There are a few things you can count on every holiday season. Holiday movies and music on repeat, the panic of making sure you’ve got the holiday shopping complete, and piles of corporate gifts collecting dust on a desk, or quietly making their way to the office “freebie table.”
It’s a familiar scene, and a wasteful one! Did you know that we usually see a 25% spike in waste between Thanksgiving and New Year’s? How much of that comes from well-intentioned gifts that miss the mark?
This year, more businesses are recognizing the impact and shifting toward a “give better, not more” mindset. The most sustainable gifts are the ones that don’t get thrown away. High-quality, thoughtfully chosen items last longer, get used more often, and ultimately create less waste. It’s not just about being eco-friendly; it’s about making sure your brand is associated with quality, usefulness, and care.
Consumer demand for sustainable products is only growing. The “sustainable manufacturing” market (covering eco-friendly production processes, recycled materials, etc.) is projected to grow from USD 199.7 billion in 2023 to about USD 523.7 billion by 2032. A study by Simon‑Kucher reports that 64 % of consumers now place sustainability among their top three purchasing considerations. If people are focused on buying sustainable products for themselves, just think of how happy they’ll be to get an eco-friendly product from your brand! An IBM survey found 72% of business buyers prefer to work with companies that prioritize environmental sustainability. Investing in high-quality, long-lasting, sustainably made items isn’t just good for the planet, it aligns with where consumers and markets are headed.
“In price-driven market, it’s no surprise that companies are concerned with the price of promotional products. That said, oftentimes the cheapest goods are cheap for a reason. The promotional products industry is no exception. As a general business practice, Strategies pushes our clients to buy fewer but higher quality. Rather than trying to cast a wide, cheap net, concentrate a little bit more on who your target market is and how you would consider your promotional campaign a success. If your marketing dollars are going towards products that are just going to end up in the trash, not only is that a waste of your budget, but it also leaves a negative impact on the environment. We help companies choose smarter, more intentional branded merch that people will actually use, keeping marketing dollars out of the landfill and elevating your brand.” – Payton Dahlke, Director of Business Operations
Below, we’ve compiled 10 creative and sustainable corporate gift ideas for the 2025 holiday season. Ranging from reusable everyday items to innovative eco-conscious products, each idea aligns with corporate social responsibility values and is designed to be practical, memorable, and planet-friendly. These gifts are suitable for both employees and clients, with a mix of price points to fit your budget. Let’s jump in:
1. Reusable Tote Bags Made from Recycled Materials
Help your gift recipients ditch single-use plastics by gifting stylish reusable tote bags. Opt for totes made from biodegradable, organic, or recycled materials, such as cotton canvas, upcycled fabrics, or repurposed materials like old sails or billboards. Durable construction means these bags hold up for years, reducing the need for disposable alternatives. Not only are they built to last and practical for shopping or commuting, but they also broadcast your brand’s commitment to sustainability.
Customize the tote with your company logo or a festive design, and it becomes a walking billboard for your brand values. Reusable bags are a practical gift that recipients will carry everywhere, reducing plastic waste while giving your brand repeated exposure.
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2. Eco-Friendly Drinkware (Water Bottles & Tumblers)
Reusable drinkware has become a go-to corporate gift for good reason. A quality water bottle or insulated mug is something people actually use, at their desk, in the car, or at the gym. It’s also a small but meaningful way to cut down on disposable cups and plastic bottles.
Even with the rise in reusable bottles, people in the U.S. still toss tens of millions of plastic bottles every year, and most don’t get recycled. That’s what makes this type of gift such a smart choice. A sleek stainless steel or glass bottle encourages greener habits while keeping your brand top of mind whenever someone gets thirsty!
When you’re choosing drinkware, look for options with recycled materials. There are a ton of great options on the market today made from stainless steel, glass, or BPA-free Tritan.
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3. Sustainable Stationery (Recycled Notebooks and Eco Pens)
A good notebook never goes out of style! Especially one that does some good along the way. Eco-friendly stationery sets are a simple, thoughtful gift that employees and clients alike can actually use.
Look for notebooks made with 100% post-consumer recycled paper or covers crafted from creative materials like recycled denim or apple peels. Pair them with eco-friendly pens made from bamboo, recycled plastics, or biodegradable materials such as wheat straw. They look great, feel great, and work just as well as traditional options, but with a lighter footprint.
You might be surprised at how far sustainable stationery has come. Recycled paper today is nearly indistinguishable from new paper, and many eco-pens write just as smoothly as the plastic ones. Bundle a few pieces into a set, and you’ve got a gift that’s both practical and meaningful, something people will actually reach for every day. It’s a simple way to encourage mindful habits at work while reinforcing your brand’s commitment to reducing waste and making better choices.
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4. Bamboo Utensil and Straw Kits
Come to the rescue whenever someone is hungry on the go! Bamboo utensil sets and reusable straws make great holiday gift ideas. These compact kits often include a fork, knife, spoon, chopsticks, and a metal or bamboo straw with a cleaning brush, all tucked neatly into a small travel pouch. They’re great for employees who bring lunch to the office or for anyone who’s frequently on the go.
Bamboo utensils are lightweight, durable, and naturally antimicrobial. More importantly, they replace countless single-use plastic forks and straws. By giving a set like this, you’re offering something practical that makes it easier for people to make sustainable choices every day.
You can also personalize the gift with a branded pouch or a subtle logo engraving on the utensils. Every time the recipient skips a plastic fork or straw, they’ll be reminded that your company supports sustainability in a real, tangible way. It’s an affordable, practical gift that reflects both care for the recipient and commitment to the planet.
