Nine eco-minded gifts that actually make a difference

From tool library memberships to repair kits and even refurbished electronics - here are ways to give sustainable gifts this holiday seasonThe 163 best holiday gift ideas for 2025, vetted by the Guardian US staffSign up for the Filter US newsletter, your weekly guide to buying fewer, better thingsHere is the uncomfortable truth about gift-giving: many fun-to-unwrap baubles get used twice, shoved in a drawer, and eventually hauled off to Goodwill or the landfill. So for anyone who cares about the climate crisis or the environment, the holidays are a minefield of cognitive dissonance: you want to give loved ones something meaningful, while cringing at your own consumerism. It's a dilemma, but it doesn't have to be.There are thoughtful ways to give without adding to the problem, or better yet, giving gifts that make the right kind of difference. We're not talking about carbon credits or vague promises of planting trees - the gifts here can extend the life of things you already own, replace single-use waste, or fund conservation work directly. Some I have tested myself; others come from trusted organizations with long track records and verifiable credentials. Here are some gift ideas that you and your eco-minded recipient can both feel great about. Continue reading...