Last Updated on March 5, 2024 by Lauren Melnick
I’ll let you in on a secret.
I never used to be into conservation. I didn’t know what an eco-footprint was and I didn’t care. My diet mainly consisted of meat, cheese and a side of potatoes.
But all that changed when I started working for a volunteering organisation. Through their wildlife conservation programs, I started learning about deforestation, the bleaching of coral reefs and that Laos was a country.
My role eventually exposed me to a documentary called Cowspiracy. It shattered reality as I knew it and turned me into a vegetarian overnight.
Since then, I’ve become more and more interested in reducing my carbon footprint on the planet – especially when I travel.
Whether you’re shopping for yourself or you have no clue what to give the tree hugging intrepid vegan in your life, I’ve got you boo.
Here is my eco-friendly travel gift guide!
Want more travel gift-guide inspiration? Check out my other posts:
- Gifts for Travel Photographers: The Ultimate Photographer Gift Guide
- The Best Gifts for Travellers From South African Brands
- The Best Gifts for Hikers: The Ultimate List for Every Budget
- 12 Vegan Travel Products You Need for Your Next Trip
Table of Contents
Eco-Friendly Travel-Sized Toiletries
When you’re gallivanting across the world, you’re going to have to wash your hair or brush your teeth at some point.
Help cut down on the plastic waste with these naked travel-sized toiletries. Not only will it help the environment, but you don’t have to worry about those pesky liquid restrictions for flights.
You can use them as stocking fillers or put together a little self-care package for you or the traveller in your life.
Solid Shampoo and Conditioner Bars
I always make sure I have one of each before I hit the road. Not only do they last for more than two months, but the bars smell amazing!
Can’t decide what to get? Pick up the cinnamon shampoo bar and the Sugar Daddy-O solid conditioner.
Solid Deodorant Bars
If you haven’t heard, aerosol deodorants aren’t helping out fight against global warming. Keep your carbon footprint small by switching out your can for the Aromaco solid deodorant bar.
Bonus: It won’t get confiscated by airport security.
Skin Care
Travelling, especially air travel doesn’t do wonders for the skin. Stock up on some solid face and body wash to keep pimples and dry skin at bay.
If you’re prone to breakouts after long-haul flights, put the Coal Face facial soap in your carry-on luggage. Once you land, exfoliate your skin with The Rough and Smooth body scrub bar.
Worried your naked products are going to cause havoc in your bag? Lush sells tin containers that you can keep your goodies in and re-use once you’re done.
Plastic-free Toothpaste
Lush offers a solid alternative to plastic toothpaste bottles. The toothy tabs come in travel-sized 50ml bottles, and all you need is a nibble to create some bubbles.
All of Lush’s bottles are recyclable and if you return five empty containers to a store – you’ll get a free face mask!
Shaving Soap
One of my favourite products from Lush is their shaving soap. The D’fluff product, in particular, has stolen my heart.
It comes in a tub that won’t take up much space in your bag and is full of ingredients that moisturise your legs at the same time.
Bamboo Toothbrush
Think about how many toothbrushes you go through a year? How about in a lifetime? Add a bamboo one to your travel kit and be kinder to the environment.
Try picking up one with charcoal activated brushes to help remove any stains from your teeth.
Where to Buy: South Africa | Amazon
Reef Safe Sunscreen
If you’re planning to escape to the coast for the holidays, stock up on a bottle organic sun lotion.
With no nasty chemicals, it’s 100% ocean-friendly, and you can enjoy snorkelling, diving or swimming without damaging the coral reefs.
Where to Buy: South Africa | Amazon
Moon Cup
Gift yourself a moon cup this festive season! I know that sounds like such an exciting present, but it’s a small present that goes a long way. Tampons and sanitary towels are not biodegradable.
By switching to a moon cup when you travel, you won’t contribute to the waste problems in developing countries as well as your own.
Where to Buy: South Africa | Amazon
Eco-Friendly Food & Water Gift Ideas
The two things that you’re guaranteed to do on any trip is eating and drinking. But the way we do it is not always sustainable.
From plastic straws to plastic bottles and even the cutlery, none of these items are kind to the environment.
These eco-friendly products won’t take up much space in your luggage and will bring you one step closer to reducing the amount of plastic waste you create.
Stainless Steel Water Bottles
Stay hydrated as you explore the bustling streets of Bangkok with a stainless steel water bottle. Typo has a range of options that are BPA-free and will keep your drink cool in the heat.
Another great eco-friendly option is S’well.
Where to Buy: South Africa | Amazon
Bamboo Cutlery Set
Next time you’re grabbing street food, say no thanks to the plastic cutlery.
Keep a bamboo fork, knife, and spoon set in your bag, and you’ll never have to choose between the environment and eating with your hands again.
The Other Straw has a beautiful bamboo cutlery set (I’m eagerly waiting for my set to arrive!) and I can’t wait to bring it along with me during my travels.
Steel Straws
With more and more countries and companies saying no to plastic straws, it’s time to do your part when you travel. Keep a few of these bad boys in your luggage and pop them into a drink of your choice.
Just make sure you take it with you when you’re done.
Where to Buy: South Africa | Amazon
Eco-Friendly Travel Gear Gift Ideas
Whether you’re going away for the weekend, a month or a year – you need a well-made backpack or suitcase to see you through your travels.
