60 Green Stocking Stuffers for Adults

Stockings are treated like a footnote for Christmas, but an awesome stocking can be a highlight of the holiday! Especially if we are cutting down on our gifting (buy less, have more adventures), stockings will actually make up a good chunk of our shopping.

Kids gifts can be great, and you can find their stocking stuffer list here, but often, we adults get the bum end of the deal, because Santa is on to our misbehavior or something, but I think we can turn up the fun (and usefulness!) of the stockings.Even better, we can do this by making gifts or buying Eco-Friendly Used, Recycled, or Made in America gifts! 

We can fall into the idea that we don't have many good options, but we have tons! I listed 50 here, so you can pick a handful you like to replace something else you would have put in a stocking. Also, these are up early, because Etsy doesn't come with prime shipping, so things move slowly. You want to order some of this fun stuff soon! 

The Inner Child

from Bean Works Crochet

1. Cacti (USA)- Because if you haven't got one of Akron's famous crocheted cacti, you are missing out. Seriously though, these are so cute! Who doesn't want a Christmas cactus?

2. Cards (USA)- These playing cards are made in America, and nothing says holiday cheer like a good game of rummy or solitaire.

3. Puzzles (GU, USA)- You could get puzzles at basically any level and then put them in the stocking broken up (maybe not great for those 1000 piece puzzles).This is one you can definitely find in consignment stores Springbok Puzzles is one of the oldest puzzle companies in the US! Tavern Puzzles makes the cool metal puzzles you have to jimmy with to get things apart.

from Wild Rabbits Burrow

4. Stuffed Toy (USA)- Oh, you are too mature to want stuffed animals? It must really suck to be you! Maturity be damned, you can buy all sorts of cute little someones to stuff into a stocking. What adult doesn't need this Christmas cactus from Wild Rabbits Burrow in their life? Oh, most of us? Well, you might still find a perfect and adorable gift in this store (they have great pillows too) or another Etsy store like The Yawning Yak or The Huggable Hoots.

from Oanabefort

5. Temporary Tattoos (USA)- This must be on trend, because you can find any style of temporary tattoo. Is it mature to wear these? Absolutely not, so it makes for a fun Christmas day! Who doesn't want a Christmas face tattoo?  One year, I got a henna set for Christmas, and it was super fun until it exploded on my poor cousin Paige's hand. You can do it better than I did. Tattly Temporary Tattoos make some of my favorites like these nautical ones and the vegetables (finally fulfilling my eggplant tattoo dreams). I also love this anemone tattoo from Oanabefort. These hand tattoos look super fun as well.

Treat Yo Loved Ones

6. Backscratcher (USA)- You know you're a grown-up when your back hurts. A back scratcher can stick right in a stocking, and you can even get one shaped like a moose! Merry Christmas indeed!

from Juxtapositions SC

7. Bottle Opener (USA)- Simple addition that people sometimes need? I got The Boy a pirate one a year ago, and it has gotten a lot of use (yes, parenthood has led to way more beer drinking in this house, but only because we have had lots of people over). You could buy a set on Teals Prarie and give everybody matching ones. Juxtapositionsc sells every type of bottle opener you would ever want to buy, but I like the wall mounted ones best (because who doesn't want a little cast iron on Christmas?).

from Restrung Jewelry

8. Bracelets (R, FT)- My dad usually gives a piece or two of really fun jewelry, and I love these bright and colorful bracelets made from recycled flip flops. You could split the group between stockings too. I got a set of these, and they are actually prettier in person. Super cute and great for the environment! I am currently obsessed with recycled guitar string bracelets, especially these beauties from Restrung Jewelry (you can try Fox Designs Jewelry, Robin and Leigh, or Recycled Hope as well). Want more recycled options? Try R3SK8 Products, that makes mod jewelry out of old skateboards. You can even get a bike chain bracelet!

from sleepy mountain

9. Fun Jewelry (USA)- It's very important to understand that no stocking jewelry should be fancy or expensive. Fun. Playful. My dad usually puts some jewelry in my stocking every year, and some of it is very cute and some is a little more silly, but (as far as I know), stocking jewelry does not cause an arm and a leg. Lucky for all of us, Etsy sellers are the geniuses of fun jewelry, so you are bound to find something perfectly awesome for your loved ones. Sleepy Mountain sells the best studs I have ever seen- Ron Swanson, Tobias Funke, paper planes (see how that works on two levels?). If Santa is reading this, I would basically love anything from this store (someone loves Parks and Rec as much as I do).

If you want to be classy (booo), you could also get a bracelet with an initial on it. You can also buy minimalist jewelry like these earrings from Madera Lane. Art Altered brings the dorky at an epic level. You could get bangle bracelets made of recycled champagne bottles- so fancy! Obsessories also sells hilarious stud earrings (you can even get custom ones of your dog) . Do you see there is an endless supply of options here? You can find the perfect piece of kooky jewelry this year.

10. Hair Ties (USA)- Pumpkin Bowtique has lots of choices of hair ties, in any color you can think of. I love these ribbon ones, which are adorable and come in lots of patterns. It's a nice alternative to the elastic ones with the little metal piece.

11. iPad Case (USA)- Maybe a little big for a stocking, but you could potentially roll it around the top to pile things higher, like my dad does with magazines (seems a little symbolic, right? Replacing magazines with an iPad cover?) 8th Day Encore has lots of pretty combinations of fabric, and I would probably pick them for that. Wooden 45 sells covers and pouches out of Michigan. These Mario and Luigi ones make me smile, though I don't know how a crocheted case works long term. If you are a sewer, and you just want to make a good one yourself, you can get the instant download PDF here for 4 dollars.

from Off Chutes

12.  Luggage Tags (R, USA)- RSVP Handcrafted makes some of the best leather goods on Etsy, and their luggage tags can be personalized and probably used forever. My favorites are these recycled parachute tags from Off Chutes- I like when they are bright and eye catching, because it helps when you are at Baggage Claim. A good luggage tag can be a lifesaver, and it is just the sort of small detail that can freshen up an older piece of luggage.

