Looking for ethical gifts that make thoughtful presents but also don't harm the planet this Christmas? You're in luck - I'm a Sustainability Editor who's passionate about shopping less and investing wisely, and I get to work with some of the best genuinely sustainable brands day in, day out.
For me, Christmas is about spending quality time with family, enjoying a well-earned break, and choosing to spend with brands genuinely doing their bit for both people and planet - which is where this edit of the best ethical gifts comes in.
Of course, it's important to be aware of the fact that shopping in and of itself isn't sustainable. We all own too much and waste too often, especially at this time of year. Case in point: Wildlife and Countryside share that roughly 114,000 tonnes of plastic packaging is thrown away each Christmas in the UK. Not just that, but over 21 million people open at least one unwanted gift, with 5% of those ending up in landfill.
That said, there are some stunning options available that won't end up going to waste designed by brands that pay their workers fairly, use environmentally-friendly materials, and are transparent about their supply chains and carbon emissions, too.
Still on the fence? Supporting businesses operating ethically pressures other businesses to follow suit. If ever there was a year to take stock of where your Christmas spending's going and who it's benefiting, it's 2023. Invest wisely in items people will genuinely use for years to come - the planet will thank you.
29 ethical gifts to give this Christmas
For the slow fashion lover...
Editor's pick
Chosen by: Sofia Piza, Producer
I try to squeeze a Ganni Christmas present out of someone every year - and every time I've been successful, I've been overjoyed by my present.
B-Corp certified - which means the brand meets the highest standard of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability - Ganni is a great go-to for an ethical and stylish, forever gift. A recurring piece at the top of my wish list is their classic sweater vest as it is trans-seasonal, making it perfect for layering and worth the investment.
Editor's pick
Chosen by: Andrea Thompson, Editor-in-Chief
Hot Diamonds is my go-to for stocking-filler gifts for friends and family. All the jewels are ethically sourced and their pieces are beautifully designed and reasonably priced.
These pretty bows are handcrafted individually and made to order in London. HASANOVA as a brand works hard to ensure a zero waste policy across the company.
A bit about the brand for you: Mashu was first founded in 2017 by Greek designer Ioanna Topouzoglou, who has been crafting sustainable vegan accessories ever since. This design is the evolution of their best-selling original Philippa bag and is a thoughtful gift for any eco-conscious accessory lover in your life.
Editor's pick
Chosen by: Ally Head, Health and Sustainability Editor
I wear By Glaze jewellery day in, day out, and have bought earrings for both of my sisters from the brand. Launched by Nat Glaze during lockdown, they have a range of timeless and chic styles that promise to elevate any outfit.
Editors pick
Chosen by: Ally Head, Senior Health and Sustainability Editor
If you follow me on Instagram, you'll know that I'm obsessed with the Dai brand. They are B-Corp certified and dedicated to reshaping the narrative around sustainable fashion.
Need-to-knows: their clothes are made from over 60% recycled or plant-based yarns, plus will pay you to recycle your old Dai clothes in-store. Sadly, they're closing down at the end of the year, so now's your last chance to stop genuinely sustainable, seriously high-quality jumpers, suits, and blazers.
Jimmy Fairly have become the go-to glasses retailer in the last year, reshaping what the optician experience looks like in the UK and beyond. Their new collection is crafted from oyster shells, highlighting just one of the innovative ways the brand is giving back to the planet.
Editor's pick
Chosen by: Ally Head, Health and Sustainability Editor
One of the winners of the Marie Claire UK Sustainability Awards in 2022, Reformation is doing a lot to make sure production doesn't negatively impact the planet, including investing in green building infrastructure and minimising their waste, water, and energy footprints.
Using closed-looped production which means reusage of non-toxic solvent, this Gellar knit top is a versatile classic made from TENCEL Lyocell, a material made from Eucalyptus trees.
100% of Missoma's sterling silver and gold vermeil pieces are made solely from recycled metals, plus they're members of the Responsible Jewellery Council. This square malachite necklace is part of their best-selling Lucy Williams range and is also available in onyx.
Fun fact: all six Missoma factories are now Code of Practice certified by the Responsible Jewellery Council. They've also been partnered with environmental charity TreeSisters since 2018, making a commitment to smarter and more sustainable practices.
Editor's pick
Chosen by: Andrea Thompson, Editor-in-Chief
I'm a huge fan of Brodie which does sustainable sourced cashmere. The company is run by a mum and daughter and they’re really passionate about making sure their supply chain is ethical. They do great gifts and the cashmere is so soft and really keeps its shape. My mum has gloves, scarves and jumpers I’ve bought her over the years that she brings out year after year.
Editor's pick
Chosen by: Natalie Hughes, Fashion Editor
SOHvintage is my go-to Etsy shop for deadstock vintage jewellery. These hoops, laden with faux pearls, would make the loveliest gift. For an extra-special touch, I’d present them in a tiny velvet box – vintage too, of course.
For the ethical beauty fan...
Editor's pick
Chosen by: Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor
It's no secret that I'm a bath girlie, not a day goes by for me without a soak. These two soaks are, hands down, some of the finest ever created—and Mountain Pine in particular is a treat for the senses.
Editor's pick
Chosen by: Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor
I've said it once, and I'll say it again: I have never met a Wildsmith Skin product I didn't like. This hand and body wash/lotion duo doesn't just smell and feel great, it looks exceptional on the shelf, too.
