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From more sustainable stocking stuffers to conscious gift exchange goodies, read on to discover our favourite Christmas gifts and holiday presents from “Good” and “Great” brands.
Our favourite lower-impact gift ideas for the holiday season
*in Bing Crosby’s voice* It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. It’s time to start writing your letter to Santa and going on a hunt for the perfect gifts for your loved ones. And even if you don’t celebrate Christmas, you may be on the lookout for thoughtful things to give others on a special occasion.
This year, like every year, we want to encourage you to find gifts that don’t cost the Earth. Supporting more sustainable brands has never been more important, and it has also never been easier. It’s also worth keeping in mind that with the holiday season comes the pressure to spend and buy lots, which can be stressful. In this round-up, we’re suggesting a few alternatives to tangible products that don’t require big expenditure, plus our picks from more responsible brands if you do want to purchase. And don’t forget to check out our offers wrap, where we share the latest sales and discounts from highly rated brands—it might just help if you’re trying to limit your spend this year.
Workshops, classes, experiences, and support
Experiences are a great alternative to tangible objects, and they’ve been shown to strengthen relationships and make people happier. We especially love if these activities are promoting a shift to conscious consumerism or are supporting more sustainable options. “Experience” gifts are an increasingly popular option and a fun and creative way for friends and family to learn a new skill and bond.
Not sure where to start? Have a look at creative classes and workshops such as pottery, cooking displays, fermentation classes, woodwork, jewellery making, and much more, which often support local makers.
Pampering is another experience that is always well received and something that a lot of people never buy for themselves. Massages, bathhouses, saunas, or even an hour in a float tank can be great gifts.
An annual membership to something your loved one enjoys also makes a great gift—many cinemas, online platforms, museums, and visitor destinations offer memberships with fun and varying benefits.
You could also give someone your time and spend it in a place they love, or a handwritten voucher for something they would appreciate. Think about giving the gift of support and encouragement of someone’s passion.
For the plant-lover in your life
Did you know interacting with plants can make people happier, healthier, brighter, and calmer? This year, offer your loved ones a potted herb garden or a bright orchid that’ll bring ongoing joy and beauty.
Give your time
Consider giving a donation on behalf of your loved one to a charitable cause, or even invite them to join you on a volunteering day with an organisation. There are many to choose from, including farmed animal sanctuaries, endangered species organisations, community programmes, homeless shelters, and more.
Make your own gifts
Handmade gifts are so meaningful—there’s nothing quite like them. Creating a gift for someone means making something special, unique, and putting a piece of yourself into the gift. It could be something like an artwork, a poem, a story, a song, a knitted sweater, some DIY bath salts, candles, or even cooking (or baking) something tasty.
Check out our favourite DIYs for some inspiration.
Give second-hand items a new home
Second-hand gifts should be normalised. Finding second-hand items a new home by gifting them to a loved one will not only help reduce waste, but it’ll also be unique and more affordable. So this year, instead of buying new, we challenge you to go out to your local thrift shop or browse second-hand platforms online to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. You never know what amazing treasures you might find.
Gifts from independent ‘Good’ and ‘Great’ brands
If you prefer to give a more traditional and tangible gift (and know the person receiving would love that, too), then why not order one of these lower-impact holiday gifts from “Good” and “Great” brands?
This year, we’ve categorised them so it’s easier to search. Choose from menswear, womenswear, gender neutral, accessories, and gifts for kids.
Menswear
1. Neem London ZQ Merino Long-Sleeved Polo Shirt
2. Carpasus Striped Dress Shirt (Offer available)
3. Armedangels Floryaan Knitted Half-Zip Sweater
4. ISTO. Quilted Vest (Offer available)
6. BAM Bamboo Clothing 3-Pack Boxer Briefs
7. Non Work Jacket (Offer available)
8. Bluebuck 4-Pack Socks (Offer available)
11. Opera Campi Nideo Hemp T-Shirt
Womenswear
2. Neu Nomads Livia Shirt (Offer available)
3. Underprotection Gina Bralette
6. Nudea Slouchy Socks (Offer available)
8. Purusha People Top and Trousers
9. CAES Cut Out Fluffy Sweater (Offer available)
10. Tripulse Tencel Leggings (Offer available)
Gender-neutral
1. Kings of Indigo Noah Denim Jeans
2. Lâcher Prise Horizon Kimono (Offer available)
3. Plant Faced Clothing Long Sleeved T-Shirt (Offer available)
4. The Anjelms Project Striped Shirt and Trousers
7. Seek Collective Nat Shirt Dress
8. Kotn Rugby Shirt (Offer available)
9. ZEROBARRACENTO Cape (Offer available)
11. The Ethical Silk Company Robe
Accessories
1. Article22 Seed of Life Necklace (Offer available)
2. Spell Stargazer Zodiac Ring
3. Flamingos’ Life Burela Sneakers
4. FUTURA Jewelry Due Soli Earrings (Offer available)
5. Svala Didi Cork Clutch (Offer available)
6. E.L.V. Denim Stationery Set (Offer available)
7. Printfresh Beret (Offer available)
8. Swedish Stockings Leo Tights
9. Conscious Step Socks Gift Box
10. Good Citizens Clovelly Sunglasses (Offer available)
11. Artknit Studios Pilling Knitwear Comb (Offer available)
Kids
1. Mini Mioche Varsity Bomber (Offer available)
2. Mate The Label Fleece Hoodie
3. Infantium Victoria Panda Sweater
5. Jyoti Fairworks Stuffed Animal
6. Fair Indigo Bilingual Picture Book
7. Boody Baby Beanie and Romper Set
9. BJ’s PJs Baby Wrap (Offer available)
10. Cariuma Oca Sneakers (Offer available)
Gift vouchers
Not sure what to get them? Let your loved one choose an item they’ll love forever. Here are 10 more sustainable brands offering gift cards this season:
2. Veerah (“Good”) (Offer available)
7. Pangaia (“Good”) (Offer available)
Gift selections by conscious retailers
We also recommend these retailers, which have great gift selections for all kinds of budgets and styles:
Made Trade
We could not recommend Made Trade enough. They’ve curated the perfect holiday decors, gifts for him, for her, for them, for babies, pets, and gifts for every kind of occasion.
Rêve en Vert
Rêve en Vert truly believes that Christmas is a moment for considered and mindful consumption that means something special to the recipient. We love their selection of items that spark joy and serve a lovely purpose. They have everything from more eco-friendly Christmas cards to curated gift boxes.
Immaculate Vegan
Wanting to find that perfect vegan and more responsible gift? Then get some inspiration and shop from Immaculate Vegan’s vegan gift ideas.
Shop Immaculate Vegan’s gifts.
If you’ve finished your holiday shopping already (kudos for being so organised), have a look at our more sustainable gift wrapping ideas. Received an unwanted gift? Here are our tips on how to deal with those items you can’t find a place for in your life.