13, Nail Polish (USA)- There are lots of great beauty articles out there about eco-friendly and vegan nail polishes. I love Essie polish (in most drug stores and Target), which doesn't have the nasty chemicals and is made in the US, but as far as I know isn't vegan. Ginger and Liz is vegan, and their polish is 12 dollars a pop. Butter and Priti NYC are made in the US 5-free, and they go for 15 dollars a bottle (these aren't cheap, but isn't it better to have 1 healthy nail polish you use all the time than 3 much less responsible ones you use once in a blue moon?). Suncoat and Earthly Delights are both non-toxic/ vegan as well, and they are more at the Essie price.

You could also get someone a cute set of nail stickers (I guess? I do not get nail stickers, and it seems like a lot of waste for nearly no fun), like this set from Southern Country Nails.

14. Phone Covers (EF, C)- It may be mighty challenging to buy a cell phone made in America, but finding a case made in the US is easy as pie (and it can make that phone last so much longer).

 Pela makes phone covers out of bioplastic (mostly for iphones), which is hard and durable, but also biodegradable. You can find recycled wood phone covers too! Neo makes bamboo cases. I love that so many options exist, because you give this eco-friendly gift that fits the style of the person you are gifting it to! If you are into cutesiness, Happy Kosmos has Kawaii covers like this red panda. This one is insane, and I love it. If the people you love exercise, they might love these arm band cases from speedzster, which are perfect for runs.

I have done some research on the phone cover as well. You can check my favorite stores here.

15. Pocket Mirrors (USA)-  I think these pocket mirrors from Boy Girl Party would make a great stocking stuffer, because it could easily stay in a purse for emergency moments. The Boy got me the dinosaur one last year, and it totally reflects things. And they are only 6 bucks and made in the US! Win! Glorious Weirdo makes all sorts of mirrors, but my favorite might be these Ghostbuster ones. Modern Girl Blitz makes a badass feminist mirror.

from The Little Soap Store

16. Soap (EF, USA)- I am now fully convinced that everyone should buy their soaps locally. You can find MULTIPLE options to buy soap from in your area, not to mention your country! So why do we keep buying soap wrapped in tons of packaging that has traveled such a long way? You can also find about a million hilarious and fun soap options to put in a stocking. I love these doughnut soaps from The Little Soap Store. How cute is that! Also awesome, this trout on a rope soap from Dope on a Rope Soap (less keen on the marajuana soap, because pot smells awful, but embrace the stinkiness if that's you). These lump of coal soaps are cheeky and fun too. Or, if you are nervous about buying something you like, I would recommend a small set of leftovers/ samples, like Lippincott Soap Co sells. What a good idea, and your loved one could test soaps and find the ones they like best.  Everyone, buy some fun soap for stocking stuffers this year- another EASY and fun switch!

from Pact

17. Socks (USA, R)- Only fun socks, because just regular socks is just not a treat at all. Solmate Socks makes adorable mismatched socks in bright, fun colors. We bought them for the Bub, and they have stood up to lots of wear. We also love Pact socks for men and women, which are fair trade. Woolrich sells made in America socks too!

18. Underwear (FT or USA)- You stop believing in Santa, you get underwear for Christmas. This is adulthood, and it is kind of the worst. On the other hand, you can get super cute and soft underwear from Pact in both men's and women's! Blue Canoe makes some of my favorites too. Commando sells underwear and pasties, so if you are the first person to put pasties in a stocking, I salute you.

19. Make Up Pads (USA, EF)- These reusable make up pads will help cut down the big pile of garbage made by make up usually. Plus, they look like little crocheted frisbees to throw around.

Kitchen Stuff

20. BBQ Rubs or Spices (USA)- Giving new spice rubs to experiment with might be the perfect gift for a foodie or barbeque lover. Gusto sells cute little 4 packs of hot wing rubs for 9 bucks, among their pretty wide variety of barbeque spice rubs.

from Kline Honey Bee Farm

21. Honeys and Jams (USA, EF)- My mom brings us jam from her garden sometimes when she visits, and other than one jar, we  have eaten through them all. I feel like this could be the perfect Christmas treat! And you could introduce someone to a new favorite! I love these Kline Honey Bee Farm packs, which has 6 different tasters, so people can find their favorites. Boondock Enterprises sells small jars of a wide variety of jam so they will fit in a stocking.

22. Salt and Pepper (USA)- Ok, we all wish I meant the kind that came with Spinderella, but this is pretty great too. Get some kind of cool salt (we have pink finishing salt) or peppercorns to put in the shakers all year long. Lots of use and fun idea. If you live by a spices store, some cool spices would make a great gift too.

from Comfortably Lovely

23. Magnets (USA)- You can find TONS of magnets on Etsy, and they make for a fun addition to any stocking. These Pantone magnets from Comfortably Lovely look like so much fun. Think of all the color combinations you could make instead of cooking!  I literally love this Recall Knope? DON'T! magnet.

24. Measuring Cups and Spoons (R, USA)- They don't all fit under the 15 dollar cutoff, but these cups from Preserve and spoons from Architec do. They might come in handy if the ones in your kitchen are worn down past usefulness.

25. Popcorn (USA)- If you don't go the route of the giant popcorn tins, you could get gourmet (??) popcorn kernels and fun original popcorn toppings from Dell Cove Spices. In general, I think I would be incredulous about something like this, but they have great reviews and it sounds pretty delicious. It would also be a fun bottom level for a stocking if you love someone with no sweet tooth.

26. Sink Brush (USA)- Nothing says a good time like a sink brush. Still, you need them, and this one looks great.

from amazon

27. Spatulas (USA)- These Fletcher's Mill Spatulas come in pretty colors. I like having a few in different sizes, so I can scrape out different vessels and so forth. Because no one should make the tragic mistake of wasting cookie batter.

