Slow mornings, chilly evenings, cozy drinks with friends (via Zoom), homemade delicacies, books we’ve been saving for this peaceful occassion, cheesy feel-good Chrismas movies,…
No matter how weird or long this year has been, we’ve made it to the end and from here we can just go up (this is me, manifesting all the good I can for the new year). You should celebrate, indulge in the things that make you happy and, most importantly, surround yourself with the people you love the most in the world – even if it has to be through a screen for now.
You already know that accumulating stuff is never sustainable, but hey, we deserve some material gratification withing measure and there’s no better way to do it than with sustainable and ethical gifts for your loved ones or for yourself.
This is a list of brands and fun products I’ve discovered and used throughout the year and that I absolutely love.
If you see something you like, don’t forget to share this post with your not-so-secret-Santa 😉
Gift boxes and bundles
Self-care packages
You deserve it, your loved ones deserve it. We can all say our farewell to the longest year in history from our at-home spa.
Looking for more sustainable self-care products? This is the post for you, full of low waste goodies.
Zero waste bundles
These bundles are practical and adorable, so you know you can’t go wrong with them for the zero waste aficionado in your life.
Also, please, try to imagine a little child carrying their zero waste kid around. My heart can’t take it❤️️.
I also love these next two bundles. We don’t need to bring up the whole coffee-or-tea debate this Christmas. These two gift sets don’t discriminate and are a fun and thoughtful gift for the caffeinated human in your life.
They come with a reusable cup (you can choose the color), tea to sample, coffee skin scrub and lip balms.
For more zero waste beauty products, go to this post.
Personalised gift boxes
I love subscription boxes but I’m a bit sceptical of them and I would hate so much stuff going to waste just because I ordered something I don’t love.
But recently I learned that you can create your very own gift boxes and bundles. And I didn’t even get to the best part: these ones, from Earthlove, only contain sustainable, zero waste and ethical products.
Zero waste essentials
Beeswax wrap
Maybe it’s because I’m getting old, but I would really love receiving this gift. They are an essential part of a zero-waste kitchen and the perfect present for your favorite foodie or home chef.
Reusable bottles and cups
It’s almost 2021, we all need to own a reusable bottle because we’re not into polluting the ocean with plastic and we love our crisp cold water and our steamy chai latte.
And they’re gorgeous, c’mon, no better accessory.
You can find more zero waste essentials in this post.
Reusable straws
We still want to save the turtles and now we have many different alternatives to plastic straws, which wasn’t the case a couple of years ago.
You already know the classics made of metal, glass and bamboo…but what about silicone straws. They look fun and so compact to carry around in your purse, don’t you think so?
Solid skincare products
Going from bottled creams, soaps and hair care products to solid ones can make a world of difference in your plastic footprint.
Full disclosure: I own this Etsy shop and in it I sell stock Turkish artisans and makers can’t bring right now at local farmers markets. If you have any questions about the products hit me up!
Tote Bags
If you’re going to buy a cotton tote bag, make sure it’s a tote bag that gives back and has adorable rescue fluffers drawn on it, just like the ones linked below.
Knitwear
Recycled wool beanies and scarfs
Keep the people you love warm and do it in one of the most sustainable ways possible.
I love Organic Basics for their simple designs that prioritize quality and, trust me, you’ll love them just as much.
Sustainable cotton cardigans
If you want to avoid wool but want to be all snug all winter long, try organic cotton. You know People Tree is one of the brands I sincerely stand behind because of their transparency.
Ethical wool
I think the youths are bringing cardigans back. Finally a trend I can jump on.
Just look at these earthy colors, they’re sunning. They are made of ethically obtained merino wool, but if you prefer avoiding wool, you can find very similar ones made of organic cotton here.
Cozy wooly turtle necks
Remember when our moms would make us wear turtlenecks to school and we hated them for some reason? Now they’re a staple and if you don’t have one already check these ones that will keep you all cute and toasty.
Looking for more sustainable fashion ideas? Make sure you read this post about sustainable fashion for every budget.
Accessories
Ethical jewelry
These whimsical pieces by Astor and Orion are the perfect stocking stuffer. I love how they’re dainty and unique at the same time.
Reclaimed material bags
Listen to this: bags made with reclaimed firefighter hoses. Just as amazing as it sounds.
The first though I had after learning about these bags by Elvis & Kresse was that they must be one of the most resistant accessories in the market. Like…in their past life they used to put out fires.
Ethically made brass jewelry
These earrings are not only stunning, but also ethically made in Kenya by a social business that provides opportunities for people with physical disabilities.
Vegetable-tanned bags
They are made to order, specially for you, with surplus leather from the meat industry.
If you’re searching for vegan bags, don’t forget to check this post about Kinds of Grace.
Hobbies
Stay active
For that one conscious yogi you love, Manduka yoga mats are made of natural tree rubber and they’re supper grippy and comfortable to flow on – I can attest to that.
Better World Books
If you’re planning on gifting books or getting a new Christmas read for yourself, make sure you buy them either locally or from an ethical seller online.
I love BWB because they’re all about giving back and making sure pre-loved books find a new home.
You can find more companies like this one on the book section of this post about sustainable marketplaces.