There’s a lot to think about when it comes to Christmas gifting, meaning the thought of hitting the high street to do your shopping might fill you with as much dread as joy.
If the thought of Christmas shopping fills you with as much dread as joy, you’re not alone. There is so much to think about when it comes to Christmas gifting. You’ve got a limited window to find gifts that show how much you care for more people than you thought you knew, all the while sticking to a budget. And that’s before you’ve even thought about sustainability and waste…
If your mind is also on minimising the negative impact of your shopping on the planet and maximising the positive impact of your purchases, then our list of handpicked, sustainable gift ideas is for you.
All of the brands featured in this list not only make and sell exceptional products you’ll be thrilled to gift, but also have a greater purpose behind them. Read on for our picks of the best ethical and sustainable gifts you can buy your loved ones, from brands we adore for their products and their purpose.
1. Voice
Who else would top our list for sustainable gift ideas? At Voice we are proud that our jewellery is handmade from sustainably-sourced materials by expertly-trained artisans. Our artisans are employed into creative, sustainable employment that allows them to raise above the poverty line and achieve their dreams.
If you’re shopping for someone who is fashion-forward but cares just as much about the person who made the things they wear, then a piece of our jewellery will make the perfect gift.
This winter we have fallen in love with layering - our clothes and our jewellery! Our stunning 14K Gold Zori & Pearl designs can elevate an outfit all on their own, but were designed to be layered with each other and the wearer’s other jewellery. We love how the Zori Pendant looks paired with the Pearl Choker (now also available in silver!), and the matching Zori Studs. If you’re looking for something to complete an outfit, the Zori ring will add the finishing touch to your beloved’s Christmas look.
If you're browsing for a gift for someone special, our all-time favourite Radiance drops which are now in 14K Gold are always a Christmas hit, or you can play it safe with a gift card and let your recipient do the choosing instead!
2. Gngrbees
We are absolutely obsessed with the Terra shirt from our friends, gngr bees. This gorgeous, white linen shirt is made from OEKO-TEX ® certified un-dyed organic linen, which is recyclable and biodegradable.
The oversize design makes it the perfect layer to add to your outfits whatever the season and whatever the occasion. If you’re looking for the perfect gift for a busy gym girl who’s always on the go, we’ve got the bundle of goods to recommend to you. Throw the Terra shirt on over the sculpting leggings and ballet bra set (forest moss is our favourite colour) for a laid-back look that’ll take her from running errands to the gym, via brunch with the girls!
Sustainability is at the heart of gngr bees’ purpose. Their clothing - primarily activewear but also accessories such as socks and scrunchies - is all made from materials that have been disposed of, reclaimed, upcycled. Each collection is finite and so once it’s gone, it’s gone!
3. ONESTA
One way to make your Christmas shopping more sustainable is to invest in timeless pieces that can be worn for years to come.
Onesta creates timeless investment pieces you’ll love forever and the Iconic WInner Jumper is the epitome of ethical luxury. This gorgeous, versatile jumper makes a lovely gift if you’re looking to splurge on a loved one. It can be dressed up or down - we think it looks tres chic worn with our Pearl Pendant and Infinite Hoops.
The brand, which is based in Wales, seeks to bring manufacturing and craftsmanship back to the country and is already having an incredible impact in their community.
4. Yes Friends
An organic t-shirt for just £12 Yes Friends, you read that correctly! Yes Friends is an organic clothing designer and manufacturer that exists to make affordable ethical clothing the mainstream, and you can gift a timeless organic t-shirt made from 100% Fairtrade and organic cotton in a range of colours for just £12.
If you’re looking for something more cosy and a bit more swoon worthy for a Christmas gift, we’ve been eyeing up their Navy Corduroy Jacket. This gorgeous jacket is made from premium 8-wale organic corduroy ina solar-assisted, Fair Trade & GOTS certified factory.
5. The British Blanket Company
Cast your eyes over the Clifton Herringbone blanket from the British Blanket Company - you can almost feel how soft it is just by looking at it! This lightweight but cosy blanket will make a great gift for literally anyone this Christmas.
All of the blankets are designed and made in the UK by skilled craftsmen and women, and made from pure wool. The company’s purpose is to support Britain’s textile heritage, protect jobs and preserve skills passed down through generations.
6. Shop Their Story
Shop Their Story has a mission very close to our hearts, as the brand exists to provide a source of income and a voice to women from slum communities in Kampala, Uganda. They sell homeware that has been handmade by these women who have learned new skills in order to generate more income for their families.
Designed to protect surfaces from hot pots and serving dishes, we think these natural placements, which are handwoven from papyrus and seagrass, will make a lovely sustainably-made Christmas gift.
We hope our ethical and sustainable winter gift guide has inspired you to shop consciously from brands with purpose this festive season. Happy shopping, and we hope you love the brands and products we’ve featured as much as we do! We wish you a very Merry Christmas from everyone at Voice!
