The Sustainable Gifts I’m Giving This Year…

Blueland for the person trying to go plastic-free

Microplastics are everywhere - and unsurprisingly, not good for us. Household and grocery items are major culprits. We found Blueland and have jumped completely in. We use every single one of their products: toilet bowl cleaners, foaming hand soap, glass spray, and more. Everything comes in recyclable packaging and works great. Their starter kits make perfect gifts.

Homemade Vanilla Extract for the person who loves baking

I can’t believe it took me 43 years to figure this out. We fly through those tiny, expensive vanilla extract bottles. This year I made 12 bottles that are five times the size - and it was easy and tastes incredible. It is too late for this Christmas (vanilla pods need ~6 months to steep), but it’s perfect to make now for next year. Luckily, I started early enough, so friends and family who love to bake are getting these practical, delicious gifts.

Taza Chocolate for chocolate lovers

My high school friends toured the Taza factory store in Somerville, MA and introduced me to this treat. The chocolate has a unique “stone ground” texture, tastes amazing, and the company maintains direct relationships with cacao farmers. A fun, ethical stocking stuffer.

Reusable Cloth Gift Bags for your gifts

We’re good about keeping and reusing paper gift bags, but after a few years they start looking tired. This year, we’re transitioning to cloth gift bags. Etsy has tons of beautiful, affordable options - and it’s an easy, zero-waste way to wrap gifts.

Sea Bags for the friend who can never have enough bags

During a girls’ trip to Portland, Maine, we wandered into the Sea Bags flagship store. They repurpose old sails into beautiful bags - each one unique. All products are made in the USA, durable, and help reduce landfill waste.

I don’t get any compensation from this post or the links.

Linda Rogers, CFP®, EA, MSBA is the owner and founder of Planning Within Reach, LLC (PWR). Originally from New Jersey, Linda services clients throughout Virginia Beach, San Diego county, and nationwide. She leads the design of PWR's investment portfolios which utilize broad, low-cost investments that integrate environmentally, socially, and governance (ESG) factors.

Planning Within Reach, LLC (PWR) is a fee-only and fiduciary wealth management firm offering one-time comprehensive financial planning, ongoing impact-focused investment management and tax preparation services in Virginia Beach, San Diego, and nationwide. PWR is a woman-owned firm that specializes in busy professionals and impact investors. Planning Within Reach, LLC and their advisors do not receive commissions and do not hold any insurance licenses or brokerage relationships.