75 Green Stocking Stuffers for Adults
Stockings are treated like a footnote for Christmas, but an awesome stocking can be a highlight of the holiday! Especially if we are cutting down on our gifting, stockings will actually make up a good chunk of our shopping. In our house, everyone gets three gifts and a stocking, including the adults.
Kids gifts can be so fun to shop for, and you can find their stocking stuffer list here. Often, we adults get the bum end of the deal, because Santa is on to our misbehavior or something, but I think we can turn up the fun (and usefulness!) of the stockings. I mean, we already have all the downsides of adulthood- why can't our stockings be awesome! Even better, we can do this by making gifts or buying Eco-Friendly Used, Recycled, or Made in America gifts!
We know we have too much stuff, so I try to prioritize things that will be meaningful or useful. It is time to END our addiction to useless filler. Our lives have enough of it already. Even worse, every little piece of Made in Elsewhere JUNK you buy for your loved ones comes at a high environmental cost- wrapped in plastic, wasting fossil fuels, and likely made by someone mistreated. How do these things possibly add up to an "I love you?" Let's all just stop already!
Kids gifts can be so fun to shop for, and you can find their stocking stuffer list here. Often, we adults get the bum end of the deal, because Santa is on to our misbehavior or something, but I think we can turn up the fun (and usefulness!) of the stockings. I mean, we already have all the downsides of adulthood- why can't our stockings be awesome! Even better, we can do this by making gifts or buying Eco-Friendly Used, Recycled, or Made in America gifts!
We know we have too much stuff, so I try to prioritize things that will be meaningful or useful. It is time to END our addiction to useless filler. Our lives have enough of it already. Even worse, every little piece of Made in Elsewhere JUNK you buy for your loved ones comes at a high environmental cost- wrapped in plastic, wasting fossil fuels, and likely made by someone mistreated. How do these things possibly add up to an "I love you?" Let's all just stop already!
Change your shopping and change the world. I do it three ways-
1. Buy Less- Our family gives so few gifts that the stocking gets more budget than maybe it would in other households. That said, We also use smaller stockings than the average. Just having a smaller space will make things feel full without actually buying so much.
2. Buy Used- I love secondhand shops for stocking stuffers. You can find kitchen gadgets, little toys, and so much more there. Thinking about secondhand can SAVE you major money. It also keeps waste out of landfills.
Also great, check with your local freecycle and Buy Nothing groups! Our group even has special gifting this time of year so we can share potential stocking stuffers with each other.
3. Buy Local- Stop sending your money far away where your community will never see it again. I came from a town with a couple thousand people, we still have local stores to shop at. Shopping local and locally-made (American-made if you are in America) takes care of your neighbors, supports more ethical making, AND wastes way fewer fossil fuels getting it to you.
4. Buy Useful- Don't buy something that you know is junk just because it takes up room. If you don't think the person you are shopping for will love it or use it, don't buy it. The average American has 300,000 objects in their home. No one needs more stuff for stuff's sake.
I listed 70 here, so you can pick a handful you like to replace something else you would have put in a stocking. Also, these are up early, because Etsy doesn't come with prime shipping, so things move slowly. You want to order some of this fun stuff soon! Make a real person dance and invest in their business!
1. Buy Less- Our family gives so few gifts that the stocking gets more budget than maybe it would in other households. That said, We also use smaller stockings than the average. Just having a smaller space will make things feel full without actually buying so much.
2. Buy Used- I love secondhand shops for stocking stuffers. You can find kitchen gadgets, little toys, and so much more there. Thinking about secondhand can SAVE you major money. It also keeps waste out of landfills.
Also great, check with your local freecycle and Buy Nothing groups! Our group even has special gifting this time of year so we can share potential stocking stuffers with each other.
3. Buy Local- Stop sending your money far away where your community will never see it again. I came from a town with a couple thousand people, we still have local stores to shop at. Shopping local and locally-made (American-made if you are in America) takes care of your neighbors, supports more ethical making, AND wastes way fewer fossil fuels getting it to you.
