This holiday SEAson, the team at Oceanic Society curated a list of our favorite eco-friendly products and experiences that celebrate the ocean, reduce environmental impact, and support marine conservation. From sustainable everyday items to unforgettable experiences, these gifts are perfect for the ocean lover in your life—each with a story or impact worth celebrating.
1. Koala Eco Gift Sets
Koala Eco offers a range of natural, plant-based household cleaning products, including multi-purpose cleaners, dish soap, hand wash, laundry liquid, and more. All products are made with essential oils and biodegradable ingredients that are safe for people, pets, and the planet. Packaging is made from 100% recycled and recyclable bottles, helping reduce single-use plastic waste.
Environmental Impact: A biodegradable formula ensures that after use, the product breaks down naturally and doesn’t linger in waterways or soil, helping reduce pollution and protect ecosystems. The brand also partners with Repurpose Global to remove an equivalent amount of plastic from the environment for every unit they produce
Price Range: $7–$60, available online.
Why We Love: Vegan, natural, environmentally friendly, no synthetic fragrance, effective, no dyes, no masking agents, no SLS, no phosphates. Plus, we love that Koala Eco supports the Conservation Scholars Program, an Oceanic Society initiative that helps youth from underserved Bay Area communities experience wildlife and develop a connection to nature.
Koala Eco’s plant-based cleaning products are safe for people, pets, and the planet, packaged in 100% recycled bottles to reduce single-use plastic.
2. Pirani x Gug Underwater Limited Edition Tumblr
Pirani’s limited-edition 26oz tumblers are designed for eco-conscious adventurers who want to enjoy drinks on the go while reducing single-use waste. Crafted in collaboration with world-renowned underwater photographer Chris Gug of Gug Underwater, the collection features vibrant, marine-inspired designs. Pirani’s mission is to empower everyday heroes in safeguarding the planet through eco-awareness and sustainable solutions.
Environmental Impact: Helps reduce single-use plastic waste while supporting ocean conservation. Pirani donates 1% of all sales to nonprofit partners through 1% for the Planet, reinforcing sustainable business practices that protect marine life.
Price Range: $35, available online.
Why We Love: Stylish, functional, and environmentally conscious. These tumblers let ocean lovers stay hydrated while supporting conservation initiatives and reducing waste.
Stay hydrated sustainably with Pirani’s limited-edition tumbler, supporting ocean conservation while reducing waste.
3. Nomadix Quick-Dry Towel
Lightweight, sand-resistant, sustainable microfiber towel made from recycled materials that’s packable and dries in minutes, even after a full day of ocean dips.
Environmental Impact: Reduces water use in laundry thanks to its quick-dry design, conserving freshwater resources vital for coastal ecosystems.
Price Range: $30–$50, available online.
Why We Love: Packable and lightweight. Great for snorkeling expeditions, beach and pool days.
Quick-dry and packable, Nomadix towels are perfect for adventures by the water while conserving freshwater.
4. Reef-Safe Sun Protection and Hair + Body Care
Protect your skin with effective sunscreen that’s free from harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate. Safe for coral reefs and marine wildlife, it’s perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or any outdoor activity. Many reef-safe options (we love Stream2Sea) are biodegradable and made with natural ingredients. Using this sunscreen is a simple, impactful choice for eco-conscious adventurers.
Environmental Impact: Prevents coral bleaching and chemical damage to marine life.
Price Range: $15–$30, available online (use code OS BlueHabits for 10% off Stream2Sea)
Why We Love: A small change that makes a huge difference when swimming or snorkeling.
Protect your skin and the ocean with reef-safe sunscreen, preventing coral bleaching and chemical damage to marine ecosystems.
5. Adopt or Name an Ocean Animal Through Oceanic Society
Give a gift that will help protect ocean wildlife worldwide. Oceanic Society’s symbolic adoptions of whales, sea turtles, dolphins, and albatross provide direct support to ocean research and conservation programs. A meaningful and impactful gift for those who deeply love the ocean.
Environmental Impact: Funds go directly to research, protection, and habitat conservation efforts that safeguard endangered populations from threats like bycatch and habitat loss.
