Did you know Earth Day is the largest civic event on the planet and is celebrated yearly?
Here at Novomins, we’re incredibly proud of our B-Corp certification. It shows we’re as serious about doing good things for the planet as we are about improving people’s health with our delicious gummies.
One great way of showing your support for this beautiful planet home is by giving sustainable and eco-friendly gifts to your loved ones.
If you want to learn more about this annual event AND gather inspiration for beautiful, eco-friendly Earth Day gift ideas for your family and friends (or even a cheeky treat for yourself), keep on reading.
What is Earth Day?
The very first Earth Day took place in 1970. Since then, it’s become a yearly celebration that takes place on April 22nd, the first day of the spring equinox.
Starting in the US, 20 million people from all walks of life came together to highlight the importance of protecting the diversity of our planet. Luckily, it took off, and Earth Day now works with more than 1 billion individuals and 150,000 partners across 192 countries.
Its mission is to educate and propel the movement across the globe, raising awareness of environmental problems, like the need to protect our natural resources. It also holds the world’s leading industries to account for their role in the current ecological crisis and aims to safeguard the earth for a brighter future for generations to come.
What is this year's Earth Day theme?
Addressing climate change is more important than ever. Earth Day shows us how everyone is accountable for the state of our planet, but also how anyone can make a difference and be part of positive change.
Each year, Earth Day has a different theme. This year is no different, with Planet vs. Plastics being the theme for 2024. Its focus? The health and environmental risks of plastics. It will advocate phasing out all single-use plastic and demand an end to fast fashion and a UN treaty on plastic pollution.
Why celebrate Earth Day?
Among the hustle and bustle of daily life, sustainability and the environment often sit on the back burner. Earth Day is a gentle nudge to everyone to think a little bit more about our beautiful planet.
It encourages us to look at our daily choices and is a great reminder that climate change affects us all and that each one of us can take action and be part of the solution.
Choosing and supporting sustainable businesses and ethical practices is just one of the many small changes we can make in our lives that can have a big impact and express our love for the planet we call home. By choosing a sustainable business, you’re voting for the kind of world you want to live in.
The good news is that more and more companies are embracing sustainability and ethical practices, minimising their negative impact on the environment, meaning you can shop guilt-free! Remember, it’s not just about what you buy but the story behind it.
Things you can do for Earth Day
While taking care of the planet is a serious matter, Earth Day doesn’t have to be. It’s a celebration, after all! There are plenty of fun things you can do for Earth Day to make the world a great place to live in — not just annually, but every day!
Plant something
The green lungs of the earth, trees and plants clean the air we breathe, cool the planet down, give off oxygen, absorb carbon, and so much more.
Make an impact by planting a native tree in your garden. It’s a great way to restore biodiversity and is often quoted as the number one solution to climate change.
Don’t have a garden? Take part in a tree planting event or contact your local council to learn more about planting a tree in a public space.
Buy sustainable gifts
Earth Day is a great excuse (not that you need one) to buy your loved one an eco-friendly gift that not only says ‘I care about you’ but ‘I care about the earth’ too. By supporting green businesses, you’re making the ethical, and often safer and healthier, choice.
Support local
Support your regional farmers by buying local produce as well as that of other small businesses. Not only will your food be fresher and tastier, but this more sustainable way of shopping supports a healthy local economy, job growth and a sense of community.
Clean up your local environment
Pick up any litter you see in the streets, parks and local areas when you’re going about your day. It’s a really simple and easy way to help the environment and protect plants and wildlife while making your area look nicer.
And you don’t have to do it alone either — make it fun by volunteering for a clean-up with a local environmental group or getting your friends and family involved.
Do some outdoor yoga
Take care of your body and mind while enjoying the beauty of nature with group or solo outdoor yoga sessions. Roll out your mat on a flat spot and get some fresh air and your daily dose of vitamin D while reconnecting with nature.
Start gardening
They say climate change begins at home, and there’s nothing quite like getting your hands dirty, especially if you have a green thumb. Try growing your own herbs and vegetables to reduce food waste and replenish and protect the soil, even if it’s just a few pots on your windowsill or patio.
You can also add wildlife-friendly attractions like bird feeders, butterfly and bee-friendly wildflowers or a pond to improve the biodiversity of your outdoor space.
17 Gift Ideas for Earth Day
1. Novomins
What better gift is there than the gift of well-being? Taking care of yourself goes hand in hand with caring for the environment, and there’s no better way to start than with Novomins.
The UK and Europe’s first certified B-Corp gummy nutrition brand, Novomins, is revolutionising the vitamin industry with science-backed, cruelty-free supplements.
Catering to just about every health goal and concern, sustainability features heavily in every aspect of Novomins, from high-quality ingredients to packaging. Plus, did we mention that our gummies taste really good?
Jam-packed full of health-boosting vitamins, minerals, nutrients and plenty of vegan options, show your friends and family that you care about their health with Novomins. Or if you’re unsure exactly what to buy, we offer gift cards too.
