Green That Life has sourced 25 eco-friendly kitchen gift ideas for that special home chef in your life. All are made by brands with superior sustainability records, and most are reasonably priced, but you’ll see some that are splurges. (These are gifts, after all!)
Before You Start Shopping, Read This!
Keeping the Green in Green Gift-Giving
What’s the ideal gift? The one that leaves the least impact. So consider this list as a (sustainably-focused) supplement to the more eco-friendly ways of gift giving.
Gift Giving Guide. See Green That Life’s Gift Giving Guide for an in-depth overview of sustainable shopping tips, eco-friendly gift wrapping options, ways to minimize packaging and waste, and eco-friendly gift ideas for everyone on your gift list.
Gift Giving with a Cause. See Green That Life’s post on Gifts for Good that Support Environmental Causes for tips and gift ideas that give back.
The Logic Behind This Gift List
In selecting these green kitchen gift ideas I’ve followed these guidelines:
- Price. Identifying (mostly!) reasonably-priced products that your gift recipient will love.
- Minimizing Waste. Selecting products that avoid generating waste in every aspect of production.
- Reputation. Researching the brand to ensure they receive high marks for circular-focused and sustainable business practices. This list references a number of certifications and eco-partnerships. For detailed descriptions of reputable certification organizations and why they’re important, see Green That Life’s post on greenwashing and how to avoid it.
Table of Contents
Green In-green-dient Gift Ideas
A Mini Herb and Veggie Garden
Product Description
Starting your own organic kitchen garden is a snap with the Click and Grow Indoor Herbs and Vegetables Kit. The kit comes with three mini tomatoes, three basil, and three green lettuce pods. Drop in the plant pods, fill the water reservoir, and plug the self-watering planter in — your garden is good to go!
Click and Grow guarantees your pods will grow. They will replace any plant pods that don’t germinate, for free.
Check out the Indoor Garden for a more economical version of the Click and Grow Smart Garden 9.
Why It’s Eco Friendly
Click and Grow products contain no GMOs, pesticides, herbicides or fungicides. The growth medium is made of natural, renewable materials, and is free of chemicals.
Click and Grow is also committed to minimizing waste and recently replaced the packaging material for their 3-pack plant pods with one that consists of 40% recycled material and 60% virgin material. In addition, all of their 9-packs use cardboard made of 36% recycled material.
Organic Mushrooms at Your Fingertips
Product Description
Back to the Roots’ organic mushroom kit allows your home chef to grow their own crop of oyster and pink mushrooms any time of year, indoors. Just place the box near a window with indirect light and watch mushrooms grow within days, right out of the box. Each crop produces three to four servings of mushrooms.
This kit is part of Back to the Roots’ Grow One Give One campaign. Share a picture on social media, tag Back to the Roots, using the campaign hashtag, and the company will donate a kit to a classroom of your choice.
100% guaranteed to grow: If you’re not satisfied, Back to the Roots will send a replacement kit.
Why It’s Eco Friendly
The Back to the Roots Mushroom Growing Kit is completely organic and not genetically modified. A certified B Corporation, the company is the fastest-growing organic gardening brand in the U.S. The company diverts agricultural waste (coffee grounds, sawdust, wheat bran, rice straws, corn cobs) from landfills to create soil for their organic seeds. All packaging is made of 100% recyclable materials.
Green (and Red!) Sauces That Save Time
Product Description
Here’s an eco-friendly kitchen gift idea that will save time for the busy home chef on your gift list. It’s also delicious! Delicious and Sons’ authentic Mediterranean pasta sauces are perfect for dressing up any pasta, but they can also be used as a sauce base for vegetables, meat, or pizza. All sauces are USDA Organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan.
The set includes:
- 1 Tomato Sauce with Porcini Mushrooms
- 1 Puttanesca Sauce
- 1 Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Rosso
- 1 Basil Pesto Genovese
Why It’s Eco Friendly
Delicious & Sons’ mission is to create purpose-driven sustainable food that is organic, vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free, with no added sugars. The company carefully considers its impact “from Seed to Jar” and plants, harvests, and cooks all vegetables to convert them into delicious products that are ready to eat.
WE CARE is the company’s activist area, which they plan to form as a stand-alone Foundation. Delicious & Sons is part of the B Corp movement and a member of 1% For The Planet, donating at least 1% of their revenue to environmental issues.
