Eco friendly and ethical gift ideas
There’s an increasing trend towards gifts that are better for the planet and/or traded or created in an ethical way, and there are some really great options available for 2022.
More companies are trying to become carbon neutral and less water hungry or polluting, plastic-free products are getting better and better, there’s more recycling and use of second-hand materials, and fairly manufactured and traded goods are in demand. I’ve picked out three very different examples here if you’re looking for inspiration.
FixIts
FixIts are handy sticks that you gently heat in hot water and mould into shape to make all kinds of running repairs, stopping things from being thrown away or falling out of use. With prices from £9.95, they’d make a nice little stocking filler for tech fans, glasses owners, or practical types. Also good for small craft projects if you’re feeling creative, and available in a range of colours so you can match or clash, depending on your mood.
If you want an extra 10% off, use this code: PENNYGOLIGHTLY
Raindrop Clean
Plastic free and vegan hand wash kits with lovely soft foaming soap in a range of fragrances. The bottles are made from 50% recycled glass, and for every starter kit sold some of the profits go towards physically removing plastic from the oceans. The refills come as tablets/drops to dissolve in water yourself, which makes them easy to send through the post. Starter packs cost £29.99 and contain two 300ml pump bottles and eight soap drops. Packs of four soap drops are £6.50.
Xander Kostroma
This brand makes sterling silver and gold-plated jewellery with semi-precious gemstones, fashion accessories and homewares with a bohemian touch. The brand only uses real crystals sourced from trusted and reputable suppliers, and the silver is tested for its purity and nickel-free. They’ve also been members of The Living Wage Foundation since they started in 2018, making sure staff are paid fairly. Prices start from £12.00 for a signature print tote bag.
Kind2 bar
This company is known for vegan plastic-free shampoo and conditioner bars and other products for humans, and now there’s a doggy shampoo bar designed to clean up your pet pooch. There’s a choice between unscented or pet-safe neem and lavender, and both are gentle and pH balanced. These are priced at £10 each and will give you multiple washes as well as a sparkly clean pet (until the next walkies).
Visit Kind2
Always Personal bamboo range
If you’re looking for personalised gifts that are kinder to the environment, you might be interested in the sustainable bamboo products at Always Personal. There are plenty of different options that include notebooks, chopping boards, pet bowls and chargers. Some have room for a name, others are more fully customisable such as my cheeky new snacking board in the picture above. Ho ho ho.
Visit Always PersonalThat’s it for this season’s gift guides, so I hope you’ve enjoyed them all. By the way, last posting dates might be sooner this year due to strike action affecting some deliveries, so be sure to check individual retailers for theirs if you’re thinking about ordering.
Full disclosure: article contains PR samples, but I’ve only included items and services that I really love. No paid placements or sponsored items.
