Ultimate Sustainable & Ethical
Holiday Gift Guide 2022

I was going back and forth about creating a holiday guide this year because I think there’s a pervading myth that ‘Sustainability’ means buying sustainable things. The most sustainable option is always using and loving what you have. Shopping secondhand has a lower impact than shopping new. There are so many wonderful gifts in secondhand shops (both new and used). Let’s destigmatize shopping/gifting secondhand!

However, I decided to create this guide for two reasons. One, because I think the information and research aspect is daunting. I’m one of those rare people who actually enjoys it and feels like it’s a skill I can use to support the cause. Two, because I think that the holidays can be a time to thoughtfully and intentionally gift to loved ones. If you’re going to be purchasing things (that you know the giftee wants/needs), supporting companies with ethical labor practices and sustainable creative processes is the best way to go.

The brands that are included in this guide have been pulled from many different resources including my own consumption. Anything you see with a 😏 next to it is a brand I use, love, and am speaking about from personal experience.

Don’t be like Dudley Dursley — 36, er 37, earth/people-exploiting presents is definitely not better than one thoughtful, ethical one. Everything that we purchase has an impact way larger than just after it’s ours. The labor and resources that go into the creation of an item are just as important.

This is by no means a comprehensive list, though there’s a lot of information included. There are too many great brands out there to include them all, but I’ve tried to pick a diverse and accessible mix. It’s focused on the US and UK because that’s where I am. Enjoy!

Section Guide

Donate

Photo: Choose Love

From sponsorship of a refugee family to adopting an endangered animal, here’s a starter list of some organizations doing amazing work.

Experiential

I love an experiential gift - it means quality time and a funtivity and that’s absolutely ideal. Get percolating.

  • 23 and Me — We did this a few years ago and I can’t recommend it enough as a family gift 😏

  • REI Adventures — Local and vacation experiences available

  • National Parks Pass — Year-long entry to US National Parks and Wildlife Refuges

  • Sculpd Ceramics — Create your own pottery at home

  • Skillshare — Online class community, I got a membership this last year and it’s been so awesome to learn new skills and tools 😏

  • Museum Membership (Honestly also cute to sponsor an individual trip — pick a couple and do a little ‘museum bundle’)

  • Theatre Tickets (Companies like Goldstar do awesome ticket deals)

  • Concert Tickets

  • Class — Ceramics, Painting, Sewing, Cooking, Woodwork, Singing, etc

  • Talk or Lecture

  • Restaurant Certificate

  • Spa Day

  • Fitness Class(es)

  • Movie Tickets

  • Thrift Shopping Spree

  • Mani/Pedis

  • DIY Gifts like a recipe and ingredients for a favorite dish or dessert wrapped in a secondhand jar or Stasher bag

These are some general stores that do much of the heavy lifting for you — vetting each small business/artisan and providing a great place to get all of the things on your list so you can avoid supporting exploitative companies like Amazon.

General Stores

Earth Hero 😏

  • Certified B Corp

  • Climate Neutral

  • Every order plants 5 trees

  • Love the Shop by Values feature which lets you choose things like Woman Owned or Upcycled Materials

  • Has a little bit of everything

  • US only

Uncommon Goods 😏

  • Founding/Certified B Corp

  • With every purchase, choose a Better to Give partner for donation

  • Specialize in things that serve a purpose, solve a problem, are handmade with exceptional craft and skill, use unusual, reclaimed, or recycled materials, are made without leather, feathers, or fur and make them wonder, “Why hasn't anyone thought of this before?”

  • Great holiday section

  • Great kids section by age

  • US-based, International Shipping

Simple Switch

  • Certified B Corp

  • Climate Neutral

  • Like their Browse by Price option

  • Great gifts section

  • Have a little bit of everything

  • US only

Made Trade

  • Climate Neutral

  • Woman Owned

  • BIPOC Owned

  • Family Owned

  • Love the Shop by Values feature here as well

  • Hand-selected, consciously crafted goods from around the world that put people and planet first

  • Slightly more focused selection - Home Goods, Furniture, Clothing

  • US-based, International Shipping

Buy Me Once 😏

  • I love the idea of investing in something that you’ll have forever. So many products and brands adopt and build in planned obsolescence in their products and it drives me nuts. I have the metro umbrella in green which is leagues above any other umbrella I’ve ever had and I look forward to having it forever.