4. Buy Useful- Don't buy something that you know is junk just because it takes up room. If you don't think the person you are shopping for will love it or use it, don't buy it. The average American has 300,000 objects in their home. No one needs more stuff for stuff's sake.
I listed 70 here, so you can pick a handful you like to replace something else you would have put in a stocking. Also, these are up early, because Etsy doesn't come with prime shipping, so things move slowly. You want to order some of this fun stuff soon! Make a real person dance and invest in their business!
Practical Everyday Awesomeness
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| from Liberty Bottleworks |
1. Reusable Water Bottle- If your loved one doesn't have a water bottle yet, this could be a perfect big item for the stocking! My favorites are Lifefactory Bottles (Made of glass and pretty curvy) and Liberty Bottleworks (metal and a bit thinner). There are plenty out there, just pick one that is made near you.
2. Unsponges (EF)- This is an absolute staple in our stockings. These simple sponges (my favorite are from Marley's Monsters) are made of fabric instead of plastic. You can just keep washing them in the washing machine and reusing. About half of ours from last year are still going strong. Perfect sneaky zero-waste gift.
3. Scrub Brushes (EF)- Another great way to cut down on cleaning waste! These Redecker pot brushes are well-loved, and would fit perfectly in a stocking.
4. Toothbrushes (USA, R, EF)- Christmas might work as a perfect transition from those sad fresh plastic toothbrushes that your loved ones may still use! Boo hiss! Instead, you could get biodegradable bamboo toothbrushes (lots of choices!) or Preserve recycled toothbrushes (we use these and they work exactly the same- no teeth have fallen out). So again, probably don't do an all-toothbrush stocking, but one never hurt anyone!
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| from WAAMIndustries |
5. Lunch Sack- Roll it up and stuff it in the stocking, and your loved one can bring their lunch along with them everyday. My favorites are from WAAM Industries- they are simple and made of waxed canvas so they should last them a good long time.
6. Lighters (USA)- Smokers always seem to be looking for their lighters. Zippo's are made in the US!
7. Reusable Coffee Cup (EF)- Perfect for the coffee-lover you love. I love this glass one from Joco which is a really pretty keep cup. I am not an expert at this, but here are a few Etsy cups I thought seemed really special. I also think these mason jar lids could make life simpler (great for kids too!). You can find things more or less ethically-made, but simply cutting out all those disposable cups is a pretty great step.
8. Takeout Silverware (EF, R)- The RepEat bamboo takeout set is pretty genius. Especially if they eat a lot of takeout, they can just pop it in their bag or briefcase and turn down LOTS of plastic silverware. To-Go Ware makes a similar set too!
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| from amazon |
9. Sandwich Bags (USA, EF)- Planetwise sells reusable sandwich bags that could be used as a pouch, or they can perfectly set someone up for bringing their lunch to work! Etsy also has tons of genius snack bags; check Bagitconcious, SimplyWrappedCo, Zookaboo, and marleysmonsters.
10. Nail Clippers (USA)- My mother-in-law puts nail clippers in everyone's stockings every year. Genius. Because nail clippers go missing all the time. I don't know where her son takes them. But they disappear. So replenishing the supply helps and these ones are made in America.
The Inner Child
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| from Bean Works Crochet |
12. Cards (USA)- These playing cards are made in America, and nothing says holiday cheer like a good game of rummy or solitaire. I love these "Little Feminist" cards even more.
13. Puzzles (GU, USA)- You could get puzzles at basically any level and then put them in the stocking broken up (maybe not great for those 1000 piece puzzles).This is one you can definitely find in consignment stores Springbok Puzzles is one of the oldest puzzle companies in the US! Tavern Puzzles makes the cool metal puzzles you have to jimmy with to get things apart.
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| from Wild Rabbits Burrow |
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| from Oanabefort |
16. Peg Dolls (EF, USA)- You can buy (or even better, make) peg dolls of any character in the world. It might seem like a strange toy for an adult, but I also love that you could get personalized peg dolls (like these from Sudie's Corner Shop). Get a parent peg dolls of their kiddos, or you could gift a peg doll of someone's favorite person as an encouragment (or joke). There are definite possibilities here!
