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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, as the year winds down, it’s the perfect time to treat yourself or those closest to you to something special.
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.
Workshops, classes, experiences, and support
Experiences are a great alternative to tangible objects, proven 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? Why not buy a gift box which allows an individual to select one of the many experiences available?
Also have a look at creative classes and workshops such as pottery, cooking displays, fermentation classes, woodwork, jewellery making, and much more.
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, innovative gifts.
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 will give ongoing joy and beauty. And it will negate all those greenhouse gasses produced by some of the gifts you could’ve bought.
Give your time
Consider giving the gift of a donation to a charitable cause, or even participating in one yourselves as an outing. There are countless charities that offer this and need some love, from farmed animal sanctuaries to domestic pet shelters to endangered species organisations.
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 cute Christmas cookies.
Check out our favourite DIYs for some inspiration.
Give second hand items a new home
Second hand gifts should be normalised. Giving 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 second hand 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 small and 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?
Gifts under $15 (the perfect stocking stuffers)
1. Recycled Metal Pin (Plant Faced Clothing)
2. Fabric Covered Notebook (Dilly Grey)
3. Single Bottle Sip Tote (TORRAIN)
4. Tote Bag Torekov The Knotted Gun Black (Dedicated)
5. Waffle Scrunchie (KOHR)
Gifts under $30
6. “Go Vegan” Socks (Good Guys)
7. Pet Bandanas (Printfresh)
8. Non Dyed Tote Bag (Kings of Indigo)
9. Long Sleeved Bodysuit (Pop My Way)
10. “The Overachiefer” 4-IN-1 Multi-Wear Scarf (OhSevenDays)
Gifts under $50
11. Monkey Alfred (Jyoti)
12. Crest Altitude Hat (tentree)
13. DIY T-Shirts Kit (The Good Tee)
14. Socks That Save LGBTQ Lives (Conscious Step)
15. Recycled Italian Geometric Print Modern Neck Scarf (Neem London)
Gifts under $100
16. Mia Card Case (Svala)
17. Apple Watch Band (HYER GOODS)
18. Organic Half Moon Crossbody Bag (WAWWA)
19. Let’s Spoon Necklace (ARTICLE22)
20. Sleeping Beauty Set – Mulberry Silk Pillowcase and Eye Mask (The Ethical Silk Company)
Gifts under $150
21. Knitted Arty Bricks Scarf (Mila.Vert)
22. Track Shirt (Non)
23. BEEN London X REGO Pouches (BEEN London)
24. The Long Pique Shirt (Citizen Wolf)
25. Sunglasses (Colorful Standard)
Luxury gifts over $150
26. Hana White Ultra Drop Sneakers (ID.EIGHT)
27. Philippa 2 Lilac (Mashu)
28. Leather Earrings (SO-LE Studio)
29. The Wave (WE-AR4)
30. Classic Signet Ring (FUTURA Jewelry)
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.
Et voilà. 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.