28. Spoons and Turners (EF)- Stuff one of those into a stocking instead of one of those Hershey Kiss tubes? I know ours look a little rough, and you can't cook with those candy tubes.My beloved Epicurean makes awesome spoons and turners- we love them in this house.  These ones, from Architec, are made of bamboo, and they come in pretty colors.   Lipper International sells bamboo sets as well.

from Amitea Organics

29. Teas and Coffees- Ok, I don't drink hot liquids (why do they all taste like dirty water?), so I am not an expert on these, but you can find all kinds of cool tea and coffee sets. They might make a really great treat for Christmas. Amitea Organics sells sets of multiple teas that looks pretty and festive. Apropos Roasters sells similar packs of coffee, and they seem to be pretty beloved. Why? I don't know. People are crazy and love hot water dirt.

30. Whisk (USA)- Last year, Santa brought both the Boy and I whisks in our stockings, because our whisk (a hand me down from my mom) fell apart. Both of those whisks, one from Target's basic line and one by Giada have both fallen apart already. It's not like we cook that much. We just bought junk. Even a stocking can be an opportunity to gift things that are needed with all of the fun stuff. If you also want to throw in a whisk, you have some great options that are made in the US by Best Manufacturers. We have a Best Manufacturers one now, and you can tell it is well made to last (even against our toddler's mixa mixa mixa). Never going back to Giada's crap.

from Amazon

31. Reusable Straws (EF, USA)- Simple straws like these Hummingbird glass ones can keep so many plastic straws out of landfills. Maybe not for everyone, but if you have a straw-lover in your life, these would be perfect in a bag or office. They have metal ones too if the glass makes you nervous. Super simple, and a genius way to eliminate so much wastefulness! Plus, it comes with its own cleaning brush- so cute!

32. Sponges and Washclothes (EF)- If you have skills, you can make washclothes on your own, if not, eco-friendly reusable sponges and washclothes make a practical gift. If you get cute ones like these from The Country Oak, The Green Haven, or Unsponge,  it may even make for a not-totally-miserable gift.

33. Cloth Napkins (EF, R, USA)- I love cloth napkins. I see why they came out of vogue, but it really is nothing to throw them in with the laundry. If you happen to shop for someone who cares about the environment or just wants a classy table, cloth napkins from Little Blue Nest, Clear Sky Home, Dot and Army, JAQS Studio, or Oh Little Rabbit would look adorable on a table and in a stocking.

34. Lemon Covers (USA)- Who knew a lemon cover was even a thing? Not sure everyone can use it, but it's worth a try if you (or the chef you are shopping for) are up for a citrus-related adventure.

Let's Get Creative

35. Colored Pencils (R)- Coloring for adults is all the rage, for good reason- it's fun! If you want to color, you can use these recycled colored pencils, which are so cool. They are made of recycled newspaper instead of bringing down more trees.

36. Markers (US, R)- Crayola makes markers here in the US, and you can even send them back to be recycled once they dry out.  Sharpies are still made in the US too!

from Obvious State

37. Little Notebooks (USA, R)- Is there anything with more possibility than a fresh new notebook? My beloved Decomposition Books are go to's all year long, made from recycled paper and soy ink in the US. I love them, and they fit perfectly in my bag. If you need something with almost excessive cool, Field Notes has notebook sets as well. Field Notes are so trendy at this point they may be heading to uncool? But they are way better than Moleskine, and they will bend just enough to fit in a stocking.

My new special occasion favorites are from Obvious State, who make modernist notebooks and posters with literary figures and quotes on them. Awesome.  I love these little ones that would make perfect stocking stuffers. This robot one from Happy Dappy Bits looks like a winner.

from My Posh Desiigns

38. Washi Tape (USA)- I feel like I would have loved these as a kid, and its another gift you could use to spruce up anything! All the sets at Pretty Tape are adorable. My Posh Designs also does a wide variety of adorable washi tape.

Practicals and Usefuls

39. Candles (EF, USA)- We used to impulse buy candles at Target, but they are filled with nasty chemicals, and they are meant to fill your house with them! Blech. Now, I can see a ton of other options as long as I am willing to poke around. You can make small ones yourself for an awesome gift, or you can buy all kinds of American- made and environmentally-responsible ones! Right now, we are burning a Our Own Candle Company candle (maybe too big for a stocking?) and an Eco candle, and they both smell amazing.

from Etta Arlene

I am currently really excited about Etta Arlene candles, which are made in Pittsburgh- yay Western PA! They have lots of hilarious and awesome scents, including Boss Bitch, Unicorn Tears, and Treat Yo Self (and if you buy 2, you get 20% off). Also, one of the listed materials is love. Mark this as one of my new favorite stores! Moss and Oak sells soy candles in scents you don't always see, and they have really great reviews, so this could be a homerun.

40. Car Escape Tool (USA)- Ok, maybe practical is the wrong word, but if you are trapped in a car, this keychain sure would be useful. If Leeza Gibbons was Santa Clause, this would be in everyone's stocking. Because holiday cheer means kidnapping preparedness.

41. Hats and Scarves (USA, R)- We just bought the Bub Gypsy and Lolo mittens, and we loved them so much, we bought him a second pair! They are made of recycled material and they are just so cute. They also sell gloves, hats, and scarves for adults, and though a lot of them are just out of that 15 dollar limit, but check out the sale section! Almost everything from there works. I also really like these slouchy beanies from Lot 415. I also have a whole post on warm, cozy pieces on Etsy, but the options are endless, so poke around.

from Crave by CRV

42. Key Chain (USA)- Not the most original idea, but you can find some gorgeous and fun options. I love these tassel charms, which are very on trend this year. Perfect if you want to be Hip Santa.

43. Nail Clippers (USA)- My mother-in-law puts nail clippers in everyone's stockings every year. Genius. Because nail clippers go missing all the time. I don't know where her son takes them. But they disappear. So replenishing the supply helps and these ones are made in America.