Treat Yo Loved Ones
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| from Off Chutes |
18. Backscratcher (USA)- You know you're a grown-up when your back hurts. A back scratcher can stick right in a stocking, and you can even get one shaped like a moose! Merry Christmas indeed!
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| from Juxtapositions SC |
For the record, there are always five + bottle openers at our Goodwill when we go browse. Go get one for a dollar.
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| from Restrung Jewelry |
I am currently obsessed with recycled guitar string bracelets, especially these beauties from Restrung Jewelry (you can try Fox Designs Jewelry or Robin and Leigh as well). Want more recycled options? Try R3SK8 Products, that makes mod jewelry out of old skateboards. You can find so many recycled bracelets- recycled bike chains, paper, clarinet keys, marine rope, forks, and fly fishing line!
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| from sleepy mountain |
If you want to be classy (booo), you could also get a bracelet with an initial on it or the amazing minimalist earrings from Sarah Zentz. You can also buy minimalist jewelry like these earrings from Madera Lane. .
22. Hair Ties (USA)- Pumpkin Bowtique has lots of choices of hair ties, in any color you can think of. Check these stores- Azurea Studio, LoveMiaCo, SockBunStudios, and KenzLaurenz.
23, Nail Polish (USA)- There are lots of great beauty articles out there about eco-friendly and vegan nail polishes. I love Essie polish (in most drug stores and Target), which doesn't have the nasty chemicals and is made in the US, but as far as I know isn't vegan. Ginger and Liz is vegan, and their polish is 12 dollars a pop. Butter and Priti NYC are made in the US 5-free, and they go for 15 dollars a bottle (these aren't cheap, but isn't it better to have 1 healthy nail polish you use all the time than 3 much less responsible ones you use once in a blue moon?). Suncoat and Earthly Delights are both non-toxic/ vegan as well, and they are more at the Essie price.
24. Pocket Mirrors (USA)- I think these pocket mirrors from Boy Girl Party would make a great stocking stuffer, because it could easily stay in a purse for emergency moments. The Boy got me the dinosaur one last year, and it totally reflects things. And they are only 6 bucks and made in the US! Win! Glorious Weirdo makes all sorts of mirrors, but my favorite might be these Ghostbuster ones. Modern Girl Blitz makes a badass feminist mirror.
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| from The Little Soap Store |
I love these doughnut soaps from The Little Soap Store. How cute is that! Also awesome, this trout on a rope soap from Dope on a Rope Soap (less keen on the marajuana soap, because pot smells awful, but embrace the stinkiness if that's you). These lump of coal soaps are cheeky and fun too. Or, if you are nervous about buying something you like, I would recommend a small set of leftovers/ samples, like Lippincott Soap Co sells. What a good idea, and your loved one could test soaps and find the ones they like best. Everyone, buy some fun soap for stocking stuffers this year- another EASY and fun switch!
Check your local goods stores! You are going to be amazed what bar soap is available near you!
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| from Pact |
Solmate Socks makes adorable mismatched socks in bright, fun colors. We bought them for the Bub, and they have stood up to lots of wear. We also love Pact socks, which are fair trade and currently on sale.
27. Underwear (FT or USA)- You stop believing in Santa, you get underwear for Christmas. This is adulthood, and it is kind of the worst. On the other hand, you can get super cute and soft underwear from Pact in both men's and women's! Blue Canoe makes some of my favorites too. Commando sells underwear and pasties, so if you are the first person to put pasties in a stocking, I salute you.
28. Make Up Pads (USA, EF)- These reusable make up pads will help cut down the big pile of garbage made by make up usually. Plus, they look like little crocheted frisbees to throw around. Marleysmonsters is an Etsy treasure, and they sell these too. Really, Etsy has like millions of reusable make up pads.
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| from HawkAndSquirrel |
30. Hats and Scarves (USA, R)- First, if you can knit, this would be a really special addition to your stocking gifts. If not, I have pointed you to a bunch of Etsy gems for hats and scarves on this post. If you want something a little more charitable, check out Love Your Melon or Krotchet Kids.
