A Conscious Christmas: Gift Guide

After years of not knowing what to get everyone, I've finally realized what makes a good gift! It all really comes down to 3 simple components.

1. Thoughtfulness

2. Useability

3. Understanding

A good gift in contrary to popular belief has nothing to do with a price point or luxury. I remember my days of searching through gift guides and either finding $200 scarves or novelty knick-knacks that felt dry and impersonal.

As a student, yours truly was left with little time and money resulting in Amazon orders and Target trips. Little did I realize how much waste this produced until I began investigating environmentally responsible lifestyle changes. At first, it all seemed complex and out of the question but the more I dug the more I found.

By Changing our usage habits we can significantly reduce the waste we produce during the holidays in every aspect whilst supporting environmentally conscious businesses and charities! Corporations cause $2.2 TRILLION in environmental damage every year.

When supporting small family-run and informed businesses we are not only growing the percentage of those aware of environmental conservation but businesses that listen to global concerns and aid those in need.

Check out all 30+ gifts under $50:

How can gifting benefit both your family and the environment?

To make this guide special, I reached out to a lovely lady named Peggy. She spoke to me about her project "JustThingsAndCo" and their commitment to changing lives through fair commerce. She showed me how sustainability can connect people, cultures, and communities across the globe. With such a wide variety of handmade goods, you're sure to find the perfect gifts for each of your loved ones!

"Just Things was born out of a desire to help empower women and keep families together. Our family runs a non-profit at the border and we understand the roots of poverty and breaking the cycles through education and jobs with fair wages is the solution. So I wanted to create a place where I can offer goods made by artisans from around the world to those nearby me. through our non-profit work, I have friends who work in Uganda, Haiti, Mexico, and more and they are the ones who help provide items to my shop. We have real, actual relationships with the makers and for that I'm very grateful! Each purchase makes it so that a mother can stay home with her children if needed, pay for their education or keep families together and out of the foster systems/orphanages when parents are unable to care for them due to not working & earning enough. Our hope to bring justice (thus the name of Just Things) to those who so deserve it, by earning a fair and ethical wage. Our shop started in 2018 and so we are just beginning. We hope to expand and offer further job opportunities and training for those we work with at the border. Thanks for your interest! I hope this helps.."

~ Peggy V.

How can I give an ethical and effective product?

Everyone knows developing a good skincare routine is key! Here are a few sustainable and effective gifts that can be incorporated into any routine with ease. When discussing sustainable options many seem to think products with a focus on sustainability lack in quality and results but this isn't true! There are a handful of brands that not only formulate with researched backed ingredients but care about the impact of their products on the environment. These two aspects when together form a reliable product worth gifting.

1. MY REAL SQUEEZE MASK |INNISFREE

"Our Green Promise"

When it comes to skincare masks are all the rage but not all are created equal. These masks, available in 13 formulas, will be your recipient’s quick go-to glow booster all year long. Innisfree upholds a Green promise, I especially love that the brand is committed to replicating its sustainability and philanthropic efforts locally and around the globe.

Shop | $1.80

2. VEGAN LIP BALM |MEOWMEOWTWEET

"Who are we"

During the winter months, our pouts can feel a little neglected. Lip balm tends to be overlooked in the realm of skincare. With a little TLC, your kisser will feel rejuvenated in no time. Formulas go a long way! With nourishing and pure ingredients this vegan lip balm is your salvation. These sticks come in 3 clever formulas. MMT is a small batch skincare company that believes in pure ingredients, sustainable packaging, and most importantly giving back to the community. Below is a list of organizations that MMT donates to.

Shop | $12.00

♥ Amazon Watch ♥ Camp Aranu'tiq

♥ American Civil Liberties Union ♥ Catskill Animal Sanctuary

♥ The Bowery Mission ♥ Center for Biological Diversity

♥ Born Free USA ♥ Coalition for Healthy School Food

♥ Black Lives Matter ♥ Earthjustice

♥ The Breast Cancer Charities ♥ Farm Sanctuary

and more..

1. GUA SHA |SACHEU

"The Deets"

Beauty tools often face the misconception of being complex and hard to use but this is completely false! This ancient method of lymphatic drainage has known to be effective in Chinese medicine for tissue healing. What separates this Gua Sha from the others is it's 100% recycled packaging and stainless steel body. Making it not only non-porous but self-cooling. Results can be seen with ease when used consistently 3X weekly.

