In lieu of the highly sociable Christmas some of us may be missing out on, sustainably sourced gifts may prove useful as meaningful gestures in the absence of shared festivities this year.
Of course, the most sustainable items are those already in existence, so I recommend Vestiaire Collective for preloved luxury fashion, Indytute for experience-based gifts in London, and checking out local charity shops. But if you’re in a pinch, I have compiled a failsafe list of presents for all of your ethical gifting needs this festive season with many places offering gift cards for those last-minute panics!
Omolola Jewellery Aadila earrings
£10 (currently on sale for £3.30)
Looking for something inexpensive, utterly chic, and sustainable? These elegant gold hoops are designed, and hand made in the UK and are complete with natural cowrie shells, making no two pairs identical. Omolola Jewellery is a UK-based jewellery business, founded by three siblings, designing striking products with their West-African heritage in mind.
Mayamiko Scrunchies
£4.80 – £5.90 – Gift cards available
My favourite stocking filler – these exquisite scrunchies are created from ethically and locally sourced printed cotton in Malawi and part of Mayamiko’s #ZeroWaste range. They come in a variety of different colours and prints, a personal favourite of mine being the abstract yellow one.
IOTA Edit Store
£6+
IOTA is a skillfully curated store and subscription service engaged in introducing people to original artworks and ceramics. Premised by the concept of effortless and affordable collecting, IOTA promises unusual gifts which celebrate the artists and makers. Explore Ella Bau’s depictions of the torso, or Lucie Gray’s potent explorations of womanhood, the body and relationships via a series of acrylic block stories.
Rotaro Rental Gift Cards
£10 – £100
Conscious consumption need not entail compromise in terms of creative expression and Rotaro is the ultimate stop for cutting-edge, contemporary fashion rental. Purchasing someone a gift card enables them to hold onto the promise of a sensational outfit, selected from Rotaro’s expertly curated site, when opportunities to showcase it will be aplenty. Moreover, in partnership with Ecologi, for each gift card purchase two trees will be planted.
Rubies in the Rubble Relish Gift Set
£12 – Gift cards available
A sublime insight into this sustainable food company featuring Chilli Onion, Classic Apple, and Pear and Fig relishes – this is the perfect eco-friendly accompaniment to any cheeseboard! Rubies in the Rubble are on a mission to utilise the delicious ingredients that would otherwise be going to waste often due to mere aesthetic differences!
Akojo Market Radiant Circle by MADE51
£12 – Gift cards available
This striking decoration is a culmination of the expert work of Burundian refugees in Tanzania following decades in exile. Natural grass in conjunction with recycled food ration bags are converted into gorgeous discs that symbolise new opportunities for the artisans involved. Akojo Market brings together an array of products championing ethical sourcing and manufacturing to provide employment opportunities and fund social impact projects in Africa.
Know The Origin Organic Superfood Bestsellers Haircare Giftset by Evolve
£13 – Gift cards available
You are in safe hands purchasing anything from this consciously curated site home to exclusively sustainably certified brands. The Evolve Bestselling Haircare set is the perfect introduction to a natural, eco-friendly, vegan and cruelty free brand – boasting a trio of luxurious travel sized hair products at only £13, you’re sure to please anyone in need of some self-care.
Kalinko Zomi Soap Dish
£18 – Gift cards available
This handmade recycled glass soap dish in a charming turquoise colour would look fabulous in any bathroom or kitchen! Kalinko provide skilled work for talented artisans in Burma, making an impact in the homes of people globally with all purchase costs going straight to those crafting the pieces.
Earl of East Smoke and Musk Candle
£20 – Gift cards available
A divine blend of green balsam fir accompanying the heady wood smoke and musky patchouli – this candle evokes the coziest of scents! Earl of East pride themselves on their eco-soy candle blend that is fully traceable and certified by the RSPO to ensure that their work does not contribute to deforestation and pays the upmost respect to workers and indigenous people.
Treen Festive Care Packages
£35 – £175 – Gift cards available
Treen is an ultra-cool vegan fashion retailer showcasing exquisitely curated ethical goods that make a positive impact. This series of gift bundles are bound to have something for everyone on your list. If you opt to pay for (recyclable!) gift wrapping at checkout, Treen will donate to Social Bite, providing Christmas Dinner or emergency food supplies to homeless people in Scotland.
Organic Savanna Set of Four Tumblers in Up-cycled Glass
£38 – Gift cards available
These gorgeous tumblers are fashioned from repurposed glass found on the streets and landfills of Nairobi, collected by a wonderful team of women who then clean, cut and sand the glasses giving them a new lease of life. They are a beautifully sustainable option for anyone looking for a unique addition to their kitchen! Organic Savanna empower local women and their families in Africa, creating jobs and reinvesting 100% of profits for social good.
Vaisselle Boutique Teacup and Saucer
£52
Gingham teacup and saucer? Yes please. All of Vaisselle Boutiques white clay-based ceramics are handmade and hand painted in Andalusia, Spain, by a family of artisans. Traditional techniques make for an intrinsically small environmental impact, making use of local clay and natural pigments.
Boon & Up Boo Cushion in Russet Stripe
£52.50
This sumptuous pillow cover is handwoven by Dagaare women in north Ghana, showcasing sustainable cotton from small African farms and part of the ‘Cotton made in Africa’ initiative. The long established Dagaare patterns are selected by the weavers themselves and every detail down to the button is crafted locally.
Constance Beswick
Featured image courtesy of Rafael Albornoz via Unsplash. This image has in no way been altered. Image license can be found here.