Electronics
31. iPad Case (USA)- Maybe a little big for a stocking, but you could potentially roll it around the top to pile things higher, like my dad does with magazines (seems a little symbolic, right? Replacing magazines with an iPad cover?) 8th Day Encore has lots of pretty combinations of fabric, and I would probably pick them for that. Wooden 45 sells covers and pouches out of Michigan.
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| from Pela |
32. Phone Covers (EF, C)- It may be mighty challenging to buy a cell phone made in America, but finding a case made in the US is easy as pie (and it can make that phone last so much longer).
Pela makes phone covers out of compostable bioplastic (mostly for iphones), which is hard and durable, but also biodegradable. They are a genuinely awesome company, so check them out.
I have done some research on the phone cover as well. You can check my favorite stores here.
33. Headphones (EF)- Start by asking your neighbors on Buy Nothing! This seems to be the sort of thing where you either have none or way too many. If not, House of Marley makes headphones with less plastic and more materials like wood and cloth
Kitchen Stuff
34. BBQ Rubs or Spices (USA)- Giving new spice rubs to experiment with might be the perfect gift for a foodie or barbeque lover. Gusto sells cute little 4 packs of hot wing rubs for 9 bucks, among their pretty wide variety of barbeque spice rubs. |
| from Kline Honey Bee Farm |
36. Salt and Pepper (USA)- Ok, we all wish I meant the kind that came with Spinderella, but this is pretty great too. Get some kind of cool salt (we have pink finishing salt) or peppercorns to put in the shakers all year long. Lots of use and fun idea. If you live by a spices store, some cool spices would make a great gift too.
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| from Comfortably Lovely |
38. Measuring Cups and Spoons (R, USA)- They don't all fit under the 15 dollar cutoff, but these cups from Preserve and spoons from Architec do. They might come in handy if the ones in your kitchen are worn down past usefulness.
Again, Goodwill friends. Super easy and cheap to get measuring implements at Goodwill. Find something metal that will last and never think about it again.
39. Popcorn (USA)- If you don't go the route of the giant popcorn tins, you could get gourmet (??) popcorn kernels and fun original popcorn toppings from Dell Cove Spices. In general, I think I would be incredulous about something like this, but they have great reviews and it sounds pretty delicious. It would also be a fun bottom level for a stocking if you love someone with no sweet tooth.
40. Sink Brush (USA)- Nothing says a good time like a sink brush. Still, you need them, and this one looks great. You can also get plastic-free ones on The Refill Revolution.
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| from amazon |
41. Spatulas (USA)- These Fletcher's Mill Spatulas come in pretty colors. I like having a few in different sizes, so I can scrape out different vessels and so forth. Because no one should make the tragic mistake of wasting cookie batter.
42. Spoons and Turners (EF)- Stuff one of those into a stocking instead of one of those Hershey Kiss tubes? I know ours look a little rough, and you can't cook with those candy tubes.My beloved Epicurean makes awesome spoons and turners- we love them in this house. Have you checked out Epicurean yet? They are so cool.
These ones, from Architec, are made of bamboo, and they come in pretty colors. Lipper International sells bamboo sets as well.
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| from Amitea Organics |
44. Whisk (USA)- Last year, Santa brought both the Boy and I whisks in our stockings, because our whisk (a hand me down from my mom) fell apart. Both of those whisks, one from Target's basic line and one by Giada have both fallen apart already. It's not like we cook that much. We just bought junk. Even a stocking can be an opportunity to gift things that are needed with all of the fun stuff. If you also want to throw in a whisk, you have some great options that are made in the US by Best Manufacturers. We have a Best Manufacturers one now, and you can tell it is well made to last (even against our toddler's mixa mixa mixa). Never going back to Giada's crap.
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| from Amazon |
46. Cloth Napkins (EF, R, USA)- I love cloth napkins. They are so easy to throw in with the laundry and make your table look cool and casual all the time. You can find great cloth napkins for everyday use (no need to get fancy) from Little Blue Nest, Clear Sky Home, Dot and Army, JAQS Studio, or Oh Little Rabbit would look adorable on a table and in a stocking.
47. Lemon Covers (USA)- Who knew a lemon cover was even a thing? Not sure everyone can use it, but it's worth a try if you (or the chef you are shopping for) are up for a citrus-related adventure.
