The holidays are coming, and if you’re planning gifts for your team, you’re probably thinking about how to do it thoughtfully without going over budget. Whether your crew is working remotely, on-site, or a mix of both, you want to show genuine appreciation while making choices that align with your company’s values. That’s where eco-friendly swag comes in.
At Ethical Swag, we believe you shouldn’t have to choose between gifting with heart and gifting with impact. It’s entirely possible to delight your team, stay under $25 per person, and stay true to your sustainability goals. In fact, this kind of intentional gifting can deepen employee connection, reinforce your brand story, and reduce waste all at once.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through our top picks for ethical, eco-conscious holiday gifts under $25. We’ve curated ideas that are practical, feel-good, and genuinely aligned with your team’s values so you can check “holiday gifts” off your list with confidence.
In this post, we’ll walk you through:
Why eco‑friendly gifts matter (beyond the optics)
Smart criteria to use when selecting gifts under $25
A curated list of ethical gift ideas (all under $25), pulled straight from our catalog
Tips for packaging, messaging, and scaling a green holiday gifting program
Let’s make your holiday gifting meaningful, memorable, and aligned with your values.
Why Prioritize Eco‑Friendly Gifts?
1. More than a trending buzzword
Sustainability is increasingly part of how employees, especially younger generations. evaluate their employer’s values. Choosing greener gifts shows you’re not just paying lip service but trying to make decisions that respect people and the planet.
2. Extend the life and value of the gift
Cheap or disposable gifts tend to get tossed or forgotten. A well‑made, eco-conscious item is more likely to be kept, used, and appreciated and every time your team uses it, they’ll think of your brand in a positive light.
3. Reinforce your internal and external brand story
If your company already invests in sustainability carbon offsets, ethical sourcing, waste reduction, your gifting strategy becomes an extension of that promise. It’s internal PR: you’re backing your words with actions.
What Makes an “Eco‑Friendly, Under $25” Gift?
Before diving into ideas, here are three selection criteria we recommend:
Sustainable materials & social compliance
Look for certifications like FSC, GOTS, recycled content, or suppliers audited for fair labor practices. Ethical Swag uses emoji filters on our site to flag these values.Durability & usefulness
A plantable seed card is lovely but if it ends up in the recycle bin, it doesn’t create impact. Prefer items people will use (desk gear, reusable everyday items).Low carbon footprint packaging & shipping
Choose items that ship flat or in compact packaging, or use drop‑shipping / kitting so you reduce redundant shipping. We do this via our Swag Pack and pick & pack services.
Plus: Always factor in the cost of customization (logo printing, decoration), our site often includes that in the base price.
Top Eco‑Friendly Gift Picks (Under $25)
We’ve curated a collection of thoughtful, sustainable holiday gifts that your team will actually use and feel good about. Every item below is available through Ethical Swag and meets our criteria for affordability, impact, and quality. Each one is under $25, practical, and ethically sourced.
Let’s dive into this year’s favorites:
SolarBoost 5000 mAh Power Bank (starting at $14.70 USD)
A sustainable power solution that keeps your team connected wherever they are. Whether they’re working remotely, traveling, or exploring the outdoors, this high-capacity solar-powered charger is as thoughtful as it is functional.
Why it stands out:
Solar panel and 5000 mAh rechargeable battery
Built-in flashlight and carabiner for travel or outdoor use
Dual USB-A outputs and USB-C cable included
Affordable and meaningful. Send a message that grows, literally. Made in Canada from recycled paper embedded with wildflower seeds, these postcards are perfect as a stand-alone gift or to pair with any order. Just plant the card and watch your message bloom.
Why it’s a winner:
Printed in full color on one side
Made from post-consumer waste
Grows into wildflowers, not waste
A small but memorable touch for any holiday gift
Bertie Natural Recycled Cotton Canvas Tote Bag (starting at $11.86 USD)
Built to last and made to do good. This roomy tote is crafted from 10oz recycled cotton by a Certified B Corp manufacturer. It’s the kind of bag your team will use again and again from grocery runs to workdays to weekend outings.
