Kids on the naughty list get coal, but kids on the nice list get solar!
Solar-powered Christmas gifts make the perfect present for everyone on your list, from your tech-obsessed cousin to your coworker who’s a concerned environmentalist.
Ho, ho, ho! Solar can make everybody’s holiday a little brighter! Image source: Elemental Energy
*Note: This is an unbiased review: we have no financial ties with any of the companies mentioned, nor do we earn money from affiliate advertising. The content of this blog is based on research and information available at the time of writing.
Solar gift #6: Portable solar cooker
GoSun’s portable solar cooker is the perfect solar-powered gift for someone who loves camping. The solar cooker includes two large reflectors and a vacuum cooking chamber.
Simply place your food in the cooking chamber, position the reflectors, and your food will be finished in as little as 20 minutes! In full sunlight, the cooker can reach temperatures as high as 550°F.
With the GoSun solar cooker, you can easily cook food during a picnic. You might, however, want to wait until the weather warms up a bit. Image source: Amazon
The cooker is portable and easy to store, making it great for a weekend trip to the mountains or even a family barbeque.
Who this solar-powered gift is perfect for: Camping enthusiasts and environmentally-conscious BBQ’ers
Solar gift #5: Portable solar panel phone charger
Solar panel phone chargers are great for anyone on your Christmas list. There are a ton of solar chargers on the market, but NekTeck’s 21W portable solar powered charger will give you the best bang for your buck.
The charger is made of three monocrystalline solar panels with a solar efficiency of up to 24%. The panels are a little smaller than a sheet of paper – about 6.3 inches by 11.1 inches – and fold up for easy storage.
Nekteck 21W Portable Solar Panel Charger can easily fold to fit in a backpack or purse. Image source: Amazon
The charger has two USB ports and a pocket to hold your device while it’s charging. It also comes with hooks so it can be connected to the outside of your backpack, which is perfect for hikers!
It can be used to charge anything from a cell phone to an external battery block!
Who this solar-powered gift is perfect for: Hikers, beach bums, and anybody on the go
Solar gift #4: Portable mini solar system
The BioLite Solar Home package includes a 6-watt solar panel, 3 hanging LED lights, and an MP3/FM radio. All you have to do is set up the solar panel in an area that will receive abundant sunlight and hang the lights where you want them.
Depending on which setting you have the solar lights set on, the system can run anywhere from 4.5 hours to 14 hours.
A steal: BioLite SolarHome 620 comes with lights, a charger, and a radio, all of which are all included in the portable solar system bundle. Image source: REI
The MP3/FM radio has two USB ports that can be used to charge your electronic devices. This is a cool solar system gift for someone who does work in a garage or a shed without electricity, or for those who just want a little extra light in their workspace.
They can do all of the work they need with the help of solar energy!
Who this solar-powered gift is perfect for: Campers, mechanics, handymen and women
Solar gift #3: Solar-powered lights
One of the most popular solar-powered lights on the market is LITOM’s outdoor solar light. The LED lights can illuminate a range of 200 square feet.
During the day, solar cells on the top of the light convert sunlight into solar electricity which is then stored in a lithium ion battery. The stored battery power is then used to power the lights throughout the night.
They are available on Amazon in a package of one, two, or four lights.
LITOM outdoor solar lights can illuminate your yard all year-round. Image source: Amazon
These solar lights can also be used for motion sensor purposes – they will turn on if they detect any sort of motion.
You can also choose for the light to be dim or bright once the motion sensor is tripped. This feature makes these solar lights a great security and safety feature for your home. It can also be used as a regular light, where it will stay on throughout the night.
The solar lights are waterproof and durable, allowing them to last longer than many other solar lights on the market. They can be used on garages, outside of front doors, or they can even be used to light walkways and stairs.
Who this solar-powered gift is perfect for: Homeowners looking for lighting solutions
Solar gift #2: Solar-powered flashlight
There is nothing worse than being in need and finally finding a flashlight – only to discover that the batteries are dead.
Well, thanks to solar flashlights, that is a problem of the past. Just let it sit in the sun for a few hours, and it’s ready to use!
The T09 Solar Flashlight from NPET might just be one of the most useful flashlights available, as it has several surprising yet advantageous built-in features.
NPET T09 Solar Flashlight has many useful features, plus it’s solar powered! Image source: Amazon
The T09 has two built-in lithium ion batteries which are charged by solar cells and rest on the side of the flashlight. There are seven different flashlight modes that can run for a minimum of four hours continuously when the batteries are fully charged.
Plus, the flashlight has a USB port so you can charge your phone with it, too.
Last, but not least, the T09 has a car emergency escape that can break a car window and cut seatbelts in the event of an emergency!
At $20.99, this multifunctional flashlight is a steal!
Who this solar-powered gift is perfect for: Campers, hikers, new drivers – pretty much anyone!
Solar gift #1: Solar-powered backpack
Almost everyone needs a backpack, so why not get one that can charge your phone? Solar backpacks like this one sold by Voltaic Systems, are a great gift for students, working adults, and hikers.
The front of the backpack is covered by a 10 W solar panel that charges a lithium ion battery pack in the backpack. In direct sunlight, the solar cells can charge a smartphone completely in just 3.5 hours.
Voltaic Systems OffGrid 10-Watt Rapid Solar Backpack can hold everything a normal backpack can – with an added bonus: solar power! Image source: Amazon
The backpack can charge most devices that use a USB charger. It charges phones, camera batteries, GoPros, you name it – Voltaic Systems’ solar backpack can probably charge it.
It includes a main storage compartment, laptop sleeve, water bottle holder, and padded sunglasses pocket. It also comes with a 2-year warranty on the solar panel and a 1-year warranty on the battery pack.
Who this solar-powered gift is perfect for: College students, working adults, hikers
Give the gift of solar this year
Stop stressing over holiday shopping. These innovative and unique solar gifts are sure to please everyone on your list.
While you’re at it, why not indulge in the gift that keeps on giving? That’s right, we’re talking about a solar system for your home.
Check out our solar calculator to see how much a home solar system could save you on your electric bill, not just during the holidays, but all year-round!