Looking for gift ideas that don’t cost the earth, literally and/or figuratively? We’ve got you covered!

You’re not alone if this time of year gives you a nagging sense of discomfort. You may wonder if celebrating such a consumerist-driven holiday can be ethical at all. After all, we’re expected to use our forced days off to make up for the rest of the year we spent working by spending loads of money on things we don’t need. Our emails are flooded with ‘deals’, the products of which mostly came at the expense of human suffering, and our calendars are jam-packed with social obligations with animal suffering centred on the table, but who wants to be a Scrooge? No one!

Add to this the pervading narrative that we do all this in the spirit of ‘giving’ and to celebrate ‘kindness’ while inequality continue to surround us, the image of us coming together to feast on a brightly-lit table while we exchange gifts that will soon end up in landfill feels eerily like the French film ‘The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie’ (maybe sneakily swap the Love Actually DVD for that this year while your rellies are too passed out to notice).

But hold up! Isn’t the holiday season supposed to be about together-ness? Can’t we give to people thoughtfully and show them how much they mean to us without supporting all the horrible stuff? Christmas isn’t going away anytime soon, so I see no harm in trying to offset some of the harm by flexing our purchasing power to direct our energies towards more sustainable, ethical and local business practices. I believe we can take part in seasonal celebrations without compromising our ethics. And I believe we can do that wherever we are on the time-money scale. Less silly season, more giving season!

I love giving gifts. I am not a materialistic person in the slightest but I love finding things that remind me of someone, even if it’s just a small keepsake that would make someone smile at the knowledge that someone thought of them. I especially love finding gifts that the recipient may have never seen or thought of purchasing before, which is much more likely to be the case when you shop ethically. Because most goods advertised to us are mass produced, the more unique presents to be found locally and by small businesses. Or even better, handmade. And what is more thoughtful than a handmade or upcycled gift that they can either use or treasure for its sentimental value?

I understand that many people find shopping, especially at this time of year, hectic and stressful. Which is why I have put together this guide for you. Take the time to ask yourself what this person would appreciate. Is there anything they really want and or need? Is there anything you could create yourself that would show this person what they mean to you? For example, I have recently been feeling homesick, and I bought myself a beautiful painting of the London skyline (I am currently waiting for someone nearby to produce something like these homesick candles).

We’ll take a look at some thoughtful gifts that cost very little financially but have high creative investment. If you’re time-poor, I’ve also put together some ideas that you can buy online that will help support a community or cause. Most of the local listings will be Sydney-based, but I encourage readers to look at similar businesses where they live, there are some online stores that ship nationally too.

Whatever you choose or not choose to buy, remember that it is the togetherness that counts, whether the thought is in a physical gift, a handwritten note or quality time over zoom playing card games with vegan-friendly eggnog.

Practical Gifts for Almost Anyone

Books

Jura Books is a volunteer-run not-for-profit library and book shop working towards a politically conscious social movement for all. Consider books by Aboriginal writers on Aboriginal issues and help ANTaR campaign for Justice, Rights and Respect for Australia’s First Peoples. Other great second-hand book stores are Gould's Books, which is Australia's largest retailer of used and rare books, and Elizabeth's.

Movie tickets

Event Cinemas now offer a vegan gold class bundle! Support independent film with gift vouchers to theatres such as Dendy and Palace Cinemas. To find an independent cinema near your recipient, click here

For more experience gifts, jump to ‘For the Explorer’

Wine

Let’s toast to the geniuses at Goodwill Wines who came up with the idea of drinking to support good causes! Their bottles also boast super gorgeous labels. Here are some amazing sanctuaries and non-profit causes who need our support - Peanuts Wellbeing Sanctuary; Maggie's Rescue; A Poultry Place; Brightside Farm Sanctuary; Freedom Hill Sanctuary; Little Oak Sanctuary; Lucky Stars Sanctuary; Where Pigs Fly Sanctuary; Vegan NSW; Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, Reef Check Australia and Humane Research Australia

Wallets/purses

You can’t go wrong with a wallet or change purse. Grab great quality ethical leather goods from Vegan Leather Co, or cork-made pieces from By The Sea. Flora and Fauna, an ethical online store also stocks a great range from uber-classy Matt & Nat to the latest leather goods made from pineapple!

Fragrances

Amacyn is a luxury artisan perfume designer who trades at Sydney Vegan Market and The Rocks markets. Flora and Fauna also carries a variety of harm-free perfumes and colognes.

Sanctuary Gifts

If your loved one is an animal lover, consider sponsoring an animal on their behalf. From just $25 you can provide the food, shelter and medical care for someone in need. A super thoughtful present that takes just a few clicks on your part and will mean the world to the animal in care. A win-win-win!

Many of these sanctuaries also sell practical and thoughtful gifts such as calendars, tote bags, travel cups, books, toys and t-shirts. Do all your gift shopping online and help a sanctuary all in a one!

To find a sanctuary near you or your loved one, click here https://www.veganaustralia.org.au/vegan_farmed_animal_sanctuaries

Other Stocking Fillers

Need an eco-friendly Secret Santa or corporate gift? VNSW Marketplace and Flora and Fauna have you covered.

For the Foodie

Great in the kitchen? Very few people would be unimpressed with a gift of baked goods. Cookies, cakes or muffins for the sweet-toothed or make your own chutneys or relishes. Put some old jars to good use and hand write personalised notes as labels. Here are some ideas to get you started if you’re not blessed with cooking skills or prefer to follow instructions: Homemade Christmas Gifts; 30 Edible Gift Ideas; 35 DIY Food Gifts.

Also consider the Vegan Market Eats & Treats eBook and support local vegan businesses!

