Gifts Made From Recycled Materials
Ideas For Adults
Backpacks and Messenger Bags
There are many companies that sell backpacks made from recycled materials.
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Targus Balance EcoSmart Travel and Checkpoint-Friendly Laptop Backpack
This is Eco Smart backpack is made from recycled water bottles. It’s great for everyday use but also perfect for traveling. It has a laptop compartment so perfect for professionals and students.
Vera Bradley Recycled Mini Sling Backpack
This pretty Vera Bradley mini sling bag is also made from recycled bottles. Turning the bottles into sustainable water-repellent fabric which is lightweight & durable. It’s also soft to the touch and easily wipes clean
This crossbody bag features 2 easy to reach front zip pockets, pen slips, a phone slip, a D-ring for your keys, & a large hidden zip pocket on the back for your valuables.
It can be worn as a cross body or as a belt bag. There are lots of different colors to choose from.
Sakroots Fleetwood Backpack
Another cute backpack made from recycled water bottles. It comes in different colors. It makes a lovely backpack for all kinds of uses but it includes a removable pencil case that expands and sits flat, and a critter keychain. The interior contains padded sleeve that fits up to a 15” laptop. It would make a useful gift for a college student.
Stocking Fillers
For UK readers, Oxfam UK sells a photo frame made out of recycled tyres.
Socks
These socks are made out of recycled cotton yarns. They are vibrant, colorful and machine washable.
Recycled Travel Bag
The travel bag featured above is made from recycled water bottles. Why not fill it with eco friendly items as a gift such as a bamboo toothbrush and safety razor?
This wristlet uses fabrics made with 100% Cycle PET polyester fabric made from recycled water bottles (uses 5+ bottles). It features 12 card slots and zip coin pocket with 3 sections that are perfect for bills, receipts and lip gloss
Green Guru Wallet
Wallets make a nice stocking filler and the Green Guru wallet in the picture above is made from recycled bike tubes.
Jewelry and Accessories
Etsy have all kinds of jewelry made out of recycled materials.
A planet, love, life bracelet made out of salvaged fishing nets.
Flip Flop Bracelets
Flip flop bracelets made out of flip flops in Mali, West Africa. They are washable, durable, and soft. You can wear them in the shower, the pool, at the beach, or working out. Just roll them on and off with ease – especially with soapy water or lotion.
Moneta Jewelry, Recycled Glass Tree of Life Pendant Necklace
Moneta Jewelry make pendants and earings out of recycled materials which are fair trade too. The recycled glass pendant featured also comes in green and blue. It’s made from recycled wine bottles.
Alex and Ani Bracelet
Toys and Gifts for Kids
There are lots of toy companies that make toys from recycled materials and include recycled plastic and cardboard. Here are a few:
Recycled Plastic Toys
Green toys – make all kinds of toys from recycled plastic including bath toys, jump ropes, dump trucks and baby toys
Green Toys Car Carrier Vehicle Set
The Green toys Car carrier set makes a fantastic toy for a toddler or preschooler. It’s made out of 100% recycled plastic. It can be played with indoors and outdoors. It will help develop fine motor skills and spark children’s imagination when they play. Additionally, it’s easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
Building blocks and toys
Mondo make large sturdy cardboard building blocks from recycled cardboard for children in the USA and UK. Great for young children to build wars, towers or what about a space rocket? Great for imaginative play.
Craft Kits
Petit Collage make craft kits for young children including dinosaur and fairy playsets as well as a toy camera kit among others.
Toy Camera Kit
Aimed at ages 4 plus the kit contains a fold-it-yourself cardboard camera, 26 stickers, ribbon, brads, double-sided tape, and 10 photo cards to draw on and store inside the camera. Use your imagination and have fun “taking photos” once the camera is completed.
It’s made from recycled paper printed with vegetable inks.
Petit Collage Jigsaw Puzzles
There are many companies that make jigsaws out of recycled materials. They include the floor puzzle above for young children. It is 24 pieces and perfectly sized for little hands. The puzzle is made with recycled paper printed with non-toxic environmentally friendly vegetable-based inks
Easy Playhouse
You can even buy your own castle or cottage made out of recycled cardboard and decorate it too.
Pencil Case
Blue Q make pencil cases out of 95 percent post-consumer recycled material. They are waterproof and easy to clean – cases features a zipper closure. It could be used as a pencil case, a make-up case or to hold coins. There are lots of different designs to choose from like the dinosaur featured below.
Recycled Crayons
The Eco Stars recycled crayons are completely recycled. They are made with crayons collected by the National Crayon Recycle Program. The purchase of this product supports “Recycling Education” and employs people with developmental disabilities which makes it a very eco-conscious choice. A great gift for young children. The crayons are made in the USA.