The holidays are right around the corner, with everyone ready to indulge. By being conscious consumers, we can turn this period of high consumption into an impactful and sustainable one.
Think…
- local, ethical, reusable
- women or Indigenous led
- experiences over things
- a ‘less is more’ mindset
- minimal plastic and packaging
Here are my top sustainable gift ideas:
1. Experiences
Above all, my favorite gift to give and receive is that of an experience. What is more valuable than our time?
This leaves room for lots of creativity! Here is some inspiration to start you off:
- Cooking classes
- A weekend getaway to a local historic town
- Chocolate-tasting workshops with your local bean-to-bar shop
- A photo session with Table & Pine Photography
Or head over to an off-grid cabin!:
- The Eco-Cabin Muskoka (Ontario)
- Foret Cabin (Ontario)
- Tin Poppy (British Columbia)
- Terra Perma (Québec)
- Laö Cabines (Québec)
- Click here for more!
2. Luke Swinson Art
Luke Swinson is a member of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, using art to tell stories and reconnect with Indigenous roots. You will find deep meaning in each of his pieces, encouraging us to preserve the beauty of Mother Earth.
3. The Cedar Nook | Skincare
Boutique skincare reconnects you to nature. Each product is made from plants that are carefully foraged in the forests of Canada, and handmade into beautiful products. The moisturizing meadow oil is all you will need this winter.
Don’t forget to opt-in and plant a tree with each gift 🙂
Photo credit: Gaetz Photography
4. Ethical & Sustainable Coffee: Merchants of Green Coffee | Elora Coffee Roasters
Located in Toronto, Canada, Merchants of Green sources their beans through an ethical & organic lens. They offer the world’s first 100% solar-dried beans with Café Solar: A program managed by women in Honduras. Through Integrated Open Canopy forest farms, they help to capture CO2 and regenerate lost forests.
Elora Coffee Roasters are one of the only zero-emissions roasting companies in Canada. They offer compostable packaging and aim to be one of the greenest coffee companies in the world!
Your coffee lover is sure to appreciate this gift that will keep on giving each winter morning 😉
5. Wuxly Movement | Outerwear
Offering sustainable and 100% vegan outerwear, Wuxly is a Canadian-owned brand looking out for our planet.
Their fleece hoodies & bombers are ethically made out of recycled water bottles that would otherwise end up in our oceans. And if you’re gifting a winter parka, look no further!
The frigid temperatures during a trip to Québec proved you can stay cozy in a Wuxly coat, no matter what Canadian winters throw your way.
Use code ANA15 on fleece items for an exclusive offer 🙂
6. Lisse Shave | Safety Razor
With 2 billions razors being disposed of yearly, why not gift her/him a razor that helps to protect the planet? 🙂 The Lisse razor is toxin/plastic-free, 1 woman-owned, and Leaping Bunny approved. Each purchase plants trees with B-corp Ecomatcher, and 2% of funds give back to Femme International.
Easy on the eyes, it only takes a few tries before quickly getting used to a spa-like shaving experience.
Available in Matte Black (my personal favorite) and Rose gold.
7. Chocosol | Chocolate
It’s rare to find a stocking without chocolate around the holidays — let’s make sure it’s ethical!
Directly traded and organic from Indigenous communities throughout Central & South-America, Chocosol’s cacao beans come from small plot, intensive forest gardens. Their packaging is biodegradable and their flavours are nothing short of magical.
8. Beyond Borders Collective | Blanket
Kristin and Raul formed Beyond Borders after realizing they want to blur the lines between their Ecuadorian and American cultures.
They work together with Indigenous artisans in Ecuador (1 family to be exact!) to produce these beautiful blankets.
Each unique piece is made using recycled materials from textile waste.
“Our goal is for everyone to enjoy being wrapped with the idiosyncrasy and richness of the culture, warmth, and soft goodness. Together, we are bringing a touch of indigenous culture, a feeling of home wherever we are, and the experience of empowering others.”
— Founders, Kristin and Raul
Photo credit: The Eco Fam
9. A donation in their name
A donation can go a long way. Many charities are in need of funding, though it can be hard to navigate through so many options. Here are three that will make a positive difference:
- Women-led
- 100% volunteer-based
- A focus on rescuing dogs local to Canada (including our very own Koda 🙂 )
- A haven for elephants & rhinos
- They help to prevent illegal activity that can lead to endangerment of species
- Improving livelihoods by supporting community education
- A collective of Indigenous women healing systemic trauma in their communities
- Together, they aim to create sustainable change
Last but not least, practice mindful gift giving.
Remember to be mindful with each purchase you make. It helps to ask ourselves a few questions:
Does this person really need this? Will it be used? Is there a more ethical option?
And don’t forget to consider used and homemade gifts — no one returns this DIY coffee scrub or an adorable potted plant 😉
Don’t forget to pin this post below!
