10 Last-Minute Sustainable Holiday Gifts Ideas
Last-Minute Sustainable Holiday Gifts That Save the Day (and the Planet)
Happy Holidays RYSERS! The holidays are upon us and for those of us who may still have gifts to buy, we’re here to help. Instead of panic-buying something wasteful, go for thoughtful, last-minute sustainable gifts that are good for your loved ones and the planet. Here’s a quick list of eco-friendly ideas you can grab at the eleventh hour without sacrificing style or substance…or thoughtfulness.
1. Give the Gift of Green: Houseplants
Plants make people happy, it’s a scientific fact. Swing by your local nursery or even a nearby hardware store and pick up an easy-to-care-for plant like a pothos, snake plant, or aloe vera. Pair it with a cute pot (bonus points for ceramic or reclaimed materials), and you’ve got a gift that breathes life into any home. If you’re in NYC, LA, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, DC or Boston you can order for same day delivery from Urban Stem. Plants make excellent gifts as they are long lasting and your recipient will always remember who gave it to them.
2. Secondhand Chic or Vintage Finds
Thrift stores, antique shops, or online resale platforms (like Thredup or eBay) are treasure troves for unique, last-minute gifts. A vintage scarf, a unique art piece, or rare secondhand books can feel personal, stylish, and eco-friendly. In New York, we love Cure Thrift for one of a kind items that are sure to be hits.
3. A Digital Gift That Delivers
Who says gifts have to be physical? Last-minute gifting becomes easy (and eco-friendly) with wonderful gifts that show the person you’re buying for that you care about their love of reading (or being entertained) and their love of sustainable choices:
E-books or audiobook subscriptions (Kindle and go)
Streaming and digital subscriptions for music, magazines, podcasts, or meditation
Online classes or workshops for cooking, art, or yoga—perfect for lifelong learners. Masterclass offers the world at your fingertips
Zero wrapping, zero emissions, and instant joy.
4. Sustainable Gift Cards
Don’t underestimate the power of a gift card—but make it sustainable! Pick cards for eco-conscious brands, local businesses, or experiences like a massage from a nationwide spa company such as Massage Envy, or dining at farm-to-table restaurants such as Blue Hill at Stone Barns where diners are treated to Michelin-starred meals from surrounding pastures and fields as well as local farms. A gift that supports greener choices is a win for everyone.
5. Adopt a Coral, Tree, or Animal
Give a gift with real impact. Many organizations let you “adopt” something in someone’s name that they can watch grow, learn about and track:
Adopt a coral to restore reefs with our friends at Coral Gardners, you choose your very own coral and get frequent updates
Plant a tree through reforestation programs. Talk about a gift that will last a lifetime
Sponsor an endangered animal such as an orphaned elephant from Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. What a gift to help save an elephant while the recipient gets a certificate, photos, and regular updates on their adopted magical animal
Buy from sustainable companies who donate a portion of the proceeds to sustainable organization. When you purchase RYSIT apparel or water bottle, we donate to The Ocean Cleanup who extracts plastic and trash from our oceans
Most programs send a digital certificate or updates, so your loved one can track the difference they’re making.
6. A Sweet Homemade Treat in Sustainable Packaging
If you’ve got flour and sugar in the kitchen, whip up some cookies or treats. Package them in reusable glass jars, tins, or cloth wrapping. Add a handwritten recipe card for a personal touch that’s both delicious and sustainable. These are great and personal gifts for teachers, handymen, babysitters and friends. If you don’t have the time (or flour thumb) to cook, we love Bite Society’s Vegan Snack gift basket in sustainable, reusable containers! It’s not too late to order from Wine.com for a sommelier’s dream basket of varietals for every taste.
7. DIY a Zero-Waste Gift Basket
Assemble a personalized gift basket with sustainable goodies tailored to the person you’re buying it for. A book lover? Make a book basket. Music lover? Make a basket of vintage rock t-shirts and a ticket to a show. Or try mixing and matching with some of these ideas below:
Recycled gold rings and bracelets from Made Trade
Organic soaps or bath bombs for the self-care lovers made from mom and pop shops on Etsy
A pack of fair-trade coffee or tea for the caffeine enthusiast
A sustainably made shirt from our friends at Zero + Cornejo
A RYSIT reusable water bottle made from sustainable materials
Use a reusable tote, basket, or mason jar as wrapping—no waste.
8. Experience Gifts: Memories Over Things
Sometimes, the best gifts are moments, not materials. Experiences are gifts that create memories, not waste, and can be a special and invaluable present.
Tickets to a concert through Stubhub, or a theater show, or museum visit
A gift certificate for truly unique experiences such as a snowshoe hiking excursion in Tahoe or tickets to the Space Center in Houston on Tinggly where adventures are just a click away
Homemade “experience coupons” for a dinner date, movie night, or weekend outing, great ideas for kids to give to their parents or caregivers
These gifts create joy and true thoughtfulness without adding clutter to someone’s life.
9. Rechargeable Presents that Reduce Waste
Rechargeable Hand Warmers are wonderful gifts for the cold winter months. Whether you’re out skiing or snowboarding, or just enjoying a day in the snow, rechargeable hand warmers last hours and reduce the waste of buying disposable ones.
How about a stylish table lamp that never needs new lightbulbs? Philips Hue Iris table lamp comes in beautiful shades and recharges effortlessly.
Last minute kid’s shopping is easy with rechargeable laser tag. No need to buy wasteful batteries for the toys when rechargeable will add years of fun and help reduce waste.
10. Refurbished Electronics
Everyone loves to receive tech items for the Holidays, iPhones, tablets, e-readers, smart watches and video consoles. The best way to satisfy those tech cravings and mind the environment are from high-end refurbished goods from Back Market. They have the latest in all things gadgets from PlayStation to MacBooks all like-new with great prices.
Wrap It Up—Sustainably
No matter what you choose, keep it green by using eco friendly wrapping such as:
Wrapping paper made from recycled paper
Wrap gifts in scarves or fabric (furoshiki style)
Add natural accents like dried citrus slices or twine instead of bows which are made from various materials and are not recyclable
Last Minute Doesn’t Have to Mean Thoughtless
This holiday season, the joy of gift-giving doesn’t have to come at the planet’s expense. By choosing sustainable, thoughtful gifts, we’re not just spreading cheer to loved ones but also showing kindness to the Earth. Each mindful choice — whether a shared experience, thoughtful gift basket, or a present that gives back like adopting a living thing that will last long after the holidays — reminds us that the most meaningful presents come from the heart. Let’s celebrate the holidays with intention, creating moments of joy that last far longer than the wrapping paper. Here’s to giving greener, loving deeper, and making this season truly special for everyone—ourselves, our loved ones, and our planet.