Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, trash increases by nearly 25 percent as holiday shopping, celebrations, gift wrap, and packaging ramp up. With the holiday season in full swing, CalRecycle is sharing simple gift ideas to help Californians reduce waste.

Top Eco-Friendly Gift Picks for 2025

Bicycle – New or used, bikes are a fun, healthy way to reduce pollution.

Cloth Bags and Napkins – Help family and friends ditch single-use items.

Composter – From small tumblers to large bins, composters keep food and yard waste out of landfills.

Consumable Treats – Homemade candy, jams, or pickles make thoughtful gifts. Pair coffee, wine, or chocolate with reusable containers.

Experience Gifts – Concerts, classes, memberships, and more help loved ones create memories, not trash.

Food Scraps Collection Bin – Countertop or freezer-friendly bins make composting easy.

LED Lights – A gift basket of bulbs or holiday lights helps loved ones upgrade.

Plants and Seeds – Live plants, fruit trees, or seeds paired with gardening supplies.

Rain Barrel – Save water to help landscapes through dry months.

Rechargeable Batteries – A smart add-on to any electronic gift.

Reusable Containers – Bottles, coffee cups, sandwich bags, and mess kits reduce waste all year.

Subscriptions – Streaming, fitness, or music apps keep giving without clutter.

Transit Passes – Encourage car-free travel with bus, train, or light-rail passes.

Vintage and Durable Goods – Antiques, linens, and quality tools built to last.

If you’re not sure what’s recyclable in your area, officials recommend you check iRecycleSmart.com for local recycling rules.

Also, visit RecyclingReimaginedCA.com to see how California is building a waste-free future with less pollution and more jobs.