*Disclosure: Some of the below links are affiliate links, but they are all products I highly recommend. I won’t put anything on this page that I haven’t verified and/or personally used.*
It’s that time of the year again – where vodka soda’s get replaced with mulled wine, tree runners get replaced by wool runners, and just about every pop song gets replaced with Mariah’s “All I want for Christmas is… Youuuu”.
It is also that time of the year where we would be stressing about what to get our loved ones. While I greatly agree with a recently trending article in the sustainability and fashion space by author and expert Elizabeth Cline that ethical consumerism is not the answer to our climate and social problems (details of which I will discuss further in a separate post!) – we inevitably won’t absolutely stop buying anything. If we do it, I firmly believe we should try our best to support companies who care about the welfare of the people who make their products, and the environmental impact they have on our planet.
With that being said, here is my ultimate list of best sustainable and ethical Christmas gift ideas to get your loved ones. Keep in mind that not every gift requires spending money, or buying “stuff” in the traditional sense – for practicing a sustainable lifestyle not just about what we buy, but what we do. Plus, the best gifts are ultimately about how much heart we’ve put into planning or selecting something, and less about its price tag.
Remember that even if you are somehow really REALLY last minute and you don’t manage to get gifts in time, you could often get gift cards instead. (I’ve 100% done this.) This way, not only would you be able to get a gift in time, you could also let your loved one choose their favorite style or colors!
Things to note
Price reference
This is my price reference for Christmas presents – as you usually don’t spend as much on Christmas presents as you do on say…. A birthday or anniversary gift.
$ = under US$50
$$ = under US $100
$$$ = under US $160
$$$$ =Above US$160
Destinations
As my audience is split somewhat between Hong Kong, US and international audience, I try my best to specify when a certain product can only be shipped to select destinations. For the latest shipping information, please check the respective brand websites.
Sections
For my organization sanity’s sake, I am dividing the gifts into the following sections. Quite a few of my selections are from Etsy and Uncommon Goods, two of my favorite places to source unique gifts!
Home’s Where the Heart’s At
DIY
Cute Kitchen Things
Learning Never Gets Old
In Good Health
The Chill Soul
The Fashion Maven
Move it: The Sports Lover
The List
Home’s Where the Heart’s At
Gold Personalized Ring Dish, Name Ring Dish $
Handmade personlized ring dishes – so cute!
Limited Edition Christmas Woodco Candles $ (ships to HK and Singapore)
Made locally in Hong Kong by a mother and daughter duo, these hand-poured, coconut and soy wax candles are perfect for nights in snugging with loved ones with a glass of mulled wine or two.
Winter Woolens Kit by Laundress $
I am the biggest fan of Laundress for their non-toxic garment cleaning. I swear by their Wool and Cashmere Shampoo for my woolens – do you know that dry cleaning is not good at all for your woolens and you need to be treating them with love like hair (because they are hair!) If you are in Hong Kong, you can also find Laundress products at Lane Crawford.
Personlized Digital Print Portrait of your Family and Pet(s)! $$$$
Nothing says special like a personalized gift
Cadence Capsules $ (shipping to US only)
I have raved about these capsules before and I will continue raving about them. These cleverly designed reusable, magnetizing capsules are perfect for containing your pills, jewelry or skincare products on the go, or for organizing your vanity shelf. Use my code gloriayu15 at checkout for 15% off your first order! Gift cards are available as well.
Home Pedicure Set $
Some DIY pampering!
Merino Throw Blanket
How cozy does this look?
Spa Night at Home by You
Offer your loved one a spa night at home – a massage session by you, followed by a bubble bath, and a Christmas movie with mulled wine or chai.
DIY
Embroidery kit by Stitch Sister $
Embroider the cutest hoops
DM them on their IG @stitchsister.co to shop
Climate Action Puzzle $
Made from 90% post-consumer recycled grayboard, soy based ink
Yunotme Headband Kit $
Embellish your very own unique headband with a kit from my brand Yunotme.
DIY Organic Lip Balm Kit $
Make something you could use everyday!
DIY Beewax Wrap Kit $
Makes the perfect alternative to plastic cling wrap
Cute Kitchen Things
Embossed Rolling Pin $
Create beautiful patterned cookies with this rolling pin made in Poland
Monogram Cheese Board $$
How cute is this?
Chilling Wine Coasters $
For the wine lovers out there
Avocado Tool $
Cut, pit, scoop avocado easily. Gimmicky or necessity? You decide
Baker’s Essentials $
For the future sourdough queens /kings
Personalized Whiskey Set
How thoughtful does this look for the whiskey lover?
Special Meal by You
Treat your loved one to a special meal by you!
Learning Never Gets Old
An online course from Udemy $-$$$
While I am still trying to figure out whether it is u-DEM-my or U-dem-my, Udemy is my go-to place for learning. I have personally taken their courses in both design and personal finance. I simply love how they provide an affordable, low-risk way for anyone to learn about a new subject – be it for a potential career pivot or simply a side interest. Their regular prices are around US$150, but they often have these crazy sales. Here are a few great courses you could gift – but their database is huge. Browse for something that your special someone would be particularly interested in!
