20 Useful and Low-Waste Stocking Stuffer Ideas

Stocking stuffers are a fun thing to do around Christmas time, but they can be extremely wasteful. Not to worry – these 20 ideas are perfect for filling those stockings with without creating too much waste.

These zero waste stocking stuffer ideas are all very simple and useful. Some of them are completely zero waste, while others are almost there.

If you are stumped on how to give out stockings this year without creating a ton of waste. These ideas should be able to help you out significantly. They are all useful, fun, and much more eco-friendly than typical stocking stuffers!

1. Candy

Lavender Truffles

Candy is a wonderful treat that can easily fit into a stocking and won’t end up somewhere in a landfill. In general, edible gifts are some of the best as they will not go to waste!

You could buy vegan chocolate packaged in eco-friendly wrappers or make your own candy!

2. Reusable Straws

Reusable straws are a great way to help out your loved ones on their zero waste journey. A few reusable straws will get them started and create one less thing that they have to buy.

3. Baked Goods

Double Chocolate Banana Muffins

Baked goods are truly the sweetest gift to give! You can make them at home and put all of the love in them, or buy some from a local business that could use some help. Either way, this is a great zero waste stocking stuffer!

4. Granola Mix

Cinnamon Crunch Granola

A granola mix is another stocking stuffer idea that you can either buy or make yourself. It is, of course, better to make it yourself as it won’t have any kind of wasteful packaging then.

You can get really creative to create a delicious granola blend that your gift receiver will love.

5. Homemade Soap Bar

A homemade soap bar is a thoughtful and useful stocking stuffer. You can make your own soap, but if you aren’t quite ready to do that just yet. You can find many local soap makers or buy off of Etsy.

This way, you are supporting someone’s dream as well!

6. Coffee Cup

A coffee or teacup is a great reusable gift that anyone can use. No matter what their drink of choice is, they are guaranteed to appreciate a cup.

7. Books

Books are another zero waste gift that many people would appreciate getting. You could even thrift the book to eliminate any waste even more.

This is a thoughtful gift that will be appreciated for years to come.

8. Notebook

A notebook is a great way of giving a gift that is compostable and recyclable. This is especially handy for those people who love to jot down notes or their thoughts.

You could buy a notebook made out of recycled paper as well!

9. Printed Gift Card

Places like Amazon and some other stores allow you to print off or email your gift card. This is the perfect option to avoid buying a wasteful plastic gift card.

This is also great for those people that you just can’t find a gift for as it allows them to pick out their own gift.

10. To-Do List

A to-do list may not seem exciting, but it is actually very useful, especially during the holidays just before the new year starts.

If you know a planner, they would probably love to get a to-do list.

11. Certificates

You can get all kinds of local certificates from restaurants that your loved ones enjoy. This is a great gift for the foodies in your life or the people who love to eat out.

12. Essential Oils

Essential oils have a huge list of uses, so just about anyone could benefit from getting to use them. This is an especially perfect gift for anyone curious about essential oils who are just starting to use them.

13. Handmade Skincare

Handmade skincare is not only fun to create but fun to use! You can create all kinds of beauty concoctions from body scrubs to bath bombs.

These are luxurious treats and will definitely be appreciated.

14. Seeds

Seeds are a beautiful gift that is symbolic of the coming spring. Perfect for anyone who loves to plant and garden or who has a hard time getting through winter.

15. Bamboo Toothbrush

A bamboo toothbrush is a useful and beautiful gift. It is simple but is also special and will be put to good use, unlike other gifts. This is a great way to introduce people to zero waste products.

16. Movie Tickets

Movie tickets are a zero waste stocking stuffer idea that would work for just about anyone. This is perfect for the loved one who has been looking forward to a particular movie for a long time.

17. Sustainable Phone Case

A sustainable phone case is a great gift to give and to receive! Who couldn’t use a well-made phone case? You can find all kinds of unique sustainable phone cases that your friend or family would love.

18. Playing Cards

Playing cards are a great gift for the person who loves a good round of cards. This is a paper gift and will disintegrate once it has been discarded. But a pack of cards should get a lot of use out of them before that happens.

19. Reusable Shopping Bags

Reusable shopping bags are a great zero waste stocking stuffer idea. They are very handy and can be used in a number of ways.

20. Bamboo Silk PillowCase

A bamboo silk pillowcase is a very luxurious gift that anyone would love. This is a useful gift that can be used for years to come and won’t go to waste.

Related Articles:

• Need a Last Minute Holiday Gift? Sponsor an Animal in Someone’s Honor!
• DIY Gifts and Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Gen-Z Made with Items at Home!
• 10 Last Minute Anti-Consumerist Holiday Gifts
• Tips for Making Your Holidays a Little More Environmentally-Friendly

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