Low & Zero Waste Gifts for Kids

50 Low & Zero Waste Gift Ideas for Kids (Eco-Friendly & Sustainable)

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Finding meaningful gifts for kids without contributing to clutter, plastic waste, or landfill isn’t always easy — especially during birthdays, Christmas, and special occasions.

This list of 50 low and zero waste gift ideas for kids focuses on eco-friendly, sustainable, and thoughtful alternatives that encourage creativity, learning, and long-term use — not disposable novelty items.

From experience-based gifts to plastic-free toys, reusable essentials, and second-hand treasures, these ideas prove that sustainable gifting can still be fun, practical, and genuinely appreciated by kids of all ages.

💡 This post may contain affiliate links (including eBay and Amazon Associates). If you buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend things I trust.


Watch: 48 Eco-Friendly Gifts for Kids

Prefer to watch?
Press play on the video below for plenty of gift ideas for eco kids.


Low Waste Gift-Giving Tips

Low and zero waste gift-giving is about being more intentional with what we give — not buying more, but buying better. It’s a conscious shift away from cheap, disposable items and towards gifts that are genuinely useful, valued, and long-lasting.

Gift-giving has become one of the most wasteful traditions in modern culture, largely due to mass-produced items, fast fashion, and novelty gifts designed to be quickly outgrown or discarded. When items are inexpensive and easily replaced, they’re often treated the same way — with little care or appreciation.

By choosing low and zero waste gifts for kids, you’re not only reducing waste and environmental impact but also teaching valuable lessons around gratitude, responsibility, and caring for belongings. When children receive fewer, more meaningful gifts, they’re far more likely to cherish and look after them.

Tips for Low & Zero Waste Gift-giving

  • Swap quantity for quality — fewer well-chosen gifts are almost always better than lots of disposable ones
  • Buy pre-loved or second-hand items in great condition
  • Choose gifts with little or no plastic packaging
  • Opt for sustainable materials such as wood, metal, glass, or natural fibres instead of plastic
  • Gift handmade or home-crafted items for a more personal touch
  • Choose items with a long lifespan, rather than novelty or single-use products
  • Re-gift unused or barely used items to someone who will genuinely appreciate them
  • Consider experience-based gifts that create memories rather than clutter

Where to Find Pre-loved Gifts

Buying second-hand is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce waste while saving money. Many pre-loved items are barely used and still in excellent condition.

  1. Gumtree (don’t forget to check the Free section)
  2. Facebook Marketplace
  3. Local ‘Facebook Buy, Swap & Sell’ groups
  4. eBay
  5. Craigslist
  6. Second hand stores
  7. Thrift Shops
🌿 READ: Recycled Gift-wrapping Ideas →
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Low & Zero Waste Gifts for Kids

Arts, Crafts & Creative Play

These creative gifts encourage imagination and hands-on fun while avoiding plastic-heavy, disposable craft kits.

Eco Crayons

Eco-friendly Crayons

For all the kids who like to taste-test everything, eco-friendly crayons are a great zero waste gift idea. Many regular crayons contain traces of heavy metals, synthetics, plastic and even asbestos!

The ingredients in eco crayons usually include 100% natural waxes and butters, with the lovely colours achieved using plant-based roots, seeds, flowers or other non-toxic materials.

Eco crayons will come packaged in a nice cardboard box, which can be recycled or thrown into the fire once you’re finished with it. Or, they may even come in a wooden box.

Age3+ years
Where to BuyEco Crayons (eBay)
Eco Crayons (Amazon)

Colouring Book

Secret Garden Colouring Book

Colouring books are a great zero waste gift for all ages, from toddlers to young adults. There are so many different colouring-in books available these days, you’re sure to find one that’s appropriate for whichever aged child you’re buying for.

Age3+ years
Where to BuyColouring Book (eBay)
Colouring Book (Amazon)

Craft Supplies

Craft Supplies

The crafty kids would love to receive the gift of more supplies for their creative projects. Think glitter, coloured paper, ribbon, glue, pencils, pens, paint, brushes, etc.

