Looking for practical yet Sustainable Gifts for the men in your life? It’s a common challenge. Many sustainable gift guides for men are filled with impractical, fancy items that don’t quite hit the mark for everyday needs. This guide focuses on eco-friendly gifts for men designed for the dads, husbands, brothers, and friends who are juggling work, family, and hobbies, all while trying to live a bit lighter on the planet.
We all know the familiar holiday conundrum: what to get the men in our lives? Whether it’s a husband, dad, or brother, finding the right gift can be tough. Especially when you’re committed to low-waste living, fair labor practices, reducing carbon footprints, and all things sustainable. While perfectly sustainable gifts might be rare, there are definitely fantastic options out there that align with these values.
In my own quest for sustainable gifts for men, specifically for my husband, I noticed a trend. Many guides feature expensive, extravagant presents tailored to a niche type of man – one who enjoys gourmet food, luxury items, and sophisticated hobbies. But let’s be real, most of the guys we know are different.
They’re passionate about sports, love relaxing with friends (sweatpants are often a uniform), and enjoy simple pleasures like watching a game with wings and beer. They might be into trail running, home workouts, or just playing catch with their kids.
Men are diverse, and this sustainable gift guide acknowledges that. It’s curated for the everyday heroes – the guys cheering from the sidelines, helping with homework, tackling daily routines, and striving to be environmentally conscious without sacrificing practicality.
Below, you’ll find a list of sustainable gifts for men that I genuinely believe many men would appreciate. These aren’t all from high-end brands with flawlessly curated Instagram feeds (though some might be, and that’s okay too). If you’re searching for a thoughtful present for a down-to-earth guy, explore these sustainable gift ideas that he might actually enjoy.
And just a little spoiler, I’ll share the actual birthday gift I chose for my husband at the end of this post. Spoiler alert: it was a hit, earning me major brownie points!
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Sustainable Gift Ideas for Men who are Practical and Eco-Conscious
Top Sustainable Gift Picks for Men
1. reMarkable 2 Tablet: The Paper Notebook, Reimagined
If the man you’re gifting is in a corporate environment, a prolific note-taker, or simply loves to jot down ideas, the reMarkable 2 tablet is truly impressive. It’s not your typical feature-packed tablet. Its design is intentionally minimalist, focusing on doing one thing exceptionally well: note-taking.
It excels at capturing handwritten notes, syncing seamlessly with email and a web dashboard. It can even convert your handwriting to text for easy emailing and allows for PDF review and markup. The writing experience is remarkably paper-like, both in feel and even sound.
Both my husband and I use reMarkable tablets. My brother-in-law gifted one to my sister when she launched her business. If you’re seeking a distraction-free tool that replicates the feel of writing in a physical notebook, this tablet is a fantastic sustainable tech gift.
While reMarkable offers its own accessories, consider exploring alternatives for more sustainable options. I recommend this case and these pen tips (though the brand’s tips are also good). For added functionality, you can download templates from platforms like Etsy for calendars or meal planning. These are just examples, and there are many templates to personalize the tablet for the recipient’s needs.
Price: Starts at $299
reMarkable 2 Tablet for Sustainable Note-Taking and Work
2. Tentree Sweatshirt or Hoodie: Cozy Comfort with a Conscience
Tentree offers a wide range of comfortable and cozy apparel, including sweatshirts, hoodies, and loungewear. Gift your special man a soft hoodie made from sustainable materials. They have diverse styles to suit any preference, crafted from TENCEL, 100% organic cotton, and recycled polyester. Choose the fabric that best aligns with your values and his needs.
Tentree is a Certified B Corporation and Climate Neutral Certified, demonstrating their commitment to sustainability. Their name reflects their mission: planting ten trees for every item purchased. Each garment includes a unique tag with a tree code. By registering this code, you can track the trees planted as a result of your purchase. Giving a Tentree item is gifting both comfort and environmental impact.
Price: Starts at $58
Tentree Hoodie Sustainable and Ethical Clothing Gift for Men
3. Rock Dock Phone Charger: Natural and Handcrafted Charging Station
The Rock Dock phone charger is a unique and practical gift that many men would use daily. Its minimalist design would complement a desk or nightstand.
