My favorite part of the holiday season is stuffing stocking for friends and family. Part of my family's tradition was to open the stockings first, eat Christmas breakfast, and then open other gifts. It's a core memory for me as a kid.
(Photo Credit: Handmade and listed here on Etsy.)
This year, we are scaling back. With higher prices on items, having a more sustainable mindset, and being lucky enough to have our needs met, we are just focusing on stockings this year because it's something myself and my daughter really enjoy. Our favorite snacks, maybe a bath accessory or two, and a few personalized items that make sense for the person receiving it.
I wanted to create a list of ideas for sustainable stocking stuffers this year with a focus on self care. The holidays aren't fun for everyone. They can be stressful. So with taking care of yourself in mind, here are 8 sustainable self care stocking stuffers, why they are sustainable, and how to use them.
A portion of the profits from each item from Kakkoi! Design go to youth and teen mental health programs across the USA, and helping individuals and families experiencing homelessness. A portion of profits also go to me, the creator, so I can continue the work.
- Handmade Soaps
(Photo Credit, Kakkoi! Design, Oatmeal and Honey Soap, Shop Here.)
Why it’s sustainable:
Bar soaps create far less waste than bottled cleansers and often come with minimal or compostable packaging. Oatmeal and honey are natural, biodegradable ingredients that don’t harm waterways or require chemical production. You can also find vegan handmade soaps for an extra step in sustainability.
How to use it:
Wet your face, lather the bar between your hands or onto a washcloth, and massage the soft, creamy foam over your skin. The Oatmeal in the bar above calms irritation while honey locks in moisture, making it a gentle daily cleanser for all skin types.
Why I like it:
Handmade and vegan soaps are often built for sensitive skin. This makes them generally great for most skin types and far easier to gift than most body washes that have chemical scents or other ingredients. Most handmade soaps have minimal ingredients and avoid harsh chemicals.
2. Shampoo Brush / Scalp Massager
(Photo Credit: Kakkoi! Design. scalp massager. Pick your favorite color here.)
Why it’s sustainable:
This reusable brush replaces single-use exfoliating products and eliminates the need for harsh, wasteful scalp treatments. It lasts for years and reduces the amount of product you need during washing.
How to use it:
Apply shampoo, then move the massager in slow circles around your scalp. It boosts blood flow, lifts buildup, and turns your shower routine into a relaxing ritual. It’s especially soothing for stress relief and tension.
Why I like it:
This product is great with or without product, so if you scalp is extra sensitive, you can use this with a natural hair oil or with nothing at all. The simplicity of design makes this durable and long lasting, so more sustainable than some products.
(Photo Credit: Kakkoi! Design. Scalp massager can be used on wet or dry hair. Shop Here.)
3. Jade and Gold Facial Roller
(Photo Credit: Kakkoi! Design. See all the benefits of facial rolling here.)
Why it’s sustainable:
A jade roller is a long-lasting, zero-waste tool made from natural stone and metal. Unlike disposable skincare gadgets or battery-powered tools, it’s reusable for life and requires no electricity or replacement parts.
How to use it:
Pop the roller in the fridge for a cooling effect, then gently roll it across your face to reduce puffiness, boost circulation, and help serums absorb deeper. It creates a calming, spa-like moment you can enjoy morning or night.
Why I like it:
Rolling your face stimulates circulation which is great for your skin. This product can be used warmed in hot water, or chilled in the freezer for different facial effects.
4. Hand Poured Candles with Soy Wax
(Photo Credit: Kakkoi! Design, hand poured abundance candle, here on our shop.)
Why it’s sustainable:
Hand-poured candles made from natural wax (like soy or coconut) burn cleaner than paraffin and come in reusable glass jars. Once the candle is done, simply wash the vessel and repurpose it as a planter, pen holder, or keepsake jar.
How to use it:
Light during a bath, meditation, journaling session, or end-of-day wind-down. The warm glow and soft fragrance create a soothing atmosphere and help signal your body to relax.
Why we love it:
This candle is made from sustainable soy wax and made by a small candle maker. It's designed with ritual in mind, this one for abundance.
(Photo Credit: Kakkoi! Design. Soy candle with wood wick and reusable jar. Here on Kakkoi!)
5. Organic Vegan Lip Balm
(Photo Credit, Kakkoi! Design, Organic Vegan Lip Balm. See ingredients here.)
Why it’s sustainable:
Vegan lip balm is made with plant-based oils and butters, no petroleum, no beeswax harvesting, and often in recyclable or biodegradable packaging. It’s one of the easiest sustainable swaps you can make.
How to use it:
Apply throughout the day to hydrate lips naturally. Use before bed as a moisture mask or during cold months to protect your skin from drying winds. Great for kids, too.
Why we love it:
All natural for sensitive skin, vegan skin care products don't contain any animal products, and are often free of chemical colorings. We love the fully compostable packaging of this product too!
6. Bamboo Toothbrush
(Photo Credit: Kakkoi! Design, Bamboo Toothbrush, set of 4. Shop Here.)
Why it’s sustainable:
Traditional plastic toothbrushes take hundreds of years to break down. Bamboo, however, is fast-growing, biodegradable, and compostable. Switching even one toothbrush reduces long-term plastic waste significantly.
How to use it:
Use just like any other toothbrush — plus, when you’re done, remove the bristles and compost the wooden handle. This little swap actually makes a huge eco impact over time.
Why we like it:
Bamboo is THE most sustainable material on the planet and it's biodegradable unlike plastic alternatives. I like gifts people can use daily, and there are 4 colors so one for the whole family, or one for every season of the year.
7. Natural Dead Sea Sponge
(Photo Credit: Kakkoi! Design, natural dead sea sponge. Read the benefits for your skin here.)
Why it’s sustainable:
Dead Sea sponges are naturally renewable, biodegradable, and free from synthetic materials. They last a long time, need no manufacturing chemicals, and can be composted at end of life.
How to use it:
Wet the sponge until soft and use it with your favorite soap or body wash. It gently exfoliates, boosts circulation, and creates a luxurious lather, turning even a quick shower into a spa moment.
Why we like it:
Dead sea sponges are packed with minerals naturally derived from the ocean. They also are naturally anti-bacterial, so a better long term choice over synthetic based sponges, They provide a gentle exfoliation for your skin while also being gentle on the planet.
(Photo Credit: Kakkoi! Design, Dead Sea Sponge. Shop it here.)
Small changes in the way we shop can make a big impact. If we change something about the way we care for ourselves, we can do something that's great for the planet at the same time. Products we use on a regular basis wear down faster, so what happens to it after it's done? Biodegradable and compostable self care choices put less into landfills so you can feel good about yourself and the what you're doing for the earth.
All products shared and linked from Kakkoi! Designs Self Care Collection give a portion of profits to Youth and Teen Mental Health programs. The products from Kakkoi! Designs Home Collection give a portion of profits to programs helping people experience homelessness. Products are chosen with people and the planet in mind.
Thanks for coming along as I share some sustainable stocking stuffers (or great year round gifts.) If you want to see more about this mission, check it out here.