Have a rummage through the thrift stores (check out this Thriftmas post for more ideas); they always have craft kits and items that people never get around to using.

You can collect a whole bunch of crafty items, then organise them into a nice box or basket and finish it off with a ribbon.

Age7+ years
Where to BuyCraft Supplies (eBay)
Craft Supplies (Amazon)

Eco Paint Set

Eco Paint Kit

Eco-friendly paints are made from 100% plant ingredients. Generally, the whole kit is either recyclable, biodegradable, or compostable. Eco paint is great for rock painting, artworks, painting the household recycling items and other craft projects.

Age3+ years
Where to BuyEco Paint Kit (eBay)
Eco Paint Kit (Amazon)

Chalk & Chalkboard

Chalk

Chalk is such a great zero waste gift idea for kids and is always a hit.

The gift of chalk gives kids permission to actually draw and write on the pavement and driveway! Parents don’t need to worry about the mess, because the rain will clear it away, all fresh and clean again.

Or, you can get a wooden chalkboard to go with the gift, which gives the kids a ‘chalk canvas’ for their artworks.

For chalk to be a low-waste gift, rather than buying it in plastic packaging, opt for chalk in a cardboard box, which can be thrown into the fire or recycled.

Age3+ years
Where to BuyChalk (Adventure Awaits)
Chalk (eBay)

Natural Play Dough

Natural Play Dough

Natural play doughs are made from all-natural ingredients, using dyes from fruits and vegetables to give them their colour. Some even have the alluring scents of essential oils to add another element to this sensory play.

Many of the natural play doughs are packaged in recycled plastics, metal tins or other forms of sustainable materials.

If you’re handy at making your own play dough at home, you could even do that for a low-waste kids’ gift idea. The only downside to homemade play dough is that the shelf life is generally much shorter.

Age3+ years
Where to BuyNatural Play Dough (eBay)
Natural Play Dough (Amazon)

Felt Toys

Felt Toys

Felt toys are a beautiful alternative to plastic toys. Felt food is great for pretend play and kitchen play. Common felt toys include animals, numbers, characters and felt scenes (where the kids can act out a story).

Age3+ years
Where to BuyFelt Toys (Adventure Awaits)
Felt Toys (eBay)
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Learning, Mindfulness & Skill-Building

Thoughtful gifts that support focus, learning, and emotional awareness, without adding unnecessary clutter.

Mindfulness Pencils

Mindfulness Pencils

Introduce children to self-love from an early age with a set of Mindfulness Pencils. While they’re colouring and drawing, they can read (or you can read to them) 12 positive affirmations.

“I deserve to be happy”

“I can change the world”

“I have inner beauty”

“I am loved”

“I believe in myself”

“I can live in the moment”

Age3+ years
Where to BuyMindfulness Pencils (Adventure Awaits)

Puzzles

Puzzles are a source of hours of fun, patience and concentration. Having a ‘project puzzle’ out on the dining table is a great activity for not only kids but the whole family.

Thrift shops are a good place to pick up various puzzles. Just be sure to make sure all the pieces are in the box – there’s nothing worse than getting to the end of a puzzle, only to find a piece missing!

As long as they are packed away properly, there’s no reason why puzzles can’t last for years.

Age3+ years
Where to BuyPuzzles (Adventure Awaits)
Puzzles (eBay)

Board Games

Monopoly, Board Game, Games Night

Board games last for years and years if they’re looked after and stored properly. The good old staples like Monopoly, Uno and Scattergories are worthwhile having in every home.

Not only can you gift the board game, but you can play it with the kids, too. Maybe even organise regular ‘game nights’ together.

Age7+ years
Where to BuyBoard Games (Adventure Awaits)
Board Games (eBay)

Lessons

Gift the child in your life some lessons to learn a new skill. Maybe they’ve always wanted to learn an instrument or learn how to surf. It might be that they’ve been hassling Mum or Dad to do ballet lessons all year, but it just hasn’t happened.

For older kids, you could pay for some driving lessons, or help put them through a woodwork or coding class. You could pay for swimming lessons for an infant or toddler – bonus points for taking them to the lessons as well!