Splurge-Worthy Spices and Oils
Product Description
Why It’s Eco Friendly
Bona Furtuna’s dedication to sustainability has made the company a certified B Corporation and member of 1% for the Planet. Their entire farm is certified organic and the company employs farming practices designed to promote biodiversity.
Green Kitchen Gift Ideas That Minimize Waste
A Composter for the Dirt-Lover (Splurge Version)
Product Description
The Lomi countertop composter is touted by manufacturer Pela as the “world’s first Smart Waste appliance.” While Pela is clearly proud of its product, customer reviews for Lomi have been glowing. Lomi makes composting a snap by converting food waste into nutrient-rich soil in a matter of hours. An added benefit is Lomi’s odor-neutralizing technology, so you won’t smell rotting food in the composter. Definitely a splurge gift, but one that your recipient will love for years!
Why It’s Eco Friendly
As a Certified B Corporation, member of 1% for the Planet, and Climate Neutral Certified company, Pela is on a mission to eliminate 1 billion pounds of waste from the global waste stream and continues to research and develop the most innovative products to create a waste-free future. Using their revolutionary technology, they have made a global impact with a customer base that spans all over the world.
A Composter for the Dirt-Lover (Economical Version)
Product Description
Typhoon Living’s Countertop Caddy is an attractive and affordable receptacle for food waste. The 2.5 liter (84.5 fluid oz) capacity is a generous size, but still compact enough to fit on most surfaces. To trap and absorb odors, the caddy is equipped with a vented lid and includes two carbon filters. The removable internal bucket is convenient for cleaning and the durable coated steel exterior promises many years of use. Choose between cream or grey exteriors.
Why It’s Eco Friendly
For nearly 30 years, Typhoon Living has been creating stylish and sustainable kitchen collections. They actively work to reduce the amount of packaging they use and incorporate sustainable materials in their manufacturing processes — most recently, with their PURE collection of reusable and recyclable products.
Reusable and Sweet Smelling Hand Soap
Product Description
Here’s a perfect gift idea that minimizes waste and looks good on the kitchen counter. Inspired by the chocolate boxes of holidays past, the Holiday Hand Soap Kit contains all of Blueland’s seasonal hand soap scents with the option of a limited edition hand soap bottle and reusable tin. The only thing left to do is fill, drop, and pop the pretty bottle next to your kitchen sink. Each set makes 12 full bottles of Foaming Hand Soap in 12 deliciously-smelling scents.
Why It’s Eco Friendly
Blueland sets high standards for health and safety. The company uses no harmful chemicals, minimizes water usage in its production processes, and all packaging is recyclable, compostable, or both. For more details, see the description of the company’s extensive sustainable business practices and eco-certifications.
Green Cook- and Prepware
A Donabe Pot That’s Durable and Elegant
Product Description
Kinto revives the traditional Japanese clay pot with a modern design in its KAKOMI Clay Donabe Pot. Simple yet functional, the KAKOMI pot comes with a steam plate, making it suitable for steaming as well as simmering and stewing. It can be used on gas, induction, or halogen cooktops.
Why It’s Eco Friendly
Kinto is focused on promoting a sustainable, low-waste lifestyle by creating timeless designs that are durable and created with minimum waste. The company also strives to reduce waste in all aspects of its manufacturing and delivery processes by reducing packaging materials and introducing reusable fabric bags for gift-wrapped items. They are also reducing paper use in their operations and increasing the energy efficiency of their facilities.
A Cast Iron Dutch Oven That’s Perfect for Home or Campsite
Product Description
Barebones’ Dutch Oven Classic is an ideal gift for the chef who likes to take their cooking outdoors, but it’s just as appealing for the indoor chef. Each pot is pre-seasoned with natural, organic oils so you can start cooking immediately. The newly designed lid can be turned upside down for use as an additional cooking surface. Made with meticulous attention to detail, the Dutch Oven Classic is a beautiful gift that will last a lifetime. Comes in two sizes: 4 Quart and 8 Quart.
Why It’s Eco Friendly
With an overall B Corporation Impact score that exceeds 100.2, Barebones Living takes its commitment to sustainability seriously, with several policies implemented to reduce waste and minimize environmental impact. Biodegradable bags are now used wherever possible and external packaging consists of recyclable cardboard. In addition, Barebones products are designed for durability and longevity and are primarily made with natural materials such as metal, wood, and glass.
