GreenBirdi

The holiday season is here, and with it, your opportunity to not only choose gifts for many of the people you love most, but also a chance to make a big difference. Small gifts can have a greater impact than you think, especially when you choose eco-friendly gifts for your friends and loved ones.

Eco-friendly gifts are not only environmentally sustainable, but they may also focus on social sustainability. You can shop in a way that reflects your values, choosing gifts that will not only warm hearts but also have a positive impact. At GreenBirdi, our mission is to support women, Indigenous peoples, and marginalized communities, and we've curated a list of stocking stuffers that will delight your recipients while meeting those goals, from skincare products, candles, and yummy treats to eco-friendly cleaning supplies.

Why Choose Eco-Friendly Stocking Stuffers?

Traditional holiday giving often has an immense environmental impact. Across Canada, households generate an estimated 25% more waste during the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year's. Much of that waste ends up in landfills. By choosing sustainable, ethical, and Canadian-made products, you can reap several benefits.

• Decrease your overall environmental impact.

• Feel good about your gifts.

• Support small businesses and marginalized creators.

Not only that, choosing your gifts with care, including asking recipients what they want or choosing items that you know reflect their values and needs, can help ensure that the gifts themselves aren't being wasted. Almost half of Canadians report pretending to be overjoyed with an unwanted gift, which can significantly increase overall waste. Thoughtful small gifts can create meaningful change this holiday season, not just in the gifts you're giving, but also in the new traditions you create with your friends and loved ones that reflect your values. 

Earth-Friendly Stocking Stuffers for Self-Care Lovers

Self-care is an important part of many people's holiday traditions, and at GreenBirdi, we offer a variety of earth-friendly options perfect for stuffing stockings or creating gift baskets for friends and family. 

• Eco-conscious skincare minis: From the Moringa + Seaweed hydrating facial mask, which uses plant-based ingredients to nourish dry or dull skin, to the Day Serum from Nuez Acres, with its pecan oil and vitamin E composition, there are plenty of great skincare minis ideal for every stocking.

• Sustainable bath bombs, soaps, and more: Relaxing in the bath at the end of the day is a time-honoured self-care tradition. Check out the Fern Woman Bath Bomb, which focuses on plant-based ingredients, or Body Wash and Bubbles from Anointment Natural Skin Care, a vegan-friendly bath and body product for babies on up.

• Aromatherapy rollers or essential oils: Explore magnesium rollers for calm and clarity, or explore our collection of aromatic bath and body products, all sourced responsibly. 

With so many options, you're sure to find a self-care product that will delight your loved ones. 

Zero-Waste Essentials That Make Everyday Life Greener

Many single-use products significantly increase overall waste year-round. Increasingly, however, there are zero-waste options that make it easy to avoid that waste and, in many cases, they're more convenient than their single-use counterparts. Consider some of these options as you stuff stockings for your loved ones.

• Beeswax wraps or eco-friendly food wraps.

• Stainless steel or bamboo straws

• Refillable lip balms or solid lotions (or lip balms in biodegradable packages like this one from CoCaBee)

• Compact reusable shopping bags

Identify where your loved ones create waste and choose gifts tailored to those needs. 

Wellness-Inspired Gifts to Brighten the Season

This year, with stress levels high and many people unsure how they'll manage everything, consider giving the gift of wellness! Try out options like:

• Herbal teas from women-led or Indigenous brands like JusTea, which supports a Women's Herbal Tea Co-Op in Kenya

• Natural sleep aids or calming sprays

• Sustainable candles or incense, including options like RavenSong, which uses sustainable coconut wax and sustainable ingredients

• Journals made from recycled materials

Focus on nurturing mental health during the holidays and choose gifts for your loved ones that will keep on giving throughout the year.

Beauty + Skincare Gifts That Are Good for the Planet

Beauty and skincare gifts don't have to be harmful, either to the planet or to the overall health and wellness of the person using them. In fact, there are a variety of beauty products chosen with sustainability in mind. 

• Clean beauty kits, including options like our Radiance and Renewal Holiday Bundle

• Organic facial masks or exfoliators like the Oat + Niacinamide Restorative Facial Mask Powder from The Eco Alchemist

• Eco-friendly hair ties or scrunchies

• Plant-based nail polishes

Look for cruelty-free formulas and ethical sourcing when choosing your products. At GreenBirdi, we do the research and vet products for you, so you know you're getting ones that align with your values. 