44. Pencils (R, EF, USA)- Did you know about Sprout Pencils? I didn't! They are pencils you can plant in the ground to grow herbs after you are finished with them! How freaking cool is that!?!? Totally biodegradable and genuinely doing good. I just love this. I love that someone thought of this. What a wonderful world. If you get these, tell me how you like them!

You can also get regular pencils out of recycled newspaper, so absolutely no trees came down for these pencils. I hate pencils, but if someone in your life doesn't, these are an awesome option.

from amazon

45. Pens (USA, R)- Pens work perfectly, and these pens (made from recycled plastic bottles) are the bomb. I have some, and they really write well (I am super picky about this). A dozen cost 11 dollars. Never buy fresh plastic pens again! That's nonsense! If you want to spice up your new all-recycled pens, try this 3-D printed pen holder!

46. Pocket Monkey (USA)- It works as a multitool and as a cute little monkey! Ok, I may not totally understand why someone would want this, but the tool fits in a wallet, so it would fit in a stocking!

47. Toothbrushes (USA, R, EF)- Ok, this whole Practical subcategory isn't exactly festive, but Christmas might work as a perfect transition from those sad fresh plastic toothbrushes that your loved ones may still use! Boo hiss! Instead, you could get biodegradable bamboo toothbrushes (lots of choices!) or Preserve recycled toothbrushes (we use these and they work exactly the same- no teeth have fallen out). So again, probably don't do an all-toothbrush stocking, but one never hurt anyone! If you want to buy less, buying some practical gifts makes a lot of sense.

48. Tweezers (USA)- The same basic principle as nail clippers- they disappear, and Christmas stockings can help replenish your tweezer supply. Plus, you can find them made in the US!

49. Produce Bags (USA, EF)- I think these little produce bags could be stuffed into a stocking and used all year long (instead of those impossible to open plastic ones. Not the perfect gift for everyone, but maybe your person would love it. These ones are my favorite since they are also made in the US. You can also find nice sets on Etsy, including from one of my favorite stores Oh Little Rabbit.

50. Bottle Beans (USA)- These awesome little sponges are perfect for cleaning out your reusable water bottle (because it can be tough to reach that one spot...). What a cool idea!

Odds and Ends

from Caramels for Karson

51. Caramels (USA, EF)- These caramels are made by a grandma to raise money for her grandsons with heart defects, so this is candy you can feel good about buying. They also have 849 5 star reviews, so if you don't have a huge soft spot for kids with heart issues, you may just like the caramels. I love this one. What a beautiful world we live in that she does this for them.

52. Hot Sauce or other Sauces (USA)- The Boy got a spice blend set one year which really led to lots of fun experiments. You could get something as simple as hot sauce or look around and find something from nearby. There are some neat American brands online- Stonewall sauces (like this garlic rosemary citrus sauce) or Tom Douglas sauces (like Tamarind Barbeque), but you can always find something near you too.

53. Christmas Ornaments (USA)- It would be kind of a cool tradition to put an ornament in their stocking each year that has to do with their year, then they can hang it on the tree. If you are looking to gift for a lot of people, I like this snowflake set from Nestled Pine Works. I love this little hedgehog one, but you can find so many Made in the USA ornaments on Etsy.

from Flytrap

54. Date Ideas (USA)- Flytrap sells fun date ideas and other card sets to put in a significant other's stockings. My favorite are the "Bad Parking Notes" which you can leave on bad parkers' cars. Perfect for the Curmudgeon behind the wheel in your life.

55. Golf Balls (R)- Did you know you can buy recycled golf balls? I didn't! It makes perfect sense though. This makes for the perfect stocking stuffer for somebody!

56. Guitar Strap (R, USA)- These guitar straps are made out of recycled seatbelts. Until this moment, I never thought about how many seatbelts never get a second life as a musical accessory. Truly tragic. Perfect for the guitar player.

57. Lighters (USA)- Smokers always seem to be looking for their lighters. Zippo's are made in the US!

from amazon

58. Sandwich Bags (USA, EF)- Planetwise sells reusable sandwich bags that could be used as a pouch, or they can perfectly set someone up for bringing their lunch to work! Sack Savers has cute ones too.

59. Seeds (EF)- It may not be time to plant now, but that day is just around the corner. Plants and trees provide individuals shade, food, and (for some people) peace and simplicity. Those packets are the perfect size to stuff in a stocking, and they have the potential to do something really positive for everyone. You could also do wildflower seed bombs and have adventures speading wildflowers.

60. A Small Donation (EF)- The Boy and I were talking last night about what we wanted for Christmas, and mostly he feels like he has everything he needs. If you are shopping for someone tough like that too, why not put in double the candy and put that gift money toward a donation? Think about donating to something that helps the environment, because this is going to be a rough four years!


Alright, did you make it? I hope you found an idea in all of this you can put to use (I think I am buying 4 or 5 for The Boy's stocking, and a bunch of Seattle Chocolates and calling it a day). If you want to look at the list for kids again, check here.

If you are feeling inspired and want to do even more Green Shopping (Eco-friendly, recycled, used, or Made in the USA), check out the Big List of Shopping Lists!

Read more

An Earth-Friendly, Made In America Baby Registry- Part 2- Dressing, Diapering, and Bathing your Baby

picture taken by Jenny Bickel Photography

You are having a baby or celebrating someone who is! That's awesome! When you are looking down the barrel at so much cuteness. Serious cuteness. Teeny Tiny cuteness. It can be easy to only focus on the cuteness.

I get that, but there might be something more important to worry about.

So much of the baby goods we register for is having a profoundly negative effect on our world. It creates (literal) tons of waste, garbage that will add toxicity to the land and water. This may seem like no big deal at first, but if you love that tiny bub enough to be excited for their cuteness, are you really ok with their food being poisoned? Me either. And this is just the beginning.

The VAST majority of the clothes made for tiny people are made in China (I am looking at you, Carter's and Gerber), so they are wasting massive amounts of fossil fuels with shipping AND other human beings are working in deplorable conditions so you can buy that super cute onesie for a dollar less.