A Sizzlingly Sensational Skillet
Product Description
Smithey’s 12″ skillet is destined to be a family heirloom. The No. 12 is perfect for pan-frying, searing, roasting, and even baking. A daily companion in the kitchen, the No. 12 is also at home outdoors on the grill or over an open campfire. With Smithey’s signature polished interior finish, the No. 12, when seasoned, is naturally non-stick and free of chemical coatings. Also available in 10″ size. Personal engraving is available for an additional $40.
Why It’s Eco Friendly
Sustainability has been “ingrained in Smithey’s DNA from the start, both in final product and production.” The company melts discarded parts of iron, sourced domestically, for their (recycled!) sand molds. Excess iron is recycled for future castings. Each Smithey item is hand seasoned with pure grape seed oil. No harsh chemical coatings are used in their products that last a lifetime.
Mix With Style in This Mixing Bowl
Product Description
East Fork’s handmade pottery is both functional and beautiful. This big, round, flat-bottomed mixing bowl is ideal for mixing breads, muffins, cookie dough, and more—or pile it high with fresh summer fruit and leave it on your table for effortless styling. The mixing bowl comes in a variety of stock and seasonal colors and is dishwasher and microwave safe.
Why It’s Eco Friendly
East Fork’s commitment to sustainability is extensive. A Certified B Corporation, the company worked with Climate Neutral organization to reduce and offset its greenhouse gas emissions in every step of its production processes, achieving Climate Neutral Certification in 2021. East Fork continues to strive for reduced emissions and enhanced sustainability measures in its operations.
All the Ovenware You’ll Ever Need
Product Description
Our Place’s 5-Piece Ovenware Set contains every piece needed for baking, roasting, braising, searing, and more! All pieces are designed to fit neatly together to maximize storage. The collection includes:
- one oven pan, which is perfect for baking and roasting but also works as a stovetop griddle.
- three stoneware baking dishes in assorted sizes.
- one nontoxic, reusable oven mat.
Choose from a variety of colors to make this a practical and attractive gift.
Why It’s Eco Friendly
Our Place invests in products made from responsible and recycled materials. Their Always Pan is made from a portion of recycled materials and all non-stick products are made with the company’s exclusive nontoxic, nonstick ceramic coating made without potentially toxic materials like PFOAs, PTFEs, other PFAS, lead, cadmium, poisonous metals, and nanoparticles.
Packaging is 100% free of plastics, fully recyclable and biodegradable, and innovatively designed to eliminate the need for a shipper box. All products are intended to streamline your kitchen and reduce the number of items you need to buy.
Eco-Friendly Cutting Boards
Product Description
ishwasher friendly.
Why It’s Eco Friendly
Material’s business ethic is focused on creating thoughtfully designed, high-performing kitchenware that will last a lifetime. The company sources and manufactures products and materials from all over the world and works to ensure that all manufacturers are both ethically and environmentally compliant. Community is a major focus of Material, and the company has partnered with organizations to donate over $100,000 to organizations at the intersection of food and underserved groups across the U.S.
Green Kitchen Tools and Utensils
A Festive Maple Rolling Pin
Product Description
A lifetime of great piecrusts, pastry, and rollout cookies awaits your gift recipient with this gorgeous, heavy-duty pin. Made in Vermont of hard maple, King Arthur’s rolling pin has a smooth waxed barrel and precision steel ball bearings that make rolling effortless. Stamped with the King Arthur Baking logo.
Why It’s Eco Friendly
King Arthur Baking, a Certified B Corporation, is “committed to being a force for good on this planet, from the depths of the soil to the renewable energy” powering their operations. Their current and future sustainability goals include:
- using 100% flour milled from regeneratively grown wheat
- using 100% renewable power at all King Arthur Baking facilities
- reducing supply chain greenhouse gas emissions by 30%
- reducing waste generation, responsibly recycle and compost, and strive for zero waste to landfill
- developing all packaging to include 100% deforestation-free fibers and a minimum of 50% post-consumer recycled content.
Beautiful Bamboo Kitchen Utensils
Product Description
Whether it’s a starter set or an upgrade, Bambu’s set of four bamboo kitchen utensils is expertly designed with the chef in mind. Each utensil is made from a single piece of USDA-certified organic bamboo and is hand-burnished to a naturally smooth finish. The set, which contains a mixing spoon, slotted spoon, spatula, and sauce spoon is sure to be a welcome gift by any home chef.
