More and more people are becoming eco-conscious. They’re starting to care about sustainable products and environmentally-friendly options. A recent survey found that not only are buyers becoming more eco-aware, they’re also willing to spend more for eco-friendly products.
However, you don’t have to spend a ton of money to find products that align with your beliefs. There’s a whole marketplace dedicated to affordable gifts for the eco-conscious. If you care about the environment and want some cool solar gear, or if you’re looking for that perfect gift for your environmentalist friend, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ve compiled a list of twenty of the best and most-affordable solar gifts for under $25. Check them out:
Solar Phone Chargers
Smartphones have become an indispensable modern device. However, with this also comes the issue of requiring constant power. For anyone who spends a considerable amount of time on their phone (which is everybody), a portable phone charger makes a much-appreciated gift.
Considering how frequently we need to power our phones, it would be even better if this power could be harnessed from a renewable energy source. This is why solar-powered phone chargers are gaining popularity today. Thankfully, there are plenty of solar-powered phone chargers to choose from, with different power capacities and features. Take your pick and gift this excellent solar gift to your loved ones.
Portable Solar Charger with Flashlight
If you are finding it difficult to pick one out of the several options in solar-powered phone chargers, consider the Dualpow Portable Dual USB Solar Battery Charger. The charger comes with dual charging options, via a solar panel and a USB charging port. This ensures that the user always has a source of power for various gadgets, including smartphones, tablets, and digital cameras.
The built-in 30000mAh battery is strong enough to keep your devices going powered while on camping trips or other outdoor activities. This solar charger is also equipped with a flashlight, and a hook to hang the charger from your backpack.
Hard Case for Solar Phone Charger
If someone you know already owns a solar-powered phone charger, how about gifting them an accessory to go with it? Since many solar chargers come for well under $25, you could also pair one with a protective carry case like this one from FitSand. The lightweight case, designed to keep chargers and power banks protected from scratches and bumps, is perfect for friends who are frequently on the move.
Solar 11-in-1 Battery Charger
If you are looking to pack in more than just a simple phone charger, this 11-in-1 battery charger is a great choice.
It can be used to charge 11 different battery sizes, two at a time. With its portable size and weather-resistant cover, the charger is ideal for charging multiple devices during outdoor trips as well as at home. Moreover, the adjustable lid containing the solar panel can be angled as required to catch the sun’s rays efficiently.
Solar Car Battery Charger
Consider the Sunway Solar Car Battery Trickle Charger & Maintainer if you are looking to gift a useful solar product to someone who spends a lot of time in their car. The solar panel of the charger can easily be mounted on the dashboard or the windshield to get charged under the sun even as a person drives around.
With a 1.5 W amorphous solar panel, the charger is highly efficient for powering any 12 Volt battery. You can also use this trickle charger to maintain the power of vehicles, motorcycles, snowmobiles, ATBs, and boats. Maintaining a 12 V battery this way can prevent battery drain when you are out driving or exploring. The interchangeable connectors also let you power your battery using your vehicle’s lighter socket or crocodile clips.
Solar Flashlights
Flashlights can be incredibly important during camping, hiking trips, or even emergencies at home. But with solar-powered ones, there is no fear of having to find batteries when you are out and about amid nature. There is a wide range of solar flashlights available online, which range from the traditional-looking torches to ones that are part of a keychain or come in packs of four.
You can also pick a hand crank one like the Simpeak Hand Crank Solar Powered Flashlight so that there is a backup charging option when all else fails. An outdoor lover is sure to appreciate any of these super-useful products.
Cap with Solar-Powered Lights
The Panther Vision POWERCAP Headlamp Hat combines the stylishness and utility of a cap with the advantage of hands-free lighting. If someone you know loves going on regular hikes, walks, jogs, or cycling after dark, this cap can eliminate the need to carry a flashlight or other source of lighting.
By day, the person can wear the cap and keep themselves protected from the sun while the sturdy solar panel stores power for later use. The two LED lights on the cap provide a light output of 13 lumens, with a visibility of up to 13 meters. On a full charge, the battery can last for up to 10 hours. Moreover, this handy cap is available in two different colors.
Solar Inflatable Camping Lantern
Whether it is for an avid trekker or a family who loves camping, solar inflatable lanterns can make thoughtful and handy gifts. These lanterns compress to a compact size that can be conveniently carried around and inflated to full size whenever required.
Available in a variety of shapes and sizes, the solar lantern is left to charge in the sun as you enjoy a day outdoors. You can even use the light to set up a tent at night. The MPOWERD Luci and Arols LED light are popular options.
Solar Showers
Talking about outdoor trips, if you know a hiking or camping enthusiast, you probably know how much they miss a nice hot shower during their outdoor excursions. So how about gifting them a solar shower? Choose from a variety of options, like five or ten-gallon bags, so that it is suited for the person.
The solar showers, such as the one offered by FeChix, often come with detachable hoses and on-and-off switches, making it convenient for use even when hung from a tree branch. When not in use, the shower can be rolled up and packed compactly for easy portability. These characteristics of solar showers make them one of the exciting solar-powered gifts.