2. Vertical Activewear
Vertical Activewear is a sustainable and eco-friendly women’s activewear brand that caters to all body shapes, types and sizes, from XS to 5XL.
A B-Corp company on a mission to positively impact our planet, their on-demand business model stops over-production, meaning you only buy what you need when you need it. You order, they sew, they ship - simple.
Using plant-based and recycled materials to make their garments, each matching set uses up to 14 recycled bottles made into thread and transformed into durable activewear that lasts way beyond trends. It’s never been easier to look so good while doing good - perfect for the fitness enthusiast or aspiring gym bunny in your life.
3. The Wren Design
The Wren Design are specialists in eye-catching bags and accessories made from a sustainable fusion of recycled paper, fabric and nano.
Designed to carry and protect your devices and belongings, you can’t get more eco-friendly when it comes to these durable stitched paper bags, covers and wallets. They’re the perfect companion for everyday journeys to work as well as all of your big travel adventures.
4. Elate
Helping the Earth doesn’t have to mean giving up your beauty routine. Look good guilt-free with a gift from Elate Cosmetics — the low-waste, 100% vegan makeup brand that’s dedicated to sustainability. Their mantra? Kindness to yourself. Kindness to the planet.
Helping people create their own definition of beauty, Elate’s reusable and recyclable products are cruelty-free and over 75% organic, making them good for your skin and the planet.
While less is definitely more when it comes to reducing waste in the beauty industry, you can stock up on Elate stash feeling guilt-free. From makeup to cleansers, brushes, serums and cases to ethical ingredients, sustainable packaging and even responsible marketing, Elate has it all.
5. Modibodi
Did you know that plastic menstrual products like pads and tampons generate over 200,000 tons of waste per year? Luckily, Modibodi is doing something about it.
Offering an alternative to single-use disposable products, Modibodi is a global leader in leak-proof apparel, addressing the often taboo subject of menstrual leaks, incontinence, sweat, discharge, breast milk leaks and more.
From environmentally-friendly underwear to activewear, swimwear and even reusable nappies, Modibodi is on a mission to replace disposable hygiene products with sustainable alternatives that work.
And their designs aren’t just for women. You’ll find designs for men, children and LGBTQ+ customers, meaning there’s a perfect gift for everyone.
6. Naturally Tribal
Driven by her son's debilitating eczema, founder Shalom Lloyd turned to her African heritage for a cure. She started experimenting with recipes using natural ingredients to create a formula that cleared his skin. From there, Naturally Tribal was born.
Believing that what we put on our skin should be just as important as what we eat, Naturally Tribal is changing the skincare industry’s narrative thanks to its ethically sourced products for various skin conditions.
Its award-winning formulas are 100% vegan and are made and packaged in a way that’s kind to our planet. With no chemicals and no nasties, these clean beauty products cater to a variety of debilitating skin conditions and even skin that's been impacted by cancer treatments and menopause.
7. Cheekbone Beauty Cosmetics
Cheekbone Beauty is the very first proudly indigenous-owned and -founded beauty company that intertwines its roots with Westernised science, creating a space in the beauty industry for everyone to be seen and represented.
Making a difference in the lives of underrepresented indigenous youth, this clean and sustainable brand is anything but bland. It's known for its high-quality, vegan, cruelty-free and low-waste colour cosmetics that are rich in indigenous culture and love for the planet.
Grabbing a gift card or selecting a bundle is the perfect way to introduce a beauty lover who loves a pop of colour to the brand.
8. Minka
Minka is a sustainable Chilean accessories brand that empowers female artisans.
All of their products, which include belts, hair scrunchies, hats, purses and jewellery, are handmade by women who have found themselves in vulnerable situations. They are trained in basic design, self-entrepreneurship and reusable textile techniques and receive 30% to 50% of the final product price.
Making a social impact via fashion, all of Minka’s artisans sign their products by hand to create a personal connection between the producer and consumer that's so often lost in big corporations.
Every time you make a purchase with Minka, know that you're helping and changing a woman's life for the better, giving her back the freedom to take control and make new decisions.
9. Packed With Purpose
Who doesn't love a hand-selected gift box full of gourmet goodies? Memorable, delicious and good for the planet, you can't go wrong with a curated Packed with Purpose gift box this Earth Day.
Catering to various dietary needs, surprise your family with a Something for Everyone Box brimming with mouth-watering cookies, chocolate, popcorn, pretzels — you name it — for a cosy night in. Or get a Positive Vibes Box with organic tea and biscuits, handmade jam, and indoor-friendly bonsai grow kit to brighten a friend's day.
Earth Day Gifts for Employees
Credit: Sproutworld
Don’t forget to give back to those who help your business thrive this Earth Day. Here are our top Earth Day gifts for employees.
10. Sproutworld
Who would have thought that a simple upgrade in stationery could help the environment? Well, it can do just that, thanks to Sproutworld’s plantable pencils.
Great for using at work, during conferences or scribbling down ideas, you can even customise them with your company logo. Once you’re done, plant the stub and watch as it grows into flowers, herbs, vegetables or trees.
