Here’s the best list of eco-friendly Mother’s Day gifts. Show your mom how much she means to you with a recycled or upcycled gift, and save mother nature as well.
Who’s the one person that will always have your back, listen to you complain for hours, provide a shoulder to cry on, and always cheer you on? Your mom.
If your mom is anything like mine, she’s been saving that first picture you drew of her at age three like it’s a priceless masterpiece, when in reality, it’s just some lines and circles.
Now it’s time to show her some appreciation.
But, what about our mother nature?
After all, our planet is a mother and a home to us all.
This Mother’s Day, let’s show our appreciation and gratitude to both. Here’s my ultimate list of eco-friendly Mother’s Day gifts to show your mom how much she means to you without harming the environment.
Note: GreenCitizen editorial team reviews the products independently with extensive research. This post contains affiliate links and we may earn affiliate commissionsif you purchase anything using our links. Check our complete affiliate disclosure for more information.
What Makes a Gift Eco-Friendly?
An eco-friendly gift comes in so many shapes, sizes, origins, and materials that it’s never been easier to shop conscientiously.
Keep in mind, an eco-friendly Mother’s Day gift doesn’t need to have all of these characteristics. Even one is enough to make your gift better for the environment.
1. Plastic Free
Plastic is an unavoidable fact of life, but it’s extremely polluting. Did you know that 8 million pieces of plastic are thrown into the ocean every day? It floats on the surface and kills sea life.
Only 9% of plastic is recycled. 79% is sent to the landfill, and 12% is incinerated, which creates air pollution.
To make matters better, not worse, choose plastic-free gifts. This can include glass, bamboo, stainless steel, or any other material that can be repurposed or composted.
2. Hazardous Material Free
Hazardous materials are all materials that harm human health and the environment. This can include paints, acids, batteries, oil, and many more.
When choosing Mother’s Day gifts, go for eco-friendly alternatives.
For example, if your mom likes to paint, get her non-toxic and water-based paints. Or, if you want to get her a gift that includes batteries, go for a solar-powered one.
This isn’t only better for the environment, but it’s safer for the most important person in your life.
3. Company/Brand Has an Eco-Conscious Mission Statement
The general rule is: the bigger the corporation, the worse their effect on the environment. Luckily, this is starting to change nowadays. Big corporations are difficult to avoid, but you can buy from those dedicated to helping the environment.
For example, if you’re shopping online, check if the company has carbon-neutral delivery.
Or avoid big corporations altogether. Instead, choose a small independent maker. Check if any local brands have sustainable production processes where you live, such as a winemaker (what mom doesn’t love wine). This way, you’ll support a small business and have a gift of the highest quality.
4. The Product Helps Someone to Live a Sustainable Life
I’m sure you know your mom pretty well. Think about gifts that will truly contribute and make her life easier. Don’t give her something she already has or another useless card.
Instead, choose a gift that will help her live a more sustainable or waste-free life. This can be a cookbook on cooking leftovers, eco-friendly cosmetics, or anything that may inspire her to live more sustainably.
5. Made of Recycled/Upcycled Materials
Gifts made of recycled or upcycled materials are among the most eco-friendly you can get.
These products have a low impact on the environment, and the good thing is that there’s a huge offer to choose from. Just check Amazon for some ideas, and you’ll find everything from recycled activewear to Jenga.
Plus, these gifts can also help your mom have a more sustainable way of life.
6. Reusable/Biodegradable/Recyclable
Finally, if you need some more eco-friendly Mother’s Day gift ideas, think about gifts that are reusable, biodegradable, or recyclable.
For example, you can make handmade chocolates or bake brownies and wrap them in biodegradable paper.
Or, you can make a whole lunch for your mom (she deserves it after all the cooking she did for you) and store it in reusable boxes. Make an entire event of it, and have a picnic with compostable bamboo cutlery.
Think about gifts that don’t harm the environment or that can be safely disposed of (such as through recycling or composting).
