Credit: Browns Fashion
Stylist Loves
Sustainable and ethical Christmas gift guide: 21 chic present ideas
By Naomi May &Lauren Cunningham
3 years ago
All products on this page have been selected by the editorial team, however Stylist may make commission on some products purchased through affiliate links in this article
3 min read
Struggling with your Christmas shopping? Fear not, for we’ve sourced sustainable and eco-friendly gifts that give back in more ways than one.
Scouring shops and online sites for the perfect gift for a loved one can be hard work. In between the dark skies, the Baltic breeze and the onslaught of potential pressies, shopping for gifts is not for the faint-hearted.
But don’t worry, because your festive elves here at Stylist have done all of the research for you by discovering plenty of presents that are both stylish and sustainable – because looking after the planet isn’t just a nice thing to do, it’s imperative.
Whether you’re after jewellery or accessories, fashion or skincare, we’ve compiled a list of must-buys that are manufactured with sustainability in mind. And the best part? You can order everything from the comfort of your own home. Here are a few of our favourites.
BEST SUSTAINABLE GIFT IDEAS
Ganni wool beanie
Beanie season is upon us, and once you find the right one, it really can last a lifetime. Ganni’s commitment to creating more eco-conscious clothing is unwavering, and this beanie is the perfect example. Made from a blend of wool, post-consumer recycled wool and recycled polyamide, it’s another example of turning the old into the new, and we love it.
Floral Street sunflower pop eau de parfum
Brightening anyone’s bathroom shelf, this sunflower perfume is as pretty as it is fragrant. With top notes of bergamot, mandarin and passion fruit, mixed with base notes of musk, honey and amber, it’s sultry yet sweet. From the ingredients right down to the packaging, Floral Street’s focus on sustainability is strong within every element of design.
Shop Floral Street sunflower pop eau de parfum at Lookfantastic, £64
Ancient Greek Sandals stud-detail suede clogs
It may be a while before we slip our tights and socks off and get back into mules, but as soon as the weather warms up again, these are the ones we’ll be reaching for. Partnering with Good On You – an ethical agency rating how sustainably brands perform – Ancient Greek Sandals suitably impressed, securing them a spot in our sustainable gift guide.
Shop Ancient Greek Sandals stud-detail suede clogs at Farfetch, From £276
Edge of Ember charm 18ct yellow gold-plated recycled sterling-silver and onyx pendant necklace
The return of gold jewellery boomed this year, and the trend isn’t slowing down anytime soon. With a gorgeous green onyx pendant, this necklace certainly fits in with the Christmas spirit. Made from recycled sterling silver, and plated with gold, it’s a more planet-friendly pick, too.
Laura Teasdale Sophie bag
Handmade by London-based tailor Laura Teasdale, the Sophie bag is made from 100% Irish linen cloth meaning it’ll last a lifetime and look good while doing so.
Deiji Studios the woven sock
Socks may not be the most exciting gift, granted. But we think anyone would be happy to receive this specific pair. Made from organic cotton and elastane, they’re cosy and comfy while encompassing the brand’s core values of being environmentally conscious.
Thought Deva GOTS organic cotton eye mask
Everyone needs an eye mask for sound sleeping all year round. Made from 100% GOTS-certified cotton, this pretty printed pick used 71% less water versus conventionally grown cotton, which sounds like a big plus to us.
Nanushka mini Anja ruched leather bag
Nanushka is famous for its fine leather goods, both vegan and real. Again, partnering with Good On You, the brand scored best on how much it impacts the planet, securing this real leather pouch a spot in our gift guide.
Shop Nanushka mini Anja ruched leather bag at Farfetch, £410
We Are Paradoxx Christmas cracker
A Christmas cracker is always a highlight of the festive season, but this one holds much more than a party hat and a joke. With a mini We Are Paradoxx blow-dry volumising primer inside, it’s the perfect little gift for those who care about their hair.