Age0+ years
Where to Buy➤ Online/ Local Organisations

eBooks & Audiobooks

Audiobooks

What better zero waste kids’ gift to get than a bunch of eBooks or Audiobooks for kids who love reading and stories? You could go for an Audible subscription or a Booktopia Gift Certificate.

Age7+ years
Where to BuyAudiobooks (Amazon)

Tablet or eReader

Kindle eReader

Kindles and Tablets are great zero waste gifts for kids who are avid readers. They can have the biggest library of books they like without having to take up half their bedroom or cart a heavy stack with them when travelling.

Most local libraries offer free eBooks for members to borrow, which gives kids a fantastic range right at their fingertips.

Age7+ years
Where to BuyeReader (eBay)
eReader (Amazon)

Crystals

Crystals

A special crystal makes a beautiful zero waste gift for children who love beautiful things or are spiritually-inclined.

With so many to pick from, you can choose one with healing properties specific to the child’s needs and situation. Or you can choose a crystal for abundance to bring some good juju into their life.

Add a little card explaining what the crystal is called and what it’s used for.

Age7+ years
Where to BuyEthically-sourced Crystals (eBay)
Ethically-sourced Crystals (Amazon)

Online Game

For the gamer kids, what better zero waste gift to get them than an online game? Just ask them what they’d like and I’m sure they’ll let you know. It’s far better than gifting them something that will never get used.

Age7+ years
Where to Buy➤ Online app & gaming stores
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Outdoor, Nature & Adventure Gifts

Low waste gifts that get kids outside, exploring nature, and building real-world skills through play.

Gardening Tools

Gardening Tools

For kids who love to be busy outdoors, having their own gardening kit is a great low-waste gift idea. Opt for metal and wooden tools where possible, which are more sustainable and longer-lasting than plastic.

Gardening Kit Ideas:

  • Gumboots
  • Gloves
  • Shovel & fork
  • Watering can
  • Wheel barrow
  • Plants & pots
Age1+ years
Where to BuyGardening Tools (eBay)
Gardening Tools (Amazon)

Mushroom Growing Kit

Mushroom Grow Kit

A Grow Your Own Mushroom kit is a great way to introduce kids to the world of producing their own food.

The mushroom kit will come with everything you need, including simple instructions. All the kids will need to do after setting it up is to use a spray bottle to keep the compost moist.

After 3–5 weeks, the first crop will grow, and then you’ll get a new crop every few weeks for about 12 weeks.

Age3+ years
Where to BuyMushroom Growing Kit (eBay)
Mushroom Growing Kit (Amazon)

Binoculars

Binoculars

When thinking of low-waste gift ideas, the aim is to choose gifts with a long lifespan. A high-quality set of binoculars ticks this box.

Even as an adult, having binoculars can prove very handy and even invaluable at times. Binoculars are a gift that a child can have with them for many, many years to come.

Age7+ years
Where to BuyBinoculars (eBay)
Binoculars (Amazon)

Adventure Experience

Adventure Experience, Rock Climbing

Experiences are always worth more than ‘things’ in the long run. If you ask any adult what they remember about their childhood, they’re most likely to talk to you about experiences, rather than items they owned.

An adventure experience as a zero waste gift would appeal to the more active kids.

Adventure Experience Ideas:

  • Tree Top Ropes Cours
  • Rock Climbing
  • White Water Rafting
  • Whale Watching
  • Go Karting
  • Horse Riding
  • Water park
Age7+ years
Where to Go➤ Local centres, parks & locations

Event Tickets

Event Tickets

Entry tickets to an exciting event or attraction are one of the best zero waste gifts for kids because they will always remember experiences over things. With this gift idea, you can really tailor it towards the specific interests of the child.

Attraction Ideas:

  • Sporting game
  • Theme park
  • Concert
  • Movies/ theatre
  • Zoo
  • Aquarium
  • Bowling
  • Science Centre
Age3+ years
Where to Go➤ Local centres & locations

Bike or Scooter

Bike

Have a look around for a good quality or near-new bike or scooter as a great zero waste kids’ gift. Bikes and scooters give kids hours of fun and exercise out in the fresh air.