  • Have great travel and kitchen accessory selections

  • UK-based, Ship to some European countries

Etsy

  • Etsy can be a wonderful way to supportive local artisans and small businesses. But it can also be misleading. Do your research when looking and support the true small businesses!

Littles/Stocking Stuffers/Toppers

Whether you need a stocking stuffer, small gift, or gift topper, here are some little things that pack a punch.

Photo: Conscious Step
Photo: Sanikind

  • Tek Hairbrushes — Certified B Corp, Beautiful and sustainable hairbrushes, US Only

  • Native Deodorant — All-natural deo that lasts - I use the plastic free Citrus and Herbal Musk and it’s my favorite thing, US Only 😏

  • Wild Deodorant — When I ran out of Native in the UK, I tried Wild and loved it. My scent of choice is Fresh Cotton & Sea Salt. I love the concept and practice of a refillable container, UK-based, US hub, International Shipping 😏

  • Girlfriend Collective Socks — I love socks and think they’re a great gift, don’t @ me. These are the socks I reach for time and time again, US-based, International Shipping 😏

  • Conscious Step — Ethical, sustainable socks with a purpose, Choose your cause and your purchase supports it: from planting trees to The Trevor Project, US-based, International Shipping 😏

  • Solmate Socks — And a third sock option for you because choices (and they’re all so different), Certified B Corp, Recycled materials, love, love, love, US only

  • Bamboo Utensil Set — Say goodbye to single use plastic

  • Shampoo Bar — These are my favorite shampoo/conditioner bars - I use Sweet Sandlewood and Cool Breeze conditioner. Their body bars are also amazing, US Only (If you’re UK based, Ethique makes some great ones too) 😏

  • Reusable Cotton Rounds — Use them every day for toner or makeup remover, Easiest swap ever 😏

  • Sanikind Refillable Hand Sanitizer — Love how many scents they have and how easy it is to clip on to things, US-based, International Shipping

  • Sknmuse Cuticle Oil — Woman Owned, Black Owned, Heavenly-scented, Easy to use, Must have for winter, US-based, International Shipping 😏

  • People of Color Nail Polish — Woman Owned, Black Owned, Love this non-toxic polish, I have a lime green that’s to die for, US Only 😏

  • Terra Ties — Biodegradable hair ties? Sign me up

  • Washi Tape — Hit up your local craft supply store or Etsy for some fun plastic-free options

  • Tea Strainer — Love this biggie from Arbor

  • Tongue Scraper — Game changer, Must have, Obsessed with mine 😏

  • Guppyfriend — Guppyfriend saves my clothes from shedding microplastics into the ocean! Highly recommend, Denmark-based, International Shipping 😏

Photo: People of Color.
Photo: Earthling Co.

I love giving and receiving books for any occasion. I almost always purchase books secondhand. My favorite option in the US is ThriftBooks and in the UK is WOB but if you’re going to buy new, please support local bookstores. They are so vital to our communities and it supports the author as well. 😏

Books

Food

I love a consumable gift for the holidays. Whether you make your own, or are looking to buy something for someone else, here are a couple of options to get you started.

  • Pentire — Certified B Corp, Alcohol-free botanicals for delicious mocktails, UK-based, US hub International Shipping

  • Traidcraft — Fair trade food and gifts in the UK

  • Zenbunni Coffee — Woman & Family Owned, Biodynamic, regenerative farm that sells coffee and incense, US-based, International Shipping

Photo: Palace Culture

  • Arbor Teas — Fair Trade, Carbon Neutral, Bulk organic tea that I can’t recommend enough. They also have a phenomenal teaware section, US and Canada Only 😏

  • Palace Culture Cheese — Hands down the most incredible vegan cheese I’ve ever had. I dream about their Mouldy Goaty, UK Only 😏

  • McBride Sisters Wine — Woman Owned, BIPOC Owned, Sustainable practices, US Only

Tech

A few tech-specific companies for you, though many of the marketplaces above will also have accessories for the tech-junkies in your life.

Photo: Pela Case

  • Pela Case 😏

    • Certified B Corp

    • Climate Neutral

    • I have been a loyal Pela customer for 4 years and will never get a phone case from another brand again. They create 100% compostable phone cases, smart watch bands, tablet cases, earbud cases and more.