Why it’s a great pick:
Durable and stylish
Eco-friendly materials and production
Customizable with your logo
Everyday utility that builds brand visibility
Buy One Give One Custom Acrylic Beanie with Cuff and Pom Pom - Unisex (starting at $19.10 USD)
Keep your team cozy while supporting a cause. For every custom-decorated beanie you buy, a pair of socks is donated to someone experiencing homelessness. It’s a classic winter hat with built-in social impact.
Why it makes a difference:
Fully customizable with embroidery
Warm, comfy, and stylish
Buy One Give One donation model
Meaningful gifting with a purpose
Bluetooth 2-Way Key Finder Round (starting at $14.70 USD)
Say goodbye to lost keys and misplaced phones. This compact Bluetooth tracker helps your team locate their essentials in seconds and it works both ways. A tree is planted for every order, adding extra value to your impact.
Why we love it:
Helps find phones and keys in seconds
App-controlled, small and sleek
Supports One Tree Planted: one tree planted per order
Ideal for both remote and in-office teams
Packable Eco Backpack (starting at $22.79 USD)
This lightweight, foldable backpack is perfect for travel, daily commutes, or spontaneous adventures. It’s made from 100% recycled material and designed for low-impact living.
Why it’s a smart gift:
Compact and easy to store
Mesh water bottle pockets and a diagonal front zipper pocket
Folds into its own internal pouch
1% of each purchase supports environmental nonprofits
Bamboo Cutlery Set 7-piece with Carrying Case (starting at $9.57 USD)
Encourage sustainable eating habits with this portable bamboo utensil set. It’s great for lunches, road trips, or keeping in a work bag and it comes in a custom-printed pouch with your logo.
Why it works:
Laser-engraved utensils and printed pouch
Lightweight and travel-ready
Promotes zero-waste living
Affordable, branded, and easy to pair with a snack or card
Recycled Stainless Steel Insulated Mug 12 oz (starting at $16 USD)
Keep your brand warm all year long. This insulated mug is made from recycled stainless steel and perfect for coffee, tea, or any warm beverage a daily-use item that speaks volumes about your commitment to sustainability.
Why it’s a favorite:
Sleek, minimal design
Keeps drinks hot or cold longer
Made from recycled materials
Practical, stylish, and great for daily use
Artisan Handmade Lavender Patchouli Soap (starting at $14.53 USD)
More than just a soap bar, it’s a self-care moment. Infused with calming essential oils and wrapped in plantable seed paper, this handmade Canadian soap combines relaxation with a regenerative impact.
Why it’s a delight:
Natural lavender patchouli scent
Custom seed paper label grows wildflowers
Made with care, ready to impress
Ideal for wellness-oriented gifts or gift bundles
Embossed PocketPal Notebook (starting at $21.15 USD)
This stylish, compact notebook is designed to travel well and feel great in hand. With eco-friendly materials and embossed branding, it makes an impression while supporting sustainable sourcing.
Why it’s a standout:
160 pages of FSC-certified paper
Comes with a handy pen loop
Decorated with embossed or full-color printing
Packaged in a plant-based protective sleeve
Each of these items can be customized with your logo and messaging and bundled into a gift set if you’re looking for a more curated experience. And because they’re all under $25, you can build a values-aligned gifting strategy that scales with your team and budget.
How to Craft a Sturdy Holiday Gifting Plan (That’s Ethical)
Putting together eco-friendly holiday gifts is more than just picking the right product, it’s about the full experience. From thoughtful selection to low-impact delivery and intentional messaging, every step is an opportunity to align your gifting program with your values.
Here’s how to make sure your holiday gifts don’t just arrive on time, they leave a lasting, ethical impression.
A. Order Early & Consolidate Shipping
Planning ahead is one of the most impactful things you can do. Why? Because sustainability doesn’t stop at the product, it extends to how your gifts are made, packed, and shipped.
Ordering early allows:
More time for customization without rush production
Batch shipping, which cuts down on fuel use and packaging waste
Fewer chances of relying on expedited shipping (often the most carbon-intensive method)
When possible, consolidate gifts into a single shipment per location or use kitting services that send everything from one central fulfillment center. Not only does this reduce your carbon footprint, but it also ensures a smoother, more reliable delivery experience.
B. Use Minimal, Compostable Packaging
Packaging is one of the most overlooked parts of corporate gifting and one of the most impactful when done right. The goal: make it look good without adding waste.
