This year I’ve made much more of an effort to support companies that support fair-trade + ethical work environments, as well as responsibly source their materials. I always say that we “vote with our dollar” as every purchase we make is a vote for the type of world we want to live in.
I wanted to put together a guide with ethical + eco-friendly gift ideas. Whether they’re ideas for yourself 😉 or for the person in your life who loves all things practical, minimal and environmentally friendly!
There can sometimes be a competitive/judgmental energy in the zero-waste world. Just remember, my goal here is to not present brands/products that are 100% perfect in EVERY single way. But instead to give you ideas that are a step forward from standard consumerism!
The best purchasing option would be to find these brands (or similar!) in a local store (not chain store!). But for the sake of convenience, for both of us, I’m tagging products where most people can buy them!
The links in this post may be affiliate links. This means that if you decide to make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I appreciate you supporting my blog in this way SO MUCH!
Your time : Cook meals, clean their house, babysit, homemade food (bread, jam)
Ethical Pajamas
Quality pajamas are high on my Christmas list this year. We spend many hours a day sleeping, and I’ve been dreaming of having a pair of quality, cozy pajamas! Especially in 2020 when most of us are finding ourselves in loungewear more than usual.
I love this fun carrot print, or these pants if sets aren’t your thing!
ETHICAL LEGGINGS – Girlfriend Collective
Girlfriend is an INCREDIBLE brand. Not only are their products adorable, high quality + eco-friendly (made from recycled water bottles + recycled fishing nets), but they also pay their employees liveable wages, provide a safe work environment and never use child labour (basically the GOLD standard for any company!).
I wear my girlfriend leggings practically daily and always get compliments on them! They’re amazing quality + actually stay up during workouts.
Use this link for 10% off!
Simply Organic Bamboo BEDDING
I recently received a set of Simply Organic Bamboo bedsheets and oh-my-goodness. No joke, they are THE softest sheets I’ve ever felt.
I love that the company is family owned and they use organic, ethically sources materials that are built to last! The quality is truly unbeatable!
Coupon Code: Bamboo25 for 25% off sitewide
PACT – organic clothes
Pact is one of the most affordable organic clothing companies that I’ve come across! Perfect for basics like t-shirts, underwear, socks or kids clothes!
I’ve been working towards switching more of my clothing (especially undergarments!) to organic cotton!
ANA LUISA
I have a handful of Ana Luisa jewelry and I LOVE them. It’s simple, timeless, high quality AND it’s all created ethically + carbon neutral.
I’ve been allergic to nickel since I was a baby (I would get rashes from the buttons on my onesies!!) so cheaply made jewelry has never been an option for me. This is an affordable option for high quality, gold-coated jewelry!
Coupon code: Tory10 for 10% off!
SMASH + TESS OVERALLS
I already told my mom that I want these adorable overalls for Christmas haha! They’re made in Canada (but ship internationally!) and part of their mission is to slow down fashion with quality + versatile!
I think these would be the PERFECT work from home, cozy loungewear!
Use my link for a $10 off coupon
KLEAN KANTEEN
Klean Kanteen sells reusable drink containers for practically every purpose – Adult water bottles, kids water bottles, insulated coffee cups, straws . This might not sound like the most exciting gift, but I truly LOVE practical gifts like this!
SAALT
One of my FAVOURITE brands ever is Saalt. Is a menstrual cup a weird gift? Maybe…But I think the practical, eco-friendly minimalist in your life will love it!
I love, love, love their mission of empowering + educating women on their menstrual cycles while also providing period kits + materials to women in need!
Coupon Code: tory10 for 10% off
GO PUR POD – WATER FILTER
I’ve used GoPur Pod for over a year now and I love them, especially for travel! They remove toxins like chlorine, fluoride, pesticides, bacteria, lead and more from your drinking water!
It’s the perfect gift for the health conscious traveller in your life!
THE ALWAYS PAN
I came across the Always Pan recently and I’m obsessed! It’s Ethically + sustainably made, BEAUTIFUl, non-toxic cookware. It has a non-toxic, non-stick ceramic coating with no PFOA, PTFE, GenX chemicals or other questionable materials in sight!
Stocking Stuffers
Here are some smaller ticket items, perfect for stockings or just a smaller budget while you shop for ethical + eco-friendly gift ideas. These are perfect for anyone looking to make practical, low-waste swaps in their home.
Beeswax Wraps – I love using Beeswax wraps in the kitchen! You could even make a batch of them if you’re crafty!
Beeswax Candles – Also super easy to make with Beeswax pellets! You can even make custom scents with Essential Oils!
Safety Razor – Shaving razors are a common stocking stuffer, but maybe it’s time to ditch the disposable razors and opt for something reusable!
GIFT WRAPPING
Did you know that Canadians will send 100,000 elephants worth of wrapping paper to the dump this year?
That’s JUST IN CANADA.
Beautiful gift wrapping is my favourite. It’s like my love language. Sometimes I enjoy it more than the gift itself LOL.
But there are so many ways to reduce or eliminate your waste this year!
- Use up the wrapping paper you already have before buying anything new!
- Avoid papers that are textured, glittery, or super bright colours as these aren’t usually accepted by recycling facilities.
- Brown paper packages tied up with string 🎵 really is the best option for disposable wrapping paper.
- Opt for tree clippings, twine, dried oranges, or other natural + compostable materials instead of plastic, disposable items!
- Use reusable items – scarves, gift bags, tea towels to wrap your gifts!
- Opt for Christmas gifts that aren’t “things” – 50+ Ideas for Christmas Gifts That Aren’t Things
I hope you enjoyed these ethical + eco-friendly gift ideas!