Why It’s Eco Friendly
For 23 years, Bambu has been committed to creating zero-waste solutions that make everyday sustainable living possible. The company’s goal has been to create beautiful, non-toxic products made from nature. All of their bamboo utensils are both 100% certified organic and USDA Biobased certified. That means that these utensils can be safely discarded with yard debris. Bambu’s sustainability efforts have paid off, as demonstrated by Bambu’s numerous sustainability initiatives and certifications.
A Trio of Green Knives
Product Description
These gorgeous — and sharp! — knives are made to last a lifetime: forged from cryogenically-tempered Japanese stainless steel and high carbon, Material Kitchen’s knives will satisfy every slicing, dicing, and chopping need of the home chef on your gift list.
Why It’s Eco Friendly
Material’s business ethic is focused on creating thoughtfully designed, high-performing kitchenware that will last a lifetime. The company sources and manufactures products and materials from all over the world and works to ensure that all manufacturers are both ethically and environmentally compliant. Community is a major focus of Material, and the company has partnered with organizations to donate over $100,000 to organizations at the intersection of food and underserved groups across the U.S.
An Attractive Lucite Cookbook Holder
Product Description
Here’s a kitchen gift idea that’s both functional and attractive. The clear frame holds cookbooks open to allow ease of cooking while protecting the pages from any potential spills and mess. The Balsamo Cookbook holder is also eco-friendly: it’s made from 100% recycled Italian lucite and hand-formed in South Carolina.
Why It’s Eco Friendly
A Certified B Corporation, Newly makes beautiful home goods from 100% recycled or repurposed materials. The company prioritizes resource efficiency, minimizes water use and greenhouse gas emissions, and actively diverts waste from landfills, waterways, and other places that need to be protected. Newly is also a member of the 1% for the Planet network.
Eco-Friendly Linens
Kitchen Linen Essentials
Product Description
Say goodbye to overlooked, poorly made, and nearly disposable kitchen linens, because these kitchen staples got the Hedley & Bennett treatment — super functional, durable, great colors, and beautiful design through simplicity. These are essential items for the home chef and will be a much-appreciated gift! Available in three colors: blueberry blue, paprika red, and oat white. The set includes:
- 3 chef’s towels
- 2 oven mitts
- 2 potholders
Why It’s Eco Friendly
Hedley & Bennett makes products to last a lifetime. Kitchen aprons and chef gear are made in L.A. to support the local economy and workforce. The company relies on recycled paper for everything printed in the factory and uses non-virgin material whenever possible. In addition, Hedley & Bennett uses entirely sustainable packaging.
A Beautiful Organic Apron for the Home Chef
Product Description
This stylish, lightweight apron features three large front patch pockets to hold kitchen utensils. Featuring a geometric embroidered design with long, adjustable waist ties, the bib apron makes the perfect gift for the chef in your life. Made in Ajmer, India, this product is Fair Trade Verified and made with 100% Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified Cotton.
Why It’s Eco Friendly
Anchal Project is a nonprofit that uses design and collaboration to provide economic opportunities for marginalized women to empower themselves through the creation of sustainable products, holistic programs, and global market access. Designs are hand-stitched, one-of-a-kind, pieces that reduce fabric waste and are made from eco-friendly, low-impact dyes, vintage fabric, and GOTS-certified organic cotton.
Sustainable Storage Gifts
A Colorful Storage Starter Set
Product Description
Preserve’s Kitchen Starter Set is the ideal combination of products to start or refresh a kitchen. Made with 100% recycled, BPA-free plastic, each item is durable enough to last for generations. The 9-piece set includes:
- 1 small colander
- 1 small cutting board
- 1 large food storage container
- 2 mini food storage containers
- 4 sandwich/medium-sized containers
Why It’s Eco Friendly
Preserve’s business model is centered on mitigating the environmental impact of its consumer products. Using proprietary sourcing, recycling, and manufacturing systems, Preserve has developed the ability to make sustainable consumer products out of recycled materials, plant-based bioplastics, and ocean-diverted plastics.
Preserve is a B Corporation certified company — voted nine years in a row to the Best for World, Environmental Impact list, thus ranking in the top 5-10% of all B Corps in the environmental impact category. The company is also a signatory to the Ellen MacArthur New Plastics Economy Global Commitment and is working with the Climate Neutral organization to achieve Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
Zero Waste Produce and Bread Bags
Product Description
Aplat’s reusable produce and bread bags are beautiful and versatile. All are made to last for years and are machine washable. Get one or all three for the home chef in your life!