Savoury

Or put together a hamper. Grab a box or basket and line it with paper. Great ideas for contents include these Infused Olive Oils by Palestine Fair Trade Australia, some artisanal plant based cheeses such as these at La Petite Fauxmagerie or Sprout and Kernel . Add some crackers, a bottle of wine and this amazing All Stars Pack from Dibble of Sour Cream, Aioli and Chipotle Mayo. Et voila!

Low on time but can splash a little? How about these hampers by Dilectio. You can grab a Gourmet hamper for $39 or a Deluxe at $55.

For someone who loves to create in the kitchen, consider a Brew Your Own Beer or Make Your Own Vegan Cheese Kit. Or a box of Indian Spices from Mum’s Kitchen. For the person who never gets time to cook, how about a week's worth of meals delivered? Check out the collections from Vegan NSW Marketplace here.

Coffee or tea lover? Mule Coffee Roasters are Colombian Coffee specialists who direct-trade with coffee farmers, indigenous groups and their communities, you can get a combo pack here. Neo Organic Tea & Skin Solutions have teas for every need as well as gorgeous tins and accessories such as this Unicorn Tea Infuser.

Craft beer fan? Take your friend to Yulli’s Brews to food and drinks or order some of their craft lagers online here.

For ace comfort food gifts, take a gander at gift packs available from I Should Be Souvlaki (famous for their souvlaki but they also offer up incredible carbonara and cheesecake!). Or maybe a gift card for Southern Soul Sydney ’s mac n cheese and cornbread would be right up their street.

Sweets

A gift box of Macarons makes a classy timeless gift. You can’t overlook Treat Dreams and their vegan chocolate gift box, not only good for their Dream Eggs! If your loved one loves a good old fashioned pick n mix, be sure to check out Candy Queens

For the sentimental

For someone I know well, I love to give things that signify our connection. This could be in the form of anything from a framed image of you both to a poster map of where you have adventured together. If you have a way with words, consider writing a poem or a song. Handwritten playlists and recipe books are also WAY underrated. Click here or here for more DIY and crafty ideas.

If you’re graphic design inclined, check out these ideas on PhotoShop and Illustrator.

For fun and meaningful experiences, book a cocktail making class or take a trip together. You can book anything from mountain biking to a sanctuary tour. Where Pigs Flyand Peanuts Wellbeing both offer weekend packages in beautiful surroundings. Back 2 Earth offers a health retreat with massage and bodywork therapies, psychology practices including couples therapy and detox packages and workshops. Click here to find a sanctuary near you.

For the explorer

Have a google search for free guided or self-guided tours such as this one of the heritage of The Rocks. Also consider the Aboriginal-owned dreamtime tours.

If you know the person well, museum or concert tickets are great gifts to look out for. Experience gift ideas include the harbour bridge climb, bungee jumping, escape room, or a street photography workshop. If you’re looking for a big travel gift once Covid is out the way, take a look at Make a Difference Tours. For a local trip with hiking, yoga and massages, consider an all-inclusive retreat at Govindas Valley

For adventurer swag, check out durable backpacks and duffel bags from Vegan Leather Co, gorgeous swimwear made from recycled plastic bottles from Dula, and travel-ready shoes from Hammerhead Threads. VNSW Marketplace and Flora and Fauna are one-stop-shops for travel essentials from hair bars, deodorant, shaving and skincare sets to bug balm and on-the-go cutlery.

For the Homebody

The Vegan NSW Marketplace has goods galore on its Homewares page: Scrubba Body Candles such as this Tobacco & Oak Soy Candle , Natalie Levy Ceramics handmade pottery , a Treasure Map Picnic Blanket/Play Mat by Glorious Difference, Don Massino French Press, adorable Coffee Mug by VP4A, Colourful Coconut Bowls by Eco Shop Co, The Wax Movement’s range of candles, oils and diffusers including this gemstone-infused candle , and personalised animal portraits printed on canvas by Pets and Colours.

Eyona has a selection of African-inspired homewares that could brighten up any home. Be sure to check out the home décor from Palestine Fair Trade Australia and bespoke Japanese ceramics by Zuko.

I dare you not to fall in love with these gorgeous pig-themed bookends and Salt and Pepper Shakers , the proceeds from which go to rescue the beautiful beings themselves. And lastly, here is a Vegan Interior Design Guide whose profits go towards NSW Hen Rescue.

For the aesthetic-enthusiast

With COVID and the holidays coming up, there’s probably never been a better time to start making your own beauty products and accessories. Reuse some old containers or jars and make a batch of your own body scrubs with personalised labels for your friends. Here are some ideas for making your own upcycling gifts and beauty products

Jewellery

Check out these quirky upcycled earrings from Maraca, Eyona’s Aztec Studsor this timeless engravable bracelet from Aaina. This stunning Maine and Mara earrings and necklace set is definitely a win.

Fashion

From eco-friendly Sunnies, belts and streetwear to apple and pineapple leather shoes and animal rights apparel, you’re spoiled for choice in this category. For the best bags, don’t miss Matt and Nat or Urban Originals. Shoes-wise, check out Vegan Style and Vegan Wares. Vegan Leather Co offer gorgeous shirts and shorts, sweaters as well as their classic bags. Great hoodies can be found at Moo to Ewe, and Peanuts Wellbeing Sanctuary offer these gorgeous baby onesies and plushies for kids.

Beauty

For beauty therapies, consider a gift voucher to this awesome vegan salon. Or this flawless complexion kit. For makeup brushes, you can’t go past Eco Tools and flashy beauty gifts calls for La Mav or Inika gift sets.