    • Great variety, high quality, can’t recommend enough

    • US-based, International Shipping

  • House of Marley

    • Headphones, speakers, turntables, accessories

    • House of Marley products are sustainably crafted from mindfully sourced materials including bamboo, FSC™ certified wood, recyclable aluminum and exclusive REWIND™ fabric constructed from reclaimed organic cotton, recycled PET and reclaimed hemp

    • UK Only

Photo: Nimble

  • Nimble

    • Certified B Corp

    • Climate Neutral

    • Certified Recycled Content

    • Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

    • Premium tech products — chargers, cables, other tech accessories — made with recycled materials, by ethical suppliers and with plastic-free packaging. Each day, Nimble diverts waste from nature by making all products and packaging with repurposed material & recycling old electronics and cases through our nationwide programs.

    • Their free recycling program is also amazing

    • US Only

  • Backmarket

    • Leading marketplace for secondhand and refurbished tech devices

    • Love that you can choose from different conditions and years

    • Multiple hubs, International Shipping

I am loving Jessica DeFino’s anti-skincare-and-beauty-culture writing (check her out here if you haven’t), and I can’t stop myself from loving a little skincare. So, here are a couple of places to check out if you’re in the market.

Beauty

  • REN Skincare 😏

    • Zero Waste

    • All Natural

    • I adore their Mineral SPF, Evercalm Recovery Balm and Brightening Dark Circle Eye Cream

    • UK-based, US hub, International Shipping

  • Blk + Green

    • Black Owned

    • Non Toxic

    • All Natural marketplace by all Black artisans

    • Great selection of skincare, health and beauty products

    • US/Canada Only

  • Elate and Trestique both do zero waste, refillable makeup

Photo: Ren Skincare

My number one most helpful resource for clothing is the free app Good For You app. I love how in-depth their rating process is and use it regularly when looking at new brands and existing ones. Because there are so many options in this category, I’m highlighting a few fully and listing more options underneath that you can explore.

Clothing

Secondhand

Activewear

  • Girlfriend Collective 😏

    • Woman Owned

    • Circular

    • SA8000-certified factory that ensures every employee is treated with respect and paid a fair and living wage

    • All products made from recycled materials including plastic water bottles

    • Unisex

    • Size XXS - 6XL

    • I will never stop talking about GF Collective. It is the most flattering, inclusive, comfortable activewear. I have multiple pieces from them that are all going strong after repeated use.

    • US-based, International Shipping

Photo: Girlfriend Collective

Shoes

  • nae Vegan Shoes

    • nae is a Portuguese footwear brand focused on environmental sustainability

    • Certified and ethical factories in Portugal

    • I particularly love their boot and loafer collections and that they don’t skimp on variety of styles

    • Portugal-based, International Shipping

  • Further Shoe Brands: Brother Vellies, Miret Sneakers, Nisolo, ABLE, SoleRebels

General Clothing

  • For Days 😏

    • Circular

    • Zero Waste

    • Size XS-XXL

    • Their Take Back bag is amazing - recycle your old clothes, towels, etc and stop them from going to landfill!

    • US Only

  • Fanfare

    • Circular

    • Zero Waste

    • Size UK 6-14

    • I especially love their recycled denim pieces and the whimsy of this brand

    • UK-based, International Shipping

Photo: Asket

Outerwear

  • Save the Duck

    • Certifed B Corp - very first Italian fashion company to receive B-Corp certification

    • Vegan and recycled materials

    • Incredible range of “down” coats that are certified against cold and wind

    • Adult, child and baby options

    • Size XS - 3XL

    • Italy-based, International Shipping

Underwear

  • Stripe and Stare 😏 Use my code S&STRIBE1763 for a 10% discount 🥰

    • Certified B Corp

    • Compostable Range (Yes, you heard me)

    • Size XS - 4XL

    • When I tell you that this hands down, far and away, out of this world, the most comfortable underwear I’ve ever owned… So much so that I am an ambassador for them now. They have a wonderful range of cuts and sleepwear as well for the coziest bedtime ever.

    • UK-based, International Shipping

  • Further Underwear Brands: TomBoyX, Proclaim, Miakoda, Knickey

  • Period Underwear: Wuka 😏, Thinx 😏, Knix 😏

Photo: Troubadour Goods

Accessories

Handbags

  • Hyer Goods 😏

    • Zero waste

    • Handbags, wallets and accessories

    • Use recycled and vegan leather

    • I have their upcycled leather fanny pack and a seafoam faux-croc shoulder bag and can highly recommend. They are my only bags, so they get lots of use and have both held up beautifully.