Shop | $35.00

2. LIVING CLEANSING BALM |THEN I MET YOU

"A commitment to sustainability"

The method of double-cleansing is a tried and true practice to take the day away! Commonly an oil-based cleanser is applied in liquid form but brands have created balms that serve the same purpose. Balm formulas often contain plastics that wash straight into the ocean when rinsed off and cause environmental damage. This specialized product contains none of that nasty no-nos often used in the beauty industry. From 100% recycled cartons to safe work environments they've got it all!! You can learn more about these amazing practices below.

Shop | $38.00

3. SUPERFOOD CLEANSER|YOUTH TO THE PEOPLE

"Powerful but gentle"

The second step of double-cleansing is a gentle cleanser to remove the water-based build up. Many cleansers contain Micro-beads or sulfates that strip the skin but this nourishing cleanser is a game-changer. A formula filled with superfoods like kale and spinach containing beneficial qualities for a face wash. YTTP is also a brand focused on sustainability and helping us protect the earth. Packaged in a glass bottle and 100% recyclable materials. YTTP is based in L.A and sources locally whenever possible for their products. With morals and results, how could you say no!

Shop | $36.00

How can makeup be both sustainable and good quality?

Cosmetics from formulas to packaging cause thousands of pounds of waste yearly! Every product makes a difference when incorporated by all makeup users. These products whilst sustainable don't lack in the department of mindblowing pigments and creativity. So why not make the switch?

1. TOPAZ CRYSTAL QUAD | AETHER BEAUTY

"Skin loving ingredients"

How can you go wrong with an eyeshadow quad that offers buttery-like texture and bronzey-gold warm tones? This environmentally friendly eyeshadow quad is not only beautiful but sustainable! Aether Beauty believes in high-quality products with affordable pricing and ethical sourcing of materials. Not to mention their products can be recycled!

Shop | $24.00

2. LIMITLESS LASH MASCARA | ILIA

"buildable, flake-free natural mascara"

Ilia's Limitless Lash Mascara is a natural mascara that transforms your lashes appearance. With one coat it's weightless formulas creates an even coat gently lifting and extending lashes. Though the product is not vegan as it's formulated with natural beeswax and shea butters. Mascara is one of the most difficult makeup products to make sustainable as it requires an internal plastic tube but Ilia provides a free recycling program you can send your empties back in to be properly broken down!

Shop | $28.00

3. FIRE & SPICE LIP-TO-LID TRIO | AXIOLOGY

" Endless Options, Zero Waste"

These Lip-to-Lid Balmies are multi-use crayons that can be worn anywhere you can imagine! Formulated to be skin-nourishing and balm-like without all the harsh ingredients. Full of natural oils and antioxidants including elderberry, hemp, and plum oil! These cute Balmies are completely zero waste as they're tube and cap free. The boxes containing the balmies are handmade from recycled trash by a women’s cooperative in Bali. That's 3 full-sized lipsticks minus the packaging for the price of 1 high-end option.

Shop | $36.00

4. EYE COAL | FAT AND THE MOON

"Simply Beautiful "

Fat and The Moon's simple approach to eyeliner is completely sustainable and natural! These eye coals come in 4 rich colors and are completely skin safe. Fat and the Moon's founder Rachel Budde built her company around handcrafted goods made to order inspired by ancient traditions. All of FM's products are in recyclable packaging.

My painting teacher in India used to use the charcoal made from burned Puja and Ghee to apply to his eyes and his daughters. I loved his simple approach. Inspired by Raj, Eye Coal was incarnated.

Shop | 18.00

4. HIGH FIDELITY FOUNDATION| EXA

"AMPLIFY "

Exa's High Fidelity Foundation uses a buildable vegan formula for your custom coverage. Creating the luminosity of a good skin day, any day is now possible. With a nourishing base of aloe vera juice and plumping peach fruit extract to aid the skin’s barrier, Protective microalgae actives, soothing maqui berry, and hydrating hyaluronic acid come together ensuring the utmost care for your skin. Exa's foundation is cruelty-free, gluten-free ingredients, and is dermatologists approved for sensitive skin. With the promise of Eco-as-Possible Packaging and minimizing landfill waste, this product is perfect for any makeup geek!

