Fist pump the air, Christmas is almost here! The only time of year many of us actually partake in encouraging an imaginary old man climbs down our chimneys with gifts, plaster twinkling lights on every possible surface, and eat copious amounts of food without having to stick do diets or explain ourselves. Gift buying can be a dampener on these glorious festivities, a total stress inducer that makes December hectic. Don’t worry we’ve got your back.
Here’s a list of eco-friendly Christmas gifts that ship to a range of different countries, won’t leave you penniless, and can get you sorted ASAP. Santa, if you’re listening, feel free to use this too – I’ve been good this year!
Xmas gifts for the green beauty addicts
Karen Murrell Lipstick – $30 NZD worldwide shipping
Pucker up! Who doesn’t love a good lippy? This year I caught onto Karen Murrell… and I’ve never gone back. The lipsticks smell divine, and their extensive range of colour means there’ll be something for every gal in your life. Vegan, cruelty free, and without any nasties.
Exfoliating Powder Masque – $31.95 NZD Shipping to AUS + NZ only
This great gift from the Botanic Alchemist is for that person in your life who needs an excuse to pop on a face mask and relax. This product is made with plant based and natural ingredients. You’ll find no water, preservatives, fillers, emulsifiers, and synthetic ingredients; purely active ingredients, so a little goes a long way! Vegans will dig this too.
Ethique Hair Bundle – $42 NZD worldwide shipping
Ethique is all the rage right now – heck, my uncle has even started using it. Changing from bottles to bars is a big step, but guiding your friend in the right direction with this little bundle could be the gentle push they need. My shower shelves are filled with this zero-waste goodness.
Sienna Byron Bay Nail Polish in ‘Amity’ – $25 AUD worldwide shipping
A dreamy colour for the summer, or choose pink pop to brighten winter (or choose from their vast polish colours), Sienna nail polish is one of the leading ethical nail polish brands, and they certainly don’t compromise quality. Certified vegan, CCF, PETE, and handmade with beautiful little wooden tops, this Australian brand is ticking all the right boxes.
Little innocents sun lotion – $26.50 NZD Ships only to AUS + NZ
A good natural sun lotion is hard to come by, and often pricey. Little innoscents is a zinc based sunscreen with Vitamin E, Organic Green Tea, Cucumber, and Rosehip extract. Sounds good enough to eat! Encourage sun safety for your loved ones, and keep their skin chemical free.
Mini Eye Pillows – $25 AUD worldwide shipping upon request
Meditation, sleeping assistance, relaxation, and stress release, these mini eye pillows are a sweet and thoughtful gift. They are handmade in Manly, Australia, and filled with lavender and flaxseed to relieve tension. I might have to stuff this in my own stocking this year to be honest…
Xmas gifts for the jewellery lover
Askari Bone Bangle – $32.50 USD worldwide shipping
Artisan & Fox collaborate with ethical and responsible artisans to serve customers who seek meaning in what they buy. The’Askari Bone Bangle’ is handmade in Kenya from upcycled brass and recycled animal bone. Now isn’t that a better story than ‘so I bought this and it was made by someone somewhere but most likely mass produced in Asia…’?
Seed Recycled Silver Choker – $35 AUD worldwide shipping
Inspired by the thrill of having something that no one else has, 100 of One Jewellery craft unique jewellery in a Wollongong studio. This seed choker is delicate, simple, and a one-of-a-kind piece to show someone they are extra special.
Xmas gifts for the home decorator
Lidded Warming Basket – $42 NZD worldwide shipping
Not only super cute for the home, but totally eco friendly. These littles guys are made from salvaged strips of plastic and cattail stalks by Wolof women living in rural Senegal. A sweet coffee table piece, or pop in a succulent to make your gift personalised.
Organic Cotton Pillow Cases – $35 USD worldwide shipping
SOL Organics eco-friendly pillow cases are so soft and luxurious they’ll help you get a good night’s sleep. And that they are made from Fair-trade certified organic cotton and ethically manufactured means you don’t lose any sleep either when gifting a pillow case set to a loved one.
Avani Etched Placemat – £14.95 worldwide shipping
Nkuku is the UK’s go-to platform for eco homeware, and I’ve personally fallen in love with the distinctive designs and vintage vibe of these placemats. Each placemat is hand etched to inspire your dinner table, coffee table, mantle-piece, or shelving display.
Travel Soy Candle – $12 USD worldwide shipping
The responsible business Made Lokal have created a candle perfect for your loved one’s bedside table or your candle fanatic friend who can’t part with their candles when abroad. Handmade in small batches in Ohio, USA, the cinnamon sticks scent is a people pleaser and nasal teaser.
Xmas eco fashion gifts
Mighty Good Undies ‘Granny’ Knickers 2-Pack- $47.50 AUD worldwide shipping
Soft, comfy, and made from certified organic and Fair-trade cotton, you won’t want to take off these undies (although you really have to, these are not a pair of jeans that can go unwashed for days on end lol!) Comes in a pack of two, available in black only in Australian women’s sizes 8-22 and packaged in a drawstring bag that you can reuse for storing to-go zero waste nuts and seeds, fashion accessories or other things you don’t want floating to the bottom of your handbag.
Infinity Scarf – $45 NZD worldwide shipping on request
To infinity and beyond! Made ethically in India, this block printed infinity scarf is a winner, and will surely last your gift receiver a life time. Choose from multiple colours, each with a coordinated trim and made with love.
Men’s ethical t-shirt pack of 2 – $48 AUD worldwide shipping
A pack of two ethical shirts for $48? Ah, yes please! Men often wait until Christmas to avoid clothes shopping. Give in to their laziness and treat them with a few basics to set them up for the year. These Dorsu eco-friendly men’s tees are made with remnant fabric, a super zero-waste idea that uses up fabric which would otherwise go to landfill. You get a choice of black and white only – basic colours that every man wears.
Coin Pouch $14 AUD worldwide shipping
Incredibly affordable, and so handy for travelling and everyday life- speaking from experience of course. Each Cielo Collective ‘Laguna’ coin purse is 100% unique, and made by a single mothers cooperative in Guatemala. If your budget is bigger, throw inside an ethically made necklace or bracelet.
Xmas gifts to turn kids ‘eco’
‘Plastian the Little Fish’ book – Kindle $7.99 US or Hardcopy €12.95 worldwide shipping
The most darling children’s book educating the next generation on marine litter. Printed on eco-friendly paper of course, this book follows two children who discover a crazy amount of marine pollution, and work with Plastian the fish to trawl it out of the ocean. Written for children aged 5-10, I’m sure the older generations won’t mind a cute coffee table book.
Recommending reading:
- 100+ Ethical, Eco-Friendly and Zero Waste Gift Ideas For Birthdays and Christmas
- 3 Eco-Conscious Ways To Wrap Gifts This Christmas
- The Anti-Consumerist Guide to Christmas Gift Giving
- 15 Cruelty-Free and Vegan Xmas Gifts For Eco Beauty Lovers
- Zero Waste Christmas Gift Guide
- Affordable Eco-Friendly Christmas Gifts For The Entire Family (Under $50)