If you’re not sure what to get for the mother figures in your life, I’ve got you covered. Here are the best Mother’s Day gifts. I promise any of these will show your mom how much she means to you.
1. Knitting Yarn Made from Recycled Post Consumer Clothes
If you’re on the lookout for Mother’s Day gifts for grandma, this knitting yarn could just be the one.
This isn’t wool yarn. It was made from discarded clothes, but it’s even softer than actual wool.
It can be used for knitting, loom weaving, or crocheting.
You’ll get 2 units of about 3,5 ounces and 220 yards of yarn, which is more than enough for the woman in your life to knit a hat, mittens, or something else.
Why is it eco-friendly?
It’s made from discarded clothes collected in Chile, which were recycled. The yarn is made without water or dyes.
The kit includes ten natural earth and mineral pigments, a 4 oz. jar of walnut oil, a paint thinner, and an eco oil painting guide — everything needed to turn her into an artist is included.
The included guide makes this a perfect gift even for someone who’s never painted before.
Why is it eco-friendly?
The paint is free of fillers, additives, toxins, pigments, and metals. It’s 100% natural and earth-based.
If you’re looking for something original, check out this custom-cut wine bottle.
You can order it in different versions — go for a bottle planter version that has a drainage hole and cork stabilizers so it doesn’t fall, or order the bottle serving dish version.
Your mom can use the bottle as a table centerpiece and show it off to her friends or plant some flowers.
Plus, you can choose if you want the bottle with or without the wine label.
Why is it eco-friendly?
It’s made of glass and repurposed, so it’s not sent to the landfill.
Another gift that will make all your mom’s friends envy her is this canvas and leather tote.
It has an attractive tribal print, which makes it look vintage.
The tote is large enough to fit all everyday essentials. It can even be used as a carry-on during a trip. Its dimensions are 18.5 x 4.5 x 13, and it has a long handle — 11 in — for easy handling.
There’s a zipper closure, which makes it extra safe, especially when traveling.
Why is it eco-friendly?
It’s handcrafted and made of natural materials, such as leather. And, you're making it eco-friendly by going for something made from upcycled materials.
She’ll love this solution — a rotating makeup organizer.
It has multiple shelves, which makes it easy to sort and organize different products. One shelf can be used for lipsticks, the next one for foundation, and so on.
The organizer has a 360-degree rotation, which provides easy and quick access. There’s no more need to rummage through drawers.
Why is it eco-friendly?
It’s made of bamboo, which is a renewable material. It’s also durable and can withstand everyday use.
These are much more than your ordinary bath bombs!
They also function as nasal congestion relief. The bath bombs are infused with oils important from the UK, and they have a relaxing eucalyptus scent, which helps relax before going to bed.
These bath bombs last longer than standard shower tablets, which also contributes to the relaxation effect.
The set includes 15 pieces. Each one is individually wrapped, which makes sure they last longer, and your mom will have a way to relax after a stressful day for a long time.
These colorful waste paper baskets will be a great addition to the decor.
Moms will love them because they add a touch of rustic elegance to any room. The dimensions are 20 cm in width, 18 cm in height, and 20 cm in depth, so they can also be used as storage baskets.
Each basket is handmade by a social enterprise from Sri Lanka.
They are unique, and each one has a set of different color combinations, so it’s easy to pick colors your mom likes.
Why is it eco-friendly?
It’s made from 100% recycled newspapers, which helps reduce global waste.
This cookbook is a national bestseller, so you know it contains some mouthwatering recipes.
There are 100 vegan recipes. Moreover, the author doesn’t only list recipes but encourages and supports the reader through vegan lifestyle exploration.
This cookbook will motivate your mom to live more sustainably.
Moreover, there’s no need to cut off meat completely. The author also suggests and gives recipes on how to eat a little less meat and provides fun and filling recipes.
Why is it eco-friendly?
It includes 100 recipes for a meat-free life, which is healthier and means less pollution.
Here’s another book that urges us to accept the reality of climate change and urges us to change our relationship with food.
The author talks about the most important issue of our time in a very personal and urgent way.
