GREENERFRIDAY HOLIDAY GIFT AWARDS 2026
ILLINOIS — THREE CANDIDATES

No winners have been selected. Public voting is separate from editorial evaluation.

EcoTools — Start The Day Beautifully Kit
Reusable makeup brushes use bamboo handles and recycled aluminum ferrules, with synthetic Taklon bristles.
State connection: The brand's legal operator, Paris Presents Incorporated, lists an address in Gurnee, Illinois; manufacturing in Illinois is not claimed.
Considerations: Mixed materials and synthetic bristles mean the brushes should not be described as plastic-free or readily recyclable.
User evidence: Multiple retail review streams contain exact-kit buyer accounts praising practical application, gifting and value.
Scope: Start the Day Beautifully kit; packaging and kit versions may differ.
Limitations: Some retailers syndicate iHerb/Argos reviews; do not add counts as unique people. Brush softness and storage packaging receive criticism.
Sources: https://ecotools.com/products/start-the-day-beautifully-kit?bvstate=pg%3A3%2Fct%3Ar | https://ecotools.com/pages/privacy-policy | https://ecotools.com/pages/terms-conditions | https://www.vitacost.com/products/ecotools-start-the-day-beautifully-brush-set-5-piece-set-78172 | https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/groceries/product/ecotools-start-the-day-beautifully-kit | https://www.walmart.com/reviews/product/890397279

Meliora Cleaning Products — Bath & Body Soap Bar — Package-Free, Peppermint
Package-free solid soap with specified coconut and sunflower oils; the brand describes the bar and packaging approach as plastic-free.
State connection: Manufactured by Meliora in Chicago, Illinois.
Considerations: Select the package-free variant. No comparative lifecycle assessment or independent product testing was performed for this nomination.
User evidence: A zero-waste forum user specifically praises the peppermint body bar; recent buyer comments also favor peppermint and repeat soap use.
Scope: Exact scent/body-bar family; packaging options share reviews.
Limitations: The forum evidence is old and seller reviews aggregate scents and packaging. Not a clinical suitability claim.
Sources: https://meliorameansbetter.com/products/bath-and-body-soap-bar-zero-waste | https://meliorameansbetter.com/products/bath-and-body-soap-bar-zero-waste?variant=40540826665075 | https://www.reddit.com/r/ZeroWaste/comments/f2c4bp | https://meliorameansbetter.com/products/bath-and-body-soap-bar-zero-waste?variant=40540826665075

Soap Distillery — Agave + Salted Peel Bar Soap — No Box
A solid soap offered without a box, made with specified plant oils including sunflower, coconut and olive oils.
State connection: Soap Distillery says its products are made in Chicago, Illinois.
Considerations: Choose the No Box option for this packaging rationale. Fragrance and ingredient suitability should be checked individually.
User evidence: Verified buyers discuss skin feel and using the exact scent as event favors, showing gifting relevance.
Scope: Exact Agave + Salted Peel soap; boxed/unboxed variants may share reviews.
Limitations: Seller-hosted 26-review sample; fragrance preferences vary and one low rating exists.
Sources: https://soapdistillery.com/collections/bar-soap/products/agave-salted-peel-bar-soap | https://soapdistillery.com/pages/faq | https://soapdistillery.com/collections/bar-soap/products/agave-salted-peel-bar-soap

Voting: https://greenerfriday.com/press/holiday-gift-awards-2026/illinois/#public-vote

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