By purchasing second-hand, you’re giving extra life to an item before it eventually makes its way to the dump. The metal frames and hardware on bikes and scooters will be salvaged and used for scrap metal, then made into something else.

Age3+ years
Where to BuyPre-loved Bike/Scooter (eBay)
Bike/Scooter (Amazon)

Sports Equipment

Sports Equipment

Gifting sports equipment for athletic and active kids is always a winner. Quite often, you can walk right into sporting stores and purchase the items without any unnecessary packaging, which is a zero waste bonus.

Sports Equipment Ideas:

  • Balls (soccer, basketball, football, netball, tennis balls)
  • Cricket set
  • Basketball/netball hoop
  • Body board
  • Soccer/football boots
  • Baseball mitt
  • Golf clubs
  • Tennis racket/totem tennis
Age3+ years
Where to BuySports Gear (eBay)
Sports Gear (Amazon)

Fire Starter

Ferro Rod and Striker

For the outdoor, adventure and survivalist kids, a ferro rod and striker is a gift that will last them a very long time. Easily start a fire without the need for matches or a lighter with this kit.

Note: these can throw a decent spark, so they’re more suited for mature and responsible kids.

Age12+ years
Where to BuyFerro Rod & Striker (eBay)
Ferro Rod & Striker (Amazon)

Swiss Army Knife

Army Knife

For the adventurous and survivalist kids out there, a quality army knife is a great zero waste gift idea.

Most people who receive an army knife at some point in their lives hang on to it and have it for many years to come. So, this present is really an investment – and can go for both boys and girls.

Age7+ years
Where to BuySwiss Army Knife (eBay)
Swiss Army Knife (Amazon)
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Toys & Imaginative Play

Open-ended toys that inspire creativity and storytelling, and are designed to be loved for years — not weeks.

Wooden Toys

Baby playing with wooden toys

Much more sustainable options for children’s toys are ones that are made from wood or metal.

Wooden toys will last years and years beyond that of the plastic ones, and you rarely have to worry about them breaking, resulting in disappointed kids.

Bonus points if you buy second-hand!

Wooden Toy Ideas:

  • Trucks and cars
  • Trains and train tracks
  • Blocks
  • Puzzles
  • Jenga
  • Stacking & tossing games
  • Pretend play
Age2+ years
Where to BuyWooden Toys (eBay)
Wooden Toys (Amazon)

LEGO & Duplo

Lego Blocks

Lego will last generations, making it one of the staple zero waste gifts for kids all across the globe. Many homes still have a box of Lego that has been around since their own parent’s childhood.

There are always new scenes and kits coming out, but if you can buy a pre-loved bundle, that’s a great way to build up the spare blocks without having to purchase new ones.

Check out Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace and eBay for second-hand Lego.

Age3+ years (starting with larger Duplo blocks)
Where to BuyLego (eBay)
Lego (Amazon)

Dress-Up Box

Costumes/ Dress-Up Box

I love the homemade DIY dress-up boxes for little guys and little gals!

Head to your local thrift stores and gather up a variety of costume items that young kids would love to dress up in. Consider costumes, sequins, scarves, hats, sunglasses, costume jewellery, high heels, cocktails dresses, sports jerseys, superhero t-shirts and handbags.

Throw it all into a big box or basket, tie a ribbon on, and your DIY dress-up box is ready for gifting.

Age3+ years
Where to Buy➤ Op Shops/ Thrift Stores

Wooden Teethers

Wooden Teething Toys

One of the best zero waste gifts for babies is a wooden teething toy. They’re designed and made from a wood that’s non-splintering, naturally anti-bacterial and chemical-free.

Once bubs is through teething, these wooden toys can still be played with and then disposed of in a fire at the end of their life. No landfill is necessary.

Note: Please do your own due diligence before giving your child any type of teething toy.