I could keep going, but let's get to the good news. So many companies are recognizing these problems, so better options exist for almost every item on your registry list. Even better news? If all new parents switched even a quarter of their registry items over (and cut the plastic- trust me, you will want to when you realize how bad plastics are for your kid), they can make the world a considerably greater place for their little ones!

We aren't powerless, and this is the perfect opportunity to make a difference. I know I wish I had done more, and you can learn from my mistakes. This is the second part of the Made in America and Eco-Friendly Baby Registry, filled with information on how to avoid what we did wrong. If you want to look at the list of just links, check here.

There are three key steps to transforming your approach to your registry:

1. Get Less- Oh, the things people will tell you that you need. It can be tempting to take all advice, because first time parenthood is means you have no idea what the hell you are doing. Trust me from the other side, you need less than you think. Take advice with a grain of salt and talk to some parents who are still new to the game. Also, reuse what you already have! Do you need washclothes if you already have soft ones?

2. Get Things Used- There are tools that will be absolutely essential in your life for about a month (like a swing) and then you will never need them again. All those Fisher Price Rock n Plays or Swings have such a short life with each baby, so they are still in great condition. Join a Buy Nothing Group and get in touch with the other moms (you can also hand your stuff off when you are done with it to keep your house from cluttering up). Check out kids consignment stores. If you aren't buying the majority of your kids' clothes in consignment, you are wasting your money and sending that much more to the landfills. Save money, save the Earth, get your baby stuff used (you can even state this preference on your baby shower invite).

3. Get it Made in the USA- Most mainstream stores (think Babies R Us) won't make this information readily available, because it will show their shortcomings and lack of ethics. But I have done all the research for you. Check out these companies while you do your research, and switch these items over to something that uses less fossil fuels, takes care of the economy your child will inherit from you, and is made with higher labor and environmental standards.

You can do this! Let's get started on Part 2.

what to dress your baby in

When all is said and done, you need 3 or 4 newborn sleepers in season appropriate fabrics and a bunch of onesies. After that, each size depends a lot on the frequency you do laundry and the season/ climate you are in. This link gives you a quiz that can give you an itemized list of what clothes you need based on when your baby is coming. We will split it up another way:

Key Pieces (2-3 for every size)

Basics (sleepers, onesies, pants, and socks)

Shoes

2-3 Pieces per Size you LOVE- My basic estimate is that about 80-90% of a baby's wardrobe in any size should be used. They go through it fast, so hand me downs and consignment finds are going to save the environment and your wallet. That being said, there is always something you have in mind you can't find in stores. One of my friends even requested people buy consignment on her shower invitation, which is pretty genius.

For those last few things, you can buy (or register for) American-made baby clothes to guarantee your child is wearing something ethically-made that isn't traveling crazy distances. You can find simple basics from companies like American Apparel or special pieces for holidays or to treasure forever on Etsy. Yes, people will mostly buy you other things, but you can at least try to direct them to things you will actually love (see: animal onesie that says "I love mommy" I know thats what you want).

There are a few American companies- American Apparel and City Threads (on Amazon too)- that sell baby basics that are adorable and no more expensive than Carter's or other mainstream baby companies that make their clothes far away with unethical labor. I just bought City Threads t shirts for the Bub and they look so good, and he has been wearing American Apparel onesies and hoodies for most of his life. Both are awesome and hold up well to baby use.

Bamboosa also sells some very simple pieces, so their prices are still (relatively) low. And they are going to feel amazing because of what they're made of. There are also some options on Amazon, like these Fluffy co. onesies or these ones from Catfish Designs- they might make a cool gift!

You can find 100% made in America baby clothes on Etsy, which would make for a great gift or splurge. I love so much on this site, so you should really browse on your own, but here are my favorites we have bought for our kids. Is it as cheap as buying Carter's? No, not always, but they make great gifts and paired with a consignment wardrobe, you will still come out on top.

My favorites, which are in that sweet spot between special and usable, are the organic cotton baby leggings from Lola and Stella. I also love the onesies and rompers from Jolie and June. I am looking at coming home outfits a lot lately, and I love these get ups from Little Beans Baby Shop. I also have found this is a great opportunity to support makers in the US who are actively trying to do the right thing by our kids and the environment- my favorites are Honest Elements and Urban Earth Co. I have bought clothing from both stores and found them to be especially wonderful.

Preemies often get left out of these things, but Preemie-yums sells clothes specifically for the under 6 pound set.

from Jenny GG- all clothes in this picture are used

Most Everything Else (used) Soon after having the baby, I realized it is a fools game to ever buy a onesie for more than 5 dollars at a consignment shop. Baby clothes are tough, because no one wants to spend 50 dollars on something that will be worn a few times, but we also don't want someone else's child to be making our child's clothes, right? It's a tricky line to tread.

When the bub was 8 months old, I would guess about 50-60% of his wardrobe has been gifts (maybe 2 things we specifically asked for?), 35% we have bought secondhand or received through Buy Nothing, and that last 5- 10% have been things we specifically needed and couldn't find used (or we just loved). Now at 20 months, I would guess the ratio is about 85% used clothes, 10% made in America, and one gift pair of shoes and shorts from my mom which are neither. And not to toot our own horn, but our kid always looks cute. We have learned a lot, and we love saving money by switching up this strategy.

We bought Christmas pajamas used, swim clothes used, and tons of pajamas and onesies used. People are gifted these things and use them a hand full of times. You can do this too!

From the Wee Little Piggies

Baby Shoes (wait) - This pains me to say, because I love them, but most of the baby shoes I have bought weren't used enough to justify the purchase. My best advice is to only buy things with velcro closures. We only used them in cool weather, so if it is hot, I recommend no shoes, as much as it hurts my heart. If you want a couple of pairs, I suggest looking in consignment stores (so many cute ones, and before they walk you don't have to worry about use at all).