Web Development Bootcamp
You don’t need to splurge a huge amount of money to get started with learning how to code. Learn about HTML, CSS, JS, Node, and more in this on-demand video course!
Sourdough Breadmaking
I have heard so many bakers talk about this course and how they learned their craft from it. Learn how to make sourdough bread from the comfort of your home!
Seth Godin’s Freelancer Course
This course is definitely on my wishlist – learning from one of my favorite authors Seth Godin on how to make your freelancer work standout? Yes please.
Recycled leather personalized journal $
Handmade in Florence by a small family run business with over 50 years’ expertise using natural recycled leather which is specially created for LEATHERKIND®. Journaling is a great way for allowing us to self-reflect, learn about ourselves, and is fantastic for stress-relief too!
Wellbeing Journal $
This journal is designed to help you pinpoint thought and behaviour patterns, encourage the practice of gratitude and use weekly exercises to increase your sense of positive wellbeing for a more fulfilled life. Great way to keep learning about ourselves!
Book
Anything your person is particularly interested in? Chances are if you select a book in a subject they love, they will like that you have thought about their passions and interests.
In Good Health
Honest period gift set by luüna x ellie suh $
Avoid toxic plastic in your period products by getting this cute gift set from Luuna Naturals. Included giftset is also a Night Light candle from Woodco and a chocolate bar from Conspiracy Chocolate. What a perfect gift for the health conscious lady. Use my code LuunaGloria to get 15% off your order!
Circle DNA $$$$
Get your DNA sequenced. I know it sounds daunting to find out about our genetic makeup, but when we know what we have to watch out for, this is how we can move our health towards a more preventative future! The great thing is, Circle always has special sales going on, so watch out for them!
The Chill Soul
Mate the Label Sweat Sets $$$
Organic cotton loungewear that are are best for Netflix and chilling in
Allbirds Wool Slip-Ons $$ (ships to US, CA, AU, NZ, EU)
These wool slip on shoes from Allbirds are equal part cozy and sustainable. Wool is not only a great material for.
Allbirds Tree Runners $$ (ships to US, CA, AU, NZ, EU)
These are my absolute favorite every day shoes. Ever since getting them at the beginning of 2020, I have been wearing them literally every week till now. Comfortable, versatile – I wear them on errands and coffee dates, even to the gym!
SoL SelfWear $$-$$$
SelfWear – a cross between sleepwear and loungewear, made from Ecovero™, a viscose with the lowest environmental impact in the industry. Place your order though direct message on their IG page!
Wear Earthero $$
Sweaters made from deadstock fabrics, ethically made in Hong Kong
Back Beat Co $$-$$$$
Cali inspired laid back clothing ethically made from organically farmed or renewable resources.
The Fashion Maven
Hôtel Vetements Jacket $$$
Unique jackets made from vintage hotel upholsteries
Yunotme headbands $-$$$
I’m biased – this is my brand! Ethically handmade headbands in my local hometown of Hong Kong, most often using deadstock fabrics – with personalization options 🙂
Annibody Bodysuits $-$$
Minimalistic bodysuits made with sustainability practices in mind
Shopping trip at The Hula warehouse $$-$$$$ (HK only)
Treat your favorite person to a shopping trip at preowned designer consignment retailer Hula in their 4000sqft warehouse space in Wong Chuk Hang. Let me tell you – you’ll have to carve out a few hours for that trip! Contact the Hula Team for more details.
Japanese Kimono Bum Bag by Mikan Bags on Plandays
Made from vintage Kimono materials!
Love from Blue Sweaters $$$
Made from deadstock wool and cashmere yarns, inspired by the urban landscapes of Hong Kong – available for preorder week of 8 December, 2020. Check out my interview with founders Grace and Alice here!
The RealReal Gift Card $-$$$$
Available from amounts of US$25 up to US$1000, let your favorite person pick their preloved luxury goodies with your gift card.
Lingua Franca Embroidered Cashmere Sweater $$$$
Ethically hand-embroidered cheeky sayings on cashmere sweaters — baby sizes as well!
Fanm Mon dress $$$
Ethically and sustainably made linen dresses
Move it: The Sports Lover
Allbirds Tree Dashers $$$ (ships to US, CA, AU, NZ, EU)
Level up your workout with these sneakers made from tree fiber from Allbirds. A more performance focused offering from Allbirds , these shoes stand in contrast to familiar offerings from the sneaker industry which are usually made from oil-derived plastic.
Cork Foam Roller $$
42 Birds makes eco-friendly yoga mats and accessories using cork from Spain and Portugal
Recycled Wetsuits Yoga Mat $$
A yoga mat made out of recycled wetsuits. Love this concept!
Girlfriend Collective Bike Shorts (ships to US, Australia, Canada) $-$$
Loving these high rise bike shorts with pockets made from recycled plastic bottles. Girlfriend also has a fantastic selection of minimally designed leggings and shorts in a great range of colors!
Good Days Activewear Set (ships to HK, Asian and Europe destinations) $-$$
Being from Hong Kong, I need to shout out a fantastic label from here that makes activewear from recycled plastic. Check them out!
Wolven leggings $$
I am more of a minimalistic girl, but for those who like a bit of color and pattern in their workout clothes, check out Wolven!