Price Range: $40–$2,000, available here
Why We Love: Includes a personalized certificate and species updates. Options to name a humpback whale or leatherback turtle leave a lasting legacy. This gift is perfect for kids and adults alike, turning passive gifting into active ocean guardianship.
Give a gift that protects ocean wildlife and supports research, from naming a humpback whale to adopting a sea turtle.
6. Underwater Photography Gear
Waterproof or compact cameras capture marine adventures safely and reliably. Ideal for snorkeling, diving, or boating, these devices allow you to document your ocean explorations without disturbing wildlife. Some options also include underwater housings for smartphones. Capturing these moments inspires a deeper connection to the ocean and its inhabitants.
Environmental Impact: Encourages responsible wildlife viewing and environmental awareness through photography.
Price Range: $100+, widely available online.
Why We Love: Helps ocean lovers preserve memories and inspire others to protect marine life. Pair with a photo book or share images on social media to inspire ocean protection.
Capture every moment beneath the waves with photography gear like GoPro, an ideal tool for ethical underwater photography that inspires conservation awareness.
7. Portable Solar Charger
Lightweight solar chargers provide renewable power for devices while traveling, camping, exploring in nature, and are a great addition to any emergency preparedness kit. Compact and durable, they are perfect for charging phones, cameras, or GPS devices off the grid.
Environmental Impact: Reduces reliance on disposable batteries and fossil-fuel-generated electricity.
Price Range: $30–$100+
Why We Love: Keeps devices powered during adventures while supporting clean, renewable energy. This is another item we recommend in expedition packing lists.
Keep devices powered during adventures with portable solar chargers, supporting clean, renewable energy.
8. GOT BAG Ocean Impact Backpacks
GOT BAG creates minimalist, high-quality travel gear from recycled Ocean Impact Plastic, turning ocean waste into backpacks, luggage, and accessories. Through their clean-up program in Indonesia, they remove plastic from seas, rivers, and coastal communities while supporting local livelihoods. A certified B Corp™, GOT BAG combines style, durability, and meaningful ocean impact.
Environmental Impact: Removes ocean-bound plastic from coastal communities, transforms waste into usable materials, and supports local livelihoods. Transparent sourcing ensures every bag’s creation benefits both the environment and people.
Price range: $30-$160+, available online.
Why We Love: Durable, stylish, and mission-driven—each GOT BAG product is a tangible way to fight ocean plastic pollution while supporting sustainable communities.
Each GOT BAG backpack turns ocean waste into usable gear while supporting local communities and reducing plastic pollution.
9. Seed Swapping
Share dried seeds from your garden with friends, family, or community members to grow flowers, herbs, or vegetables. Seed swapping promotes local biodiversity and strengthens community connections. It’s a low-cost, hands-on way to teach sustainable gardening and ecosystem stewardship. The process can spark a lifelong love for nature and conservation.
Environmental Impact: Supports biodiversity and sustainable gardening that benefits pollinators and ecosystems.
Price Range: DIY or available through community networks.
Why We Love: Low-cost, DIY gift that builds community and encourages environmental stewardship and a deeper connection to nature.
10. Inspiring Nature & Marine Life Reads
Share the beauty and wonder of the natural world with books that inspire and educate. From stunning ocean photography and coffee table books to guides on wildlife, climate action, and nature adventures, there’s something for every nature lover. Choosing second-hand books or ebooks makes this gift even more sustainable. These reads spark curiosity, promote conservation awareness, and allow readers to explore the wonders of the planet from home.
Environmental Impact: Buy second-hand books (or gift ebooks!) to be extra eco-friendly.
Price range: Varies by book and purchase option, available online or in local bookstores.
Why We Love: Inspires ocean awareness and curiosity—our top picks include:
- Nature of Nature by Enric Sala
- Oceans: Heart of Our Blue Planet
- The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See
- The Blue Machine by Helen Czerski
- Pacific Flyway: Waterbird Migration from the Arctic to Tierra del Fuego by Audrey DeLella Benedict, Geoffrey A
- Ocean: Earth’s Last Wilderness by David Attenborough & Colin Butfield
- A Kids’ Guide to Climate Activism by Kimberly Haidinger and Luna Hansen (Illustrator)
Books that spark curiosity, promote conservation, and allow readers to explore the wonders of the ocean from home.