 If you want something really special, Etsy has you covered- Clam Feet, Stitches and Soles, Cady and Jax, Charlee Oh Creations (from Alaska), Little KMD, Wild Explorers, Wren's Nest Baby Shoes and Bitsy Blossom (has toddler stuff too), Simply Danika, The Wee Little Piggies, Woolby, Lil Sweetie Pies, Winter Peach, Ogres by Jam, Marley Ocean, Mis Mar Design, Raspberriez, All Things for Baby, BB Love Booties, and Pitter Patter Baby Shoes,

diapering

The big question in diapering is whether you are using disposable or reusable cloth diapers. Before having the baby, I couldn't imagine doing cloth diapers, because that is literally too much shit to deal with. Now, we are working on switching over for when we are home, because you make a whole lot of waste in a baby's diapered-time with disposable diapers. Plus, and I don't want to scare you, but the poop is unavoidable, no matter how you package it.

That being said, no judgement. This isn't about us all moving to the woods barefoot and eating roots, it's about making a once radical lifestyle part of our everyday lives. The idea here isn't that you get everything perfectly right.

 I am not particularly granola myself, and I am not sure I even have great information for you on cloth diapers yet, because I am still collecting the info myself. So I will write a separate blog on that once I know better, and just direct you to the best of what I know so far. Even if we don't get it perfect, just trying to do better might make the world a little cleaner for these babies we love. No one is going to have a perfectly green registry, but if we all make some switches, the impact will add up.

Diaper Caddy

Bumper Care

Changing Mats and Covers

Diapers

Changing Pad Liners

Diaper Pail

Travel Changing Mat

Wet Bags

Wipes

Wipe Warmer

from Pom Pom Fringe

A Basket or Caddy to hold this stuff in (you may have it/ new)- it needs a place, or it will take over. That being said, lots of things will be hanging off types of deals, and I don't often see those still in use after long. Equally crazypants are caddies made specifically to hold diapers- what are you going to do with that when it is done? That being said, if you have something like that in mind, let me suggest Yoon 1206 Greene.

So what would I recommend? A Basket. Just normal baskets in any place you keep diapers. We have mostly cleaned out catch all storage baskets already in our house and used them for diapers. And when diapers are over, they will find another life as something else. Skip the cutesy nonsense and just get something that already makes sense in your house (and maybe already exists there).

Need a basket? I love these woven baskets from Colonial Mills, but they are definitely expensive enough that you want to pick one in colors that you can use forever. You can also find lots of simple fabric baskets on Etsy that would do the job perfectly. I think my favorite are these colored baskets- nothing too fancy, but hand woven in the States and you can get whatever colors make sense for you.  Jennifer Helene Home has a simple set that could cover any room in the house where you might need diapers. If you want something more sophisticated (see: expensive) try Sampson and James or (more reasonable) Pom Pom Fringe. Cost effective and multi-use, little square fabric baskets from the Basket Garden might make the most sense for keeping them clean and using them long term.

Bumper Care (new)- You can get through with minor incidents, but there will still be incidents. Bourdeaux's Butt Paste- I guess if you could get this used, maybe that is fine? But this version is organic and does the trick in a day or two.One of those things parents will bring up at parties and everyone agrees it is awesome (weirdly, this has happened). Also smells pretty good, which is a feat in itself. For more basic everyday use, try Burt's Baby Bee All Purpose Ointment.

from Woolf with Me

Changing Mats and Covers (used)- I have never not seen these at our consignment store and they can be tough to find made in the USA- Oeuf has the only one I have seen, and it does look awesome (environmentally friendly and Made in the US both), but expensive for something designed to hold explosive poop. In the last year, LA Baby have started making changing pads in the US as well for much more competitive prices, but their materials aren't nearly as eco-friendly, and some of them are imported. Colgate makes theirs stateside too now. I love seeing areas that are getting more US-made products!

 If you want everything looking good (which I get, I am like that too), you can still get the mat used and use the money you save to get a cool cover on Etsy. Just think, these mats are in use for a relatively short time, and they almost always have a cover on them, so much like a pillow or mattress, what they look like inside doesn't matter much. Buy a ten dollar used pad and then a really nice couple of covers (you only need 2) on Etsy and you will be set.

My favorite changing mat covers are from Carousel Designs. They are made in America, and in the last year they have moved onto Amazon (though I still suggest you check their website, this sure is nice for the registry. Luxe Basics and New Arrivals sell options on Amazon as well. And then there is Etsy, which has way more options than I can cover here, so search what you are looking for and turn that United States filter on. If you do want to browse, here are my favorites: Lou Lou Made, Love Lila Ann, Woolf with Me, Noni and V, Madly Wish, Three Wishes Bedding Co, Finley Baby, Fern Leslie Baby, Mod Fox, Karolina Designs, and Caden Lane Baby Bedding.

Changing Pad Liners (new)- Ok, this may sound like overkill, but we just bought  four of these liners and switched them out every time there was a blow out. It kept laundry moving and we are using the same (ONE, we only bought one) changing pad cover stain-free. These Healthy Baby Ideas ones would also make a perfectly fine travel pad if you didn't want so many things.

from Polish Prince Diapers

Diapers (new if disposable, new/used mix if reusable)- Again, how you approach this depends entirely on what route you want to take.

If you are using disposable, my advice is to sign up for Amazon Mom (it's a dumb name- my husband is on it for us) and order diapers only a step ahead, because they do grow faster than you expect. Have a couple brands in Newborn and see what fits your baby and you, then have one box a size ahead in case they grow overnight.

Diaper brands are trying to be more recyclable/ biodegradable, but honestly they aren't there yet. That's why the reusable route is the only real green option for diapers. I recommend trying Seventh Generation, Earth's Best, and The Honest Company.

If you are going reusable, you have a couple options, but I suggest starting used. All of them are for sale at our consignment store and many of them have come up on Buy Nothing. Moral of the story- keep an eye out! Even if you are in a less eco-friendly culture, you might be surprised. Get on those mommy forums and ask around.

