12 Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas for Busy Mums on The Go

A sustainable and eco-friendly gift is a gift to future generations. Often referred to as ‘green gifts’, they demonstrate both love for mum and love for the earth. Eco friendly gifts include in 2020 take on many different forms, from natural beauty products to reusable bags, and even recyclable jewellery. Any natural occurring product that helps in the preservation of the environment and prosperity by eliminating pollution can be an eco-friendly gift.

Here are 12 eco-friendly Mother’s Day gifts you can gift this year

1. Reusable keep cup

Saying goodbye to disposable, single-use coffee cups is an easy way to make an environmental difference. Keep cups are high quality and built to last, meaning that once you’ve got one, you’ve got one for life. Available in a range of colours, you can choose from materials such as glass, cork, stainless steel and silicone.

2. Reusable water bottle

Just like single-use coffee cups, disposable water bottles take their toll on the environment. But staying hydrated is important, especially when running around after little ones. The solution is a reusable water bottle, which is not only practical, but can help your busy mum make a fashion statement too. Be it glass, plastic or stainless steel, a reusable drink bottle is a welcomed gift that will be used again and again.

3. Natural fibre soap pouch

A sisal natural fibre pouch will hold a bar of soap and create a fine foam that’s perfect for lathering and gentle exfoliation. You can make one yourself or purchase one ready-made. You can take your gift one step further by gifting a range of beautiful natural soaps.

4. Beeswax wraps

Be it for wrapping small cheese blocks, fruit, packing small picnics or covering medium-sized containers, 100% natural beeswax wraps are a busy mums dream. Simply press wraps firmly over or around food and then rinse with cold water and mild soap to clean and reuse. No more Ziploc bags or plastic wrap! For a personal touch, enrol yourself in a beeswax wrap-making class and make your own wraps.

5. Eco wellness retreat

Every busy mum deserves a bit of R&R and an eco-friendly wellness retreat is the ideal experience. Two new Singapore properties – Duxton and Maxwell – offer the perfect wellness escape within the city once lockdown is lifted, both urban retreats that take a unique approach to sustainability and heritage. Alternatively you could give a gift voucher for them to utilize once circuit breaker is over

6. Pre-made food

If you can’t get your busy mum away from her baby for a luxurious organic facial at a wellness retreat you can at least make sure your busy mum has a day off from cooking. Cook or order something delicious for you and her to share together!

7. Yoga class or yoga mat

A gift card for a local yoga studio is something your busy mum can use in her own time. If she’s not a pro, try a restorative yoga class that is relaxing and great for beginners. Alternatively you could consider the gift of a yoga mat, but do your homework first to ensure you choose an eco-friendly material.

8. Plants or flowers

Whenever you buy flowers, it’s a good idea to support a local florist near you, and if you can order online to stay safe during this Circuit Breaker. This will not only help boost your local economy, but result in less carbon emissions. If choosing plants, why not give the gift of an air purifying plant? These plants not only possess the power to purify the air in the home for better health, they also liven up interiors and create a more relaxing living space. You could also consider creating the perfect balcony-friendly herb garden!

9. Environmentally-friendly fashion

Did you know that a single cotton shirt uses 2,700 litres of water to manufacture? Choosing sustainable clothing is important for individual impact and this all starts with the right fabrics. Opt for clothing made of linen, hemp or even bamboo. Say no to real leather, repair well-loved items for regifting, embrace second-hand and choose worker-friendly brands that use fair labour practices. When possible, buy handmade or locally-made clothing and jewellery.

10. Picnic basket

Picnics are a fantastic way to get outdoors and appreciate the natural surroundings (only when it’s safe to leave them home of course!). To preserve, protect and respect these surroundings, your busy mum should be carrying with her an eco-friendly picnic set. Who needs plastic utensils, paper napkins and single-use straws when there are so many great alternatives out there? Another alternative to buying a picnic set is to take your busy mum on a picnic in a beautiful setting. You pack the blanket, food and sunscreen and give her the day off. Singapore is home to a huge range of parks that are perfect for a picnic.

11. Essential oils

Essential oils are concentrated extracts of various plants and they can be used in a number of ways. Give the gift of your favourite essential oils and your busy mum can use them in aromatherapy, as a mentholated vapour rub to help clear the sinuses, as part of a homemade massage oil or in homemade cleaning products. Essential oils are the gifts that keep on giving!

12. Natural wheat bag

Natural wheat bags, also known as wheat packs or heat bags, are cotton bags filled with natural wheat grain. They can be heated in the microwave or cooled in the freezer and then applied to the body whenever therapy or relief from aches, pains and tension is needed. An excellent method of natural pain relief, wheat bags are a gift that can offer comfort when you’re not there to give it.

Eco-friendly gifts mum will love

Choosing to give eco-friendly gifts is a simple way to minimise waste and show big impact love that has little impact on the earth. Shop for biodegradable, compostable or reusable products and re-gift, buy second-hand and think outside the box to ensure your presents are as kind on the environment as you are to your loved ones. You can take the added step by buying items from companies who publish their products’ carbon footprint or who produce only certified organic.