    • US-based, International Shipping

  • O My Bag — Certified B Corp, Netherlands-based, International Shipping

Backpacks

  • Troubadour Goods — Certified B Corp, Sleek bags made from recycled materials, UK-based, International Shipping

  • United by Blue — Certified B Corp, Climate Neutral, Bags made from deadstock material (also have other goods/clothes), US-based, International Shipping

  • Grünbag — Bags and backpacks made from recycled sails, kites and deadstock materials, Denmark-based, International Shipping

  • Bagmaya — Backpacks and yoga mat bags made from hemp and cotton, UK-based, International Shipping

Travel Bags

  • Paravel — Climate Neutral, Suitcases, duffels and travel accessories made from upcycled and recycles materials, US-based, International Shipping

  • Fish Pond USA — Certified B Corp, All of your fishing needs, but also have duffels/backpacks, US only

  • Groundtruth Global — Carbon Neutral, Woman Owned, Travel bags made entirely from recycled plastic bottles, UK-based, International Shipping

  • Ana Luisa — Carbon Neutral, Recycled materials, US-based, International Shipping 😏

  • Birdsong — Certified B Corp, Transparent and ethical, Co-operative, UK/India-based, International Shipping

  • Common Era — Recycled materials, RJC-certified studio, Woman Owned, US-based, International Shipping

  • Bar Jewellry — Carbon Neutral, Recycled and ethical materials, UK-based, International Shipping

  • Raven and Lily — Certified B Corp, Fair Trade Federation, Woman Owned, US-based, International Shipping

  • Studio D USA — Recycled materials, Vintage pieces, US-based, International Shipping

  • Luna and Rose — Recycled materials, New Zealand-based, International Shipping

  • Article 22 — Woman Owned, Transforming weapons into jewelry!, Laos-based, International Shipping

Jewelry

Kids & Games

Photo: Merry Go Rounds
Photo: Good Buy Gear
Photo: Our Green House

  • Good Buy Gear

    • Open box and gently used Baby/Child gear and toys

    • Love their focus on safety, inspection and consignment done right. Also their gift guide!

    • US Only

  • Le Petit Planet

    • Gently used Baby/Child gear, toys and clothing

    • Love their focus on conscious consuming and circularity

    • UK Only

Clothing

Many of the brands listed in the adult section have kids clothes as well, so check those out too. I love consignment for kids since they grow so quickly, so there’s a mix of both used and new on here. I am including a third-party list as well with more brands that you can check out for yourself.

Toys and Games

  • Our Green House — Woman and Family Owned, Fair Trade, Build your own gift baskets, US-based, International Shipping

  • Plan Toys — Wooden toys focused on enhancing physical and cognitive development in kids, US-based, International Shipping

  • Joobles — Organic hand knit plushies that go with a bilingual book

  • Lanka Kade — Fair trade, family-run toys and gifts, UK Only

  • Lovevery — Sustainable toys focused on creating developmental experiences in new babies and families, US-based, UK and EU hubs

  • OlliElla — Certified B Corp, Woman Owned, Family Owned, Dolls, wagons and playsets, Australia-based, International Shipping, US and UK hubs

  • Buying games straight from the manufacturer or from Friendly Local Game Stores (FLGS) is the best way to go! If you need some game recommendations, Ticket to Ride Europe, Skyjo, Marrying Mr. Darcy, Phase 10, and Five Crowns are some favorites of mine.

These are a few subscription services that aren’t going to send you boxes of things you don’t need. While they might seem basic, I know I, for one, would love to receive them. Check with your loved one before signing them up for a subscription service to make sure that it’s something that will not clutter their life or landfill.

Subscriptions

  • Who Gives a Crap 😏

    • Certified B Corp

    • Plastic free toilet paper and paper towels

    • Build toilets in areas without access

    • I love WGAC and their plastic-free, sustainable toilet paper rolls. They come in really cute paper roll covers that I absolutely recycle as gift wrap *hot tip* . Your rolls are sent straight to your house and don’t use virgin trees like most big brands (looking at you Kirkland…) I can’t recommend them enough.

    • US-based, International Shipping

  • Cleancult 😏

    • Cleancult is a range of cleaning products that is entirely refillable, comes in reusable glass models and ships replacements in recyclable cartons. Their whole range is coconut-based, chemical free and works well to clean any surface of your house, hands or clothes. They have lots of different scent options and bottle colors that go well in any house. Can’t recommend enough.

    • They are also now selling refills in select retailers! Check out their website to find one near you. Love to see a brand cutting down on shipping.