He helps the reader understand why it’s important to change our lives and talks about how global warming and our acceptance of it could affect future generations.
This book is an excellent way to help your mom live a more sustainable life.
Why is it eco-friendly?
The book helps readers accept the changes we have to make to save the planet.
One thing that I always see in my childhood home is the photo albums lining the shelf.
These capture everything from my first steps to my embarrassing teenage years. But, all these photos waste a ton of paper and turn yellow with age.
Here’s a way your mom will be able to save precious moments forever — an image digitizing kit. Pack your memories in a box, ship it, and a team of professionals will digitalize each item by hand.
In the end, your mom will be able to relive all the memories again on the cloud, DVD, or a thumb drive.
Why is it eco-friendly?
It cuts down on paper use, and it’s a more sustainable way of saving memories forever.
Marina is passionate about sustainability and works to help ensure our planet stays as our home for a long time. She takes part in environmental conservation by recycling and not buying single-use plastic. When not writing, she can be found with her nose stuck in a book or trying out new baking recipes.
Current Events
15+ Thoughtful & Eco-Friendly Mother’s Day Gifts
Written by : Marina Maletic | Last Updated: November 13, 2023
1
Recycled Premium Yarn by Ecocitex
2
Eco-Friendly Oil Paint Kit
3
Recycled Wine Bottle Succulent Planter
4
Myra Bag’s Oromos Upcycled Tote Bag
5
Scuddles Gardening Tools
6
Lavish Home Makeup Organizer
7
Ecolifestyle Reusable Makeup Remover Pads
8
EcoTools Makeup Brush Set
9
Lovery’s Vegan Personal Care Set Gift Basket
10
Shower Steamers Aromatherapy Bath Bombs
11
Bareminerals Eco-Friendly Makeup Collection
12
Maud's Dark Roast Compostable Coffee Pods
13
Misfitsmarket’s Subscription To Organic Produce
14
Recycled Newspaper Waste Paper Basket
15
“Unbelievably Vegan” Cookbook by Charity Morgan
16
“We Are the Weather” Sustainable Literature Book
17
Legacybox Image Digitizing Kit
Contents
Here’s the best list of eco-friendly Mother’s Day gifts. Show your mom how much she means to you with a recycled or upcycled gift, and save mother nature as well.
Who’s the one person that will always have your back, listen to you complain for hours, provide a shoulder to cry on, and always cheer you on? Your mom.
If your mom is anything like mine, she’s been saving that first picture you drew of her at age three like it’s a priceless masterpiece, when in reality, it’s just some lines and circles.
Now it’s time to show her some appreciation.
But, what about our mother nature?
After all, our planet is a mother and a home to us all.
This Mother’s Day, let’s show our appreciation and gratitude to both. Here’s my ultimate list of eco-friendly Mother’s Day gifts to show your mom how much she means to you without harming the environment.
Note: GreenCitizen editorial team reviews the products independently with extensive research. This post contains affiliate links and we may earn affiliate commissions if you purchase anything using our links. Check our complete affiliate disclosure for more information.
What Makes a Gift Eco-Friendly?
An eco-friendly gift comes in so many shapes, sizes, origins, and materials that it’s never been easier to shop conscientiously.
Keep in mind, an eco-friendly Mother’s Day gift doesn’t need to have all of these characteristics. Even one is enough to make your gift better for the environment.
1. Plastic Free
Plastic is an unavoidable fact of life, but it’s extremely polluting. Did you know that 8 million pieces of plastic are thrown into the ocean every day? It floats on the surface and kills sea life.
Only 9% of plastic is recycled. 79% is sent to the landfill, and 12% is incinerated, which creates air pollution.
The situation only gets worse when we shop for gifts during the holidays.
To make matters better, not worse, choose plastic-free gifts. This can include glass, bamboo, stainless steel, or any other material that can be repurposed or composted.
2. Hazardous Material Free
Hazardous materials are all materials that harm human health and the environment. This can include paints, acids, batteries, oil, and many more.