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5. Solar-Powered Tech Gadgets
Shopping for a holiday gift that’s useful, but maybe a little unexpected? Solar-powered gadgets have been a huge hit with Strategies customers lately, and for good reason! Everything from solar phone chargers, power banks, Bluetooth speakers, and lanterns have been some of our best sellers, and always get rave reviews from recipients!
A solar charger with multiple USB ports can be a real lifesaver during travel or a power outage, helping reduce reliance on the grid while keeping devices powered up. For clients or employees who love the outdoors, solar gear is especially handy for camping or hiking trips. Remote workers will appreciate being able to charge up anywhere.
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6. Organic Cotton or Recycled Apparel
Branded apparel is a classic corporate gift. This year, give it an eco-friendly twist by choosing sustainable clothing options. Recycled material for clothing is also consistently getting better and more accessible, narrowing what used to be a wide gap in price between traditional and sustainable apparel. Brands like Allmade, Stanley/Stella, Tasc, and Storm Creek now offer fully sustainable lines, and many others are moving in that direction. The quality and comfort of eco-apparel have improved tremendously (no more boxy hemp shirts of the past!). Choosing premium organic or recycled materials ensures these pieces stay in rotation, not the donation pile.
The holidays are the perfect time to gift a cozy piece of apparel, especially when it’s made with sustainability in mind. An organic cotton sweatshirt, a polo crafted from recycled materials, or someone’s next favorite go-to T-shirt can all make thoughtful, high-quality presents that showcase your brand logo in style. These pieces feel good, last for years, and won’t end up in the back of a drawer.
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7. Plantable & Living Gifts (Seed Paper and Desk Plants)
Bring some green to the holiday season, literally, with plantable and living gifts. One of our team’s favorite options is seed paper! We’ve got some great products, from coasters to cards, where the biodegradable paper elements of the products are embedded with seeds for wildflowers, herbs, or other plants. Instead of tossing it, recipients can plant it and watch something beautiful grow!
You can also take the idea a step further with small indoor plants or DIY grow kits. Think succulents, desktop terrariums, or mini herb gardens that brighten up a workspace. These gifts are simple, lasting, and symbolic — they represent growth, care, and sustainability, all perfect themes as a new year begins.
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8. Local Goodies Gift Sets
Who doesn’t love snacking on something great during the holidays? Make your edible gifts more sustainable by choosing locally sourced goodies. For the coffee or tea lovers on your list, a fair-trade coffee set or organic tea sampler is ideal, just be sure to throw in some branded gear along with the goodies! Pair an assortment of local craft brews, wines, or sodas with branded tumblers, bottle openers, or coasters! The recipients enjoy a delicious treat, and you support ethical farming and labor practices. You can include a note about the origin of the products, “This coffee was locally roasted right here in our hometown,” to highlight your local roots.
Strategies’ Top Picks:
- The best Wisconsin cheeses and:
- Your favorite local craft beers and:
- Coffee beans from your favorite local shop and:
- Looking for a more efficient way to send goodies without sourcing them yourself? We’ve got you covered!
9. Sustainable Kitchenware (Bamboo Cutting Boards or Utensils)
For a premium yet practical gift, look at sustainable kitchenware such as a bamboo or FSC-certified wood cutting board. Kitchen gifts are universally appreciated! Who doesn’t love a beautiful serving board during the holidays? By choosing materials like bamboo (a fast-growing, renewable resource) or wood from FSC-certified forests, you ensure the gift is eco-friendly. A bamboo charcuterie board or cheese board engraved with your company’s logo makes for a classy executive gift or a generous team gift.
You can pair the board with a set of reusable bamboo cheese knives or stainless steel spreaders to complete the package. Other ideas in this category include bamboo salad bowl sets, reclaimed wood coasters, or even upcycled glassware (wine glasses made from recycled bottles, etc.) for an eco-chic touch. These items are durable and designed to last, meaning your gift will be used at gatherings for years to come. Each time it’s brought out for a dinner party or family meal, it will remind recipients of your company. Gifting sustainable kitchenware aligns perfectly with the season of feasting and togetherness, and it subtly promotes the idea of choosing natural materials over plastics in our daily lives.
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10. Eco-Friendly Candles in Reusable Containers
Nothing sets a cozy holiday mood quite like a candle, and you can give eco-friendly candles that warm the space, without harming the environment. Traditional candles are often made from paraffin, a petroleum byproduct, and come packaged in plastic. A better choice is candles made from soy, beeswax, or coconut wax, all renewable materials that burn cleaner and longer.
Many eco-friendly candles come in reusable containers like mason jars, ceramic pots, or recycled glass holders. Once the candle burns down, the container can be repurposed as a pen cup, small planter, or even refilled with another candle. When shopping, look for candles with cotton or wood wicks (not lead cores) and phthalate-free fragrances for a cleaner burn.
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Giving Better, Together
As you plan your 2025 holiday gifting, know that you don’t have to figure it out alone. For more than 30 years, we have helped businesses choose branded merchandise that fits their goals, budgets, and values. We believe in helping brands “give better”. To us, that means helping you choose gifts that truly help you tell your brand’s story, and that are appreciated, used, and remembered.
If you’re ready to create a sustainability-first gifting program, we’d love to help you find eco-conscious products your team and clients will truly enjoy. Many of today’s eco-friendly materials rival traditional ones in quality, showing that sustainability and style can go hand in hand. Here’s to a holiday season that gives back to both people and the planet!