If you want reusable light, I recommend G Diapers which are less bulky under clothes and can use either disposable or reusable inserts. It's a larger investment upfront, but you will save so much money in the end.

For truly reusable, you have so many totally amazing, American-made options. They are expensive at first, but most fit from 8 to 35 lbs, so basically for two years. Think of all the boxes of diapers you won't be buying. Also, if the price is slowing you down, look into finding them used. You can find tons online and at kids' consignment stores. On Amazon, you can get Smart Bottoms (these look great, but pricey- so maybe a gift?) Jack and Jill diapers (with super sustainable bamboo and charcoal), Tiny Tush, Best Bottom, and Angelic Ware diapers. That being said, Etsy is the home of cloth diaperers everywhere, so you can find nearly infinite options there. Here is a tiny bite of your choices- LL Precious Creations, Melissa Makes, Polish Prince Diapers, Counting the Blessings, Elly Diapers (she has swim diapers too), EG Cloth, Little Boppers, Cat and Wolf Designs, Ba Ba Bottoms, Owl Be Green, and Greatest Joy Designs.  I am also really curious about Didy's, which seems like almost a start up to me, so if you get any of her stuff, please tell me about it!

Inserts come in as many varieties, so be sure to size your insert appropriately. You can look at the ones from Sprout and Best Bottoms (these have glowing reviews). Creekside Kids sells liners too, and they come with an almost excessive amount of Etsy love. Other options- Jane's Needfuls, Shop Imperfectionista, and Vinyl Madness Mama.

As a side note, I also found this diaper washing contraption that is at least partially made in the US and might be a big help. I honestly have no idea.

A Diaper Pail- Ok, I am kidding myself here, because unless you get the Ubbi steel diaper pail, these things start to stink. No great solution here, but if you have a good idea- please share!

Travel Changing Mats (used)- We bought ours at a consignment store, which is perfect for a piece of cloth spefcifically for getting poop on. Seriously, even if you wouldn't regularly buy things used, a poop pad is not a bad place to start, because this is not a cute object. If you can't find a travel diaper mat in stores, you can find plenty on Etsy- Precious Little Tot, Black Arrow Studio, yoon 1 greene,  izy and doly, Life Made Chic, Simple Grace Design, Daffodils n Dinosaurs, and Kthy's Kreations (these ones look spot on and extremely functional to me. If I needed one, this is what I would pick). and Whimsy for Wee.

Planet Wise from Amazon

Wet Bag (new)- Plastic diaper disposal bags only add insult to injury (not to mention they are a waste of money). Either find bags that biodegrade or use reusable/ washable wet bags. Whether you are doing reusable diapers or not, a wet bag, like this one from Petunia, can be a great investment (way better than wasting lots of ziploc bags), Planet Wise wet bags get a lot of praise for really working and keeping the mess off everything else in your diaper bag dry. You could also buy/register for a wet bag from Snuggy Baby, Whimsy for Wee, Rykie B's, Mod Mom ME, and Julian's Boutique.

from Creekside Kid

Wipes (new)- you again are most green using something you can throw in the wash, The only 100% biodegradable are Jackson Reece's, which are made in the UK (they also come in a lot of packaging). You can find about a million options for wipes (120 search pages) on Etsy, and they can last you so much longer than the one time use disposable ones. Creekside Kid comes out the big winner- they have over a thousand 5 star reviews and are very affordable, so I would start here. You can also try Lover of Life Designs (also almost a thousand positive reviews), Green Little Nest (even more beloved! Isn't it encouraging so many people are using reusable cloths for various purposes already?), Playtime and Parties, and Curly Monkey. Two reusable options on Amazon (in case the Etsy thing is harder to connect to your registry) are Oso Cozy and Baby Kicks.

Aleva Naturals are made of Bamboo and biodegrade in 21 days (but they are made in China)- we are going to try these, and I will let you know what I think.

That being said, there are more "organic" options- Seventh Generation's wipes claim to be green because you need fewer to do the job (you can also still buy them in bulk). Babyganics are also made in the USA out of mostly plant-based fibers. Waterwipes claims to be almost all water, but that is nonsense- what is the actual wipe made of? Kirkland wipes are made from 100% renewable materials. Burt's Bees are also made in the USA.

A Wipe Warmer (just wait)-People swore by their wipe warmer, but ours mostly just sat there (and slightly melted the furniture). It may be something to try if late night diapering isn't going well, but I would wait until there are complaints before you address them. They also aren't made in America at all, so if you want one, think about keeping an eye out for something used in consignment or Buy Nothing.

bathing, health, and skin care

Bath time is such a sweet time in our house, as long as you don't mind getting wet. Those tiny babies need a lot of extras to take care of their skin and health, so be sure to check consignment stores first. Anything you can get on this list used (and get clean), just get it used!

Baby Detergent

Baby Shampoos

Bath Toys

Bath Tub

Cradle Cap Brush

First Aid/Grooming Kit

Gripe Water

Nail Clippers

Snot Sucker

Thermometer

Toothbrush

Towels

Washcloth

Baby Detergent (new or handmade)- In the course of our toddler's life, I discovered The Simply Co Laundry detergent. It comes in a reusable glass container (so waste free), has three ingredients, and it works so well. Way better than I expected. Plus, with our super messy toddler, one jar has lasted us well over 4 months. Making your own detergent is probably the most eco and wallet friendly, but this comes in second for me.

We got 2 bottles of Seventh Generation detergent to get us started, in case we were dealing with allergies.

Also, your laundry is about to really keep you busy, and there are a lot of loads in your future. I recommend buying some dryer wool balls instead of using the wasteful one time use dryer sheets. My mother-in-law bought these for me as a birthday gift, and they get the job done again and again.

Baby Shampoo and Wash (new)- Our Pick- Noodle and Boo shampoo and head to toe wash. Smells great, works well, made in the US. Also, one bottle lasts a very long time when you wash tiny heads.

