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Learn about Whales and Help Save a Life

Check out our new whale behavior visual guide! Dive in to discover the “why” behind the different behaviors you might see.

Learn fun facts about these gentle giants, what conservation efforts are helping to protect them, ways you can be a whale champion and more.

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humpback whale tail
harbor seals Astrid and Webby Adopt-a-Seal package with two stuffed animals
News Update

Eco Friendly Gifts that Give Back

March 3, 2023
  • Gift guide

Gifts that Benefit The Marine Mammal Center, A Non-Profit that Rescues and Rehabilitates Marine Animals

Show your loved ones you care with help from our Eco Friendly Green Gifts that Give Back Guide. It features sustainable gifts that are good for the planet and perfect for the people in your life who are (or aspire to be!) environmentally savvy. 

Not only are you helping the planet with these green gifts, but your purchase also supports medical care for our patients, which has helped us to rescue more than 24,000 marine mammals since 1975, and advances global ocean conservation.

Shopping at the last minute? Your purchase comes with a downloadable gift IOU to give your loved one while they wait for their special present to arrive. Find more gifts that give back on our Last-Minute Gift Guide.

harbor seals Astrid and Webby Adopt-a-Seal with two stuffed animals

Gifts that give back for the distant loved one:

Adopt-A-Seal®

While it may be tough to get together with loved ones, you can still send a thoughtful gift that will make them smile. When you symbolically adopt harbor seal pups Astrid & Webby (or one of our other popular patients like a sea otter, sea lion or dolphin!) your purchase will give back, providing the food and medical care sick and injured animals need to return home for the holidays. You can also personalize the adoption certificate that features Astrid & Webby’s photo and story!

Environmentally friendly gifts for the foodie:

A set of bamboo utensils to use instead of plastic

This to-go set of bamboo utensils includes a fork, knife, spoon and chopsticks, and comes in a convenient case (choose from six different colors!) made from recycled plastic bottles. You’ll find that this eco friendly gift is perfect for anyone who loves restaurant leftovers or taking their meals on-the-go. Be sure to check out these other on-the-go food items like this aluminum water bottle or these reusable food wraps.

bamboo utensil set in multi-color cases
set of five mesh produce bags and one bag with apples in it

Sustainable gifts for the shopper:

Reusable produce bags that help cut down on single-use plastics

Practical and easy to bring along, these reusable produce bags are BPA-free and feature a drawstring top to keep your items secure. Now the shopper in your life can shop 'til they drop knowing they are helping eliminate hundreds of plastic bags from the ocean and landfills.

Ocean conservation gifts for the ocean lover:

A whaley cool tank top that shows off what they care about

If your loved one is crazy about the ocean, they’ll be thrilled when they open their gift and find marine mammal swag inside. This whaley cool tank top is designed and printed by a small business in San Francisco. And while it is certainly perfect for sunny day, it pairs great with this comfortable hoodie, creating the ultimate lounge-day outfit.

tank top with whale design and the words The Marine Mammal Center
navy socks with sea lions and the words The Marine Mammal Center

Ocean gifts for the lounger:

A pair of sea lion socks to cozy up in

Snuggle up and show your love for sea lions with these fun socks. This special design is only available at The Marine Mammal Center! Made with cotton sourced from the United States, these socks will keep your loved one warm and stylish. Don’t miss our other exclusive sock design featuring harbor seals.

Marine biology gifts for the family:

A 1,000-piece marine animal puzzle for at-home fun

Entertain yourself and your family with this intricate marine mammal puzzle. A Pacific coast scene featuring whales, dolphins, turtles and more will come to life as you put together this 1,000-piece puzzle made of 100% recycled chipboard. Be sure to check out other indoor-friendly activities, like coloring pages, books and more.

National Geographic puzzle of a Pacific Coast scene
trio of harbor seals

Gifts that give back for the one who has everything:

A gift and eCard in their honor

This is the perfect gift that gives back for someone who doesn’t need more stuff. A gift to The Marine Mammal Center in honor of your loved one has a big impact on ocean conservation. Send a personalized eCard with your donation and let them know they gave a second chance to marine mammals. You can even schedule your eCard to be sent immediately or on a specific date!

BONUS!

Round out your collection of marine animal gear with a protective face mask.

You and your loved ones can stay safe and stylish with your very own marine mammal face mask. Choose from a range of ocean-themed prints, like sea otters, dolphins, sea lions and more!

mask with sea lions and The Marine Mammal Center logo

A purchase of any of our Eco Friendly Green Gifts that Give Back will help to support global ocean conservation through marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, scientific research, and education.

Browse all of our gifts that give back to help save seals, sea otters, sea lions and other marine animals.

Yes, I want to save a life!

Yes, I want to save a life!

You’ll be giving sick and injured animals the best possible care at the Center’s state-of-the-art hospital. With your gift today, you are giving a patient a second chance at life in the wild.

  • $35 You'll buy food for a hungry animal
  • $45 You'll provide life-saving medical care
  • $65 You'll make second chances possible

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gift guide