Age0+ years
Where to BuyWooden Teethers (eBay)
Wooden Teethers (Amazon)

Handmade Teddy

Handmade Teddy

A great zero waste gift for kids is a handmade or upcycled (using recycled fabrics and materials) plush toy. This is also a really fantastic way to support small and local businesses, rather than the big companies that mass-produce.

Check out Etsy, local markets, op shops and gift stores.

Age0+ years
Where to BuyHandmade Teddy (eBay)
Handmade Teddy (Etsy)

Pre-Loved Toys

Box of Toys

Buying pre-loved toys is a great zero waste option for gift-giving. Even if the toys are plastic, you’re still keeping items out of the landfill and extending their life.

If there is a popular fad toy that a child wants, see if you can buy it on the second-hand market. Try eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, Craigslist, garage sales and op shops.

Age0+ years
Where to BuyPre-Loved Toys (eBay)
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Practical & Everyday Reusables

Useful, long-lasting items kids can use every day, helping replace single-use products with reusable alternatives.

Insulated Drink Bottle

Frank Green Reusable Drink Bottle

Every kid needs a good quality insulated stainless steel drink bottle. You can get a small, medium or large size, depending on the age of the child. Plus, you can choose between wooden screw on lids or the sports lid with a sippy spout.

Properly insulated stainless bottles will keep drinks cold all day!

Age2+ years
Where to BuyInsulated Drink Bottle (Adventure Awaits)
Insulated Drink Bottle (eBay)

Compartment Lunch Box

Compartment Lunch Box

A good quality compartment lunch box is one of the best zero waste gifts for kids around.

Both Bento and Yumbox offer a great variety of styles to suit all needs. With these guys, there’s no need for wrapping food in plastic to keep it from spoiling; just sort the food into slots. The compartments are each fully sealed, meaning that you don’t have to worry about cross-contamination.

Age1+ years
Where to BuyCompartment Lunch Box (Adventure Awaits)
Compartment Lunch Box (eBay)

Bamboo Brush Set

Wooden Bamboo Brush & Comb

A nice set with a bamboo brush and comb is a lovely zero waste gift idea for kids, particularly girls. You could package it really nicely with a face cloth underneath, tied together with ribbon and a handmade gift tag.

Bamboo brushes are a sustainable option, being that they aren’t made from plastic (except for sometimes the bristles). Plus, at the end of their life, you can use pliers to pull out the bristles (throw them into the rubbish), then burn the wooden piece in a fire.

For a more eco option, look for a wooden brush with sustainable boar hair bristles, which can be composted at the end of their life.

Age1+ years
Where to BuyWooden Brush (eBay)
Wooden Brush (Amazon)

Stainless Steel Straws

Stainless Steel Straw & Brush

I think by now, most of us have seen the images of the poor turtle with the plastic straw stuck up its nose. Gone are the days when plastic straws are even a thing anymore.

It’s all about stainless steel (or glass) straws now, which are much more pleasurable to drink from than the paper alternatives!

The kids will love to have their own stainless steel straws with matching cleaning brush for their drinks.

Age3+ years
Where to BuyReusable Straws (Adventure Awaits)
Stainless Steel Straws (eBay)

Stainless Steel Ice Block Moulds

Stainless Steel Ice Block Moulds

Forget the Tupperware, these stainless steel ice block moulds are one of the best zero waste gifts for kids! All you need to add are some reusable wooden paddle pop sticks.

Freeze up juices, cordials and smoothies for those long, hot summer days. The best news is that this ice block mould set will last for years and years. It’ll probably still be around for the grandkids!

Age3+ years
Where to BuyStainless Steel Ice Block Mould (eBay)
Stainless Steel Ice Block Mould (Amazon)

Insulated Tumbler

Milkshake Tumbler

Another fantastic idea for zero waste gifts for kids is their very own insulated stainless steel tumbler.

These guys are insulated and come with a lid and stainless steel straw, so their drinks will stay cold in there for hours! Perfect for juices, smoothies, milkshakes or whatever they fancy.

