Holiday Gift Guide for a No Waste Kitchen

Whether purchasing for a friend or making your list, this gift guide will help you find the perfect idea for a No Waste kitchen.

The holidays are one of the hardest times to be working on cutting out waste. There’s so much baking, all the delicious food, gifts and gift wrap, and travel. And while we can’t control what others do, we can give subtle (or not so subtle) hints as to the types of gifts you would prefer. 

In other words, your Christmas List. Maybe your spouse isn’t fully on board with cutting waste, but enjoys buying you a few gifts. Well, give them a gift guide that just happens to align with your No Waste Kitchen goals. 

Also, remember, that sometimes, people are trying. Your family wants to support you even though they may not know the best way to do it. Or maybe you are trying to help other family members or friends start their no waste journey and looking for ideas. 

No matter what your situation is, this gift guide has some of the best gifts to give when striving for a No Waste Kitchen. 

Gifts Under $15

Sometimes, you only need a small gift. Or maybe you are looking for those perfect stocking stuffer ideas. The following items in the gift guide are all under $15 on Amazon and are perfect for a No Waste Kitchen. 

Reusable K-Cup

For the coffee lover in your life! Keurig’s and other individual serving coffee pots are great when you only want one cup. Or maybe your house is like mine and we all like something different. Instead of buying the plastic cups, get a reusable k-cup and buy coffee grounds in a metal can. 

Stainless Steel Straws

Plastic straws are a huge environmental problem. Yes, they are small in size, but they can cause so much harm to small animals and marine life. Many places are banning plastic straws. A sustainable option is a set of stainless steel straws that can be cleaned and reused.

Hemp Coffee Filter

If your coffee-lover doesn’t use a single-serve brewing system, but has an old-fashion coffee pot, then a hemp coffee filter may be the gift for them. This set comes with two filters that can be washed an reused. 

Compostable Bags

If you haven’t been able to completely eliminate trash, then try using small compostable bags. While these aren’t a reusable product, they can be composted meaning less plastic bags are used. The ones listed are small, but the company makes full-size bags, too. 

Bamboo Travel Utensils

For those who are constantly on-the-go, a set of travel utensils is a great gift. They are perfect for going out to eat to avoid plastic silverware, or when taking a trip. And the set is small enough to easily carry with you wherever you go. 

Mesh Produce Bags

Produce bags are those small plastic bags that you usually find on a roll in the produce section at the grocery store. While it’s great to keep each piece of individual fruit or vegetable together, it’s unnecessary plastic. Instead, try mesh produce bags the next time you head to the grocery store or farmer’s market. 

Wooden Dish Brushes

Most dish brushes are made from plastic and synthetic materials. For those trying to cut plastics from the kitchen, this is an easy place to start. The brushes are biodegradable, so they won’t take up space in the landfill when you’re done with them. 

Bees Wax Wraps

Rather than wrapping your food and leftovers with plastic wrap, try some bee’s wax wraps. They are made from organic materials, meaning that once they have outlived their use, they can be thrown in the compost bin. 

$15-$25 Gifts

Spill-Proof Stainless Steel Travel Mug

Rather than bringing a plastic water bottle when you leave the house, opt for a reusable travel mug. Having one that’s insulated and spill-proof means you can take it anywhere. This is perfect for cold or hot drinks and stops the use of disposable cups while out and about. 

Bamboo Cooking Utensils

When it comes to a plastic-free kitchen, it isn’t only food storage you have to consider. Most cooking utensils (spatulas, spoons, etc.) are made from plastic materials. Metal isn’t always an option, depending on what type of pans you have, so bamboo is a safe bet for almost any kitchen. And when they’ve outlived their use, they can be put in the compost.

Silicone Food Bags

Basically, a replacement for plastic zip-top bags that are one-time use. The silicone is reusable, so they can be washed and dried for future use. Silicone bags are spill proof and can be used in the freezer or great for taking food 

Reusable Grocery Bags

One of the most popular no waste items is reusable grocery bags. They are becoming very commonplace and are often given out at events. I have so many that I’ve accumulated from different places that I haven’t had to pay for any of mine yet! They are great for so much more than groceries, too.

Stainless Steel Insulated Bottle

For someone who is on the go often, an insulated bottle is a perfect gift. Find one that’s stainless steel to cut out the plastic. They are a little more costly, but don’t give that plastic taste to any drink inside. 

Counter-Top Compost Bin

Usually the compost bin is outside, which isn’t convenient when you’re in the kitchen preparing a meal. Having a small container that’s meant for compost is perfect for the counter. Most of them can hold enough that you only have to empty it every few days. They aren’t a long-term compost, but great to hold a few things in the mean time. 

Glass Food Storage Containers

When purchasing food in bulk, you’ll need a storage container in the pantry. Rather than storing food in plastic, which can leak chemicals, opt for glass  instead.

$25 and Over

Paperless Towels

Cleaning up spills is a common occurrence in the kitchen. Rather than using paper every time, get some paperless towels. Cotton rags are usually more absorbant than paper, and can be washed in the regular laundry. There are many color options, so you can find them to match almost any kitchen decor. 

Stainless Steel Bento Lunch Box

It’s one thing to try to go no waste in your own kitchen, but it’s a totally different task when not at home. Having a sustainable lunch box option gives you a way to bring food with you to avoid food waste, save money instead of buying food out, and cuts the waste that most restaurants and fast food places produce. 

Mason Jars

One of the products that really helped in our No Waste Kitchen journey is a good set of mason jars. Since they are glass and metal, you don’t have to worry about plastic. Use them for food storage, leftovers, homemade foods, and so many other kitchen-related ideas, depending on the size of the jar.

Glass Leftover Containers

Similar to having glass storage containers, it also helps to have leftover containers that don’t require putting your food in plastic. Yes, the lids usually have a bit of plastic, but I haven’t been able to find any without that yet. 

Dual Tumbler Compost Bin

There are many ways to start a compost pile, but having a closed bin is the safest. It keeps animals out of it and allows it to properly decompose without too much smell. The dual tumbler allows you to have one side composting while you add to the other. 

Your Turn

• What items are on your holiday wish list?
• What else would you add to your Christmas list?
• Do you have anyone you are purchasing for that would enjoy something from this gift guide?

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