Eco-friendly gifts for everyone on your Christmas list

11 Dec 2019
4 min read

The information in this article was correct at the time of writing but may no longer be up to date.

Give conscientiously. Christmas can be a fairly fraught time of the year, so let us take some of the stress off with our ultimate eco-friendly gift guide.

Whoever you’re buying for – from your beloved gran to Susan in accounts – we’ve got a suggestion that won’t break the bank, nor upset the planet.

Your other half

Set aside some time to reconnect with one another after the mad Christmas rush. This gorgeous aromatic massage oil nourishes all skin types, is 100% vegan and organic, and is approved by both the Soil Association and Fair for Life.

£14, NealsYardRemedies.com

Dad / grandad

Helping wildlife to flourish is one of the most rewarding things we can do for the planet. This lovely-looking wooden bug house will do exactly that, encouraging bees and other insects to take up residence in the garden of anyone with green fingers.

£9.49, WoodsideProducts.co.uk

Mum / gran

You’d never guess that this super soft scarf is made from recycled plastic bottles! It’s warm and cosy, and at 180cm x 75cm it’s big enough to be worn as a scarf or a shawl, or even used as a blanket. It’s really easy to care for, and there are other colours available, too.

£34.90, WeAreThought.com

Brother

Coffee addicts need no longer feel guilty about the environmental impact of disposable drinks cups when there are so many eco-friendly alternatives available. This cool keep cup is made from organic bamboo fibre and non GMO corn starch, and comes with a completely drip-proof lid – and it’s dishwasher safe, too.

£8.50, YoursSustainably.com

Sister

This luxurious vegan beauty kit boasts all kinds of eco credentials that mean its recipient can relax safe in the knowledge that their blissful pampering session isn’t putting any stress on the planet. All of the products within – including soap, bath salts, candles, an exfoliating mitt and a fluffy face towel – are certified organic, are completely cruelty-free, and are packaged in recycled paper and eco inks. Add a personalised message for an extra thoughtful touch.

£24.90, NotOnTheHighStreet.com

Teen boy

Teenage boys might not be the easiest to buy for, but you won’t go far wrong with this trendy t-shirt. It’s made from organic cotton by a company whose mission it is to eradicate plastic microfibers from the global clothing industry. Their factory is powered by renewable energy, and their website lets you track the entire journey of each of its products, from design to sales.

£19, RapanuiClothing.com

Teen girl

Face wipes and disposable cotton wool pads are a major environmental no-no, but makeup lovers have to get their makeup off somehow, right? This set of 10 beautifully soft bamboo makeup pads will help them do exactly that. They’re suitable for sensitive skin and can be used time and time again – just pop them in with the laundry and they’ll be good as new.

£15, WearthLondon.com

Kids

Bubbles are a sure-fire crowd pleaser, but this usually involves lots of small plastic bottles and chemical mixtures. Not so the case with this giant bubble making kit, created by small Snowdonia-based company Dr Zigs. The bubble mix is 10x concentrated to reduce packaging, is fully biodegradable and palm oil and phosphate-free, and the accompanying wooden wands and rope are made from sustainably-sourced wood and unbleached cotton. And the bubbles it makes are massive.

£19.99, DrZigs.com

Little ones

Made with recycled materials and 100% organic cotton, this adorable little pug jacket will keep tiny tots as cute as they’ll be warm and cosy. All the clothes in this range are handmade in England by Mypipsqueak creator Vicky, who discovered her passion for baby clothes after having her two children. The perfect jacket for tiny environmentalists!

£28, WearthLondon.com

Secret Santa

Forget plastic-laden novelties for this year’s Secret Santa and opt for tasty treats instead. Chocolate is a sure-fire winner, and Divine is positively dripping with eco credentials. The chocolate is GM-free and Fairtrade, while the company is co-owned by a Ghanaian cocoa farmer’s cooperative, so this gift tastes good and does good.

£6, DivineChocolate.com

Next-door neighbour

A nice bottle of wine is the de rigueur gift for helpful neighbours at Christmas time, but instead of choosing the usual supermarket plonk, why not go for something with a bit of an edge this year? Sedlescombe was the first truly organic and biodynamic wine producer in England, and its First Release white – which boasts light buttery notes and fresh fruit flavours – has since won the International Silver Wine Award.

£19, EnglishOrganicWine.co.uk

The bottom line

Christmas can be a very wasteful and expensive time of year, but in this season of giving, don’t forget to give back to the environment, too. Choose gifts that have a minimal effect on the planet to help reduce your impact on the climate, and you’ll definitely be on Santa’s well-behaved list.

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