    • US Only

Kitchen

  • Stasher Bags 😏

    • I will always and forever include Stasher Bags on these lists. I love the variety of shape, size and color and how easy they are to use and clean for everything from food to toiletries to the contents of your bag. They are microwave, dishwasher, oven, stovetop, freezer and fridge safe and are so easy to store and pack around. Love, love love.

    • US-based, International Shipping

  • Eco Lunchbox 😏

    • Certified B Corp

    • Woman Owned

    • Plastic Free

    • Love that there is so much variety and stainless steel is so lightweight and easy to clean! High quality and endlessly recyclable at end of life.

    • US-based, International Shipping

  • Lomi

    • Certified B Corp

    • Climate Neutral

    • From the makers of my favorite phone cases ever (see Pela above) comes this counter-top composter that is one of the coolest kitchen gadgets I’ve ever seen. Transforms your food and compostable materials (like your old Pela case) into soil that you can use in your houseplants and garden.

    • US-based, International Shipping

  • Farmers Market Kit

    • Climate Neutral

    • For the person in your life who is still using the plastic produce bags at the grocery store, this is a great starter pack of long-lasting bags and accessories to make your food shopping plastic free

    • US/Canada Only

  • Stojo Cup 😏

    • Plastic Free

    • Collapsable cups and now food containers! Made from the highest food safety standard silicone. I love my 24oz seafoam cup!

    • US-based, International Shipping

Home

Bathroom

  • Leaf Razor 😏

    • Climate Neutral

    • I couldn’t love my Leaf razor more. It is the easiest swap and makes for the loveliest gift. I have the classic Leaf Razor in Chrome and I was a little nervous at first, but it feels exactly like the disposable head razors I grew up using, except it doesn’t blunt as quickly and gives me the closest shave ever. Highly, highly recommend.

    • US-based, International Shipping

  • Nebia Shower Head

    • Nebia’s shower heads reduce water usage without compromising on water pressure. Their streamlined design is beautiful and their heads save up to 50% of your normal water usage. Since water usage is only going to continue to be an issue, this is the perfect gift for optimizing your shower routine.

    • US-based, International Shipping

  • Oui the People

    • Woman Owned

    • BIPOC Owned

    • A great place if you’re looking for a single blade razor or body care. I love the brand’s commitment to inclusive language and authenticity in self.

    • US and Canada Only

  • Sol Organics

    • Organic FLO, GOTS, Oeko Tex and Fair Trade bedding and pillows

    • US Only

Photo: Stasher Bag

  • Gardening Assortment — Lots of fun things for the gardeners in your life at Uncommon Goods

  • Aerogarden — The perfect solution for year-round, indoor gardening, US Only

  • Urban Greens Windowsill Garden — Certified B Corp, Grow your own micro herbs in your kitchen, Australia-based, International Shipping

Gardening

Photo: Bearaby

Decor & Furniture

  • Pott Candles — Refillable candles in delicious scents, UK-based, International Shipping

  • PF Candle — The best smelling soy candles ever - my personal favorite - I’ve had a few and can’t get enough, US-based, EU hub, International Shipping 😏

  • Candleholic — Woman Owned, Candles made in recycles alcohol bottles, US and Canada only

  • Zenbunni Incense — Woman and Family Owned, Biodynamic, regenerative farm that sells coffee and incense, US-based, International Shipping

  • Bearaby’s Weighted Knit Blanket — The most beautiful blankets you’d never know were weighted, Breathable, Sustainable, No fillers, US Only

  • Uashmama Paper Bags — Family Owned, OEKO-Tex, These washable paper products are beautiful and practical storage and decor solutions, Italy-based, International Shipping

  • Jiggy Frameable Puzzle — Woman Owned, Carbon Neutral, These puzzles are designed by artists to transition into framed artwork after completion, US-based, International Shipping

  • Sabai

    • Certified B Corp

    • Recycled and reclaimed materials, Focused on low-waste practices that are innovative and earth-friendly

    • Minimalism design, Custom design

    • Repair, Don’t Replace program

    • US and Canada Only

  • Made Trade — See ‘General’ category for description

  • The Citizenry

    • Fair Trade — Pay 2x the fair trade wage requirement

    • 58% Female Artisan Entrepreneurs

    • Great selection of furniture and home decor

    • US-based, International Shipping

Photo: PF Candle
Photo: Sabai

May your holiday season be joy-filled and spent intentionally with beings, places and memories you love.

— Claire