM A ZERO WASTE HAT
Whether they’re playing golf, adventuring, or doing yard work, almost everyone has a use for a hat! Shade them from the sun and keep cool with a sustainably made hat. Look for brands that use upcycled or organic textiles or recycled plastic bottles (rPET). L/L Supply is a great Canadian brand incorporating circular practices by sourcing recycled materials to craft their products and end-of-life recycling.
There are many ways to make the holidays more sustainable. It’s possible to give your guy great gifts without making mounds of rubbish. This list is just the tip of the iceberg; hopefully, they spark other ideas.
Note: there are sponsored and/or affiliate links included in this guide. This means if you click on one of our affiliate links and purchase a product or service through that link, we may receive a commission for your purchase. As always, these products meet high standards for sustainability and are from brands I believe in!