Last updated on November 8th, 2023 at 05:23 am
You have loved ones, like everyone else. You’d like to get them something special this Christmas, like everyone else wants to. But you’re also concerned about the environment, and would rather not get frivolous things just because. Yet, you still want to give them something, ideally something tangible. What do you do? Well, how about checking out some sustainable Christmas gift ideas? They do exist, they’re more expensive than regular products, and they are made with the health of the environment in mind.
We also have a zero waste Christmas gift guide. And an entire guide on eco friendly gifts. Pssstt…a great Christmas gift is a bottle (or two!) of sustainably made wine.
Now, these ideas below are luxuries, not necessities. So, think carefully before splurging. But a few big advantages? They’ll last a long time. They may help disadvantaged communities. They’re as low-impact as you’re likely to find.
As always, I must say this: it’s best to buy nothing. That’s the ideal option (followed by DIYing Christmas gifts). But that’s not always possible or practical. In which case, always buy sustainable as far as possible.
Alright, here’s the list of 10 gorgeous, lasting and sustainable Christmas gifts!
THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE DETAILS.
Sustainable Christmas Gift Ideas
For Someone Who Loves Jewelry
Article 22 is an ethical jewelry brand that makes its jewelry with metal from bomb shrapnel. Say what? Article 22 produces its jewelry in Laos, a country that has seen some of the worst bombing in history. The company provides economic support and development to the artisans and communities (including fair wages).
What a poignant way to dismiss the power of the bomb while also turning that ugly part of their history into something beautiful. Each piece is unique and a part of the sale amount is channeled toward ridding areas of unexploded bombs (still there after all these decades).
Some details I learned today: During the Vietnam War, American B-52s dropped an average of one bomb-load every eight minutes, 24 hours a day, for nine years. 80 million of the 250 million bombs dropped failed to detonate, and plague the agrarian population even today. The bombing was done to “contain the spread of communism.” Most Americans are unaware of this CIA operation.
I have no words…
For Someone Who Loves Their Smartphone
Guess what? This charger is made from recycled bottles and plant-based bioplastics. Nimble for Good is a California-based company that makes chargers out of recycled plastic bottles and hemp. These portable chargers, for example, are made from recycled aluminum and plant-based plastic. Their products are compatible with a variety of smartphones.
If someone you know is in the market for a smartphone case, look no further than Canadian brand Pela. They make plastic-free phone cases that are compostable, BPA-free, non-toxic, and ethically made – using flax that would have otherwise been burned.
Luxury Eco-friendly Gifts
For Someone Who Loves Luxury Fashion
The good news is that there are several options for you, from Stella McCartney, Eileen Fisher, and Mara Hoffman, to Rag & Bone. The bad news is that their products are still a load on the environment, however minimally. So, if this is a special occasion and you’d make your loved one really happy, go for it. It’s luxury fashion, yes, but it’s been thoughtfully and sustainably manufactured in conditions that are as eco-friendly as is currently possible.
You could look at products made by Untouched World. It’s a New Zealand company that follows sustainable practices: Every piece is designed with the garment’s full life cycle in mind, with minimum water use and maximum recycling and waste recovery options. They say they’re the first fashion company in the world to be recognized by the United Nations for sustainability, so it’s definitely worth checking them out, especially for this year’s unfortunate fashion must-have accessory: the face mask.
Unique Eco friendly Gifts
For Someone Who Loves Art & Craft
GlobeIn is on a mission, and one that I envy. Their business is all about connecting artisans to mindful customers, and promoting craftsmanship from around the world. Their decorative accents are especially lovely, and will make the perfect gift for someone who enjoys a curated set of items from around the world. These would also make great family gifts for Christmas.
Oxfam has something similar, but their relationship with the artisans includes welfare and poverty-alleviation programs. Aspiration is a fair-trade group based in India that sells products made by hand by the artisans they employ. This Clutch bag has been handmade from natural jute and recycled sari. And it is gorgeous!
Check out this beautiful handwoven indigo seagrass basket – made in Vietnam by artisans from Mai Handicrafts. It’s a multi-purpose rice basket that can be used with the handles up, or folded down inside the basket.
For Someone Who Loves to Tinker in the Kitchen
Check out this gorgeous reclaimed wood serving tray! Peg and Awl makes this by hand, ensuring your piece is unique and special.
This personalized cutting board below is another stunner. Each piece is made to order, which makes it super thrilling. It’s almost like owning an artwork.
Cheap Eco friendly Gifts
For Someone Who Loves Books
Your favorite bookworm is going to love these Arctic Animal Bookmarks from Another Studio. These pieces are etched in metal in the shapes of various Arctic animals. Give them another reason to curl up and get cosy this winter – with their book and a piping hot mug of cocoa.
For Someone Who Loves to Think About Others
What can you do instead of gifts for Christmas? There are countless people and animals in this world in desperate need of help. If you think the best way to gift someone this Christmas is with a donation in their name, you have several options (and kudos for doing something awesome!).
The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya is a great option, for example – especially if they love animals. Or Doctors Without Borders. There are numerous others out there. This is definitely your best Christmas gift option, if you ask me!;)
If you liked this post, please share it with your friends. Thank you!<3
THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE DETAILS.
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