If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that time with family and friends is the best gift. Sadly, many of us will not get to see our loved ones during the holidays this year, but that doesn’t mean we can’t show them how much they mean to us! This year, I’ve put together a gift guide that focuses on sustainability and eco-friendly gifts, so you can show your affection to your friends and family while also showing Mother Nature some love too!
“GENERAL” STORES
Public Goods – I love the Public Goods brand! They have a wide range of affordable products that are healthy for humans and the environment. Everything from personal care, hair and beauty products, household cleaning supplies, groceries, vitamins and supplements, to pet care, all with chic minimalist design and packaging. And many of their products are refillable! Plus they will plant a tree with every order! You join the membership to get access to their entire catalog of products, but they have a 14-day free trial so you can try it out without paying the annual fee. The Welcome Kit, Home Spa Kit, or Self Care Kit all make great gifts.
Recontained – Recontained is a Zero-Waste Store, both online and local retail in Venice, whose goal is to eliminate single-use plastic. Whether you go in-person or order online, you can purchase refillable household cleaning and personal care/beauty products. I highly recommend you check out their store on Abbot Kinney if you are in Venice. In addition to the Refill Bar, they have tons of gift options, including jewelry, crystals, candles, art/décor, and of course reusable items to help you reduce your consumption.
SPECIALTY STORES
Ocelot Market – An ethical online shop that has partnered with over 100 artisans and small shops who are committed to fair wages and sustainable supply chains. Plus, the artisans get to keep 99% of the profits.
Schoolhouse – Artisan lighting, furniture, and lifestyle goods manufacturer based in Portland, OR.
Solios – Sustainable, pretty solar-powered watches. And for each watch sold, the company donates to protect 1 acre of rainforest.
Reformation — Los Angeles-based women’s fashion brand dedicated to only using sustainable and upcycled materials. Even better, they have inclusive sizing from petite to extended sizes.
EXPERIENCES
I love the idea of gifting experiences! Not only are they practically zero-waste and thus great for the environment, but giving experiences has the added benefit of creating quality time and lasting memories with loved ones.
Concerts and Live Events – Obviously we can’t go to concerts right now, but under normal circumstances, tickets concerts and live events are always a hit. This year drive-in movies and concerts are a pandemic-safe option.
Gift Cards to local shops, restaurants, and businesses – This is a win-win! You can help your neighborhood restaurants and stores survive the pandemic by purchasing a gift card that can be used once everything is open again. Some ideas: a fancy dinner, a spa day, a mani/pedi, or session with a personal trainer.
Subscriptions to digital services – A subscription to Audible for the reader in your life, a Peloton digital membership for the fitness buff, or a subscription to a meditation app like Headspace or Calm for everyone who needs peace of mind.
Homemade Gift Coupons – These can seem cheesy, but think about how nice it would be to receive “A Night Off from the Kids,” where someone offers to babysit your kids so you can go out, or “A Homecooked Meal with no Dishes,” where the giver does all the cooking and cleaning for a night. The limit is your imagination!
CHARITY/GIVING BACK
Plant a Tree — A good gift for the person who has everything or the person who says they don’t want anything. By planting a tree in their name, you both get to feel good about making a last contribution to the planet.
– Plant a tree in a US National Forrest to help reforestation (something we desperately need in California)
– You can choose what continent you’d like to plant a tree
– Dedicates and plants trees in the UK
Make a Donation – Always a great way to help support the causes you care about the most. There are so many needy charities this time of year, but some personal favorites of mine are Children Mending Hearts which runs a safe outdoor learning school for elementary kids in Watts; Safe Place for Youth, which helps young homeless people in Venice, Planned Parenthood, and the LA Food Bank.