Sustainable Holiday Gift Guide: Tis the Season to be a Responsible Shopper
By Samantha Hogan
Searching for sustainable holiday gifts this year? We’ve got you covered! We’re breaking down some great places and ways to shop responsibly this season. Purchasing sustainable gifts, and supporting small businesses doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Check out our list of sustainable and independent online shops, and be a conscious consumer during the busiest shopping season of the year.
A Sustainable Holiday Gift Guide
Home & Garden
For the decor and plant lover in your life, these shops have everything from hand poured candles to grow-your-own herb kits to decorative tea towels.
This candle shop is local to NJ and a Jersey City certified Green Business.
Clothing & Accessories
For the fashion forward someone shop clothing companies dedicated to reducing waste and jewelry brands that use recycled materials.
Beauty & Bath
When it comes to self-care, you can use products that are not only good for you, but the environment too. These cruelty-free brands would be the perfect gift for someone who needs some extra relaxation in their life.
Kids
Children’s toys are some of the most notorious contributors to plastic waste. Companies like Green Toys are a great alternative to the colorful trucks, tea sets, and sand toys you grew up with. This brand uses recycled milk jugs, yoghurt containers, and other packing to make a wide variety of toys the little one in your life is sure to enjoy.
Pets
For the pet parents, check out this company that prioritizes sustainably sourced materials in its pet clothes, leashes, collars, bowls, toys, and treats!
Fun & Entertainment
From planet-friendly puzzles that donate a portion of the proceeds to ecological efforts to curated gift-boxes of products from artisan makers, these brands are a great place to shop for the entertainment-seekers.
Sweets
Treat yourself, or someone you love this holiday season, while supporting these small businesses that offer unique vegan goodies perfect for any sweet tooth.
Trade St. Jam Co. is a Brooklyn, NY based woman-and black-owned business that produces fun flavored jams, nut butters, sauces, and more.
Maya’s Cookies is a NJ certified sustainable business offering a variety of vegan cookies that ship right to your door.
Didn’t find what you’re looking for yet?
Government monitored sites, such as New Jersey’s Sustainable Business Registry, are a great place to continue the search. This one breaks down businesses by category to make finding products or services you need easier.
Another great way to stay environmentally conscious this season is shopping small and purchasing items made by individual crafters. Uncommon goods is a site with a variety of unique curated gifts and goods made by independent artists and makers.
More reading: Giving Tuesday: 5 ways to give back
If all else fails…
Try non-material gifts, such as a pass for a local cooking class, spa/wellness day, or offer to lend a helping hand are great alternatives to reduce consumption and waste.
Staying conscious of your decisions as a consumer, not just around the holidays, but throughout the year is a small way to help make an impact on the environment. Stay mindful, do your research, and make little changes where you can.
Happy holiday shopping!