We received a big bottle of Johnson and Johnson's head to toe wash that lasted us at least 9 months (they say the origin is the USA on Amazon, but the bottles come from a mix of places. We also have used the Aveeno head to toe shampoo, which smelled really good and was listed as being made in Canada. One of the best options I have seen is Mommy's Bliss which is made in the USA, all organic, and packaged in a recycled bottle (huzzah!). That is what we will get when our gifts run out.

But there are myriad options here-  Earth Mama is an organic mix made out of Oregon, California Baby has natural ingredients and thoughtful packaging, Gaia organics is in calming lavender (it really helps some babies sleep) and helps with dry scalp,

Almost all of these companies also sell some form of baby lotion, which a lot people use. It gave our baby a rash, so we stopped, but if you want a little to start, I recommend poking around these companies. Noodle and Boo has a wide variety of baby care lotions and such, and they are both eco-friendly (recyclable packaging) and pretty socially responsible (no animal testing).

Green Toys from Amazon

Bath tools and toys (used)- Cups and strainers can help for getting them wet early on, and those might be available used, then you can definitely find bath toys used. We got a set of foam letter on Buy Nothing, and that is most of what he plays with. We do have one toy we love for play and (more practically) getting The Bub's hair wet- Green Toy's tug boat, made of all recycled plastics too! They sell all kinds of boats perfect for the bath, and we also let him play with their pots and pans in the tub, because he really likes pouring.

Want a rubber ducky? Celebriducks makes theirs in the US. If you want a teether that can have a second life as a bath toy, Wowie Stars might do the trick. Begin Again uses eco-friendly materials, but they are made in China, so it depends what your priorities are. My new favorite are these washcloth sea toys from Cozy Chipmunk- cute, useful, and easy to clean! That's a winner.

Bathtub (used)- Bathtubs are another thing that if you work ahead, you can find at consignment stores or on Buy Nothing. The Fisher Price ones are all made in China, but you can find one in stores if you keep an eye out. We loved ours because we could use it from infancy all the way into toddlerhood. That being said, before a year, I just brought him in the shower with me, so I am not sure how long they actually last. I think a sink works for a good chunk of time, but a bathtub might actually save you water (we have also taken our water out and use it to water plants, no joke).  Also, does anyone know of one made of recycled plastic? It seems like that should exist!

If you can't find a used one, there are some good new options. The Primo Eurobath is amazing, and we received it as a gift, but I only recommend it if you have a lot of space for storage, because it is quite large.

Cradle Cap Brush (just wait)- You won't know if you need this until that cap is out and showing its colors. If you do decide you need one, this one is made in the USA.

A First Aid/ Grooming Kit (new)- We really like ours from The First Years. Made in the US.

Gripe Water (just wait) can be a godsend, but it may not be needed. We used Wellements, which is made in the USA and is organic (I just wish they used less packaging).

 Nail Clippers (new or used)- I still find clipping nails slightly horrifying, but these clippers help my meaty fingers with the itty bitty baby nails.The fear of clipping just becomes less than the fear of their wolverine claws. These "No-Mes" clipper look even better, and you don't have the tiny nails popping around. If you could find those tiny clippers used, I say go for it.

Snot Sucker (new)- Nosefreida- You hear what it is, and you just think gross, but those baby noses don't clear themselves out.

A Thermometer (new)- Exgen is Made in the USA. You definitely need one that you can use on a forehead, because the other alternative is way worse.

Baby Banana from Amazon

Toothbrush (new)- By a year, our son loved to brush his teeth (all 7 of them) while we did, and it is good to establish it as a habit early on. I highly recommend these silicon banana toothbrushes; they are made in the US and are perfectly shaped for little mouths and little hands.

from Curly Monkey

Towels (new)- When they are really teeny, you want to have a soft towel to put their delicate skin in. At some point along the way (2 or 3 months?), you use a regular towel in a jam, and you realize that is fine too. Our pick (we got one of these this time)- Curly Monkey sells a simple (but good-sized) hooded towel with pretty trim. Simple and clean with just a little bit of fun, made in America, and eco-friendly materials.

The other big winner? Bamboosa simple hooded towel. Nothing too fussy, but really sweet, made in America, and they use bamboo! Our towel is almost 3 ft by 3 ft, and I recommend a bigger size like this to grow into. I generally advise against sets, but I do love this simple, pretty set from Cherub's Blanket. Sophia and Sam Organic also sells a simple and beautiful hooded towel, made in California.

Do you want one of the cutesy hooded towels with animals on them? Me too! I love the cutesiness. The ones you see at Target or on Amazon are all made in China- no good, but there are some exceptionally adorable options on Etsy. We bought a monster towel from Yikes Twins, and it is so cute (but maybe a little big to start with?). The cutest animals I have seen are from Wee Chateau- a perfect and excessively adorable option for a baby shower gift!

from Busy Bonnie Bee

 Washclothes (just wait)- These are always listed on registries. But they are washclothes. If you already have some you like, that is probably fine. You could get a washcloth puppet like these from Busy Bonnie Bee, and at least they fill two purposes. If you do want to get some, there are some great bamboo and organic options that were also made nearby-  Bamboosa baby  has some soft, bamboo-made, from the USA options. Cherub's Blanket has 100% cotton washclothes. Curly Monkey sells a pretty simple set, and Marley's Monsters has a bamboo option. You could also try Remiusables, Created for Babies, Georgia Threads, Lulu Woobies, or Color me Reckless.

There we go! Clothes, diapers, and everything you need for the bath. Just by switching out some of your registry, taking a different approach that can save waste, save you money, and actually be healthier for your little one. By switching out your registry that way, you can start making a positive impact on your baby's life before you even meet them!

Check out  Part One for all your pregnancy and delivery needs, or look at the whole Made in America Baby Registry to find lots of links, ideas, and eco-friendly goodies for every baby shower gift you could ever think of. Want to do some other environmentally-responsible shopping? Woot! Check out our Giant List of Shopping Lists for ideas you will love. 

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