Sustainable Gift Ideas for Young Scientists and Environmentalists

Looking for a gift for a young environmentalist or scientist? Check out my sustainable gift ideas for curious, eco-conscious kids.

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With the holiday season quickly approaching, I wanted to create a list of sustainable gift options for the aspiring scientists and environmentalists on your list, to make your mental load a little lighter. After much reading, research, and testing (a.k.a. playing with some cool stuff) – it’s here!

Read on to discover seven small brands that are keeping sustainability at the forefront of their business models.

Science Teacher Mom Subscription Boxes

Medinah Eatman, better known as Science Teacher Mom, curates at-home science packs for children 3-10 years old. Each month your young scientist will explore a new unit of science with digital and printed resources, digital mini-lessons, and all the tools and supplies needed to explore each concept delivered directly to your door.

Medinah is conscious of the carbon footprint of her subscription boxes, so she packs her materials in compostable packaging and creates digital versions of her resources and instructional packets. Covering topics in biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, and environmental science, your young scientists will be inspired to innovate and explore.

I have had the pleasure of teaching virtually with Medinah multiple times this past year, and can honestly say that I have never met anyone more dedicated to making science education accessible to all learners. Check out what she has to offer; you will not be disappointed!

Kindhumans

Kindhumans is on a mission to make it easier for people to live a more conscious lifestyle, including young environmentalists and scientists! My son and daughter monitor the daily weather and temperature using the beautifully crafted wooden weather chart that can be found in their kids’ shop. Discover carefully vetted eco-friendly wooden toys, art supplies, STEM tools, and school essentials that are good for you and the planet, plus give back 3% of every purchase to global causes. As a bonus, save a few coins by entering the code JESSICA at checkout!

CORI Create

CORI Create was founded by two parents, an engineer and an educator, who were driven to create memorable hands-on learning experiences that help young people build creative confidence and self-efficacy. Using corrugated cardboard as the primary building material, (hence the name Cori) learners create windmills, sail cars, catapults, and flying automata with their project kits.

The CORIculum for each build, which contains detailed instructions and lesson plans, is available to download for free on the website, along with many other creative ways to create with cardboard. If an aspiring engineer is on your shopping list, you’ll be thrilled with what CORI has created.

Tiny Yellow Bungalow

Tiny Yellow Bungalow is a woman-owned, online, low waste store that prides itself on plastic-free packaging and zero waste shipping. From handmade wildflower seed balls to bamboo toothbrushes and reusable snack bags, Tiny Yellow Bungalow has gift ideas for even the tiniest aspiring environmentalists! I’ve personally given the colorful seed balls as presents to my children, and they loved being responsible for growing them.

wooden peg dolls painted to represent scientists

Rose Cottage Shoppe

If you’re looking to support a mother-daughter team that consciously curates or creates every item in their shop, look no further than the Rose Cottage Shoppe! I met the owners, Taylor and Penelope, last spring when they attended the virtual Earth Day Summit I co-hosted with my friend, Medinah, of Science Teacher Mom. Taylor’s commitment to educating her daughter, Penelope, in sustainable living practices was immediately apparent in our conversations and I was drawn to investigate her online shop.

Browsing through her website, I fell in love with the handpainted wooden peg dolls that honor scientists such as George Washington Carver and Marie Curie, as well as trailblazers like Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Ruby Bridges. Not to mention their handcrafted apparel line, Pennie and Me, made by none other than Taylor and Penelope. A portion of each purchase goes towards several non-profits that are listed on their site.

Climate Journal Project

For the teenaged environmentalist that doesn’t have a long list of material wants, take a moment to read the mission behind the Climate Journal Project. Founded by Yvonne Cuaresma, the Climate Journal Project is an online community that provides guided reflections and challenges, designed to help individuals build resilience against eco-anxiety so they can live with greater joy and purpose as we face major environmental changes ahead.

The journal is filled with prompts designed with thoughtful purpose; to connect the writer back to their first experiences in nature to rediscover the joy they felt when surrounded by the natural world. Reflections pages also allow journalers to plot their path to best use their skills to work towards creating a healthier planet for all that reside on it.

Through November, use the code JESS2021 to receive a discount on your journal purchase.

"good health" coloring page displayed on table top with periodic table of elements crayons

Raising Global Kidizens

As co-founder of Raising Global Kidizens, I would be remiss if I didn’t include our free United Nations Sustainable Development Goals coloring poster in my list of sustainable gift ideas! Pair the coloring poster with a gift card to your favorite used bookstore (or a trip to your local library) and some recycled crayons from the Krayonshop and you’ve got the makings for a perfect present! Not sure how to print a large coloring poster? No worries – we’ve got you covered.

Even More Sustainable Gift Giving Ideas

Over on my friend’s blog, Honestly Modern, I’ve shared what I’m buying my kids for Christmas this year. SHHHH…. don’t tell them! If you happen to have a horse-loving 9 year old and a 6 year that loves to build on your list, you may want to check it out!

If you’re looking for more sustainable gift-giving ideas for the loved ones on your list, check out my friends’ recommendations:

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