When choosing Mother’s Day gifts, go for eco-friendly alternatives.
For example, if your mom likes to paint, get her non-toxic and water-based paints. Or, if you want to get her a gift that includes batteries, go for a solar-powered one.
This isn’t only better for the environment, but it’s safer for the most important person in your life.
3. Company/Brand Has an Eco-Conscious Mission Statement
The general rule is: the bigger the corporation, the worse their effect on the environment. Luckily, this is starting to change nowadays. Big corporations are difficult to avoid, but you can buy from those dedicated to helping the environment.
For example, if you’re shopping online, check if the company has carbon-neutral delivery.
Or avoid big corporations altogether. Instead, choose a small independent maker. Check if any local brands have sustainable production processes where you live, such as a winemaker (what mom doesn’t love wine). This way, you’ll support a small business and have a gift of the highest quality.
4. The Product Helps Someone to Live a Sustainable Life
I’m sure you know your mom pretty well. Think about gifts that will truly contribute and make her life easier. Don’t give her something she already has or another useless card.
Instead, choose a gift that will help her live a more sustainable or waste-free life. This can be a cookbook on cooking leftovers, eco-friendly cosmetics, or anything that may inspire her to live more sustainably.
5. Made of Recycled/Upcycled Materials
Gifts made of recycled or upcycled materials are among the most eco-friendly you can get.
These products have a low impact on the environment, and the good thing is that there’s a huge offer to choose from. Just check Amazon for some ideas, and you’ll find everything from recycled activewear to Jenga.
Plus, these gifts can also help your mom have a more sustainable way of life.
6. Reusable/Biodegradable/Recyclable
Finally, if you need some more eco-friendly Mother’s Day gift ideas, think about gifts that are reusable, biodegradable, or recyclable.
For example, you can make handmade chocolates or bake brownies and wrap them in biodegradable paper.
Or, you can make a whole lunch for your mom (she deserves it after all the cooking she did for you) and store it in reusable boxes. Make an entire event of it, and have a picnic with compostable bamboo cutlery.
Think about gifts that don’t harm the environment or that can be safely disposed of (such as through recycling or composting).
Read More:
20 Actionable Earth Day Tips To Make A Real Change
Best Eco-Friendly Mother’s Day Gifts
If you’re not sure what to get for the mother figures in your life, I’ve got you covered. Here are the best Mother’s Day gifts. I promise any of these will show your mom how much she means to you.
1. Knitting Yarn Made from Recycled Post Consumer Clothes
This isn’t wool yarn. It was made from discarded clothes, but it’s even softer than actual wool.
It can be used for knitting, loom weaving, or crocheting.
You’ll get 2 units of about 3,5 ounces and 220 yards of yarn, which is more than enough for the woman in your life to knit a hat, mittens, or something else.
Why is it eco-friendly?
It’s made from discarded clothes collected in Chile, which were recycled. The yarn is made without water or dyes.
2. The Complete Eco-Friendly Oil Paint Kit
Is your mom a professional or an amateur artist?
No matter which one, she’ll love this paint kit.
The kit includes ten natural earth and mineral pigments, a 4 oz. jar of walnut oil, a paint thinner, and an eco oil painting guide — everything needed to turn her into an artist is included.
The included guide makes this a perfect gift even for someone who’s never painted before.
Why is it eco-friendly?
The paint is free of fillers, additives, toxins, pigments, and metals. It’s 100% natural and earth-based.
3. Recycled Wine Bottle Succulent Planter
If you’re looking for something original, check out this custom-cut wine bottle.
You can order it in different versions — go for a bottle planter version that has a drainage hole and cork stabilizers so it doesn’t fall, or order the bottle serving dish version.
Your mom can use the bottle as a table centerpiece and show it off to her friends or plant some flowers.
Plus, you can choose if you want the bottle with or without the wine label.
Why is it eco-friendly?
It’s made of glass and repurposed, so it’s not sent to the landfill.
4. Tote Bags Made From Upcycled Material
Another gift that will make all your mom’s friends envy her is this canvas and leather tote.