The Poche origami-designed bags, in medium and large, stand upright on the kitchen counter and are made from extra durable and breathable organic cotton. They keep food fresh longer and are great for bread, bulk grains, herbs, and produce. Perfect for the refrigerator and freezer, but also as produce bags for zero-waste shopping.
The smaller Pochette Pouch is terrific for bulk shopping yet tall enough to be used as reusable gift wrapping for a bottle of wine. Made from upcycled offcuts from Aplat’s previous product cycles and comes in four colors.
Why It’s Eco Friendly
Aplat sets a high standard for sustainability with a goal to achieve zero waste at every step of their production and shipping processes. Their preshrunk cotton is certified organic by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) from seed to shelf. They use all of their production offcuts to create upcycled products and salvage edges from fabric rolls for gift wrapping, packaging, and shipping. Anything unused is sent to Pheonix Fibers or donated to fiber artists nationwide.
No-Plastic Organic Bowl Covers
Product Description
These endlessly reusable and reversible bowl covers are a pretty gift for the zero-waste chef. Crafted from Coyuchi’s Crinkled Percale™ fabric, each cover is striped on one side and solid on the other with a stretchy elastic hem around the bottom to fit a variety of bowls and dishes. Each set of three includes one small, one medium, and one large bowl cover. Comes in two color options: Steel Blue/Stripe and Ginger/Stripe.
Why It’s Eco Friendly
When it comes to sustainable business practices, Coyuchi is a leader. The company is committed to ensuring that everything that bears the Coyuchi label is produced and processed to the strictest standards, in safe and humane conditions, while leaving the least possible impact on the earth. Coyuchi’s list of certifications received from reputable accreditation organizations attests to the company’s legitimate and substantive sustainability efforts.
Taking a Break From Cooking
For the Tea Lover
Product Description
Alessi’s iconic 9093 kettle, with its bird-shaped whistle, is one of the best-selling objects of the renowned Italian home design company, Alessi. Designer Michael Graves combined elements of European and American Pop art, along with pre-Columbian influences to create a beautiful and sleek kettle that’s simultaneously playful and fun: when the water starts boiling, the bird sings! This gift will undoubtedly bring a smile to its recipient’s face!
For a truly indulgent gift, add in the coordinating sugar bowl, creamer, and small tray.
Why It’s Eco Friendly
Alessi safeguards the environment through its commitment to reducing the environmental impact of every stage and facet of its operations, both during production and at the end of life.
Alessi’s B Corp certification recognizes its key business principles: “to create value for the community by pursuing the benefit of the company, which is achieved thanks to the continuous research of the balance between producing economic value, creating products intended and developed as artwork, and caring for people inside and outside the company.”
For the Coffee Lover
Product Description
The coffee lover in your life will love BODUM’s Chambord French Press, which extracts the perfect amount of essential oils and acids from the coffee bean for maximum flavor. It’s also easy to use: just add ground coffee, hot water, and press! The Chambord press comes in a variety of sizes and finishes, including beautiful copper. Its durable design and reusable parts ensure that this gift will last for years. Dishwasher safe.
To make your coffee-lover’s gift extra special, include BODUM’s new and reusable steel filter or their attractive Bistro coffee mugs.
Why It’s Eco Friendly
BODUM creates sustainable products in every phase of production, from design to manufacture. They use post-industrial and post-consumer recycled materials in their chain of production and are continuously innovating their production processes to minimize waste. In addition, BODUM is a member of Operation Clean Sweep and MORE.
A Cookbook for Inspiration
About the Book
Here’s a beautiful book to enjoy while taking a break from cooking. Packed with recipes and resources for any skill level, The Sustainable Kitchen provides inspiration for how to cook more healthfully and eat more sustainably using plant-based, planet-conscious ingredients. Stunning photographs and delicious recipes inspire home cooks to use local, seasonally available ingredients, prepare nourishing foods from scratch, limit processed, refined ingredients, and decrease food waste.
For more environmentally-themed book suggestions, see Green That Life’s list of fiction and non-fiction books.
About the Author
Dietitian Heather Wolfe and designer Jaynie McCloskey bring years of experience in holistic nutrition, health coaching, homesteading, and scratch cooking to this practical guide for home cooks.