11. Laid-Back Snacks
Everyone loves a delicious snack at work, and when they're certified climate-neutral and come in recyclable packaging, it's 100 times better! Made with natural, healthy ingredients that don't compromise on taste, Laid Back Snacks offers a subscription service, meaning you can keep your office kitchen stocked up year-round.
This family-run company is also the proud partner of the Breakfast Club of Canada. Their mission? To ensure no child goes to school hungry. For every snack box shipped, one snack is donated to the club. Guilt-free snacking — who knew, right?
12. Karst
Does your company pride itself on innovation? Why not give your employees a brand-new practical stone journal? Yup — you read that right. Stone.
Karst is completely changing the game and redefining the paper of the 21st century. Thoughtfully designed and sustainably made, their recycled stone paper sketch pads are world-first and include pages made out of calcium carbonate.
Available in various colours, these pocket-sized journals are lightweight, high-quality, eco-friendly and water-proof, making soggy notepads from accidental coffee spillages a thing of the past. Plus, they’re a great conversation starter.
Gift Ideas for Earth Day Birthdays
Credit: Rudolph Care
Do you know someone whose birthday falls on the same day as Earth Day but don’t know what to get them to make it special? We’ve got you covered. Here are our top gift ideas for Earth Day birthdays.
13. Earthbound
Is a brand new pair of sneakers on your dad’s, boyfriend’s, wife’s or best friend’s birthday list? Now, even your shoes can be sustainable thanks to Earthbound.
Previously known as MIRET, Earthbound creates 97% ecological sneakers that are thoughtfully designed to be more compatible with Mother Nature.
Completely free of chemicals, these colourful kicks feature a natural latex sole, an inner layer made from 100% breathable hemp textile and a combination of other supernatural materials. They offer the ultimate footwear experience for comfort, durability and a lower environmental impact with every step.
14. Maud Borup
Woman- and veteran-owned and proud, Maud Borup is on a mission to sweeten the world with its selection of confections.
Made up of a diverse workforce of 75% women and 80% identifying as being from an underrepresented group, Maud Borup appreciates diversity and sustainability. A B-Corp company, they only use fair-trade certified chocolate and have achieved the seemingly impossible: zero landfill waste.
15. Rudolph Care
You name it — face, body, fragrance, hair care —Rudolph Care has it all. A great brand to treat your loved one to, Rudolph Care combines the non-negotiable aspects of sustainability, responsibility and transparency with luxury and aesthetics, proving that premium ethical beauty can, in fact, be done.
Rudolph Care supports community-driven projects in the Amazon, is passionate about ingredients and completely destroys the notion that luxury skin care products and accessories can’t be sustainable. Beautifully packaged, this is a great eco-friendly option for someone who appreciates the finer things in life.
16. Gifts for Good
Gifts for Good is a B2B marketplace that’s reinventing the wheel when it comes to the corporate gifting industry. Selling products made by over 40 social enterprises and nonprofits, you’ll easily be able to find a beautiful and meaningful birthday gift.
Categories include high-quality gifts for him and her, homeware, gift sets, food and beverage, and more. And with every purchase, you can have peace of mind knowing that you’re supporting over 70 charities in 72 countries who are all doing their bit to tackle economic, social and environmental challenges facing the world today.
17. Tiny Explorer Apparel
Also known as Töastie, this British children’s brand specialises in heritage-inspired outdoor wear for tiny explorers. Keeping kids warm with breathable, waterproof and cosy apparel made from sustainable fabrics using recycled plastic bottles, Töastie is the perfect place to pick up a birthday gift for little ones — especially if you live in the UK!
Featuring timeless designs, this female-founded brand aims to deepen the connection between the future custodians of our world and the environment. Their beautiful, sustainably produced pieces promote a lifelong desire to protect the planet.
Taking Action Beyond Gift Ideas for Earth Day
So there you have it: 17 thoughtful and environmentally friendly Earth Day gift ideas from leading brands that are absolutely killing it in the sustainability space.
But Earth Day is about so much more than gifts; it's about making small, mindful changes in our daily lives that make a big impact. From recycling to clearing up your environment, supporting local farmers and businesses and shopping sustainably, we can make a difference to the world we live in and the world we leave to future generations.
At Novomins, we're proud to be the UK's and Europe's first certified B-Corp gummy nutrition brand. Our doctor-formulated gummy supplements are cruelty-free, vegetarian, and vegan-certified, as well as NON-GMO. With no artificial flavours or preservatives, you can trust that when you choose our products, you're supporting a company committed to people and the planet.
Gift ideas for Earth Day FAQs
What can you gift a climate activist?
Anything that is sustainably and ethically made or encourages a reduced carbon footprint makes a great gift for a climate activist.
You have plenty of options to choose from, ranging from sustainable and cruelty-free gummy supplements to eco-friendly cosmetics, recycled clothing, and even plantable pencils. Base it on their personality and personal tastes, and they’ll be guaranteed to love it.
