Choosing a gift for someone is challenging enough without the added worry of whether the item is full of potentially harmful chemicals.
EWG is here to help. We polled our staff to find out what they'll be giving their friends and family this year. Our 2023 gift guide contains their best ideas for presents that are good for your loved ones and the planet.
Organic chocolate
Looking for a gift for the chocoholic in your life? Consider a selection of certified organic chocolate for a sweet present that’s better for their health. Organic packaged foods must meet strong standards that protect consumers from exposure to potentially harmful food additives.
These Pure Cacao & Strawberry & Coconut bars and 100% cacao bars from Raaka are certified organic and score well in EWG’s Food Scores database, which rates items based on ingredient, nutrition and processing concerns.
A cookbook
For the culinary creative, a new cookbook may be just the thing. Cooking from the Spirit: Easy, Delicious by Tabitha Brown boasts simple, family-friendly recipes. Bonus: They’re all plant-based.
Reusable travel silverware set
If you have a friend or family member who’s always on the go and constantly hungry, consider a set of reusable, travel-friendly silverware.
This pack from W&P includes a sturdy stainless steel fork, spoon and knife that won’t break the way flimsy, single-use plastic utensils do. And they come in a cute carrying case.
EWG VERIFIED® fragrance
Who doesn’t love a good scent? But many people don’t realize the “fragrance” in many of these products is a mix of potentially thousands of undisclosed chemicals, including phthalates, that could be linked to health harms.
If you want to give a gift of scent, consider the first EWG VERIFIED fine fragrance collection, Henry Rose. The brand’s products are free from EWG’s chemicals of concern and meet our strictest standards for your health.
Not sure what fragrance to pick? Check out The Playground, a set of nine different scents so you don’t have to choose!
For someone more interested in scent for the home, the new Henry Rose votive candle gift set is a great choice for a healthier option.
Or look for other EWG VERIFIED products here.
Base layer
If you’re shopping for a friend who seems to have mastered the art of layering clothes, or one who’s experimenting with the concept, a wool undershirt may make the perfect present.
Look for options made from organic materials, like this merino wool undershirt for men or women.
Dryer balls
It’s great to have clothes that are soft and clean fresh from the dryer. But dryer sheets often contain potentially hormone-disrupting fragrance and other chemicals, which can trigger asthma and skin irritation.
Wool dryer balls are a great solution: They help soften your laundry without harsh chemicals and last for thousands of loads. Look for a version made of organic wool.
A good read
For the fashionista in your life, a book may not be the most obvious gift choice. But this one will will change the way they view the clothing industry.
“To Dye For: How Toxic Fashion Is Making Us Sick – And How We Can Fight Back,” by Alden Wicker, which calls itself “a ‘Silent Spring’ for your wardrobe,” discusses the toxic and often unregulated chemicals found in most clothing.
Low-profile wallet
For the gift recipient who never seems to have enough pocket space, a slim card holder is the perfect solution.
This sustainable solution from Pela is stylish and sleek – plus it comes in a bunch of colors.
Rechargeable hand warmer
If you’re buying a gift for someone who lives in a cold climate, or is just always chilly, consider a rechargeable hand warmer, which helps reduce waste by replacing disposable hand-warming options.
Reusable food wraps
Help make plastic wrap a thing of the past by giving reusable food wraps. Look for products made of organic materials, like these fun ones from Bee’s Wrap.
A worthy cause
Instead of giving an object, consider making a donation in someone’s name or donating EWG’s 2023 Holiday Gift Box. This year’s box contains an assortment of fantastic products to live more sustainably.
For a tax-deductible donation of $135, you support a worthy organization and we are able to continue our groundbreaking research and advocacy. It’s a win-win!