For Teens, Men, and the Hard-to-Shop-For

Everyone has someone on their list who's hard to shop for. Fortunately, this list includes options for even the toughest recipients. Try:

• Minimalist wallets made from recycled materials

• Organic snacks or chocolate (Check out our Sip, Snack, and Savor Holiday Bundle or look at options like Roxy's Chocolate)

• Sustainable tech accessories, including solar-powered chargers, biodegradable phone cases, and more

• Multi-use tools or compact eco-gadgets that users can carry everywhere. 

Eco-gifting is a universal principle for every holiday gift, and you might be surprised by how many of your friends and family appreciate these efforts.

Build Your Own Eco-Friendly Stocking Stuffer Bundle

As you're stuffing stockings this year, we have holiday bundles in a variety of themes that will help you fill stockings or give spectacular gifts to everyone on your list. However, if those don't fit your needs, you can build your own! Try some of these great options. 

Self-Care and Spa Night

Give the gift of relaxation with items like:

• Shower steamers

• Bubble bath

• Dead Sea Mud Mask

• Facial mask brush

• Earth and Sea Bath Gift Box

Eco-Kitchen Starter Pack

For friends and loved ones who are just getting started in their own kitchens or are interested in more eco-friendly options, try some of these fantastic stocking stuffers. 

• Eco-friendly Dish Brush

• Tea Towels

• Solid Dish Soap

• Hand-Carved Salad Serving Spoons

• Tea Infuser

Mindfulness + Wellness Set

Improve overall wellness and mindfulness with items designed to encourage self-care and reflection. 

• Made with Local Granola Bars

• Crown Relief Aromatic Magnesium Roller

• Body Oil

• Soap Buttons

• Shower Steamers

Give Gifts That Matter

This holiday season, give gifts that matter, not just randomly chosen gifts, but gifts that fit your values and those of your recipients. At GreenBirdi, we focus on empowering sustainability through products carefully curated to reflect those values. Browse our eco-friendly stocking stuffers and gift collections to find gifts that fit everyone on your list. To receive free shipping on your first order and other perks, join our flock.

It's the most festive time of the year, and you're ready to celebrate! Unfortunately, many traditional holiday practices are filled with potential waste: excess packaging, single-use decorations, and even food waste. If you're on a sustainability journey whether you've been at it for a while or getting started, you may need some ways to reduce that waste and ensure that the holidays don't mean piles of waste all without sacrificing the magic of the season. Check out these practical tips that you can use to increase sustainability this year.

1. Decorate Sustainably

There are plenty of incredible eco-friendly decorations available. Consider wooden, glass, or cloth ornaments, which are more likely to withstand the ravages of time and remain on your tree for years to come. Consider looking into DIY decorations: choose natural materials like pinecones, oranges, and cinnamon sticks to create beautiful (and great smelling!) holiday decor without breaking the bank. As you expand your holiday decorations, consider options you can store for next year. Avoid single-use plastics and other items you know won't make it back out of the attic next year (or, worse, end up in the trash at the end of the season). 

2. Plan a Zero Waste Feast

For many families, the holiday season is all about incredible food that you don't get to enjoy the rest of the year. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can use to decrease food waste, even when there's an overabundance on the table. 

Shop Smart

Eco-friendly holiday meals start with your shopping list. First, plan to shop local whenever you can, and use seasonal ingredients as the base for your holiday meals. Next, plan to buy only what you need. Avoid overstocking on items just because they're on sale, especially if you don't have a plan for using them later. This is also a great time to scrap that traditional dish that no one in the family eats. 

Reduce Food Waste

Planning can help you reduce food waste and make the most of your favourite holiday dishes. 

• Meal plan: Plan not only the holiday meal, but also what you'll do with the leftovers! Having a clear plan in place can make it easier to ensure that everything gets used. 

• Freeze the leftovers: If you know you won't be able to finish them before they go bad, freeze them! You can even freeze items as individual servings, making them easy to pop out of the freezer for simple meals in January and beyond. Holiday treats and baked goods can also be frozen for future use.

