Moms have been leading the low-waste lifestyle long before it was a hashtag. From reusing jelly jars as Tupperware to saving wrapping paper “just in case,” they’ve always had a knack for sustainability—even if they didn’t call it that. So this Mother’s Day, let’s celebrate our original eco-heroes by choosing gifts that honor both the moms in our lives and the planet we all share.
Whether you’re shopping for your mom, your partner, your grandma, or someone who’s been like a mom to you, there’s no shortage of meaningful, waste-free ways to show love. We’re talking zero-waste pampering, reusables that spark joy, and thoughtful touches that say “I love you and I compost.”
Let’s make this Mother’s Day a celebration of nurturing—our relationships and the Earth.
Reusables > Roses (Yes, We Said It)
We love a bouquet as much as anyone, but let’s be honest—cut flowers come with a hefty carbon footprint. Many are flown in from overseas, wrapped in plastic, and destined for the trash within a week. What if you could give something just as beautiful but way more practical?
Enter: UNpaper® Towels. These vibrant, machine-washable cloth towels come in colors and prints as lively as Mom herself. They’re absorbent, reusable, and roll up just like the paper stuff—but without the waste.
You can even create a full “eco-kitchen starter kit” with a Washable Sponge and Bowl Covers to replace cling wrap. Functional, cute, and planet-approved? Yes, please.
Build-Your-Own Spa Day (Minus the Plastic)
Forget store-bought spa sets wrapped in shrink-wrap and synthetic ribbon. You can create a custom self-care kit that’s just as luxurious—without the landfill guilt. Start with a stack of super-soft Facial Rounds, which work wonders for makeup removal, toner, or applying a DIY face mask. They’re gentle, washable, and way more glamorous than a wad of cotton balls.
Add in a jar of homemade body scrub (we love a brown sugar and coconut oil moment), or pick up something locally made in a glass jar. Tuck everything into a Wet Bag—it’s the perfect size for storing skincare on the go.
Need more ideas? Wrap a zero-waste gift set in a reusable towel, include a handwritten note, and you’ve just created a gift that feels like a warm hug. Best part? It’s just as good for the planet as it is for her skin.
For the Garden Goddess
If your mom’s favorite pastime involves soil under her nails and seedlings on the windowsill, there are so many thoughtful, sustainable ways to feed her passion. Instead of buying generic tools or plastic planters, try curating a garden-friendly gift set with eco-forward intention.
Start with a bundle of organic seeds from a local grower or online shop like Hudson Valley Seed Co. Pair it with a reusable bowl cover that doubles as a dough proofer or compost scrap cover, and you’ve got the beginnings of a gift that keeps on growing.
Want to level it up? Add a small countertop compost bin or a voucher for a garden workshop in your area. Gardening is naturally green—but with a few thoughtful tweaks, it can be even greener.
Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas by Mom Personality
We know not all moms are the same. That’s why we made a guide to help you find a gift that’s just her vibe—and just as kind to the Earth. Here’s your go-to cheat sheet for every kind of mom:
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The Cool Mom: Think bold patterns, vibrant UNpaper® Towels, a reusable iced coffee cup, and a funky Wet Bag she’ll actually want to carry.The Zen Mom: Opt for soft Facial Rounds, an herbal bath soak, a woven towel for her yoga mat, and a relaxing soy candle in a reusable jar.
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The Plant Mom: Gift her organic seeds, a compost starter kit, and tools she’ll use again and again—like Cloth Wipes for post-gardening clean-up.
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The New Mom: Go practical and sweet with a Baby Bathtime Set, organic Baby Butter, and a soft, handmade bib. She’ll appreciate the support and the sustainability.
Wrap It Up, the Waste-Free Way
Now that you’ve picked the perfect eco-gift, don’t undo your good work with plastic wrap and synthetic bows. Luckily, sustainable wrapping is easy—and gorgeous. Try Furoshiki wrapping with a bandana or tea towel (bonus: it's two gifts in one!). You can also repurpose kraft paper, newspaper, or old maps and tie it with natural twine or fabric scraps.
One of our favorite ways to wrap a gift? Use a Linen Wet Bag as the “wrapping” and sneak a note inside. It’s practical, beautiful, and keeps on giving.
Mama-Owned, Planet-Loving
When you support a small business like Marley's Monsters, you’re not just buying eco-friendly goods—you’re supporting a woman-owned, family-run business that walks the sustainability talk. Every item is handmade in Eugene, Oregon using thoughtful, low-impact materials and processes. The scraps? Upcycled into brand-new products like Scrap Felt.
So when you shop here, you’re giving back to the Earth, your local economy, and the people behind the products. That’s a gift in itself.
Explore our full selection of gifts under $50 to find sets and bundles ready to ship (guilt-free) to the moms you love most.
This Mother’s Day, Go All In
At the heart of Mother’s Day is a desire to give back to those who give endlessly. Let’s match their energy—not with wasteful trinkets, but with gifts that are useful, thoughtful, and good for the planet they helped us grow up on.
Whether you’re gifting a garden kit, a kitchen refresh, or a cozy self-care bundle, the magic isn’t just in the item—it’s in the intention. So go ahead: skip the last-minute flowers, and show up with something that says “I love you, and I’m thinking long-term.”
Because the best way to honor moms? Take care of the Earth they brought us into.