In the mood for shopping or crafting something extra special this Mother’s Day? Consider finding sustainable Mother’s Day gifts. Shopping and creating with sustainability in mind can benefit both our planet and the lucky recipient.
From handmade gifts that use repurposed materials to organic clothing; there are so many options! And shopping sustainably shows your mom just how much she is appreciated while at the same time conserving resources.
Posts feature partner companies & may be sponsored. Post contains affiliate links & I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Table of Contents
What makes a gift sustainable?
Sustainable gifts are those that adhere to the 6 R’s of Sustainability. When looking for sustainable Mother’s Day gifts consider items with a low environmental impact or those that are made of natural materials.
Sometimes it isn’t always as easy as just reading the label. You might have to dig deeper and do some research. Were those natural essential oils sourced from sustainably harvested herbs and flowers?
Sure that yoga mat comes in fun colors but is it made from recycled plastic water bottles and is it BPA-free? Things can get complicated.
But, remember, there is no such thing as completely and totally sustainable. Just look for a few redeeming qualities and check out the gift guide below for inspiration.
✯Don’t want to miss the next post?✯
Follow Turning the Clock Back on Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Or join the private Facebook group for simple tips on going green!
How to Have an Eco-Friendly Mother’s Day
Want to treat mom to a few things that ALSO align with your (or HER) sustainable living goals? Here are some eco-friendly alternatives to common gift ideas.
Shop second-hand for pre-loved items to make your gift unique
Shopping second-hand for Mother’s Day is not only a unique and thoughtful approach but also an eco-friendly way to celebrate the special day.
With a plethora of options available online, you can conveniently find pre-loved items that are in great condition. While shopping online does require shipping, you also don’t have to spend time driving all over looking for the perfect gift.
With a thoughtful gift from an online thrift store, you can save money and keep an item out of the landfill.
Shopping second-hand helps reduce textile waste, lowers the demand for natural resources, and minimizes the carbon emissions of the fashion industry.
Plus, every piece has a story to tell. This gives you an opportunity to present your mum with a truly unique and one-of-a-kind Mother’s Day gift that she will cherish for years to come.
Make something special
An excellent way to show your mom some love and appreciation is by preparing her a homemade gift. Crafting a gift doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. In addition, the personal touch you add is sure to make her feel special.
There are endless possibilities for creating sustainable Mother’s Day gifts at home. You could make a photo album with precious memories of you both or knit her a comfy scarf to keep her warm during chilly winter months.
Perhaps you could whip up a batch of my DIY lavender oatmeal milk bath to help her unwind after a stressful day. The options are endless, and the key is to keep in mind what your mom loves and appreciates.
A homemade present from the heart is a thoughtful and meaningful way to share your love and gratitude for your mom.
And if YOU aren’t the crafty sort, maybe you know someone who is. Check out your local farmers market for crafters who are selling handmade goods. Skip the big corporations this month and buy eco-friendly Mother’s Day gifts from a small business or individual.
Get her a beautiful gift box filled with a mug, cozy socks, sea salt caramels, and more. You can find one made by a small business owner on Etsy. Buy it on Etsy now!
Opt for organic flowers instead of farmed ones
When it comes to beautiful blooms, there’s no doubt that organic flowers are the way to go. Unlike their farmed counterparts, organic flowers are grown without the use of pesticides or synthetic fertilizers.
This means that not only are they better for the environment, but they’re also better for you. Non-organic flowers often contain trace amounts of harmful chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled, which isn’t exactly ideal for something that’s meant to bring joy and happiness.
Plus, organic flowers are often grown using more sustainable practices, which means that they’re better for the planet in the long run.
All in all, if you want to ensure that your flowers are as lovely on the outside as they are on the inside, go organic. Who wants harsh chemicals on their flowers, right?
If organic isn’t available near you, look to see if you can find locally grown flowers at your local farmer’s market. Buying local means your mom’s flowers weren’t shipped halfway across the globe on a plane to get to her.
