5 Thoughtful Gifts for the Eco-Conscious Traveler

Looking for a last-minute, perfect gift for the travel enthusiast in your life? (Self-gifting counts!) This list of practical, sustainable and adventure-ready items have the potential to enhance any trip while supporting an eco-friendly lifestyle. Give a gift that aligns with their passion for responsible travel.

See below for some unique recommendations & where to find them:

#1: Solar Powered Portable Charger

Why We Love Them: Digital nomads, hardcore hikers or anyone flirting with exploring off the grid needs a high-quality source of juice that’s not dependent on an electrical outlet. Harnessing the limitless power of the sun ensures that phones, laptops, bluetooth headphones or other devices stay powered up!

Eco Factor: Solar energy is a clean, renewable source of power that reduces reliance on traditional electricity and disposable batteries, helping to minimize your traveler’s carbon footprint. Choose a quality charger, and it will last through all of your adventures for years to come!

Recommended Brand or Product: Goal Zero

#2: Zero Waste Travel Toiletries Kit

Why We Love Them: In this case, all the things that make a toiletry kit eco-friendly also happen to make it perfect for travel: lightweight, compact, with no excess to lug through airport security or cram into the trunk of a car or under a bus, and ideal for reducing waste while on the go. You can hand-pick items to create a kit specific to the recipient (curl-friendly conditioner, for example) or buy ready made for the no-frills adventurer.

Eco Factor: A set of solid toiletries makes packing easier and more sustainable. Swap annoying bottles for solid products–shampoo and conditioner bars, toothpaste tablets–and opt for a bag made of fair trade certified or recycled materials. Cap it all off with a biodegradable toothbrush!

Recommended Brand or Product: Ethique Shampoo or Conditioner Bar, TerraThread Toiletry Bag, Zero Waste Outlet Oral Care Kit

#3: Planet-Friendly Luggage

Why We Love It: A durable, lightweight and sustainable carry-on bag is essential for any traveler. Look for luggage made from recycled or eco-conscious materials that combine functionality with long-lasting design.

Eco Factor: It used to be that a luggage set would last a person a lifetime! To avoid replacing your set, go for high quality to reduce the waste of broken or worn-out bags and accessories. Look for luggage made from recycled plastics or biodegradable components.

Recommended Brand or Product: Quince Eco Compression Packing Cubes, or read a full “Sustainable Luggage List” from The Good Trade here

#4: Lightweight & Packable Rain Jacket

Why We Love Them: A well-functioning, truly waterproof rain shell is an absolute must for any traveler! Rain happens in virtually every corner of the world, and in some climates, daily downpours are the norm. Light, packable jackets take up very little precious backpack real estate and can be layered over a fleece in cooler weather or a tank top in steamier climes.

Eco Factor: A high quality rain shell can last years, if not decades, with the proper care. This is one category where you certainly get what you pay for! Many brands such as Patagonia (a fellow B-Corp!), Girlfriend Collective, and Tentree use recycled materials, sponsor buy-back programs and/or have otherwise pledged to stringent climate-friendly practices.

Recommended Brand or Product: Patagonia Packable Rain Jackets

#5: Travel Gift Certificate

Why We Love Them: Instead of a physical item, a gift certificate for travel-related experiences or future trips gives the recipient the freedom to choose their next adventure—whether it’s a weekend getaway, guided tour or a unique activity.

Eco Factor: Experience gifts have the potential to be as eco-friendly as you wish! Promote sustainable and local tourism, reducing the environmental impact of mass tourism, or support a small business or provider in your local community.

Recommended Brand or Product: Discover Corps, of course! With trips as close as the US (hello, Alaska!) or as far as South Africa, there’s something for everyone at DC 🙂


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