Instead of plastic wrap or foam, go for:
Kraft paper for wrapping or lining
Crinkle-cut paper or natural shredded fiber for padding
Seed paper tape or recyclable stickers for sealing
Recyclable or compostable boxes and envelopes
Bonus: let the packaging itself tell your sustainability story. A printed message like “This box is fully recyclable” or “This is seed paper, plant it!” helps recipients understand and appreciate your eco efforts.
C. Attach a Story
Gifting isn’t just about what’s inside the box, it’s about how it makes people feel. A short, meaningful note can elevate your gift from a product to a message.
Include a simple insert or tag that explains:
Why you chose the item
What makes it sustainable or ethical
How your team’s values are reflected in the gift
For example:
“We chose this notebook because it’s made from FSC-certified recycled paper, packaged without plastic, and sourced from a supplier that prioritizes fair labor. We believe small choices add up and this one is our way of saying thank you for everything you do.”
Stories create connections. They turn the gift into something memorable.
D. Personalization at Scale
Adding a human touch doesn’t have to mean hours of hand-packing. Small custom elements can scale beautifully, especially when supported by the right tools.
Consider:
Including each recipient’s name on a custom card or tag
Offering color options to match department branding or personal preference
Using QR codes linked to personalized video messages or eCards
Printing internal messages from leadership (instead of generic holiday copy)
We can help manage these details through our Swag Pack platform, which supports individual kitting and personalization at scale.
E. Consider Remote & Global Teams
If your team is spread out across the country or internationally, one-size-fits-all shipping won’t cut it. In fact, it could end up doubling your emissions and your costs.
Here’s how to do it better:
Use dropshipping to send gifts directly to employees’ homes
Tap into local suppliers or fulfillment partners to reduce global shipping impact
Offer digital gift options when physical gifting isn’t feasible (e.g., plantable digital gift cards or charity donations)
At Ethical Swag, we support multi-location delivery and provide solutions for remote and hybrid teams. You can even build separate gift options for different regions while keeping everything organized in one place.
By planning with intention not just around the gift, but the full process, you turn a holiday tradition into a brand-building opportunity. The result? A seamless, values-aligned experience that your team will remember long after the wrapping is recycled.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What’s the best way to keep gifts under $25 without sacrificing quality?
A: Focus on utility and sustainability. Choose items that are durable, made from recycled or eco-conscious materials, and useful for everyday life. Bundling smaller items (like a notebook and seed card) also adds perceived value while staying on budget.
Q: Can I customize eco-friendly gifts with my company’s logo?
A: Yes! Most of our products include decoration in the base price. We offer screen printing, engraving, embossing, and more all done with care to maintain the product’s sustainability profile. Check each product listing for decoration options or ask us for help selecting items that print well.
Q: What’s your turnaround time for holiday gift orders?
A: We recommend placing holiday orders by early November to ensure smooth fulfillment. Production timelines vary depending on the product and quantity, but allow 20 business days after payment is received for production and shipping.
Q: Can you help with shipping gifts directly to remote team members?
A: Absolutely. Our Swag Pack service supports individual dropshipping across Canada, the U.S., and beyond. We can kit, personalize, and deliver each package to your team’s doorstep eco-friendly packaging included.
Q: How do I know your products are truly sustainable?
A: Every product we offer meets a minimum ethical and environmental standard. We prioritize items with verified certifications (FSC, GRS, GOTS), responsible labor audits, and low-waste packaging. As a certified B Corp, transparency is part of how we operate. You'll always know where your swag comes from and what impact it has.
Q: I need help choosing, do you offer support?
A: Yes, our team is here to help you every step of the way. From curating gift sets to managing logistics, we make ethical gifting easy and stress-free. Just reach out and let us know your goals, budget, and timeline, we’ll handle the rest.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, your holiday gift doesn’t just reward your team, it reflects your company’s values. By intentionally choosing eco-conscious swag under $25, you signal that you care about people and the planet, without overspending.
We’re here to help you seamlessly build, customize, and deliver meaningful, sustainable gifts. If you’d like help picking items, checking stock, or building a kitted holiday campaign, just let us know.
We’d love to partner with you to make your team feel appreciated in a way that truly makes it matter.
Book a Free Swag Project Call today or reach out to us at info@ethicalswag.com!