7 low- & zero-waste shops in the Valley for sustainable holiday gifts
Explore simple, sustainable ways to reduce holiday waste and find eco-friendly, zero-waste gift options around Phoenix.
The holiday season is full of celebration, traditions, loved ones, and gift-giving, but it’s also a time that significantly strains the environment. Between increased household waste, overconsumption, extra travel and emissions, and higher energy use, Mother Earth is often left hurting by January.
The good news is that there are plenty of simple ways to cut back on the impact and refocus on the joy this season brings. Small changes like reusing or making your own wrapping paper, switching to LED lights, eating your leftovers, and carpooling or taking public transit can make a real difference. And here in Phoenix, there are also a number of sustainable and zero-waste shopping options that make it easy to find a thoughtful gift for someone you love while also giving a little love back to the world around us. Check out these seven spots.
1. Local Nomad
Location: 100 E Camelback Rd, #168, Phoenix, AZ 85012; online.
Skip the fast fashion this holiday season and head to Local Nomad. It’s the spot for slow fashion and supporting local, independent creatives. You’ll find everything from beautiful clothing to one-of-a-kind jewelry, handcrafted home goods, high-quality wellness products, and plenty more. One of the best parts about shopping at Local Nomad is knowing that every purchase gives back to a local maker. You can even learn more about each brand you’re supporting on their website.
And if you’re looking for some company while getting outside this season, check out Local Nomad’s hiking group. They meet up a couple of times a month for hikes and a chance to connect with the community and Mother Nature.
2. Redemption Market
Location: The Merchantile of Scottsdale, 3965 N Brown Ave, Scottsdale, AZ 85251; The Merchantile of Phoenix, 730 E Missouri Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85251; various pop-up events; online.
Redemption Market is a great shop with an even greater mission. Based in Phoenix, with online options too, they’ve been giving back to social justice efforts since 2013. Everything they carry is fair trade, ethically made, and sustainably sourced. Many of their brands support survivors of human trafficking, people breaking out of poverty cycles, and other important social justice causes. You’ll also find a wide range of products from independent artists. It’s a great spot to find something you love while knowing your purchase is doing some good.
3. Practical Art
Location: 5070 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85012, USA; online
Practical Art has been a community pillar since 2008, when Jane Reddin left her successful law career to open a space that would highlight local artists and their work. Sixteen years later, it’s still doing exactly that, now under the ownership of Jane’s friend, Lisa Olson, after Jane’s passing in 2011. Their brick-and-mortar shop sits right in Phoenix, but you can browse and shop online as well. One of their most popular items is their collection of unique, creative mugs, which you can even bring next door for free coffee.
Along with mugs, you’ll find home décor, kitchen supplies, art prints, ornaments, handmade journals, and all kinds of candles and soaps. And honestly, one of the best parts is their commitment to sustainability. They use recycled packing materials to wrap and send you home with your holiday goodies. They even accept donations of paper boxes, bags, and bubble wrap.
4. Desert Refillery
Location: 5016 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012; online
Desert Refillery is a passionate, family-owned business in Phoenix. Inspired by the beauty of Arizona’s landscapes, they’re on a mission to help preserve that magic for their kids and future generations. Technically, it’s a zero-waste refill destination, but it feels like much more than that, especially during the holiday season. It’s a great place to pick up thoughtful, nature-friendly gifts for the outdoorsy folks in your life. You can bring your own clean containers or purchase a few of theirs, and gift cards are an easy holiday win, too, with online options available.
Inside, you’ll find everything from home essentials to personal care products like hair care, skin care, and even pet care. They also carry consignment clothing and accept donations if you’re looking to give old pieces a second life this season.
5. Humble Earth Company
Location: Pop-ups; online.
I love Humble Earth Company’s motto (almost as much as their soap): “Love your skin” and “Be kind to the earth.” If we can do those two things, it feels like everything else falls into place. Humble Earth is an artisan soap and organic skincare company dedicated to nourishing our bodies as much as the planet. It’s a good reminder that everything we do matters—the air we breathe, the water we drink, the things we put on our skin, and even how we choose to spend our money.
During the holiday season, Humble Earth is an easy way to give the gift of comfort and care with their aromatic, organic soaps and rich body butters. They’re local to Phoenix, so you can find them at various pop-ups around the valley, or you can shop their stuff online.
6. Kaya Holistic
Location: Pop-up events; online.
Just like the name suggests, Kaya Holistic is all about treating the whole person with handcrafted botanicals and artisan goods that support mindful living and care for the earth. With every purchase, they donate 1% to help protect and restore the planet’s beauty and vitality. Their wide range of products makes holiday shopping easy. You’ll find everything from ritual kits and wellness essentials to intentional living items, books, journals, and other thoughtful paper goods.
You can shop Kaya Holistic online, or catch them at their holiday pop-up happening December 1 to 23 at 6522 N 16th Street in Phoenix.
7. WHEAT
Location: 4000 North 7th Street, Suite 110, Phoenix, AZ 85014.; online.
WHEAT is an Arizona nonprofit dedicated to ending hunger and poverty, and one way they support that mission is through their fair trade store in Phoenix. Inside, you’ll find handcrafted products from artisans and small farmers in more than 30 developing countries. They carry a wide range of fair trade items, including home accents, jewelry, coffee, tea, and chocolate. They even have a new “Merry and Bright” section specific to holiday gifts and decor.
Every purchase makes a real impact and gives you the chance to support fair wages, safe working conditions, and meaningful change with your holiday shopping.
Our stories may be republished online or in print under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. We ask that you edit only for style or to shorten, provide proper attribution and link to our web site. Please see our republishing guidelines for use of photos and graphics.