It has an attractive tribal print, which makes it look vintage.
The tote is large enough to fit all everyday essentials. It can even be used as a carry-on during a trip. Its dimensions are 18.5 x 4.5 x 13, and it has a long handle — 11 in — for easy handling.
There’s a zipper closure, which makes it extra safe, especially when traveling.
Why is it eco-friendly?
It’s handcrafted and made of natural materials, such as leather. And, you're making it eco-friendly by going for something made from upcycled materials.
5. A Gardening Set for the Best Gardener!
If your mom loves gardening, here’s the best gardening set.
It includes all the most important tools, such as gloves, hand trowel, shovel, digging fork, weeder, spade, and a transplanting tool.
Plus, they all come in a washable bag. This way, the tools won’t be lost but can be kept in one place.
Each tool has an ergonomic handle, so it fits comfortably in hand, and there’s no strain.
Why is it eco-friendly?
It’s made with thick stainless steel, which makes it durable and resistant to rust.
6. Rotating Eco-Friendly Makeup Organizer
Is your mom’s vanity a constant mess?
She’ll love this solution — a rotating makeup organizer.
It has multiple shelves, which makes it easy to sort and organize different products. One shelf can be used for lipsticks, the next one for foundation, and so on.
The organizer has a 360-degree rotation, which provides easy and quick access. There’s no more need to rummage through drawers.
Why is it eco-friendly?
It’s made of bamboo, which is a renewable material. It’s also durable and can withstand everyday use.
7. Reusable Makeup Remover Pads
This is another great eco-friendly gift option if you mom loves spending hours watching make-up tutorials!
This set includes 4 scrubs and 8 soft reusable pads. The scrub pads are made to remove more difficult products.
Plus, they exfoliate the skin. The soft pads are best for the under-eye area and removing mascara.
These pads work on all skin types and all kinds of makeup. They are reusable, so your mom will be able to use them for years to come.
Why is it eco-friendly?
The pads are washable, so they can be used for years. Plus, they reduce the use of single-use cotton.
8. Eco-Friendly 6 Piece Makeup Brush Set
This makeup brush set has six brushes: foundation, blurring, define the crease, angled liner, full blush brush, and one storage tray.
Everything is included for a complete makeup look!
Brushes can be used with any type of makeup: liquid, powder, or creams.
The tray can be used for organization, and it’s a great tool to declutter the beauty space.
This is one of the best Mother’s Day gifts for sister or mother because it’s travel friendly and fits anywhere.
Why is it eco-friendly?
It’s made of recycled aluminum and plastic and has bamboo handles.
9. Vegan Personal Care Set Gift Basket
If you want to pamper your mom, here’s the gift you’ve been looking for. This personal care set has ten pieces.
It contains everything for a home spa experience — shower gel, body scrub, bath salt, hand towel, and more.
It comes beautifully packed in a handmade basket with a gift card so you can write a personal note for your mom.
Why is it eco-friendly?
It’s made from high-quality ingredients: almond oil, shea butter, and Vitamin E.
Plus, it comes in a handmade, durable basket.
10. Vegan and Cruelty-Free Bath Bombs
These are much more than your ordinary bath bombs!
They also function as nasal congestion relief. The bath bombs are infused with oils important from the UK, and they have a relaxing eucalyptus scent, which helps relax before going to bed.
These bath bombs last longer than standard shower tablets, which also contributes to the relaxation effect.
The set includes 15 pieces. Each one is individually wrapped, which makes sure they last longer, and your mom will have a way to relax after a stressful day for a long time.
Why is it eco-friendly?
These are made with natural essential oils.
11. Eco-Friendly Makeup Collection
If your mom is a makeup and skincare fanatic, look no further!
Like the name says, Bare Minerals is a makeup and skincare brand that uses minerals as ingredients, which are good for the skin.
They have a huge range of makeup and skincare — everything from eye shadows to foundations, moisturizers, and anti-aging creams.
If you aren’t sure what to choose, contact their customer support and they can help you.
