The best eco-friendly gifts for your grandparents

There’s no denying the holiday season is upon us. Whether that makes you ripple with excitement or reluctance, we have help for at least one of your holiday woes — what to buy the grandparents. Grandparents are notoriously difficult to buy for, but keep in mind that many of our loved ones enjoy useful household goods and homemade goodies. As a bonus, these ideas are even good for the Earth!

homemade bread loafs on gray table

Homemade bread

There are endless variations of homemade bread, from cinnamon rolls to a pumpkin loaf. Make it with wheat flour or cater to gluten-free needs. Add seeds or nuts. Mix in some flax, chia or hemp — and don’t forget to add love! Make your homemade gift pretty with a beeswax or cloth food wrap, either of which can be reused again and again. Alternately, place it into a reusable produce bag that they can take to the grocery store later.

linen apron hanging on rack

Aprons

At the grill or over the stove, aprons take a beating. Supply grandma or grandpa with a new linen apron from Son de Flor. Linen is made from flax, a plant that is gentle to the environment. In addition to enriching the soil, flax requires less energy and water to manufacture into material than cotton. Even better, linen is completely biodegradable.

green long-sleeve polo shirt

Earth Polo

For a classic polo that honors the planet, lean into the Ralph Lauren Earth Polo. Give grandpa one of 13 color options, all manufactured using an innovative fabric made entirely from plastic bottles. In addition, the rich colors are achieved using a waterless process.

three packs of pasta in gift box

Organic handmade pasta

Even if you haven’t mastered the art of making handmade pasta yourself, you can give the gift of organic food. Semolina Pasta uses semolina milled from organic durum wheat and makes its pastas in Los Angeles. Organic semolina is non-GMO and is grown sans pesticides or fertilizers. The mill sells by-products to the dairy industry, and there is nearly zero waste in the Semolina Pasta kitchen. For $25, you can put together a gift box filled with three pasta shapes of your choosing.

wood cribbage board and cards on wood floor

Upcycled cribbage board

For the grandparent who enjoys classic game time, give the gift of cribbage with the added benefit of reusing materials off the street. The Upcycled Cribbage Board from Art of Play is made from maple and other hardwoods. The unique inlay in the top is created using upcycled skateboards. Eliminating plastic in the design, the pegs are made of metal and can be neatly stored in a compartment on the bottom of the game board.

cookbook and whisk on kitchen counter

Eco-friendly cookbooks

Chelsea Green publishing not only provides a variety of unique cookbooks, but it is a leading publisher of books on all topics related to sustainable living. All books and catalogs are printed on chlorine-free recycled paper, using soy-based inks whenever possible. They are also printed in partnership with North American printing shops. Plus, Chelsea Green is 100% employee-owned. Here are a few of the popular book options that the grandparents in your life might appreciate.

The Fruit Forager’s Companion provides insight for making use of fruit often left hanging on the branch.

The art of fermentation has perhaps never been more in the spotlight, for the simple fact that fermented foods are good for your gut. Check out Koji Alchemy for recipes and processes related to koji. Also take a look at Wildcrafted Fermentation, a guide to lacto-fermentation using wild edibles.

For grandparents committed to a restrictive diet for health or other reasons, consider The Grain-Free, Sugar-Free, Dairy-Free Family Cookbook, which is loaded with recipes that might even get the grandkids excited to roll up their sleeves and start cooking.

pillow with zipper open and buckwheat spilling out

Buckwheat pillow

If your grandparents have the common issue of neck pain and trouble sleeping, a buckwheat pillow may be the solution. The heavy, firm Slumbr Ara Buckwheat Pillow offers personalized support with a design that is shaped by pushing around the buckwheat hulls. Once situated, the pillow retains its shape for consistent support through the night.

wool dryer balls and eco-friendly laundry soap in gift box

Laundry kit

Laundry is a fact of life, so a gift that makes the process more efficient is thoughtful for your recipient and the planet. LooHoo Wool Dryer Balls Gift Set includes three all-natural dryer balls that help dry clothes faster, and more economically, by saving energy. Wool is locally sourced near the business location in Maine. The gift set also includes a package of SoulShine Soap Company’s all-natural laundry soap, which comes without any wasteful plastic jugs. In addition, there is an equally Earth-friendly stain stick. The entire bundle comes in a box made from recycled cardboard and is plastic-free.

mason bee hive in barrel

Mason Bee Barrel

Animal and nature enthusiasts will love this adorable Mason bee barrel via The Grommet. Not only is it visually appealing, but it provides a home for mason bees, which are crucial to planetary health. In return for a safe home, the bees will pollinate nearby flowers and gardens.

frog habitat container in garden

Frog/toad house for garden

If your grandparents enjoy their pond, this Ceramic Frog & Toad House is the perfect complementary item. The ceramic is made from natural materials and is 100% recyclable, giving a home to frogs and toads without damaging the ecosystem in which they thrive.

person knitting yellow scarf

Knitting needle system

Keep those hand-knitted sweaters coming with this Adjustable Straight Knitting Needle System. The repetitive action of knitting can be hard on hands, especially when the yarn continuously slips down the needle. This rosewood knitting needle system uses a stopper and spring-loaded slider to keep the stitches at the top of the needle for easier, more enjoyable knitting.

Images via Pixabay, Unsplash, Son de Flor, Ralph Lauren, Semolina Pasta, Art of Play, Slumbr, LooHoo and The Grommet

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