How To Shop Ethically And Sustainably For The Holiday’s
An Eco-Friendly Gift Guide For 2021
The holiday season is officially here and Christmas shopping is right around the corner. (That’s if you haven’t already started!). The lights are up, chestnuts are roasting and everyone is in a joyous mood! So, sit down, relax and grab a cup of hot cocoa because this post is going to be a long one!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
Eco-friendly and sustainability isn’t a trend. It’s here to stay and there are SO many amazing brands out there that you can get your hands on this holiday season to gift to all your loved ones. So, let’s be kinder to the environment this holiday season and purchase gifts everyone will appreciate - including the planet! From products ranging in all different prices, there is surely something for everyone in this giftguide!
I got you covered with this holiday gift guide. All my sustainable favourites and much, much more! Let’s get started!
Support local and shop local.
For The Little One’s.
Our babies deserve all the love and care in the world. Why not spoil them a little more during this time of the year?
#1 Wood Wood Toys
A Canadian based, eco-friendly gem! We all spoil our little one’s rotten with all the kid’s toys that are on the market. But, Wood Wood Toys is the perfect toy your kid can still have loads of fun with that’s not full of single use plastic. This company focuses on gently used wooden toys from around the world that are re-sold for kiddo’s of all ages to enjoy
#2 Rocky Mountain Soap & Co
A well known Canadian classic that everyone adores. A company that has grown so much over the years but has still stayed true to quality, ethics and care of their beauty products. Spoil yourself with their products or shop my personal favourites - the kids bubble baths and soaps!
#3 Ares+Co Clothing
You knew I had to mention this one! Shop the cute and cozy Bailey Knit sweater, perfect for the winter season! By choosing Ares+Co, you know you are getting the comfort and durability with long lasting quality. Quantities are limited so purchase while you can!
Shop our Bailey Knit Sweater - 55% Hemp, 45% Organic Cotton
#4 Lou Lou Lollipop
If there’s a new born in your life or an expecting mother, this is your go-to place! My absolute favourites from Lou Lou Lollipop (let’s not forget about how adorable that name is!) are the swaddles and the big kid blankets to wrap your kiddos in! Shop their range of goods, I promise you won’t be disappointed in their eco-friendly goods!
Pamper Yourself.
You deserve love too. Spoil yourself or gift any of these items to a family or friends.
#5 Hernest Project
This holiday season, give the gift of comfort. Be both comfy and cozy this holiday season! Laze around in the most soft and durable lounge and sleepwear. Conscious living is at the top of this brand's mind and from what I’ve tried, I can promise you lasting quality that you won’t be disappointed in. And of course, all made ethically.
#6 Hu-Ha
Care for yourself with these ethical undies made just for women, by women. No itchy irritation, discomfort or poorly made fabrics, Hu-ha is going back to the basics with comfort and sustainability. From design to materials, Hu-ha has found itself a unique place in the industry and fully believes in self-care and the environment.
#7 Well Kept
This is an easy, eco-friendly switch! Long gone are the days or plastic razors that clutter landfill. You, a friend or a loved one can easily make the switch this holiday season. Buy any sustainable razor and only purchase the blades from now on, lasting for years to come!
Home Goods.
Easy, sustainable swaps everyone can appreciate!
#8 Our Place (Pots & Pans)
Famous for their Always Pan, these products are a game changer! This do-it-all pan is great for frying, sautéing, steaming, boiling and more! Not only are these products meant to last a life-time, but can we talk about how cute they are?
#9 The Bare Home
Cleaning essentials that are safe and refillable. What more could you want? These products are natural, safe for you, your kids and the planet, all while getting the job done, all while using refillable packaging! This is a perfect gift for someone now transitioning to an eco-friendly lifestyle.
#10 Ten And Co
Home goods, cleaning supplies, lifestyle and self-care. Everything in the Ten And Co line up is sustainable, eco-friendly and functional. A one-stop-shop for all your eco-friendly products. These goods don’t break the bank and are a great gift for anyone on your shopping list!
#11 Jack And Aubrey Dryer Balls
These goodies are handmade here in BC and make the perfect stocking stuffer. These are meant to replace the chemical filled dryer sheets that are typically used. Oh, and they last for 25 loads! Pick up these at your local speciality store or online.
#12 Abeille Beeswax Wraps
Anytime I see single use plastic, I know it’s not necessary. This is such a great alternative to reducing plastic waste. Ethically made beeswax paper to wrap to replace your plastic wraps. This is a switch we can all make!
Partner Love.
Through the thick, thin and all the years of gift giving. Shop differently for your loved one this year through one of these amazing experiences or products below.
#13 Nectar Yoga
No better way to support local than with this unique island experience for you and your loved one! Enjoy a relaxing getaway and truly unwind with this unforgettable experience. If you’re not able to escape to this amazing sanctuary, bring Nectar Yoga right to the comfort of your home.
#14 Gaia Smiles
Give the gift of a beautiful smile this year, because those are priceless! From zero-waste toothpowder to bamboo toothbrushes (that work just as well). This is the perfect, easy gift for one of your loved ones, or secret santa’s! This is a great stocking stuffer or present under the tree. Take care of your teeth and they will take care of you! Happy mouth and a healthy planet!
#15 Poppy Barley
Whoever said you can’t be eco-friendly and wear leather? With Poppy Barley products, you’ll never know the difference between what’s real and what’s not. This brand takes an ethical approach in everything that they do. From production, to materials, to packaging. And whether you're shopping for a mother, a partner, or a friend, you’ll surely find something for everyone!
Have a happy, holly, jolly, eco-friendly holiday season. In more ways than one.
Gifting sustainably is just one way that you can be eco-friendly this holiday season. There are so many other small things that can be done to work towards keeping waste to a minimum.
Everything in this gift guide I have personally tried myself and are some of my absolute favourites. I know these products are sustainable and eco-friendly. However, there is so much more on the market and these products are here to give you ideas of items you can purchase this Christmas. But, there are a few easy things to look for when purchasing. Buy products that are sourced ethically, made with natural materials, are easily biodegradable and use compostable packaging rather than plastic.
It’s no secret these items can get pricey but these are items that are an investment, meant to last for years to come. High quality products deliver high quality, lasting results.
If there is a specific product that you are looking for, look for a local alternative. There are so many locally sourced goods. Buying locally means reducing carbon emissions, supporting community well-being, fueling entrepreneurship, helping small business owners keep their jobs and dreams alive.
Did you know, over 504k tonnes of wrapping paper end up in landfills after each Christmas? And most of it isn't recyclable. Switching over to recyclable or reusable wrapping is an EASY switch anyone can make. Use your own paper, reuse paper, use newspaper or upcycle old materials. Get creative with your gift wrapping skills this year, you might be surprised with what you can come up with. Oh, and skip the sparkles and bow ties. Those are all plastic.
Sustainability is here to stay
Being sustainable isn’t a trend. It’s a lifestyle adopted by many and is here to stay. Easy everyday switches that help you live a real, harm-free lifestyle. So, together, this holiday season, shop locally, shop ethically and shop resourcefully. I hope you have enjoyed my 2021 gift giving guide!
Happy Holiday!
Love, Sarish