Why is it eco-friendly?
It’s made of clean synthetics, minerals, and it’s vegan without any parabens and other harmful chemicals.
12. Compostable Coffee Pods
Coffee is fuel moms run on, so why not gift your mom coffee pods.
These pods are made of a dark roast coffee blend — 100% Arabica dark roast. They have a sweet aroma and notes of toasted nuts.
The beans are sourced from premier growing regions around the world, and then they are roasted in California in a Solar Energy Powered facility.
Each pod is a single serving, and they are compatible with Keurig machines.
Why is it eco-friendly?
It’s made from organic fair-trade beans and roasted in a solar energy-powered facility.
13. A Subscription To Organic Produce And Sustainably Sourced Groceries
Does your mom also complain about getting the groceries?
Here’s a gift she’ll love — a subscription to Misfits Market. This online grocery store sells groceries 40% less than the typical supermarket.
Not only will this save your mom’s time, as she won’t have to make weekly grocery store trips, but she’ll save money as well.
Why is it eco-friendly?
No more travel emissions, as groceries are delivered to your doorstep.
Also, they only sell organic produce and sustainably sourced meat and seafood.
14. Recycled Newspaper Waste Paper Basket
These colorful waste paper baskets will be a great addition to the decor.
Moms will love them because they add a touch of rustic elegance to any room. The dimensions are 20 cm in width, 18 cm in height, and 20 cm in depth, so they can also be used as storage baskets.
Each basket is handmade by a social enterprise from Sri Lanka.
They are unique, and each one has a set of different color combinations, so it’s easy to pick colors your mom likes.
Why is it eco-friendly?
It’s made from 100% recycled newspapers, which helps reduce global waste.
15. A Best-Selling Vegan Cookbook
This cookbook is a national bestseller, so you know it contains some mouthwatering recipes.
There are 100 vegan recipes. Moreover, the author doesn’t only list recipes but encourages and supports the reader through vegan lifestyle exploration.
This cookbook will motivate your mom to live more sustainably.
Moreover, there’s no need to cut off meat completely. The author also suggests and gives recipes on how to eat a little less meat and provides fun and filling recipes.
Why is it eco-friendly?
It includes 100 recipes for a meat-free life, which is healthier and means less pollution.
16. Another Award-Winning Sustainable Literature
Here’s another book that urges us to accept the reality of climate change and urges us to change our relationship with food.
The author talks about the most important issue of our time in a very personal and urgent way.
He helps the reader understand why it’s important to change our lives and talks about how global warming and our acceptance of it could affect future generations.
This book is an excellent way to help your mom live a more sustainable life.
Why is it eco-friendly?
The book helps readers accept the changes we have to make to save the planet.
17. Image Digitizing Kit
One thing that I always see in my childhood home is the photo albums lining the shelf.
These capture everything from my first steps to my embarrassing teenage years. But, all these photos waste a ton of paper and turn yellow with age.
Here’s a way your mom will be able to save precious moments forever — an image digitizing kit. Pack your memories in a box, ship it, and a team of professionals will digitalize each item by hand.
In the end, your mom will be able to relive all the memories again on the cloud, DVD, or a thumb drive.
Why is it eco-friendly?
It cuts down on paper use, and it’s a more sustainable way of saving memories forever.
Final Thoughts
I hope you found my ideas for eco-friendly Mother’s Day gifts useful. These are a great choice for Mother’s Day gifts from a son or daughter.
There’s no need to spend big to make your mom happy. Instead, think responsibly and choose something that’s good for our planet too.
Go for a gift made of sustainable materials, recycled, or upcycled. Or, even better, choose something that will help your mom live more sustainably.
Have fun shopping, and show appreciation to the women in your life with eco-friendly gifts.
Marina Maletic
Marina is passionate about sustainability and works to help ensure our planet stays as our home for a long time. She takes part in environmental conservation by recycling and not buying single-use plastic. When not writing, she can be found with her nose stuck in a book or trying out new baking recipes.
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