Shop We Are Paradoxx Christmas cracker at Lookfantastic, £15
Mashu Irene green
Vegan leather bags have been vying for our attention in recent years, with many people opting for them over their real leather counterparts. In a jewel-green tone, we love the Christmassy feel of this Mashu pick, and in even better news, all bags come with free repairs for life, so you never have to worry about scratches, breaks or pulls again.
Ganni x Submission beauty glitter
Glitter often gets a bad rap for being a polluting product – and a lot of it definitely is. So, an eco-friendly alternative is always good to have to hand. Made with absolutely no plastic, yet still sparkling away, this Ganni x Submission partnership will be welcomed by any glitter lover in your life.
Go All Natural organic lotion bar
Leaving the plastic behind, this zero-waste lotion bar is as cute as it is caring for the planet. Blended with cocoa, shea butter and mandarin essential oil, it’s sure to smell divine and can be simply swiped across the skin for an instant boost of hydration.
Vrai shooting star draped earring
Also vying for our attention is the lab-grown jewellery brand Vrai. With a zero-emissions diamond foundry, elegant designs and forever-lasting pieces that are sure to stand the test of time, if you’re looking to invest in jewellery that’ll last a lifetime, then we don’t think you can go too far wrong with these.
Kind checkerboard bag
This 100% recycled material shopping bag is made from six rescued plastic bottles. With strong stitching, a bold print and the ability to fold up into a tiny square, it’s perfect for doing that supermarket shop.
M.C Overalls polycotton dungaree pink
M.C Overalls are anti-fast fashion, designing durable products built to last. And, dungarees are working their way back into our wardrobes thanks to Carrie Bradshaw’s latest And Just Like That look. Pretty in pink, we love this colourway and are sure someone in your life certainly will too.
Shop M.C Overalls polycotton dungaree pink at Atterly, £155.14
Savi x Missoma sculptural 18ct recycled yellow-gold sterling-silver vermeil pendant necklace
Missoma jewellery makes for the perfect present, and this sculptural necklace is no exception. Made from recycled yellow gold, it’s a perfect example of turning the old into the new, and it’s been done with the same fine finish as all of Missoma’s masterpieces.
Pangaia 365 signature recycled and organic cotton-blend sweatshirt
Quickly rising among the ranks of the most sustainable brands around, Pangaia’s capsule collection of brightly coloured loungewear is sure to be on the wishlist of many eco-warriors. Made from 50% recycled cotton, this purple sweatshirt is cosy, comfy and guaranteed to warm you up on those chilly mornings.
Shop Pangaia 365 signature recycled and organic cotton-blend sweatshirt at Selfridges, £120
Pivot silver Mobius bangle
Hand-finished to give it this delightful twist, this Pivot bangle is made from 100% recycled sterling silver. The best bit about this piece, though, is the hands that made it, as the brand provides vital work to makers living in homeless hostels. Stamped with the maker’s name and beautifully wrapped in a presentation box, this simple bangle doesn’t just look good, it does good.
Stella McCartney mini Falabella crossbody bag
Stella McCartney has been a stalwart on the sustainable fashion scene, always creating genius alternatives to leather, and this Falabella bag is the perfect example. Famous in shape, it needs little introduction and is sure to impress the sustainable fashion fan in your life.
Shop Stella McCartney mini Falabella crossbody bag at Farfetch, £525
UpCircle floral face scrub with coffee
Face scrubs can feel incredibly fancy when you buy the right one, and this UpCircle pick is one of our faves. Specially formulates for sensitive skin, if you want to give the gift of soft, supple skin, then look no further. All products from the brand are also vegan and cruelty-free.
Shop UpCircle floral face scrub with coffee at Lookfantastic, £14.99
Veja women's V-10 logo-embroidered leather trainers
A style staple we still can’t get enough of, a simple Veja trainer will see you through for many years to come. The silver colourway gives a festive feel while keeping the brand’s eco-credentials close to its heart.
Shop Veja women’s V-10 logo-embroidered leather trainers at Selfridges, £145
Images: Lore Schodts; courtesy of brands
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