However old you get, it can be hard not to feel a thrill at the thought of Santa’s super sleigh soaring through the air towards your home. That thrill diminishes somewhat when you think about how many of the things he fills your stockings with are plastic or disposable.
If all you want for Christmas is eco-friendly stocking fillers to give your family all the excitement of unpacking a bulging stocking, with none of the bulging landfill bags on January 1st, look no further! What’s more, these stocking fillers are all under £15, so they can also work as a secret santa gift for that hard-to-buy-for colleague.
#1: Wooden Soap Dish - £14.00
Forget filling the stocking with a bunch of plastic bathroom miniatures; buy something that people will actually use! A simple and attractive wood soap dish means soap or shampoo bars will last longer as they can drain and dry. Why not get a shampoo bar to go with it? With our 5 tips for switching to a shampoo bar, they'll have no problem making this plastic-free switch.
Above: A reclaimed wood soap dish helps prolong the life of your solid shampoo
#2: Homemade Truffles
Of course, the best option for eco-friendly stocking fillers is always going to be something you don’t even need to buy. Truffles are surprisingly easy to make, for example, and are fancy enough for a present – try Anna Jones’ recipe and put them in a pretty box (reused or upcycled, of course).
Above: Homemade chocolate truffles make for a delicious and thoughtful gift
#3: Stainless-Steel Spork - £8.50
Who says environmentally friendly stocking fillers can’t have a novelty factor? Sporks can be a bit of a comedy item, but they are actually useful! Light and portable, the recipient will never need to opt for plastic cutlery again.
Above: Never use disposable cutlery again with a stainless-steel spork
#4: Animal Print Beeswax Wraps - Pack of 3, £14.00
The best kind of eco-friendly stocking fillers are the things people see all the time and think “I must buy those” yet never get around to buying for themselves. Voila, beeswax wrap! The perfect alternative to wasteful cling film, with cute patterns into the bargain.
Above: Beeswax wraps - a prettier and eco-friendly alternative to nasty cling film!
#5: Reusable Cotton Shower Pouf - £6.00
Winter is the perfect time for long and luxurious baths, but those plastic mesh shower poufs are a nightmare for the environment. Made from 100% cotton muslin, these still lather up nicely and gently exfoliate. Even the strap is made from cotton, so when it comes to the end of its life in a few months, it will completely compost.
Above: Avoid the guilt of plastic waste and switch to a cotton shower pouf
#6: Voucher
We don’t mean endless WH Smith vouchers encouraging people to buy more things, of course. Instead, make your friends or family a voucher for something you can do for them (no X-rated suggestions here, please!). It might be a freshly-baked cake, work in the garden, or a deep-clean of the top of the fridge – whatever will make them happy!
#7: Reusable Face Rounds - £10.95
Everyone who uses these swears by them, so use this Christmas as an excuse to convert some more people! They’re eco stocking fillers that are bound to please, especially as they mean not having to buy endless disposable cotton wool pads and gross wet-wipes.
Above: Remove make-up with reusable face rounds
#8: Bamboo Toothbrush Case - £7.95
Perfect for travelling, this bamboo toothbrush case will keep your sustainable toothbrush clean and dry, and the bristles free from germs. Paired with a bamboo toothbrush, this makes a great gift for your eco-warrior friend.
Above: A bamboo toothbrush and travel case make the perfect gift for your eco-warrior friend
Are you a sustainable gifter? What do you like to give as eco-friendly stocking fillers? Share your ideas in the comments below!