• Compost: For scraps and items that are no longer edible, try composting! The scraps can nourish your garden next year. 

These simple strategies can go a long way toward ensuring that you use all the holiday food you've prepared. 

Use Sustainable Tableware

One of the simplest swaps can make some of the most significant differences over the holiday season: using reusable plates, cutlery, and napkins instead of disposable products for your holiday meals. You can always do the dishes together after your meal!

3. Try Out Eco-Friendly Holiday Cards

Holiday cards can create a lot of paper waste. Digital cards, whether via apps or e-cards, can help save a significant amount of paper over the holiday season. You can also use recycled paper cards or cards made from plantable seed paper to stick with this popular tradition without creating a lot of paper waste. If you're avoiding the usual holiday cards and the excessive waste that will go along with them, consider short, handwritten notes to the people who mean the most to you this holiday season. 

4. Engage in Mindful Holiday Activities

Materialism often runs rampant over the holidays. Everyone has an extensive gift list, not to mention the need to pick up the latest goodies from every store running a sale or special. Try prioritizing experience over materialism. Try volunteering together as a family, going for nature outings, or enjoying family game nights.

Remember, it doesn't have to be all about excess, either. Look for options that provide meaningful rituals for you and your family, rather than excessive consumption. Going for a ride together to enjoy holiday lights can open opportunities for connection and communication, while volunteering together is a great way to give back to your local community and feel a more profound sense of connection. 

The Beauty of Community Sharing

As you increase your focus on mindfulness, look for ways to connect with members of the local community and share what you have with one another. Swapping gifts, clothing, and decorations with neighbours and friends can keep things fresh and new without increasing your costs, not to mention giving unwanted items new life.

5. Explore These Waste-Free Wrapping and Packaging Tips

Gift packaging can generate significant unnecessary waste. Fortunately, there are several ways you can try waste-free packaging. 

Gift Wrapping Alternatives

Instead of using wrapping paper, a one-time-use item that can lead to considerable waste in many households, try some of these alternatives. 

• Reusable fabric wraps (furoshiki)

• Fabric scarves or tea towels as wraps

• Recycled paper

• Baskets

These simple changes can make a big difference in the amount of waste your packaging generates. 

Natural Adornments

Instead of using expensive one-time-use bows, try using natural items! Twine, sprigs of evergreen, or dried fruit can all make great gift adornments, making your packages stand out without increasing waste.

6. Rethink Your Gift-Giving

The way you give gifts can have a substantial impact on holiday waste. Fortunately, there are several ways you can give gifts that will not increase waste or end up in a landfill before you know it. 

Sustainable Gifts

Focus on sustainability when you choose gifts for those closest to you! Try:

• Handmade gifts, especially if you have a hobby or craft that you're good at

• Experiences, from bigger gifts like theme park tickets to smaller gifts like a trip out for ice cream

• Digital gifts, including games, funds to popular gaming sites, or access to websites or programs the recipient uses regularly

These items often involve far less waste than store-bought gifts and often last far longer. 

Second Hand Gifts

In many cases, second hand gifts can be more valuable than new items. Upcycled presents and thrifted items can be surprisingly well-received, and many of those older items are in better shape than the items you can buy new. Vintage treasures can also often bring unexpected smiles. 

Shop GreenBirdi

If you're looking for sustainable, eco-friendly gift items, check out GreenBirdi. Our products have been GreenBirdi approved and are eco-friendly, so you can feel confident that you have chosen gifts that will wow your friends and family, and are better for the environment. Check out our holiday bundles to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list, whether you're looking for delicious treats, bath and body items, or a little something for your furry friends, or shop by category to find items ranging from bath and body to stickers, blankets, and more. 

Reduce Your Waste This Holiday Season

As the holiday season approaches, there are plenty of strategies you can use to reduce waste while keeping the magic alive. From choosing your gifts with care to packaging them with sustainable practices rather than disposable gift wrap, there are many little ways you can make a difference. If this is your first year planning an eco-friendly holiday, pick a couple of strategies from our list and expand them as the years go by. Some of them might even become your new favourite traditions!

