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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, accessories, beauty and homeware, and gifts for kids.
Menswear
Neem Cutaway-Collar Comfort Shirt (Offer available)
Pico Trunk Shorts (Offer available)
The Glade Printed Oversized Shirt
TWOTHIRDS Ballycuggeran Checked Jacket
Womenswear
Nat’v Basics Callie Brief Set (Offer available)
Another Tomorrow Cashmere Oversized Turtleneck
Wildflo Studio Striped Set (Offer available)
Thinking MU Pancake Print T-Shirt
Flare Street Burgundy Velvet Flares
Mila.Vert Oversized Sweater (Offer available)
Accessories
ARTICLE22 Pearl Abstract Earrings
Non Reversible Denim Bucket Hat
Ucon Acrobatics Mini Backpack (Offer available)
Good Citizens Newport Sunglasses (Offer available)
HYER GOODS Micro Ring Bag (Offer available)
Mashu Calliope Bag (Offer available)
Sans Beast Eyelet Crescent Bag
Beauty and homeware
Rupahaus Beeswax Pillar Candles
Kids
Petit Pli Lunar League Gift Set
Infantium Victoria Panda Appliqué Top
Aster and Oak Knitted Blanket for Newborns
Jyoti Fair Works Organic Cotton Cuddly Toy
Oobi Printed Dress (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:
1. SeamsFriendly – Customisable clothing that’s great for tall and petite people (Offer available)
2. Eco Intimates – More sustainable underwear
3. ReCreate – Boxy cuts and minimalist womenswear
4. Wild Clouds – Vibrant printed clothing with gender neutral options
5. WAWWA – Cool UK-made clothes with an outdoor slant and gender neutral options
6. Pop My Way – Ideal for new parents: baby essentials with interchangeable accessories
7. Anekdot – Swimwear and underwear made more sustainably
8. Outland Denim – Stylish denim from an Australia-based brand
9. Sorella Organics – GOTS certified organic cotton sleep and loungewear
10. Facettes Studio – French tailoring ideal for professionals and minimalists
Gift selections by conscious retailers
We also recommend these retailers, which have great gift selections for all kinds of budgets and styles:
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.
Shop Like You Give a Damn
Vegan gift selections for men, women, kids, home, and beauty.
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.