Choose eco-friendly packaging
Choosing eco-friendly packaging for your Mother’s Day gifts is not only a responsible choice, but it can also be a thoughtful gesture for the planet and your mom.
Traditional packaging materials, such as plastic and Styrofoam, can take years to degrade and can cause harm to the environment.
By opting for eco-friendly packaging, you are also showing your mother that you care about her, and the world she lives in.
Eco-friendly packaging can include sustainable materials such as recycled paper or biodegradable products that can decompose easily, ensuring a minimal impact on the environment.
By making this small yet significant change in your gift-giving tradition, you are also creating awareness for environmental consciousness, and that small choices can make a significant difference.
Give experiences
Finding the perfect Mother’s Day gift can be a daunting task, however, experience gifts are a fantastic option for moms who value memories more than material possessions.
From cooking classes to spa treatments and hot air balloon rides, there are endless experiences to choose from.
Moms who love nature and adventure might enjoy a guided hike or kayak trip. Those who appreciate fine cuisine would appreciate a wine-tasting or cooking lesson.
Experience gifts are not only enjoyable but provide an opportunity to try something new and exciting.
By giving an experience gift, you are not only giving a gift but creating unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
Want to make it even more memorable? Buy an experience gift for TWO and go with her. Time spent with loved ones is the best gift of all.
Shop for gifts that are ethically sourced
When it comes to finding the perfect sustainable Mother’s Day gifts, it’s crucial to consider where and how the product is made.
Ethically sourced gifts not only make her feel special, but they also support fair trade and sustainability.
Look for companies that prioritize responsible sourcing and ensure their workers are treated fairly. Whether you opt for a handmade artisanal piece or a sustainable beauty product, there are numerous options available.
Be sure to do your research and read up on a brand’s mission statement and values to ensure that your purchase aligns with your ethical standards. Look for a Certified B Corporation to get started.
With an ethically sourced gift, you can give mom a present with a purpose that also helps support a better world.
Make a donation to an organization in your mother’s name
Making a donation in honor of your mother can be a wonderful way to show your appreciation and love for her while also contributing to a worthy cause.
Not only does it benefit the organization receiving the donation, but it also serves as a meaningful tribute to someone who has played a significant role in your life.
Whether you choose to donate to a charity that was important to your mother or to one that aligns with her values, the act of giving back in her name can be a way to carry on her legacy and create a positive impact in the world.
By making a donation, you can show your mother that her love and guidance will continue to be felt for years to come.
Gift your mom a houseplant
Houseplants have a multitude of benefits that extend beyond just their aesthetic appeal. They can improve air quality by removing toxins and adding oxygen to the atmosphere, which can lead to better overall health.
In addition to improving air quality, houseplants have been shown to reduce stress levels and increase productivity. They also have the ability to boost mood and decrease the risk of illness.
Furthermore, caring for houseplants can have therapeutic effects and serve as a fulfilling hobby. With the variety of benefits that houseplants offer, it’s no wonder they have become such a popular addition to homes and offices alike. They make a great sustainable Mother’s Day gift idea!
Create a homemade card using recycled materials
Homemade cards are a perfect way to show your love and appreciation for the most special woman in your life.
Crafting a homemade card provides a perfect outlet to express your gratitude and emotions from the heart.
So, grab your supplies and let your creativity fly high. With a little bit of effort and a lot of love, you can create a beautiful card that will make your mom feel loved and cherished.
Buy her reusable items
In an effort to lead more sustainable lives, many people are turning to reusable items as a way to reduce waste.
Giving a reusable item as a gift is not only practical, but it can also help promote eco-friendly habits.
You could put together a fabulous Mother’s Day gift basket full of sustainable items. Here are some popular reusable items to consider when gift-giving:
- Stainless steel water bottles. They are dishwasher-safe and a great gift for on-the-go moms. Check out these unique personalized insulated stainless steel water bottles.
- Beeswax wraps. Great for moms who like to pack their own lunches for work. Check out Etsy for Certified Food Safe wax wraps in a variety of patterns.
- Reusable cloth produce bags. Look for ones made of organic cotton.