11. Pura Vida Palau – Ocean-Friendly Gifts from the Heart of the Pacific
Pura Vida Palau is a small business founded by Miel Sequeira-Holm, a Palauan youth passionate about ocean conservation and art. The online store showcases and sells Palauan-made products, including handmade polymer clay earrings inspired by traditional Palauan money beads, eco-friendly lip balms, and reef-safe sunscreens.
Environmental Impact: Supports biodiversity and sustainable gardening that benefits pollinators and ecosystems.
Price Range: $25 – $32, available online
Why We Love: Beautifully crafted, ocean-friendly products that support both the environment and local artisans. Each purchase helps protect marine life and promotes sustainable practices in the Pacific.
Pura Vida Palau offers ocean-friendly gifts crafted by local artisans, combining beauty with environmental impact.
12. Oceans Forward Rum
Oceans Forward has developed the first premium rum produced with a mission to protect marine life. Through Rosalie Bay Distilling in Dominica, they produce top-shelf single rum, where all generated revenue funds programs for coral restoration, sea turtle protection, and whale conservation. Each bottle combines craftsmanship with purpose, making it a gift that supports both enjoyment and sustainability. It’s ideal for special occasions, celebrations, or a unique piece to add to your bar cart.
Ocean-Friendly Impact: Revenue from every bottle supports long-term marine conservation programs in the Caribbean, creating a stable endowment for nature that doesn’t rely on unstable grants or donations.
Price Range: $80-$90, available online.
Why We Love: Top-shelf rum with the focus of protecting marine life.
Enjoy top-shelf rum that funds marine conservation initiatives, making every sip count for the ocean.
13. Ocean Art + Photography
Stunning visuals of oceans, marine life, and coastal landscapes, perfect for display as prints, canvases, or framed art. These pieces combine artistic beauty with a celebration of the natural world, allowing you to bring the ocean into your home sustainably. Sharing these visuals inspires awareness and appreciation for marine ecosystems.
Environmental Impact: Supports ocean-conscious artists and publishers, raising awareness of marine ecosystems.
Price range & purchase: $25+, available online or in galleries.
Why We Love: Beautiful, thoughtful, and inspiring. This is a gift that keeps the ocean in your home year-round.
Ocean-inspired art brings the beauty of the sea into your home while supporting ocean-conscious artists.
14. Stasher Reusable Silicone Bags
These durable, plastic-free silicone bags are a versatile kitchen essential (great for storage and travel too) that helps limit single-use plastics. Goodbye plastic zipper bags! They’re easy to clean, leakproof, and available in a variety of fun colors and sizes.
Environmental Impact: By replacing single-use plastics, these silicone bags help reduce plastic waste that could end up in oceans, protecting marine wildlife and habitats.
Price Range: $15–$25, available online.
Why We Love: Great for packing snacks for a day on the water without generating trash; imagine beach picnics where every bite supports cleaner shores.
Stasher bags reduce plastic waste, keeping snacks and supplies safe while protecting marine life.
15. Gifting an Oceanic Society Expedition
Give a once-in-a-lifetime experience to the nature lover in your life. Oceanic Society offers naturalist-guided eco-tours, snorkeling trips, wildlife tours, whale watching, and more. Experiential gifting is increasingly popular as a thoughtful and impactful present.
Environmental Impact: Every trip supports fragile marine ecosystems through citizen science, low-impact tourism that minimizes disturbance to wildlife, and Oceanic Society funds the removal of 200 pounds of trash from the ocean for every traveler who joins one of our multi-day nature expeditions.
Price Range: Varies by trip; see Oceanic Society website for details
Why We Love: A meaningful gift that combines adventure and conservation—your loved one gets an unforgettable experience while making a tangible impact on the ocean.
Give an unforgettable experience with an Oceanic Society expedition that supports marine ecosystems and ocean conservation.
We hope this holiday gift guide has inspired you to give gifts with both the planet and your loved ones in mind. And when you’re ready to wrap your perfect gift, try to reduce, reuse, and recycle: re-use wrapping paper and gift bags, use reusable wrapping, and make sure to properly recycle when possible. Happy Holidays!