Let's Get Creative
48. Colored Pencils (R)- Coloring for adults is all the rage, for good reason- it's fun! If you want to color, you can use these recycled colored pencils, which are so cool. They are made of recycled newspaper instead of bringing down more trees.
49. Markers (US, R)- Crayola makes markers here in the US, and you can even send them back to be recycled once they dry out. Sharpies are still made in the US too!
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| from Obvious State |
My new special occasion favorites are from Obvious State, who make modernist notebooks and posters with literary figures and quotes on them. Awesome.
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| from My Posh Desiigns |
52. Pencils (R, EF, USA)- Did you know about Sprout Pencils? I didn't! They are pencils you can plant in the ground to grow herbs after you are finished with them! How freaking cool is that!?!? Totally biodegradable and genuinely doing good. I just love this. I love that someone thought of this. What a wonderful world. If you get these, tell me how you like them!
You can also get regular pencils out of recycled newspaper, so absolutely no trees came down for these pencils. I hate pencils, but if someone in your life doesn't, these are an awesome option.
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| from amazon |
More for Home
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| from MidnightOwlCandleCompany |
54. Candles (EF, USA)- We used to impulse buy candles at Target, but they are filled with nasty chemicals, and they are meant to fill your house with them! Blech. Now, I can see a ton of other options as long as I am willing to poke around. You can make small ones yourself for an awesome gift, or you can buy all kinds of American- made and environmentally-responsible ones! Right now, we are burning a Our Own Candle Company candle (maybe too big for a stocking?) and an Eco candle, and they both smell amazing.
This is a perfect place to support a small business and check out some Etsy (or local) makers as well. Our Etsy favorites are MidnightOwlCandleCompany, NapaUncorked, and WinterBeeShop.
55. Tweezers (USA)- The same basic principle as nail clippers- they disappear, and Christmas stockings can help replenish your tweezer supply. Plus, you can find them made in the US!
56. Reusable Keurig Cups (EF)- Have someone in your life who is still using a keurig? That business is terrible for the environment, but less so with reusable k-cups. Perfect stocking stuffer, and you will save them money in the end.
57. Photo Prints (USA, R)- Artifact Uprising has some sweet, small prints (on recycled paper!) that would fit right into a stocking. You could make it into a tradition and put 10 or your favorite memories from the year into your loved one's stocking.
For Out and About
58. Car Escape Tool (USA)- If you are trapped in a car, this keychain sure would be useful. If Leeza Gibbons was Santa Clause, this would be in everyone's stocking. Because holiday cheer means kidnapping preparedness.
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| from Crave by CRV |
60. Pocket Monkey (USA)- It works as a multitool and as a cute little monkey! Ok, I may not totally understand why someone would want this, but the tool fits in a wallet, so it would fit in a stocking!
61. Produce Bags (USA, EF)- Plastic produce bags are infuriatingly hard to open AND they are terrible for the environment. Not to mention, most of our produce can just roam free in a grocery bag- what's the worst that can happen? That said, a few produce bags for brussel sprouts or jalapeno peppers might be perfect. If you can't just make it yourself (old t-shirts work perfectly), I recommend looking for things that are recycled or made with all natural fibers (no plastic). I like these 100% cotton bags from Tiny Yellow Bungalow. I love these bento bags from Marley's Monsters as well.
You can also find nice sets on Etsy, including from one of my favorite stores Oh Little Rabbit.
Odds and Ends
62. Snow Scraper (EF, Plastic Free)- I LOVE that this exists. This wood snow scraper could be perfect for someone you love AND it is one less piece of plastic in the world.
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| from Caramels for Karson |
64. Hot Sauce or other Sauces (USA)- The Boy got a spice blend set one year which really led to lots of fun experiments. You could get something as simple as hot sauce or look around and find something from nearby. There are some neat American brands online- Stonewall sauces (like this garlic rosemary citrus sauce) or Tom Douglas sauces, but you can always find something near you too.