Shop | 38.00

( Be sure to read their about page )

How can clothing be both glamorous and green?

Yearly thousands of pounds of Fast Fashion waste is dumped in our landfills. Most items being made of polyester or rayon (Non-biodegradable). In this age of sustainability, green options are now affordable and of much higher quality. By choosing to educate others on fast fashion's harmful effects and looking into sustainable/ethical options we can reduce our impact.

1. BRACELET SET | SOKO + UNTF

"Orange Is the New Green"

The importance of jewelry being fair trade is often overlooked! Soko creates a fair working environment and all products are handmade by community artisans exclusively. The SOKO X UNTF collaboration was handmade by Kenyan artisans and every piece purchased supports the UNTF's programs that combat violence against women worldwide.

A Beautiful Message from SOKO

What is the UNTF?

Shop | $38.00

2. RECYCLED POLYESTER SCARF IN BLACK | FRANK AND OAK

"Wrap it up"

Made of 55% of RECYCLED polyester! This lovely scarf helps waste find a new home again in a product you're sure to love. Frank and Oak's approach to sustainability can be seen in every aspect of their company. From production to distribution they work hard every day to cut their negative impact down and aid towards a goal of zero waste.

Shop | $49.50

3. THE PIMA MICRO-RIB LONG SLEEVE CREW | EVERLANE

"New classics"

By gifting basics not only are you ensuring the item will be used but introducing others to the world of sustainable basics and their quality difference. This beautiful top is made of 95% Pima cotton and can be worn alone or layered for an intricate look. Everlane believes in creates high-quality, low-impact, long-lasting products without the upcharge. Made in Lima, Peru.

Shop | $32.00

4. EYES OUTLINE ORGANIC COTTON T-SHIRT | FANFARE

"Eyes that see all"

This T-shirt is made of 89% organic cotton grown + harvested without fertilizers and pesticides! By purchasing this T you are not showing the word that supporting the environment, animals, and garment workers matters but that we see what the fashion industry is up to. This top is on a made to order basis and for every purchase, Ararose donates £1 to One Tree Planted.

The Facts..

• Their cotton is certified by The Soil Association.

• Their Supplier - Ararose

• Originally launched in 2018

• Is an example for fashion names worldwide

Please read this Fanfare paper to better understand their morals!

Shop | $38.00

5. GO-TO-LEGGINGS | PACT

"That's a Stretch"

Comfy skin like leggings for any occasion! Made of 89% Organic cotton for max breathability and softness. Pact strongly believes in fair trade products, reducing waste in packaging, and even offers the option to offset your carbon footprint for every shipment.

"33.3 Gallons of Water Saved ~ Our Certified Organic Cotton consumes very little water compared to conventional cotton. As we don’t use harmful inorganic pesticides and fertilizers, there is little to no water pollution, so you conserve water every time you choose organic"

Fair Trade Certified™ Factory

Shop | $35.00

How can we give sustainable gifts to kids that spark passion and interest in the world around them?

Gifting meaningful items to children may they be toys or mind-boggling puzzles not only helps inspire our future but helps shape the world one mind at a time! Most items given to children yearly are heavily plastic-based or packaged in plastics. Greener options made of sustainable materials and follow fair trade practices are now available. When choosing products keep in mind the industry of non-ethical toys produced yearly and their negative effects on our children.

1. ECO-CRAYON STICKS | ECOKIDS

"Full of Color"

Eco-crayons are handmade from beeswax, soy wax, and stearic acid. With 2o beautiful colors, your kid will have no problem creating their works of art! Creating should be safe for both humans and the environment.

Shop | $15.99

2. SCRAPPY CAT ASSORTED COLORS | UNDER-THE NILE

"Soft and Sustainable"

Scrappy the cat is made of scrap material from UTN's other items. Created from 100% organic Egyptian cotton and free from all the bad stuff. Made to last a lifetime and remain as soft. Cotton farmed and items created fairly in Egypt. How much better can it get!

Shop | $15.00

3. GARDENING SET | PLANTOYS

"Closer to the planet"

The fresh outdoors is an endless playground for our little ones to explore and learn about. I'm no stranger to the difficulty of getting our youngsters outside and curious to explore in the age of the tablet. Now to make it easier PlanToys has created a gardening set made of wood created from leftover sawdust and glues that contain no formaldehyde. With beautiful and durable colors created from just chemical-free water-based colors!