If you’ve ever looked at one of our stickers and thought, “Wow… this is giving feminist-fairy-godmother energy,” you’re not wrong. That’s because they came from the brilliant mind of Victoria-based artist, graphic designer, illustrator, and all-around creative powerhouse Meaghan Lovis.

Meaghan graduated from Concordia University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Distinction. Since then, she’s racked up awards for both printmaking and digital art, and has worked with artists and companies across Canada. But honestly, the reason we love her isn’t just because she’s wildly talented; it’s because of who she is.

Saying “No Thanks” to Hustle Culture

In the summer of 2023, Meaghan launched Phaest, a small but mighty brand built on personal agency, empowerment, and the joy of taking art off the page and into everyday life through apparel and accessories. Phaest is woman-powered, community-minded, and deliciously anti–grind culture. After too many experiences in creative environments that prized productivity over well-being, Meaghan decided she was done with it and set out on her own to create a business rooted in conscious spending, transparency, and genuinely ethical and& sustainable production (her totes are made by a company that runs on 90% solar energy!).

All of Meaghan’s apparel materials meet OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, meaning every component is tested – and free of – more than 1,000 harmful substances. Her garments are produced in WRAP-certified facilities that partner with the Fair Labor Association, ensuring ethical labour practices, safe working conditions, and a clean, responsible supply chain.

A Queer Woman Changing the Industry From the Inside

As a queer woman in a deeply male-dominated space, Meaghan brings a voice, vision, and lived experience that the design world needs a lot more of.

Her queer identity in business gives her the chance to be open, generous, and collaborative in a field that tends to encourage secrecy and gatekeeping around success. As a successful entrepreneur, Meaghan believes in sharing knowledge, supporting others, and breaking down barriers that discourage transparency and pressure people to keep their achievements behind closed doors.

The Art: Whimsical, Subversive & Perfectly Phaest

Meaghan’s style blends her traditional fine-arts background with digital design, creating pieces that feel like they’re floating between enchanting and provocative. Expect soft, endearing imagery on the surface with feminist bite just underneath.

This blend is exactly why her work translates so beautifully into our sticker collab. They’re sweet, empowering, a little cheeky, and very “stick this on your water bottle so everyone knows you support cool women doing cool things.”

Why We Chose Meaghan (And Why We’d Do It Again)

At GreenBirdi, we partner with businesses and makers who align with our values: community care, ethical production, cultural respect, and small-business magic. Meaghan does all of that and brings a refreshing honesty and tenderness to the way she builds her business.

Working with her has felt like collaborating with a friend… someone who cares just as deeply about the meaning behind the work as she does about the art itself.

Check Out the Sticker Collab

Our Phaest x GreenBirdi stickers are dreamy, bold, ethical, and ready to be lovingly slapped onto laptops, journals, water bottles & bumpers everywhere (they’re outdoor-proof!).

Shop your values and our sticker collection.

Author: Olivia Tognela

Is your t-shirt bad for the planet? The answer is likely yes. Most of what we wear in fast fashion is made in ways which don't support the environment or community. Clothing is shipped long distances, resulting in high energy use and emissions. It is often made in low-income countries in sweatshops, resulting in exploitation. And then, at the end of its life, it usually ends up in a landfill. Sometimes, before then, if somebody ends up with something that doesn't fit.

There are things you can do, including recycling clothing, but upcycling and thrifting can make a huge difference. Not only that, but it can help you achieve a more unique look, rather than feeling as if you are wearing what a fashion marketer decided you wanted.

What is Upcycling and Why Does it Matter?

First, upcycling is not the same thing as recycling. Recycling is reducing textiles into parts and then reusing those materials. Upcycling is using parts of an item of clothing in different ways.

Waste is a significant issue. 6% of the discarded plastics in Canada are textiles or apparel. And that is only the plastic; it doesn't count natural fibres that may also have been discarded. With new apparel production having a high carbon footprint about 10% of global carbon emissions it's imperative to reuse more textiles.

Upcycling is a creative and fun way to do that. You can upcycle clothes into art or for all kinds of other purposes. Textiles that can't be used for anything else are good as cleaning rags. Having a rag basket for completely worn-out clothing is old-fashioned, but valuable, and can save paper.