65. Christmas Ornaments (USA)- It would be kind of a cool tradition to put an ornament in their stocking each year that has to do with their year, then they can hang it on the tree. If you are looking to gift for a lot of people, I like this snowflake set from Nestled Pine Works. More cute options? Check urbanfarmcollective, FromMemereWithLove, resplendid, and BlueDragonCraft.
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| from Flytrap |
67. Golf Balls (R)- Did you know you can buy recycled golf balls? I didn't! It makes perfect sense though. This makes for the perfect stocking stuffer for somebody!
68. Guitar Strap (R, USA)- These guitar straps are made out of recycled seatbelts. Until this moment, I never thought about how many seatbelts never get a second life as a musical accessory. Truly tragic. Perfect for your favorite musician.
69. Seeds (EF)- It may not be time to plant now, but that day is just around the corner. Plants and trees provide individuals shade, food, and (for some people) peace and simplicity. Those packets are the perfect size to stuff in a stocking, and they have the potential to do something really positive for everyone. You could also gift wildflower seed bombs and have adventures spreading wildflowers.
70. Succulents (EF, USA)- These sweet, small plants can add green to your loved one's space (or office) and even help keep their air clean. We want a world with less stuff and more plants, so why not start here?
71. A Small Donation (EF)- The Boy and I were talking last night about what we wanted for Christmas, and mostly he feels like he has everything he needs. If you are shopping for someone tough like that too, why not put in double the candy and put that gift money toward a donation? Think about donating to something that helps the environment, because it needs every bit of help it can get! You can read my recomendations for donation gifts here.
Gift Cards
None of this sounds right to you? How about filling the majority of the stocking with edible treats (oranges, apples, and LOCAL candy) and throwing in a few small gift cards!? You get bonus points if you get these on
72. Uber Gift Cards- Know someone who likes to go out? Or who lives in the city? An uber gift card could be a fun simple gift that helps keep them safe.
73. Grocery Gift Cards- Shopping for someone who you know is just getting by? Don't give them a bunch of cutesy junk they don't need. Help them get back on top of things. I love the idea of getting grocery gift cards instead of cutesy doodads.
Even better? An Instacart gift card. This could be great for new parents, anyone with mobility issues, or just someone who likes being lazy and not going to the store (so everyone). We order from instacart when we are flying home from a long trip, and then groceries make it to the house when we do.
74. Restaurant Gift Card- Most of us like to eat out more than we like those little tubes of Hershey Kisses. Skip a few of the treats and just treat your loved one to their favorite local treat.
75. Movie Tickets- Simple, easy, and it can be a big hit. Look at which of your local movie theaters has a gift card.
Alright, did you make it? I hope you found an idea in all of this you can put to use (I think I am buying 4 or 5 for The Boy's stocking, and a bunch of Seattle Chocolates and calling it a day). If you want to look at the list for kids again, check here.
If you are feeling inspired and want to do even more Green Shopping (Eco-friendly, recycled, used, or Made in the USA), check out the Big List of Shopping Lists!
10 comments
This year I decided to make christmas ornaments and get the kids involved in it as well. cut down on waste and using recycled products from around the house. Great post!
ReplyDeleteWow, so many great ideas! I loved the luggage tags one, we always have hard-time recognizing our luggage :D
ReplyDeleteTotally pinning this! I can never figure out what to put in my husbands. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteOh wow, so much tonchocie. Definitely saving this one. I always have a hard time picking stuff for stockings.
ReplyDeleteLots of great ideas here! I was desperately looking for ideas for my husband's stocking.
ReplyDeleteI love this list! With us toning down the holidays this year we had decided JUST stockings. There were some really great ideas thanks.
ReplyDeleteSuch a clever, original, and expansive listing! Thanks for this great list. I love so many of your ideas, and - I just gotta say - RECYCLED FLIP FLOP BRACELETS??? How cool is that!
ReplyDeleteThese are some fabulous ideas. I’ve really been struggling on the stocking front this year.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a fun list of stocking stuffer ideas, some great ideas for what to put in my hubby's stocking this year.
ReplyDeleteI always do a stocking for my best friend, my mom, and my hubby. We've all become more Eco conscious over the years and this list is so helpful! Definitely coming back ASAP to make some purchases!
ReplyDelete