Editor's pick
Chosen by: Ally Head, Health and Sustainability Editor
Wild is changing the game when it comes to eco-friendly deodorants. Made from aluminium, the cases are planet-friendly, reusable and designed with refill in mind. Plus, every case sold results in two trees being planted. Senior Health Editor Ally Head's go-to refill is the orange and neroli - a fresh, vibrant scent and, psssst: you can use the code MARIECLAIRE for 40% off.
A certified B Corp, The Body Shop has been a leader in social and environmental justice for over 40 years and are a brand dedicated to ethical, sustainable and inclusive practice. Their gift sets make a great ethical gift for family, friends or colleagues, and they've got something to suit every budget. Their newest launch is the Edelweiss collection, a plant extract that promises to maintain your skin’s natural moisture barrier. What's not to love?
Aesop is a certified B-Corp and has been since 2020. They don't and have never tested on animals, and craft luxury and planet-friendly beauty products.
All of their products smell divine and make great gifts for Christmas, birthdays, and anything in between. This gift set contains two cleansers—one for beside the sink, one for use on the go—and a hydrating balm, housed in a recycled paper pulp case.
Editor's pick
Chosen by: Sofia Piza, Producer
I'm a fan of Dr. Hauschka's hydrating hand cream - it absorbs super quickly without leaving any greasy residue, plus leaves your hands smelling slightly rosy.
The brand uses mostly raw materials sourced from organic cultivation and under fair trade conditions. IMO, this is the perfect Secret Santa present, stocking filler, or self-care gift for the holiday season.
Editor's pick
Chosen by: Natalie, Fashion Editor
I am not exaggerating when I say this is the best, most nourishing conditioner I have ever tried. It was recommended to me when I had chemical damage after bleaching but I continue to use it now. It’s free from parabens, sulphates and silicons and the packaging is fully recyclable. The best stocking filler, in my opinion.
Another certified B Corp is Sunday Riley, an award-winning skincare brand. This gift set includes some of their cult classics, including the ceramic slip cleanser and good genes glycolic acid treatment.
Editor's pick
Chosen by: Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor
Willowberry is an under-the-radar skincare brand that several facialists I know absolutely adore—and I'm on board, too. The cleansing balm is elite, the day cream leaves skin looking enviably plump and the oil is the ultimate skincare treat. If you're not too sure how to navigate the world of skincare present buying, this is a good place to start.
For the interior enthusiast...
Editor's pick
Chosen by: Ally Head, Health and Sustainability Editor
Hand-poured in the UK, sustainably produced using 100% responsibly sourced and natural fragrances and wax, and sold in bespoke ceramic vessels designed with upcycling in mind.
The Darling luxury scented candle is my personal favourite - a soul-stirring trio of bergamot, violet, and cedarwood makes for a heartwarming and thoughtful gift.
Give the gift of summer with this sunshine-inspired print by Noama x The Suitest. This fun depiction of one of the summer’s simple pleasures — sitting on a hot sun lounger with a cool drink in hand. An ode to warmer days mid-winter? Why not. Sustainability need-to-knows: it's sustainably printed with water-based inks on eco-friendly bamboo paper.
With a Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified supply chain - a certification process that makes sure things are produced ethically, sustainably, and to the highest possible quality - Desmond and Dempsey have always been committed to crafting sustainably.
Their factories and mills are also Oeko-Tex certified. They're my favourite pyjamas for a reason - they're comfortable yet smart, and a thoughtful gift that'll stand the test of time.
Certifying as a B Corp in 2020 and gaining their Leaping Bunny accreditation in 2022, Aromatherapy Associates are known for their soul-stirring range of essential oils. They've been found to boost both your mental and physical wellbeing - this Rose blend is a personal favourite of mind for relaxation.
Did you know? The Southeast of England now produces some of the world’s finest grapes and, fun fact, all Uncommon wines are made from vines within a 50 mile radius of London.
They're a certified B Corp constantly aiming, in their own words, to "break tradition for the better". We approve.
For a thoughtful ethical gift, opt for a gift box of Gerald, their dry white, or give a mixed box for a taste of all of their wines.
For the fitness devotee...
BAM - named after the Bamboo their clothes are made from - has long prioritised sustainable practices. Fun fact: Bamboo absorbs five times more carbon than hardwood trees and needs half the land cotton needs to produce the same amount of fibre, not to mention it's a dream to wear. My personal pick from their current collection is this sports bra crop top - a great gift for a sister, friend, or partner, it's buttery soft, a flattering long-line fit, and supportive, too.
These leggings by sustainable brand Conscious Citizen are sculpting, don't chafe, and feature a high waist that leaves you feeling secure, not in fear of them rolling down. Win, win.
Bags Of Ethics is a brand on a mission is to make a positive change in consumer behaviour, shining a spotlight on all elements of the supply chain. Designed by British fashion designer, this refillable bottle doubles as a hot or cold container, meaning it'll keep your drink at the exact temperature it goes in. Printed using non-toxic inks, it's perfect for cold winter walks or hot summer days.
Long at the forefront of climate positive production, Pangaia are known for their innovative and considered approach to design. With a goal to give back more than they take, each item details the production process, as well as the amount of carbon emissions used. I'm a fan of their simple and timeless designs, and know this hoodie would make an ethical gift, as well as a cosy layer for the cold months to come.
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