Shop | $30.00

4. SURGEON SET | PLANTOYS

"You can be anything"

Who knew toys could spark curiosity in not only science but aid in the development of fine motor skills?! This unique set helps kids role play as surgeons and even learn about Anatomy while they're at it. Included in the set are personalized patient’s cards for hours of funs with friends and family. PlanToys again uses wood created from leftover sawdust and glues that contain no formaldehyde in this set.

Shop | $50.00

5. JENGA OCEAN | BUREO X JENGA

"Classics reimagined"

A sustainable twist to the game we've all known and loved. This version being made solely of recycled fishing nets. Annually 10% of all ocean plastic pollution is from fishing nets. With every block featuring the art of an endangered member of our ocean. The art brought to life by a small artist whose heart is out catching the waves. Ocean conservation has never been so easy!

Shop | $49.95

How can gifting a pet be both sustainable and meaningful?

Our pets are such important parts of our lives! Greener options to common products are now widely available so why do we continue supporting large companies with anything but the health of our pets in mind? Most of the products our pets know and love are unsustainable and even threatening to their health. By slowly switching over to environmentally responsible options you are doing your part to reduce the impact we have on the Earth.

1. PRESERVE & PROTECT ORGANIC COTTON BANDANA| UNITED BY BLUE

"Multi-Use"

Made responsibly in China out of 100% organic cotton! United By Blue makes a variety of lovely bandanas for both people and pets. They are not only a certified B corporation but for every item purchased a pound of trash is removed from our Oceans/Waterways. You not only get a beautiful and affordable bandana but are helping keep our oceans clean and safe for marine life. They even offer local ocean cleanups anyone can join or request a kit to start one yourself.

Shop | $12.00

1. GRAIN AND GLUTEN-FREE BISCUIT PACK | PORTLAND PET FOOD COMPANY

"Yummy!"

There is nothing I'm more passionate about in my pets lives than their diet! I find that grain-free/gluten-free diets work best as they have fewer ingredients and fillers. This includes their treats! My furry friends will enjoy the occasional Temptation or Greenie but it's few and far in-between. Your pets are family and it's important to feed foods that promote a long healthy life. Portland pet food is just one of those brands that blow me away. They have food for just about any dog regardless of his specialized diet and PPFC uses 100% USA Sourced, Natural Ingredients in all their foods.

Shop | $22.00

1. RECYCLED SARI CAT BASKET | TEN THOUSAND VILLAGES

"Zzzz"

There's nothing cats love more than sleeping! This cozy cat basket was handmade in Bangladesh with absolute love and care. The cushion being recycled plastics + sari material and the basket is 100% Hogla grass. Ten Thousand Villages advocates for a maker to market business model and has gone above and beyond to build communities of artisans. They operate completely fair trade!

Shop | $44.99

1. ECO QUACKER DOG TOY | HONEST PET PRODUCTS

"Serial Toy Killer"

Build for rough play for the tiniest dogs to the toughest! The Eco Quacker is constructed of a hemp body and ethically sourced wool stuffing featuring an eco-friendly squeaker that peeps when tossed around. The squeaker is protected in a double-lined pouch to ensure even if the toy is destroyed it's safely tucked away. Available in 3 sizes to fit your dog's level of play. Not to mention each toy was made by adults with disabilities in Wisconsin. ( They also make high-quality cat toys )

Shop | $25.99 +

HONEST PET PRODUCTS was born out of three basic, unrelenting, and uncompromising principles behind everything we do:

To be True to our Pets

To be True to our Planet

To be True to our People

TRUE TO OUR PETS We use the most truly NATURAL materials possible to create pet toys and shampoo that are SAFE, DURABLE & FUN for the pets we love. Satisfaction guaranteed!

TRUE TO OUR PLANET Nature provides the sustainable HEMP & WOOL used to make our truly eco-friendly pet toys and shampoo which reduce our carbon footprints & pawprints! All of our products are biodegradable.

TRUE TO OUR PEOPLE We provide jobs for proud Americans who make our products in our home state of Wisconsin. Our social efforts extend to women supporting their impoverished families living in the harsh Gobi Desert and desolate regions of Nepal. They hand make several of our wool parts used in making our cat toys.