Handmade in New Hampshire, USA, each Rock Dock is crafted from reclaimed granite and stones collected from New England beaches. The artists thoughtfully replace each collected rock with a quarry rock, ensuring the natural balance of the beaches is maintained. This charger is both functional and a piece of natural art.
Price: $40
Rock Dock Sustainable Phone Charger Made from Reclaimed Granite
4. Allbirds Socks and Boxer Briefs: Everyday Essentials, Elevated Sustainably
Socks and boxers might seem like ordinary gifts, but receiving high-quality, sustainable versions of these essentials is genuinely appreciated. It’s a practical gift that saves him from having to buy these items himself. Many of us rely on sock gifts to replenish our drawers!
For active men, like my husband, good quality boxers and socks are invaluable. They enhance comfort during workouts and make laundry routines less frequent.
I’m a long-time fan of Allbirds shoes and their commitment to sustainability extends to their apparel. The Trino Sprinter socks and Trino Boxer Briefs are excellent choices. Made from renewable fibers like merino wool and recycled nylon for stretch, Allbirds prioritizes sustainable materials and manufacturing. You can explore their website for detailed information on their processes.
While Allbirds socks and boxers are a bit pricier than conventional options, the quality and sustainability are worth the investment. Good socks make a real difference compared to cheap socks that constantly slip down. Consider gifting a few pairs (or five pairs to get a 15% discount) for a practical and appreciated sustainable gift. His sock drawer and laundry routine will thank you.
Price: Socks: $15 (15% discount on 5+ pairs); Boxers: $24 each
Check out Allbirds Socks and Allbirds Boxers
Allbirds Sustainable Socks and Boxer Briefs Made with Merino Wool
5. MeUndies Boxers: Fair Trade Comfort and Style
Speaking of boxers, MeUndies are another fantastic sustainable option. They prioritize fair trade and responsible supply chains to create comfortable and ethically made underwear. Uncomfortable underwear is definitely a daily annoyance no one wants!
While not all MeUndies products are made from recycled materials, they are committed to responsible sourcing. Like many performance apparel brands, they utilize synthetic fabrics to ensure product quality and durability.
MeUndies are an investment, but they offer multi-packs and subscription options to make them more affordable. You truly get what you pay for – higher quality materials and fair labor practices come at a cost.
Price: $84 for a 3-pack, $156 for a 6-pack of Breathe Boxers (other styles may be less expensive).
MeUndies Sustainable and Fair Trade Boxer Briefs for Men
6. Pact Sweatpants: Organic Cotton Loungewear for Ultimate Relaxation
For ultimate comfort at home, consider Pact sweatpants made from organic cotton. If your guy loves sweatpants (and many do, especially for working from home!), Pact offers a sustainable and cozy option. Made from 95% GOTS-certified organic cotton with 5% elastane for stretch, these sweatpants are also produced in a Fair Trade Certified Factory.
Pact is a well-known brand in sustainable apparel, committed to affordable pricing. Many of their items are more budget-friendly than similar items from other eco-conscious brands.
Price: Starts at $70
Pact Organic Cotton Sweatpants Sustainable and Comfortable Loungewear
7. “Light Me Up When You Fart” Candle: Humorous and Eco-Friendly Home Fragrance
For a fun and lighthearted gift, the “Light Me Up When You Fart” candle is sure to get a laugh. If fart jokes are a staple in your household, this eco-friendly candle is a humorous way to freshen the air. Handmade with soy wax in a glass jar, it’s available in four scents (sandalwood is a great choice!).
This Etsy shop offers many candles with funny sayings, and each includes a personalized card. While generic candles can feel impersonal, a uniquely themed candle like this adds a personal touch.
P.S. Kids might love this candle too!
Price: $27 on Etsy
Check Out Light Me When You Fart Candle
Light Me Up When You Fart Candle Funny and Sustainable Gift for Men
8. Awesome Bar Soap: Natural and Zero-Waste Bath Essential
Continuing with practical yet appreciated gifts, consider gifting some really nice bar soap. We all use soap, and using high-quality soap can feel like a small luxury in the shower.
