13 Eco-Friendly Gifts For A Chic And Sustainable Christmas
For many people, Christmas gifting doesn't quite feel right. But making eco-conscious decisions when purchasing presents is a great way to give back to the world and ensure a sustainable and greener future for all.
The statistics speak for themselves. According to the Green Hub, the fashion industry alone consumes an astonishing volume of water – equivalent to 32 million Olympic swimming pools every year. On top of that, only about 10% of the clothes donated to charity and vintage shops actually make it to a second life. The rest, sadly, ends up in landfills, contributing to pollution and waste. It's a sobering reminder that the time to change how we shop, consume, and live is not tomorrow – it's now.
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Embracing a more sustainable lifestyle starts with simple steps: caring for what we already own, making mindful purchases, and striving to live with as little waste as possible. Whether it’s choosing products made from organic cotton, recycled or upcycled fabrics, deadstock materials, or natural, biodegradable options like wax and bamboo, every choice counts. Small, intentional changes can make a significant impact over time.
So, if you’re looking to combine thoughtfulness with sustainability, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a curated list of the best eco-friendly gifts for your sustainably-minded friends and family. From eco-friendly beauty products to independent fashion brand favourites, these conscious picks prove that gifting green doesn’t mean compromising on style or substance. After all, meaningful gifts shouldn’t cost the earth – literally or figuratively. Let’s get started.
The best sustainable and eco-friendly gift ideas for 2024
Roscida Heart Hoops 14kt Gold Vermeil
Sister-founded, B-corp-certified business Otiumberg embraces a slower, non-seasonal approach and aims to create meaningful pieces that will stand the test of time. The brand also uses recycled metals and single mine origin gold for each of its precious jewels. These heart-shaped hoops make the perfect conscious gift for a loved one.
Hand Painted Bow Handle Mug
Earth-first label Damson Madder is a no-brainer when it comes to conscious gifts and, frankly, given how adorable its latest collection of homewares is, there's little else we want to be sipping our morning coffee from than this kitsch vessel.
Feed London Box
Help a family in need during the school holidays and donate a Feed London box, which provides the fresh ingredients and recipes needed to make six nutritious and filling meals. Feed London works with London boroughs with the highest rates of child poverty to provide support to the estimated 400,000 children in the capital who face school holiday hunger.
Classic Denim Jacket Denim Mid Blue
Few pieces have stood the test of time as well as the classic denim jacket. This one-of-a-kind piece by upcycling brand E.L.V. Denim gives new life to old pieces and will make a fitting present under anyone's tree this Christmas. The rugged, oversized fit also means you don't have to worry too much about getting the wrong size.
Bladderwrack + Fennel Hand Wash
British brand Haeckels' entire ethos centres around sustainability. Its packaging is fully recyclable and compostable, while the products themselves are made using natural ingredients packed with anti-bacterial properties. And did we mention how chic the packaging will look on your sink ledge?
Iphis Top
Soft, lightweight and breathable, this top is made from MicroModal, a viscose fabric produced from renewable wood sources. From ethical fashion frontrunner, Ninety Percent, which donates 90% of its profits to charity, this is about as conscious as a fashion investment piece can get.
Dinner by Meera Sodha
With 120 vegan and vegetarian recipes for the most important meal of the day, give the gift of a brilliant home-cooked meal just in time for veganuary – and beyond. If Meera Sodha's repertoire of best-selling books is anything to go by, this is a collection we'll all be dipping into for years to come.
Nordic Cedar Amber Diffuser
Can't fork out for a cosy retreat in the Nordic forest? Infuse their home with the scents of warm cedar instead, courtesy of this Aery reed diffuser. The brand's sweet-smelling scents have great eco-credentials too, using solely plant-based oils, its diffusers are also fully recyclable and refillable.
Deba Shirred Top
Shopping from small and independent brands this festive season is another great way to make a positive impact. London-born brand Peachy Den's shirred Deba top makes the perfect conscious gift for your fashion-loving friends and family. It comes in a range of shades and depending on budget, you could also invest in the sell-out matching skirt to complete the look.
Night + Day Glasses
These conveniently stackable tumblers will add a pop of colour to any tablescape. Hand-blown in the UK, they're ultra-durable, restaurant-grade quality, and designed to last, making them a great evergreen gift.
The Face Oil
Science-backed and mushroom-powered, Herbar's best-selling adaptogen face oil is packed full of organic goodness and has a highly nourishing formula to keep your skin supple in the drying winter months – not to mention the packaging is also super cute!
Green Flash Pro Kit
This at-home gel nail kit not only provides the clean and green manicure of dreams, but its polishes are also vegan, cruelty-free and formulated with up to 84% plant-based ingredients.
Medium Vittoria Tote Bag
Cool, capacious and conscious – what more could you want in a sustainable Christmas present? Reformation is a natural choice when it comes to eco shopping and with enough space for a laptop and all your essentials this bag makes an ideal gift. Our favourite comes in the 'Cremisi' shade, that will bring of bit of festive cheer to the working day.
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