The Magic of Thrifting - Treasure Hunting for Style

Older clothes are often better made than current fast fashion. Shopping second hand not only helps the environment but also allows you to buy better clothes for less money. Some thrift stores are non-profits and can help the community. Others encourage people to sell their unwanted clothes rather than throwing them away.

You do need to be smart when thrifting. Many donated clothes are not in good condition. Here are some tips for smart thrifting:

1. If you find a fantastic item that doesn't quite fit, consider upcycling, getting it tailored, or even learning to make simple alterations yourself.

2. Know what materials last the longest. Ballistic nylon lasts the longest, but it is not typically what you will find. Polyester and nylon are the most durable, as are cotton polyester blends. Don't dismiss that lovely wool but know that it might not last as long (wool should also be washed less frequently). Denim is also durable because of its twill weave.

3. Know where to shop. Local thrift stores are often the best option because you can try things on and examine them closely. Online marketplaces are a little riskier but can provide good deals.

Thrifting supports your community and reduces demand for new production, so it's great for the environment. It's also fantastic for your style, giving you access to pieces that aren't "in style this week" but "in style for you."

Upcycling Ideas to Transform Your Wardrobe

Think about the t-shirt we mentioned at the start. T-shirts often wear out in the armpits or around the collar, and many are discarded while still having their screen-printed art intact. You can collect a bunch of old t-shirts, cut the art, and sew them together into a quilt. If you have something sentimental, such as an old band shirt, you can even frame it.

Another way to upcycle is to repair things in ways that look cool. A torn pair of jeans can be mended. Or it can be patched with cloth cut from another worn-out item of clothing, with intentional contrast.

Have a shirt that is no longer well-fitting let's say your size went up, but it didn't. Cut complementary fabric, open the side seams, and expand it. This is also a way to turn your favourite shirt into a maternity shirt.

Worn-out knit sweaters can be turned into scarves, cowls, or even mittens. Old t-shirts can also be knotted into headbands or bracelets. There are all kinds of ways to change the size of clothing, repair it, or use it to make other things.

You can also swap out buttons. A new shirt with plain buttons might pop better if you switch them for the sparkly ones on a worn-out shirt. Jeans that are now more worn than is fashionable? Crop them into shorts. Denim also makes great bags, especially if you add some pretty embroidery.

Faded clothing can be revived with dye, which is easy to do yourself. You can also consider dyeing that gift from someone who knew your size, but not one you would never wear in that shade of pink. Dyeing is also a good way to turn a thrifted item into something you will genuinely love.

And don't forget that you can combine upcycling and thrifting. Thrift an item that's too small and then use upcycled fabric to enlarge it. Or combine a vintage dress with modern accessories for a unique look.

Sustainable Style on Any Budget

Eco-fashion can seem expensive, but it really isn't. Fast fashion is cheaper in the long run because flimsy clothing wears out quickly, not to mention the cost of buying something. After all, it's the closest you can find, and then you never actually wear it because it wasn't what you wanted. Fast fashion is one-size-fits-all, and that is not how people work.

If you aren't sure where to start, set yourself a sustainable style challenge and get some accountability from your friends. Say, put together one thrifted outfit per month. Or pull one piece of worn clothing and do something with it.

Second hand clothing is of higher quality for the same price, and upcycling can reduce the amount of clothing you buy, and in the long term, you might even save money.

How GreenBirdi Supports Conscious Living

Our mission at GreenBirdi is to promote sustainability, equality, and empowerment. Upcycling and thrifting support our mission by protecting the environment and reducing demand for fast fashion, which is often produced in sweatshops. This all goes hand in hand with our fantastic range of curated beauty products that will help you shine.

Small items make huge differences. Thrift clothing, supporting women-led brands, and choosing eco-conscious products are more effective than you think. Join the flock to create collective change.

Fashion that Feeds the Soul (and Saves the Planet)

Fashion doesn't have to be cookie-cutter. It can be expressive and ethical, and entirely you, while still being affordable on any budget. Do you have neat looks that are thrifted, upcycled, or both? Share them on social media with the hashtag #GreenBirdiStyle to show off your look and inspire others.

Style shines brighter when it's kind to the planet and it's better for you, too. Make simple changes and look good today and tomorrow and check out GreenBirdi's range of beauty products to complete your ethical, eco-conscious look.