Ultimate Ethical Christmas Gift Guide

With only 18 days left before Christmas, we know that this is about the time when most of the shopping actually gets done! We’ve put together a scrutinised-over gift a day to help give you the best possible inspiration and options for gift giving. These are all, of course, ethically inclined and practicing businesses which we love; supporting small independents is a wonderful route to go during the festive season, and when they’re all eco-friendly too - Christmas doesn’t get much better!

1. Stationary is a classic for gifts. Planners and notebooks help get everyone into that mindset of a fresh start for the new year. A favourite of ours is Nikki Strange - with everything from various stationary to wall hangings, Nikki’s gorgeous personal designs and products also come with an Eco Range where an excellent selection of ethically certified products are listed. The brand also works with vegetable paint, recycled paper, and packaged using biodegradable cellophane  film and recycled tissue

2. Is it even Christmas if there aren’t men’s socks involved?! Embrace the inevitable with an ethical pair for extra love this year - the gorgeous sustainable bamboo sock brand Thought offer classic and festive alternatives (andkeep.com)

3. Did you know that there are harmless alternatives to micro plastics in makeup? Vegan brand Fairypants have created amazing eye and body glitter - Meteor Green and Comet Gold are only a couple of options. This makeup is made from plant derived products, and will decompose quickly and naturally

4. Donations and Adoption. This might sound like quite an unusual gift, but one that undoubtedly makes a huge difference. Browsing through WWF, there are numerous causes that can be supported through the act of gift giving this Christmas for a loved one. Adopting wild animals allows you to directly contribute towards the preservation and care for various species, and donating to a cause will help drive forward a more hopeful future

5. We think we found the perfect smart/ casual LBD.. in ethical form. The high neck shift dress from Know The Origin is an amazing affordable classic. Vegan, carbon reduced production, fairly made and chemical free, need we say more? (ethical.market)

6. Not forgetting the outdoorsy, wild-camping of us, good quality hiking and skiing clothing would make a great gift. Picture Organic Clothing is an unbelievably transparent company is, in short, recycled and bio-sourced - read more about their ethics on their site!

7. Stocking fillers can always be a subconscious excuse for throw-away temporaries. Small gifts that will last the test of time, that won’t lose their use value and are earth friendly sound rare! But - glass and bamboo straws are timeless and a perfect stocking option! Perhaps for older, more environmentally aware teens that are getting into homeward and investment pieces, there are cheaper packs or more expensive singles available on most ethical sites (andkeep.com)

8. For the travellers out there, there are some incredible upcycled backpacks available. From rice sacks to cement bags and tyres, these options are definitely one of a kind (ethical.market)

9. There’s aways someone who likes to keep active, no matter what time of year! Unoa’s most popular sports bras, crops and leggings are the perfect surprise for the yogis and pilates goers out there! Our super soft, double lined bras and crops paired with the durable and breathable leggings are a winning match: all made with natural materials including Organic cotton.

10. We’ve recently discovered Tabitha Eve Co: an absolute queen of reusable cloth homeware. There are gorgeous bamboo and Organic cotton facial rounds available on her online store. Not to mention linen bread bags, sponges, bowl covers and cloths

11. Baby’s first Christmas? Barefoot Toys have an array of soft toys that would be perfect for newborns. Handmade and with a focus on fair female employment, there are plenty of gorgeous toys to choose from and support equal work (ethical.market)

12. Wallets and purses make wonderful Christmas gifts, especially how beaten up they tend to get in our bags! Hetty and Sam is a mid to high end bag and accessory company - approved by PETA, this vegan independent has some beautiful pieces. Working in conjunction with independent artists for their designs, Hetty and Sam give a percentage back to the artist to help support upcoming talent.

13. A plastic free starter-kit is a brilliant way to help introduce someone to more sustainable living if they don’t know where to start. They are fast selling, but andkeep.com have a great array of various sizes and prices.

14. It wouldn’t be Winter without candles - but non-toxic, eco-friendly candles are even better! Shop around for scented and classic options that won’t harm your body, like these natural and Geranium and Lemongrass scented wood-wicked candles by Beespoke of Devon (ethical.market)

15. A Winter sweater can never be a bad thing - we have you covered! Our Aretha Pullover has a flattering double V neck to make the neckline all the more individual. Or stick to our classic Loida Sweatshirt for ultimate festive cosiness - both made with Organic cotton, the quality and softness of both pieces will make for the perfect winter warmer

16. Chocolate and Christmas go hand in hand, and it’s motivating to see a large brand with ethical morals. Montezuma’s is a hugely popular Organic chocolate company, who’s Trading Fairly Policy covers from their packaging and waste amounts, to working with suppliers and the farming of their ingredients.

17. Jewellery is always an extra personal gift at Christmas, and it’s super easy to find jewellers who support recyclable material and fair working conditions too. Juna is a brand we have been fans of for a long time, and use recycled and Fair Trade gold and silver, sourcing any gems they use from like-minded suppliers

18. One of the best things about Winter is the baths. Hot soaks are the best, and with some gorgeous products to help you relax, they’ve just got better! Shaloah Skincare’s Rose, Sandalwood and Bergamot Luxury Body and Massage Oil has a plethora of ethical stamps - and does not come with a luxury price tag. This versatile oil is chemical free, vegan, sustainable… perfect as a stocking filler or a luxurious gift by itself.

Written by Amy Curtis