By Sydney S.
Lists of stocking stuffer ideas have generally earned my ire. I used to think a stocking stuffer had to be under $10 each, and the stocking should be, well, stuffed! There was nothing better as a child than pouring out my bounty of candy and trinkets from my stocking. But as I’ve become a more conscious consumer, I learned that quality trumps quantity when it comes to any type of gift. And soon enough, a brimming stocking of useless baubles – think cheap flavored lip balm, sickly sweet lotions, tiny jotters, and candy canes I felt compelled to gnaw on – brought me little joy.
Instead, the ideal stocking stuffers are those I’ll use regularly and adore. I want them to be workhorses. I want to cherish them. And I don’t want to feel guilty about the impact the item had on the environment and people who made it. So, think carefully about the person you’re shopping for if you’re putting together a stocking for them, and only select items you know the recipient will use – this is true conscious consumption.
Here are a six examples of sustainable stocking stuffers to get you started:
Swedish dishcloths are incredibly useful around the house. They’re basically a reusable, washable paper towel. I’ve used mine for a few years, sopping up messes, and pop them in the washing machine when they need a cleaning, then leave out to dry.
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Pictured above are Swedish dishcloths from The Century House
The cost of Stasher bags is no joke – they are, undoubtedly, expensive in comparison to their plastic relatives. However, the cost is worthwhile when they keep your food fresh, no matter if it’s dry, refrigerated, or frozen. I use mine for dry pantry snacks and frozen smoothie ingredients. Start out small with this little snack bag, which is great for skeptics of reusable food storage bags.
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I’ve had the same 2 pairs of Darn Tough Cushion socks since 2016, and continue to use them in heavy rotation. They keep my feet warm in the winter, but work great for long summer hikes as well. My favorite part is that Darn Tough socks are made in Vermont and offer a lifetime guarantee; if you wear holes into these socks, Darn Tough will replace them for FREE.
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As we continue to rely more on grocery stores during COVID, the packaging and bags we use to transport our food can be incredibly wasteful. As an added bonus, these produce bags won’t embarrass you like the plastic ones at the grocery store you have to fumble with for 2 minutes before finally getting them open. #sorrynotsorry
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Pictured above is the produce bag in size “large” from Green Life Trading Co.
Although I had seen these glass soap dispensers on Shark Tank, it was Ashley who encouraged me to try them out. The soap is generated from filling the dispenser with warm water and dropping a Blueland soap tablet inside, where it dissolves into glorious foamy soap. Knowing I don’t have to give in and purchase plastic soap containers, especially when the COVID panic starts emptying store shelves, is a gift in and of itself. I particularly adore the perrine lemon scent, but the starter kit comes with all 3 signature scents so you can try them out.
Online only: Blueland
These are a game changer because they have a strong enforced bottom that can handle heavy groceries (cans, gallons of liquid, etc.) without shifting items, unlike the typical floppy reusable bag. I once carried 2 gallons of almond milk up a few flights of stairs in one of these, and had no issues whatsoever (other than my gasping for breath). My bagger at Pick N’ Save recently divulged that these are his favorite type of bags to use and bag. I purchased a few for my mom this year from Metro Market for $4.99 each.
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Pictured above are grocery totes from Amazon
Actionable Tip: Avoid stuffing stockings with useless, plastic baubles. Give a gift that is not only useful, but will be appreciated and used more than once.
Sustainable Saplings 