It’s almost that time of year again, when holiday music resurfaces and you have to figure out what to buy for that annoying friend who already has everything. Jokes aside, most of us have pretty much everything we need, not to mention a whole lot of stuff we don’t. (Stick up your hand if you’re overwhelmed by clutter.)
This year, let’s make the gifts we give really count. By choosing to buy something that’s been ethically sourced and produced or gives back in some other way (e.g. TOMS One for One campaign) you’re going to feel a whole lot happier about parting with your hard earned greenbacks.
I’m not saying you feel resentful about spending money on Christmas gifts, but let’s face it, it’s an expensive time of year. Knowing you made a difference in some way will help when you find yourself living on ramen noodles and air come January.
Ethical Gift Ideas for Women
Bought Beautifully boasts an extensive selection of handmade jewelry for the magpie in your life. From bold to understated, there’s lots to choose from. They also give you the option to ‘shop by story’ in case there’s a particular cause you’d like to support.
It’s been scientifically proven that all women love chocolate, so getting a gourmet chocolate tasting box for the lady in your life is sure to earn you some big points.
Ethical Gift Ideas for Men
For the James Bond wannabe in your life, this copper and wood mixology bar set will be well-received. Even more so if it comes with a bottle of ethically produced gin.
Give the guy in your life a Harry’s subscription and you’ll be giving him a clean shave and supporting their 1+1 giving model at the same time.
Ethical Gift Ideas for Kids
Teenagers are tricky to buy for, but who knows, the one in your life might enjoy a pair of Etiko flip-flops or sneakers.
Shopping for Change has some really sweet baby gifts that give back, such as these hand knitted snowy owl ornaments, this whale baby lovie blanket and this organic onesie set.
These school essentials are so cool, the kids in your life (the younger ones, anyway) will be super chuffed to find them under the Christmas tree. Who wouldn’t want a Dabbawalla backpack or a Diddy bag pencil case? I know I would!
For the greenie parents, Eco Toys is a win. They’ve even put together a Christmas guide, which includes some really cool stuff, like seedling modelling clay, crayon rocks and a rainstick tower.
Ethical Gift Ideas for Foodies
Got a wine lover in your life? Ethical Edibles has you covered with their wide variety of adult grape juice. (Shiraz for me, please.)
The foodie in your life is bound to get excited by anything from The Greenheart Shop. From bowls and cutting boards to salad servers and even mini tagine sets, there’s lots to choose from.
Ethical Gift Ideas for Arty Types
Got an old school doodler in your life? This Buy 1 Plant 1 Padfolio will rock their world for sure. Your purchase today plants a tree, ensuring a better future for our planet and future generations.
The writer in your life will be blown away by this handcrafted CAUSEGEAR Leather journal. Each purchase supports a job that pays five times the norm and features the crafter’s name and picture on the first page.
Ethical Gift Ideas for Hippies and Eco Warriors
For the hippie workaholic in your life, a hemp briefcase or hemp laptop backpack will go down a treat. (Actually, anything made from hemp will probably light their smudge stick.)
For the minimalist in your life, World Concern gives you the option to buy a gift in someone else’s name. You also receive a card to give to them that describes what you’ve given in their honor.
Water Aid has a bunch of cool stuff in their shop for the eco-warrior in your life, including totes, t-shirts and iPhone covers. They also have an under $25 section if your family has put a spending limit on gifts.
When you’re a kid, underwear is worse than no gift at all. But for us adults, it’s the best. Give the person in your life some Me Undies and watch their face light up.
Ethical Gift Ideas for Everyone Else
Anchal has a range of unique, one-of-a-kind socially conscious gifts under $50. Choose from scarves, pouches, art slates and more. These are great stocking fillers for pretty much everyone in your life.
Got a runner in your life? Then you need to get them a pair of Brooks running shoes. According to the guys at Urban Meisters, the company has put in a lot of effort to get ahead in the green race.
I get that it’s not summer everywhere, but how awesome are these SunBear Co. eco-friendly travel beach tents? They’re made in California from recycled fishing nets.
Finally, if you’re on the hunt for something a little unusual, The Great Gift Company is probably where you’ll find it. Solar powered Einstein, anyone? How about a milkshake in 30 seconds?
A Little Added Inspiration
If you need additional inspiration, be sure to check out Ethical Superstore (UK), The Ethical Shop (Aus) and Social Enterprise Alliance (US). Not enough? The Green Hub put together a list of 18 online stores where you can shop for ethical fashion.
Right, I’m off to do some Christmas shopping.
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