- Silicone food storage bags. These make life easier for moms with small children. Reusable storage bags are great for carrying around snacks for kids.
- Microwave-safe heating pad. Perfect for moms who need a little bit of self-care. Especially after a few hours of gardening!
- Homemade ice packs are a great gift for moms who suffer from frequent hot flashes.
These items not only eliminate the need for single-use plastic, but they can also save the recipient money in the long run.
By opting for reusable items, you can give a gift that keeps on giving while also showing your commitment to sustainability.
Jewelry Made from Repurposed Materials
Upcycling has become increasingly popular over the years and for good reason. It’s a great way to repurpose materials and reduce waste.
When it comes to jewelry, there are endless possibilities. Upcycling jewelry not only creates unique, personalized pieces, but it also benefits the planet.
From turning old buttons into earrings to reusing broken chains to make a new bracelet, upcycled jewelry gifts are not only fashionable but eco-conscious as well.
By gifting upcycled jewelry, you’re not only showing your loved ones you care, but you’re also helping to reduce the amount of waste in the world.
If you aren’t crafty at jewelry making, there are a few upcycled jewelry gifts you can check out on Etsy that your mom or grandmother might enjoy. I personally think the upcycled book earrings are incredibly unique! Check out my post about ethically sourced jewelry for more information.
Choose Artisan or Fairtrade Chocolate
One of my all-time favorite sustainable Mother’s Day gifts is chocolate. Yes, CHOCOLATE can be sustainable! The Fair Trade Federation has rules and regulations that govern exactly how a product is created. Choosing fair-trade chocolate for Mother’s Day helps both the recipient and the farmers who grew the cocoa beans.
By buying fair-trade chocolate, you are promoting ethical business practices and supporting farmers who are paid fair wages for their labor. This ensures that they can provide for their families and communities.
Fairtrade standards also prohibit child labor, forced labor, and discrimination, so you can feel good about the impact your purchase has on Mother Earth. Not to mention, fair trade chocolate often tastes just as good if not better than non-fair trade options.
So, this Mother’s Day, consider gifting a sweet treat that not only shows your love and appreciation but also helps create a more just and sustainable world. Head over to my post on artisanal chocolate and see how it stacks up to the mass-produced stuff.
Look for sustainable subscription services
When it comes to finding the perfect Mother’s Day gift, subscription boxes have become increasingly popular. But with so many options out there, how do you choose one that aligns with sustainability?
The good news is that there are plenty of subscription boxes out there that prioritize eco-friendly and ethical practices.
Look for boxes that use recyclable packaging, prioritize fair trade and cruelty-free products, or even donate a portion of the proceeds to environmental causes. A truly sustainable gift box uses eco-friendly materials for both the gifts as well as the packaging.
By choosing a sustainable subscription box, not only are you giving Mom a thoughtful and unique gift, but you’re also supporting businesses that are making a positive impact on the planet.
Check out Verdant Tea’s Tea of the Month club. Shop on their website if your mom is a tea lover!
Final Thoughts
If this gift guide teaches you anything, I hope you learn that less is more and that choosing something small that mom likes is better than going big on something she doesn’t need or want.
Choose organic ingredients, or treat her to a spa day at home with bath products made in small batches. Give her a secondhand book you know she’ll love to tuck in her organic cotton tote bag. You will find tons of ideas in the Etsy Mother’s Day Gift Guide.
Climate change is real and buying an eco-friendly gift for mom with the planet in mind is a win-win situation for everyone. If you have any other sustainable Mother’s Day gifts you’d like to share, leave me a comment!
Diane is a professional blogger and nationally certified pharmacy technician at Good Pill Pharmacy. She earned her BS in Microbiology at the University of New Hampshire and has worked in cancer research, academics, and biotechnology. Concern over the growing incidence of human disease and the birth of her children led her to begin living a more natural life. She quickly realized that the information she was learning along the way could be beneficial to many others and started blogging and freelance writing to share this knowledge with others. Learn more about her HERE.