SUSTAINABLE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

by Andreea Prodan
in LIFESTYLE

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The festive season is about spending quality time with the loved ones, sharing good food and gifts. If you choose to give gifts to your loved ones and you’re looking for more sustainable and eco-friendly options, below you can check some of my favourite brands. I am aware that some of options are pricier than others, but these are just suggestions. You can always give thoughtful gifts that don’t break the bank. One of my favourite gifts are food items like nuts, spices, tea, chocolate. People will definitely use them and they won’t end up thrown around

MORE AFFORDABLE OPTIONS:

cashew/almonds : for snacking or making nut milk
healthy chocolate (there are options out there)
spices, tea, coffee
silicone baking sheets
dish sponges or brushes ( £4 on www.plasticfreedom.com)
bamboo hairbrush
cotton hairties
reusable coffee cups
coconut oil (cooking, baking, oil pulling)

1. TURKISH TOWEL | ODDBIRD

This is a luxurious gift. The towels are handwoven and made in small batches by Turkish artisans. The products are made to last a lifetime and the company claims that they only get better with use.

Shop | bathing towel £35

2. BASICS | PEOPLE TREE

One of my favourite ethical British brands. You can find anything from underwear to blazers, dresses, denim. The company is approved by the soil association, Fairtrade cotton, vegan approved. Prices differ depending on the product, but you can find organic cotton underwear for £9 or organic cotton blazer for £97.

Shop | £ – ££

3. SKINCARE | UPCIRCLE

Upcircle was born out of the idea of reusing and giving a new life leftover coffee grounds from cafes . The company focusses on regeneration and leaving the planet better than the found it. You can find natural and affordable skincare products, soy candles, safety razors and body scrubs.

Shop | starting at £10

4. LOUNGEWEAR | THOUGHT CLOTHING

Thought clothing offers sustainable fashion items. You can find everything from loungewear to dresses, coats and underwear. Most of their products are made using bamboo and organic cotton, which are very breathable and comfortable.

Shop | £ – ££

5. NAIL POLISH | ZAO

Finding a good toxic free nail polish is a tough job. ZAO made it a reality. Zao created a nail polish that enjoys the quality of traditional nail polishes but without the toxic chemicals. You can find a wide variety of colours at a regular price (compared with Essie).

Shop | £11.50

6. BAMBOO TOILET PAPER | THE CHEEKY PANDA

“Bamboo produces 65% less carbon emmisions than traditional tree paper production” and the toilet paper is free of pesticides, fertilisers or other nasty chemicals. Perfect for sensitive skin.

Shop | pack of 48 rolls £36

8. ORGANIC UNDERWEAR | ORGANIC BASICS

If you enjoy the feel of regular nylon nickers, but want to avoid creating more waste, try tencel underwear. The fabric is extremely soft, natural, ethically and sustainably sourced. The nickers and vest are my personal favourites favourites.

Shop | pack of two briefs £42

9. ARISAN CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS |NKUNKU

What can be more festive than Christmas decorations. Nkunku has amazing quality Christmas decorations made by Indian artisans. The decorations are made out of glass and brass.

Shop | £ -££

10. ORGANIC COTTON JEANS | ARMED ANGELS

When I started looking into how much water is used to make a regular pair of jeans I was shocked. Not even mentioning fair wages and everything else that goes into fast fashion. Armed angels makes amazing quality jeans made out of organic cotton. You might also enjoy their loungewear collection and newly launched underwear. This is one of my favourite brands as their products are really good quality and will last years.

Shop | £99

11. ILIA MAKEUP

Natural makeup does work and Ilia proves it. If you are a fan of Nars concealer, Ilia serum concealer is extremely similar in texture and coverage only with better ingredients.

Shop | starting at £20

12. JEWELLERY | BY YOU WITH LOVE

Jewellery that is meant to last for generations. Made out of recycled gold from Dell e-waste and diamonds that are sourced from the World’s First certified 100% Carbon-Neutral Diamond Producer, Diamond Foundry.

Shop | starting at £100

13. CLEANING PRODUCTS | NEAT CLEAN

Affordable, concentrated and clean all purpose cleaner.

Shop | £3

14. BOOKS

Books are always a thoughtful gift. Think about what the person likes to read, maybe even leave a note on the front page.

Shop | £14.89

15. CORN FIBRE TRAINERS | HYLO ATHLETICS

For people who like to run or simply enjoy a good pair of trainers. These trainers are made out of only 7 NATURAL INGREDIENTS.

Shop | £ 100

16. NOTEBOOK | A GOOD COMPANY

Everyone needs a good agenda, journal, or just a notebook to write things down and not end up with 1000s of papers around the house.
From A GOOD COMPANY website : “Meet the world’s first climate-positive notebook made from recycled stone. No deforestation, no wasted water, no harmful chemicals. Grainless pages mean an unmatched, silky-smooth writing experience. It is also waterproof, tear-resistant and wrinkle-free.”

Shop | £21