Numerous sustainable soap companies are available. I have a few favorites that use sustainable ingredients, prioritize zero-waste production, and are locally based.
Vellum St. Soap Company, based in Philadelphia, repurposes animal tallow to create soaps, reducing waste from local farms.
Botany Barn Canada is another excellent option, offering handmade, eco-friendly artisan soaps. You can create a custom gift set of four different scents, including a vegan option. Their soaps come in recyclable or compostable plastic-free packaging, making them a truly low-waste choice.
Price: Botany Barn Canada starts at $36 for a set of 4 on Etsy; Vellum St. Soap Company starts at $5 per bar.
Check Out Vellum St. Soap Company and Botany Barn Canada
Awesome Bar Soap Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Bath Products for Men
9. Sustainable Sports Apparel: Eco-Conscious Fan Gear
Finding branded sports apparel from sustainable vendors can be challenging. While many sustainable activewear brands exist, eco-friendly gear for specific sports teams is less common.
Years ago, I found one fair trade sweater in my college bookstore, but sustainable sports apparel options are still limited. However, if the man in your life is a sports fan, like my husband who practically lives in team gear outside of work, it’s worth seeking out sustainable options.
Remember that sustainable living also means buying less and investing in quality items that last. Choose well-made sports apparel that he can wear repeatedly and care for properly. Mitchell & Ness is a brand my husband appreciates for its quality and classic styles.
When shopping for sports apparel, check fabric composition and construction. Look for durable fabrics and well-finished seams, indicators of longevity. Opt for classic styles that will remain relevant for years to come.
If you know of any brands specializing in sustainable sports gear, please share in the comments! I’m always looking for more options.
Mitchell and Ness Sustainable and Durable Sports Apparel for Men
10. Beer of the Month Club: A Subscription to Local Brews
A monthly surprise is always exciting, and for beer enthusiasts, a beer of the month club is a fantastic gift. Even better if you can find a local brewery offering a subscription. Many beer clubs ship six-packs, but shipping costs can be high.
A more sustainable and budget-friendly approach is to create your own local beer of the month club. If you live nearby, purchase a curated selection of local beers monthly and deliver them personally. It’s more affordable than subscription boxes and supports local breweries. Include seasonal and limited-edition brews for an extra special touch. If brewery visits aren’t feasible, a hand-picked six-pack from a local store is equally thoughtful. It’s the gesture and time that matter most.
And don’t forget to recycle the bottles! Glass is highly recyclable, so ensure it continues its circular journey.
Beer of the Month Club Sustainable and Local Experience Gift for Men
11. A Gift of Experience: Memories Over Material Items
Finally, remember that sustainable gifts don’t have to be physical objects. Gifting an experience is a wonderful and eco-conscious alternative. Choose an experience he’ll love, whether it’s something to enjoy solo or together. Attend a sports game, plan a city night out to his favorite spots, or arrange a get-together with friends.
Experiential gifts are endless. The key is to personalize the experience to his interests and passions.
Gift of Experience Sustainable and Meaningful Gift Idea for Men
Find the Perfect Gift with These Questions
Struggling to find the ideal gift? Remember that thoughtful gifting is about understanding the recipient. If you’re still unsure, check out this list of 12 Questions To Find The Perfect Gift For Everyone On Your List. It’s a gift guide without specific items, but provides helpful questions to guide you toward the perfect, personalized present.
Do you have other favorite sustainable gifts for men? Share them in the comments below – I’d love to hear your ideas!
Sustainable Gifts for Men Collage Image 1
Sustainable Gifts for Men Collage Image 2
Jen Panaro Author Bio Image
Jen Panaro
Jen Panaro, founder and editor-in-chief of Honestly Modern, is a composting enthusiast and advocate for sustainable living for modern families. For her latest insights, subscribe to her newsletter, Sage Neighbor.
In her free time, she enjoys borrowing library books, gardening (messily!), and being a mom to two boys, spending considerable time at hockey rinks and baseball fields.
Explore more of her work at Raising Global Kidizens, an online resource for raising responsible global citizens.