Mary Wolff, President, Honest Pet Products

1. VEGAN CORK "LEATHER" DOG/CAT COLLAR | NOGGINS AND BINKLES

"Safe and Sustainable"

Every year I find myself buying collar after collar for my 3 cats. All of them made of synthetic materials and plastic everything. Who knew a collar needed so much packaging. I struggled with finding something sustainable, durable, and well cute. Being that all 3 girls frequently adventure outside and either lose or hide their collars so affordability and accessibility are hugeeeee factors. I recently found Noggins and Binkles and their adorable products! They make literally everything you could ever need in the realm of collar-like accessories sustainably at an affordable cost.

Shop Cats Shop Dogs | £20.00 +

What gifts promote both wellness and sustainability for our gym buddies?

It can be hard to shop for friends that you've met from places like the gym! I've never known what to get and it often kept me puzzled. When learning about sustainability and the "green culture" if you will, I discovered a WHOLE WORLD of beautiful and meaningful gifts my friends are sure to love.

1. SORE MUSCLE SALVE | FAT AND THE MOON

"lather it on!"

Nothing better than a muscle-relaxing balm after a workout. The Sore Muscle Salve by Fat and The Moon uses tobacco and cayenne, oh so spicy to promote blood flow, while vetiver and clove essential oils release the tension built up.

- Fat and the Moon's founder Rachel Budde built her company around handcrafted goods made to order inspired by ancient traditions. All of FM's products are in recyclable packaging.

Shop | $12.00

2. SUSTAINABLE TOILETRY BAG | TERRA THREAD

"Pack it away"

Everyone likes to freshen up a little after a workout, here's a cute little toiletry bag to bring along! This toiletry bag is handmade with 100% Organic and Fairtrade Cotton in a Fairtrade certified factory. This pouch is a carbon-neutral product and with every purchase 10 meals are given to families and children in need. Terra Thread's goal is to create the world’s most affordable, durable, sustainable, and ethically produced bags and accessories.

Shop | $15.00

3. EARTH PALOMA BRA | GIRLFRIEND COLLECTIVE

"fitted"

A personal favorite of mine the Earth Paloma Bra is made from 79% recycled plastic bottles and can be recycled with G.C's program ReGirlfriend when no longer in use. The Paloma offers support while still being breathable and comfy. The girlfriend collective is super creative when it comes to sustainability and has an answer for every problem. To learn more about their fair trade factories, process, and just about every question you could possibly ask Click here

Shop | $38.00

4. AARDE ECO-FRIENDLY GYM BAG | TERRA THREAD

"Carefully Created"

This super cool gym bag has an even better cause! The bag is handmade with 100% Organic and Fairtrade Cotton in a Fairtrade certified factory. It's a carbon-neutral product and with every purchase 20 meals are given to families and children in need. Terra Thread's goal is to create the world’s most affordable, durable, sustainable, and ethically produced bags and accessories.

The stats

• 268 days of drinking water saved

• 3 miles of driving emissions avoided

• 66 sq.ft of land farmed without pesticides

Shop | $49.99

5. MOON CORK BRICK | SCORIA

"Stretch out & Breathe"

When it comes to mental and physical wellness movement has always helped me remain both grounded and positive in times of darkness. Stretching especially is an extremely effective way of clearing your mind and letting go. I'm a yogic noobie and have done maybe one yoga "class" if p90x counts. What I learned from it will follow me forever though! Slowing down and breathing is so beneficial for our bodies. This cork brick is a fun accessory to try out if you're new or maybe a seasoned yogi. It offers both stability and a new flare to positions you've seen before. It's neither slippery or unstable like the common plastic ones you'll see due to its cork surface and weight. Scoria's ethics are also fantastic and truly inspiring! They donate 6 meals for every yoga block sold and no trees are cut down during the process of stripping the cork. The Moon Cork Brick is 100% Biodegradable.

To learn more about Scoria

Shop | $25.00

1. PUNJAMMIES | SUDARA

"Comfy for Everyone"

I've always admired families that wore matching Christmas PJs on the morning of. When I discovered Sudara and their initiative I thought they were the perfect option. Though the 100% Adult Cotton bottoms are 4 dollars over budget I felt it was necessary to add anyways for their sustainability and heart. For every purchase, Sudara invests in job creation and skills training for women in India who are working to remain free from sex slavery.

Shop | $54.00

All Images + Videos were not taken by me and are not mine. credits to the rightful owners