Age5+ years
Where to BuyInsulated Tumbler (eBay)
Insulated Tumbler (Amazon)

Eco Beach Towel

Eco Recycled Towel

Everyone needs their own beach towel (especially in Australia), so why not make it an earth-friendly choice?

These eco towels are made from a recycled yarn called RPET, which is made from waste water bottles and fabric offcuts. Each towel effectively saves 20 waste water bottles from going into landfill or ending up in the waterways.

The best part is, when the towel is old and worn, you can return it to the company and get $20 off the purchase of your next towel! In turn, the old towel will be recycled into a new fabric or carpet.

Age0+ years
Where to BuyEco Beach Towel (Adventure Awaits)

Compostable Phone Case

Pela Phone Case

Meet Pela, the world’s first fully compostable phone case! They are made from materials that will totally compost down in your regular household compost bin.

Pela cases are made from Flaxstic, which is a mixture of straw waste, plant-based biopolymers and recycled materials. They’re flexible, smooth to touch and have wrap-around edges to protect the phone’s screen.

Available are cases to suit iPhone, Samsung and Google Pixel phones.

Age7+ years
Where to BuyPela Phone Case (eBay)
Pela Phone Case (Amazon)
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Food, Cooking & DIY Gifts

Hands-on gifts that build life skills, encourage independence, and create experiences rather than waste.

Cooking Set

Cooking Set, Kitchen Utensils

For toddlers, head to a thrift shop and put together a pretend kitchen kit. This is a great gift idea for youngsters who love to play pretend cooking.

Think utensils, pots, pans, measuring cups, rolling pin, wooden spoon, whisk. You could even have a look through your own drawers and cupboards to add in pieces that you don’t use yourself.

For older kids who are into cooking, get them their very own cooking or baking set. You could include an apron, cup cake tray, a spatula, a wooden spoon and a recipe book.

Dress it all up in a nice thrifted basket or a pot with a ribbon and homemade card.

Age2+ years
Where to Buy➤ Op Shops/ Thrift Stores
Baking Set (Amazon)

Recycled Jar Baking Kit

Recycled Jar Baking Kit

Putting together a recycled jar baking kit is a popular zero waste gift for kids who love to cook.

All you need is a generously sized recycled jar, then fill it with all of the dry ingredients needed for a baking recipe (one of your own or find a simple recipe online). Finish it off by handwriting the recipe on a piece of card and tying it to the jar with some ribbon or string.

Recipe ideas:

  • Brownies
  • Cookies
  • Cake
  • Muffins
  • Slice
  • Pancakes
Age7+ years
Where to Get➤ DIY at home

Recycled Sweets Jar

Lolly Sweets Jar

Head to your local bulk foods store and fill a recycled jar with a variety of sweets, lollies and chocolates. You may need to take a few containers to weigh the different sweets separately, then arrange them in the jar when you get home.

Australian Bulk Food Stores:

If you don’t have access to a bulk foods store, get some bags of lollies and chocolates from the supermarket to fill up your recycled jar/s.

Dress up the jar with a nice note, poem or quote tied around the neck with some string or ribbon.

Age7+ years
Where to Get➤ DIY at home
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Experiences & Digital Gifts

Memory-making gifts that focus on time, learning, and enjoyment instead of physical clutter.

Digital Subscription

Laptop, Digital Subscription,

For the older children, purchasing them a digital subscription is among the most appreciated zero waste gifts for kids in this day in age. Have a look at what they’re into and go from there.

Digital Subscription Ideas:

  • Xbox Live
  • YouTube Premium
  • Netflix/ Stan/ Disney/ Paramount
  • Spotify Premium
  • Kindle Unlimited
Age12+ years
Where to Get➤ Online Websites & Services

Pamper Day

Nail Salon, Manicure, Pampering, Spa Day, Self-Care

Instead of a physical gift, a pamper spa day is a very luxurious zero waste gift for older kids. You could book in at the hairdresser’s or get your nails done, then finish off with a massage and a nice lunch.

Although the products along the way are probably not zero waste, the gift itself is. You might be able to find eco-friendly salons and parlours, rather than regular ones.