Luckily, there are plenty of eco-friendly luggage options out there.
From backpacks to cute camera bags – you won’t have to spend hours trolling the internet to find something you like.
Vegan Camera Bags
Life’s too short for fugly camera bags. I’m so passionate about that last sentence that I even have a whole post dedicated to beautiful vegan camera bags.
If you’re looking for the perfect companion to your travels that isn’t going to scream “EXPENSIVE GEAR” or ruin your outfit – ya girl has you covered.
Backpacks
I’m a sucker for a good backpack. As someone who tries to live a sustainable lifestyle as much as possible, I love supporting companies that want to create a lasting social impact.
Cotopaxi is one of the best companies out there that makes well-made backpacks and gives back with their poverty alleviation project.
Checked Luggage
Looking for something a bit bigger to see you through your travels? There are a few brands out there on a mission to make that possible without enlarging your carbon footprint.
Samsonite has a whole eco range as well as Osprey and Eagle Creek.
Where to Buy in South Africa: Takealot | Want It All
Packing Cubes
If your suitcase looks like a bomb went off the moment you open it when you arrive at your hotel – gift yourself some eco-friendly packing cubes. It’s an excellent way to keep all your shiz organised.
Never again will you have to empty your entire bag on the floor to try to find that missing sock.
Where to Buy: South Africa | Amazon
Eco-Friendly Gadgets
With plastic waste getting a lot of news coverage lately, it’s easy to forget that we do a lot of other things that harm the environment. One of them is our reliance on electricity.
Here are a few eco-friendly gadgets to help you use less energy while at home or abroad.
Solar Panelled Portable Charger
Use fewer resources by charging your devices with renewable energy. All you need to do is stick one of these bad boys in the sun, and you’re good to go.
I highly recommend the 24W charger as it has triple USB ports and is waterproof.
Where to Buy: South Africa | Amazon
Headphones
If there is one piece of gear that every traveller needs, it’s a pair of headphones. You can listen to your jams on the plane, or on the train while you’re in Spain.
It also stops people from talking to you which is a gift in itself.
The House of Marley headphones are an excellent eco-friendly choice. Made from recycled plastics, metals, and bamboo, it’s the perfect sustainable purchase.
The Steri Pen
Are the mountains calling your name? Don’t answer that call until you have a Steri Pen.
It’s a small device that can perform up to 60 purification treatments per set of batteries. You’ll get clean, fresh water wherever you wonder.
Where to Buy: South Africa | Amazon
Another option that you can use is the LifeStraw Water Filter Bottle. I’ve had one for a few years and bring it with me on all my off-the-beaten-track adventures.
Where to Buy: South Africa | Amazon
Wheat-Grass Phone Case
Love matching your phone case to your mood or outfit – but don’t love the plastic?
UK based start-up Wave produces biodegradable wheat-straw based cases for iPhone, AirPods and the Samsung Galaxy S20 range.
It’s a great alternative for the eco-conscious who want something aesthetic and trendy for their devices. Wave’s phone cases are ultra-thin and the matte texture gives you excellent grip, which is great news if you’re prone to dropping your phone like me.
Where to buy: Wave
Eco-Friendly Travel Experiences
Sometimes, the best gift to give a traveller or yourself is an experience. Whether it’s your first time going abroad or you’re a seasoned pro looking to make more environmentally conscious purchases, here are few tours to consider:
Intrepid Travel
Gift yourself with a tour from Intrepid. It’s a well-known travel company that offers trips to destinations all around the world.
Intrepid is committed to running a sustainable and responsible travel experience, making it an excellent eco-friendly gift idea.
G Adventures
If you’re after adventure, you can’t go wrong with a G Adventures trip. The tour company has a range of options to suit all budgets and practices sustainable travel.
For both companies, gift card options are available!
Did you find an eco-friendly gift for someone else (slash yourself)? What’s on your wish list? Tell me know in the comments below!
Want more travel gift-guide inspiration? Check out my other posts:
- Gifts for Travel Photographers: The Ultimate Photographer Gift Guide
- The Best Gifts for Travellers From South African Brands
- The Best Gifts for Hikers: The Ultimate List for Every Budget
- 12 Vegan Travel Products You Need for Your Next Trip
?If you like it then you should put a pin on it ?
Tomiko says
I’ve been thinking about buying those tooth brushes! I see them all of the time.. this is a great list ❤️❤️❤️
lauren says
Thank you!
Mersini says
Thanks for all the tips, always want to be more eco friendly but it can sometimes feel overwhelming with so much info out there. I like how you have broken it down for me haha !
lauren says
Haha XD glad you enjoyed the post! Hopefully, you got a few eco-friendly gift ideas 🙂
Emma Grace says
I’ve been trying to go more eco friendly this year – I’m obsessed with shampoo bars! Better for the environment and less liquids for carry ons! I definitely have to look into those backpacks. Great post!
lauren says
Same! I didn’t even know shampoo bars were a thing until a few months ago – and I’ve fallen so hard!
giftdinodotcom says
Love the bamboo toothbrush gift idea – it could really cut down on all those toothbrushes that get thrown away every year!
If you’re looking for even more awesome gift ideas, we also wrote a gift guide for travellers as well!