You grew up with them and have probably known them your whole life. So why are some siblings so hard to shop for? We’ve scoured the internet for fun, thoughtful and sustainable gifts which even the most discerning sib will be thrilled to receive.
Zero-waste cocktail kit
This zero-waste cocktail kit lets your siblings stir up a gimlet or French 75 anywhere. The mason jar cocktail shaker, two stainless steel mini straws and sphere ice tray travel well in their own special tote.
Related: Gift loved ones with classes that teach and build nature skills
Organic soaps
Okay, people often use soap as a sort of fallback gift when they don’t know what else to give somebody. But Birch Ridge‘s handmade soaps are something special. These soaps are vegan, organic, synthetic-free and, best of all, come in delicious fragrances with cool names. Blood Moon is a combo of citrus notes — blood orange, tangerine, lime, sweet orange, tangerine and lemongrass. Collins pairs lemongrass with sage, patchouli, lime and bergamot.
Hemp socks
Want hemp socks without the hippie look? These unisex machine washable crew socks use a cotton, nylon and hemp blend. They come in three patterns: mustard with a mountain pattern, tan with bison and rust with a geometric pattern. The socks are also responsibly made in China (a self-reported label meaning a company aims to treat workers fairly and reduce environmental impacts).
Sustainable wireless charger
For the electronically-inclined sibling, try these chargers made from hemp and recycled plastic. Go Nimble offers several options, including a wireless travel kit and a dual pad for simultaneously charging two devices. A safe bet for your bro who is always wearing down his phone battery at family dinners.
EcoVibe gift set
EcoVibe has done the work of putting together cutesy gift sets for you. The company has lots of choices depending on your sib’s favorite activity. An Icelandic bath kit includes a special Icelandic kelp soap, stone soap dish and matching tiny Icelandic kelp candle. The bike buff gift set includes shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream and lip salve to clean up post-ride, plus a cyclist kit and a pocket bicycle multi-tool. The air plant wall mounting kit will help up your sib’s botanical game with a natural cork backdrop for their air plant collection. Includes step-by-step instructions.
Vegan jams by Trade Street
Jam, like soap, is a classic gift because the recipient can enjoy a special flavor without leaving behind an artifact to clutter their house forever. We want to try all of Trade Street Jam’s interesting vegan blends, like strawberry chipotle and fig or plum and rose. Or maybe sour cherry ginger. Or smoke peach. Whichever you choose, be sure to order some of Trade Street’s darling mini wooden jam spoons to go with your gift.
Wellness app membership
Is wellness a gift you can give? Sure. Help your anxious sib learn to slow down with a gift of Calm, the leading meditation app. Headspace is another meditation app that promises to change lives with an investment of only a few minutes a day. Or you could give a gift of Zoom classes with your sibling’s favorite yoga teacher.
Vegan, biodegradable juice masks
Is your sibling into clean living? This masking and juicing set brings the raw juice trend into skincare with biodegradable sheet masks. We especially like the set’s included sprout headband to secure your hair while the raw juice cleanse mask is on your face. This set is, of course, vegan, organic, eco-friendly and cruelty-free.
I+I Botanicals
For the CBD-inclined sibling, I+I Botanicals offers expertly crafted feel-good formulations to solve skincare issues. I+I Infused Bath Teas blend CBD and essential oils into bath salts. I+I Dry Oil Body Mist will leave your sib glowing, not greasy, and smelling of citrus and sandalwood. This women-owned company uses only American-grown, lab-tested CBD in its products.
Artsy reusable water bottle
People may not leave the house as often during the pandemic, but when your sibling goes out, they’ll want to be toting an eye-catching water bottle. This cute retro water bottle comes in mint, coral, dark gray and indigo, each with a contrasting top. It’s vacuum-sealed and has a double-walled construction that keeps cold drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot drinks hot for up to twelve.
Plant-based milk maker
If your sibling is part of the global trend against dairy, they’ll benefit from this plant-based milk maker. Instead of buying premade and processed faux milk from the store, this gadget turns nuts, grains and seeds into fresh dairy-free milk at home. Your sibling can even devise their own custom blends.
Compostable phone case
Alas, every good thing comes to an end. Even a trusty and beloved phone case. Compostable cases for your iPhone and Airpods can help pare down the global waste stream. These cases made from a bamboo-based proprietary blend can decompose and return to the earth. When your sibling’s phone case must meet its maker, we prefer to think dust to dust than permanent burial in a landfill. To make these cases even sweeter, you can customize them with your sib’s name or initials. Cases come in colors like mint and French raspberry. These work great with wireless charging or a lightning cable.
Images via Package Free Shop, Birch Ridge, United by Blue, Go Nimble, EcoVibe, Trade Street Jam, Calm, ESW Beauty, I+I Botanicals, The Grommet, Pexels, and Casetify