Age12+ years
Where to Go➤ Local Services

Money

Money

If all else fails, money (or a gift card) is an excellent zero waste gift for kids of a certain age. Rather than giving a present that’s just going to get wasted, at least you know that they’ll buy something that will get used and bring joy.

🌿 READ: Benefits of Kids Getting Pocket Money →

Giving the kids the opportunity to choose their own gift gives them a sense of independence, as well as the beginning skills of learning how to budget a set amount of money.

Age12+ years
How to Give➤ Cash or Electronic Transfer (make a ‘Gift Card’)
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Ethical, Handmade & Pre-Loved Gifts

Meaningful gifts that prioritise sustainability, craftsmanship, and reuse over mass production.

Handmade/ Natural Body Care

Zero Waste Cosmetics, Glass Jars, Body Care

One of the more beautiful low or zero waste gifts for kids is an array of homemade, handmade or natural body products.

If you have the skills to make one or a few body products yourself, all the better. Opt for packaging of metal, glass and cardboard to keep the waste sustainable.

Natural Body Product Ideas:

  • Natural soaps
  • Lotions
  • Essential oil rollers
  • Bath salts
  • Bath bombs
  • Lotion bars
  • Shampoo bars
  • Dry shampoo
  • Natural deodorant
  • Lip balm
  • Nail care kit
Age12+ years
Where to BuyNatural Body Care (eBay)
Natural Body Care (Amazon)

Jewellery

Silver Jewellery

For the older kids, you might consider a special piece of jewellery as a zero waste gift. A nice ring, chain, birthstone pendant, bracelet, watch or set of earrings would be greatly appreciated and treasured.

It could be an everyday piece or something to put away for special occasions. This could work for both males and females, depending on the person you’re buying for.

Age10+ years
Where to Buy➤ Local Jewellers or Handmade Markets

Candles & Incense

Candles

Candles and incense can be a lovely zero waste or low-waste gift for older kids. Candle shops and market stalls usually have the candles package-free and on display. You can simply choose which one you’d like, and they may wrap it in paper, or you can put it in your own shopping bag.

Similarly, incense melts are often displayed in boxes or baskets, and you can select the ones you want, which may be placed into a paper bag. An incense holder/burner is a nice addition to the gift if the child doesn’t already have one.

Incense sticks are generally sold in cardboard boxes, which can be recycled after use.

Age14+ years
Where to BuyEco Candles (eBay)
Eco Candles (Amazon)

Ethical Clothing

Clothing, Outfit

Ethical clothing is an evolving topic, but the main things to consider are the company’s whole ethos and philosophy. Fair and safe living and working conditions for all workers involved in producing the clothing should be at the forefront.

Eco-friendly clothing prioritises sustainable fabrics and dyes, as well as minimising the waste of products. Important aspects include energy reduction, recycling and recyclable/compostable packaging and tags.

Etsy is a great place to browse a mix of ethical and eco-friendly clothing. Buying from small, homemade eco businesses is one way to ensure that these boxes are being ticked.

Another option is to buy second-hand clothing from op shops, Marketplace and so on.

Age0+ years
Where to BuyEthical Clothing (eBay)
Ethical Clothing (Etsy)

Shopping at a Market

Markets

Another low-waste or zero waste kids’ gift idea is to take them to a local handmade or craft market. Give them a budget and let them choose a gift that they’d like.

Kids love to have a sense of freedom and independence in making their own decisions, and they will go home with something truly special to them.

Age7+ years
Where to Go➤ Local Markets & Fairs

Pre-loved Books

Stack of Books

For the kids who love to read and physically flick the pages, get them a stack of second-hand books. Op shops are a great resource for second-hand books, and each one will only set you back $1–$3 per book on average.

If they like a particular author or genre, have a look at the pre-loved books on eBay and Facebook Marketplace.

Age0+ years
Where to BuyPre-Loved Books (eBay)
Pre-Loved Books (Amazon)
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Low and zero waste gifting doesn’t have to be perfect to make a difference. Even small, intentional choices can reduce waste, save money, and encourage kids to value what they already have.


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