Hand Crank Emergency Radio
Emergency radios that come with a solar charger can be a crucial part of emergency supplies in the house, car, and camping trips. So these can make a thoughtful gift for almost anyone that you know! The RunningSnail Emergency Hand Crank Solar Radio receives AM/FM/7 NOAA weather channel, keeping the user informed of the latest weather news. It is also equipped with a 1000 mAh power bank to charge cell phones, and a 1W LED flashlight – just the thing one needs when caught unaware in a power outage.
Solar Lights for the Garden
Do you have a loved one who loves decorating spaces? Think colorful solar lights for outdoor areas if you are trying to find a lovely gift for such a person. These pretty-looking lights from Solarmart are shaped like butterflies and are perfect for adding a vibrant touch to a garden, patio, or any other outdoor area.
The lightweight fiber optic material and transparent stake of the lights make it convenient to push into the soil, and no wiring or electricity is needed to light these up. Available in a set of three, the lights keep getting charged under the sun and light up after dark. They also change colors on their own, lending vivid hues to any place. Thus, these solar lights are one of the best solar garden gifts.
Portable Solar Motion Lights
The Litom LED Solar Motion Lights is one of the solar gifts that can be used to enhance security. It detects motion at night for up to 26 feet and then lights up for half a minute, but the lighting time also prolongs with continued movement. This allows the owner to detect an intruder and take the necessary action.
The device is also portable. The person you gift it to can, therefore, carry it when going on a camping trip or any other outdoor activity. Do not worry about the device getting damaged by extreme weather since it is resistant to water, heat, and ice.
Solar Reading Light
Bookworms often complain of not being able to read in bed at night or while traveling without disturbing others around them. A solar rechargeable booklight is one of the best solar gifts since it offers a solution to such problems. The clip-on design and lightweight feature make the light ideal for use when reading. It can also be used for extra light when doing crafts, or even as a convenient, portable nightlight.
The eco-friendly book light has three high-brightness LEDs that provide comfortable, no-flicker lighting. There are also high and low settings to adjust the brightness based on your needs.
Solar Educational Toy Kit
There is no better way to spark an interest in renewable energy among kids than through toys, and this solar educational kit does the job well. The Elenco Deluxe Solar Educational Kit comes with a 14-page instructional manual that also has illustrations to make it fun for children.
The kit lets young minds learn in a fun way with several do-it-yourself experiments. These include making a solar circuit, using solar energy to power gadgets, and modulating voltage and current – with everything driven by solar cells.
DIY Science Kit for Kids
DIY science kit for kids is one of the unique solar gifts. The DEUXPER DIY Science Kit is another excellent option if you are looking for a solar gift for a child. Using this kit, kids can develop their STEM education and hone their skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It can also be used for science projects at school.
The project parts included in the science kit can be used to build a car complete with a solar-powered motor that drives the toy vehicle. Children can also create a fairy lantern and make a machine caterpillar that crawls.
Solar Charger Controller
If a friend or family member has recently installed a solar energy system, help them keep it in excellent condition with the ALLPOWERS 20A Solar Charger Controller.
With features like multiple electric protection, good heat dissipation, and an industrial-grade STM 8 microprocessor, this solar gift efficiently keeps the storage batteries working well. Moreover, it protects from lightning strikes, overloading, and other issues. It is ideal for small solar systems and has a helpful display for easy operation.
Solar Thermometer
The ThermoPro TP-16 Digital Cooking Thermometer is an ideal gift for the budding chef in your life. With a temperature range of 32°F to 572°F, this device is used to perfectly cook various meats on any oven or grill. The LCD makes the temperature easily readable while the pre-set meat temperatures take the guesswork out of cooking. The thermometer also has a timer and alarm feature for other dishes.
Solar Fountains
Need a housewarming gift? The Pandawill Color Changing Solar Powered Glass Ball may be the perfect option. This lovely mosaic table lamp with a built-in solar panel features two lighting modes for soft lights or a vibrant, color-changing one. Also, it can be used outdoors as a garden light or to brighten up any indoor area without spending anything on electricity.
LED Changing Solar Hanging Lamp Decor
A lovely wind chime by day and attractive, color-changing lights by night – the Anasu Outdoor Solar Lights and Sea Urchin Wind Chimes can make an ideal gift for just about anyone that you know. The hanging home décor product may look delicate, but it’s packed with efficient solar panels that can provide several hours of vibrant lights after dusk.
Books on Solar
Finally, what can be better for a renewable energy-lover than books that tell them how to maximize the use of solar energy? There are plenty of books on solar energy available online, from ones that have DIY solar ideas to guides on solar panel installation and more. And the best part is that most of these come for well under $25, so you can gift more than one.
Final thoughts…
The solar gifts mentioned on this list are not only affordable, but they’re versatile. No matter who you are or who you’re buying for, there’s something on this list for you. So, take your pick and take that step towards going green with your gifts.
Which of these solar gifts under $25 are you most excited to try? Let us know in the comments!
Read More: Must Have Solar Products for Your Home
John is an electrical and solar technician, writer, and blogger who specializes in renewable energy, sustainability, and technology. He seeks to inspire more people to adopt solar energy and to work towards a sustainable future.