2020 Ethical Holiday Gift Guide
The best gift we can give to anyone we love is quality time, but due to the current state of the world, that’s not possible for everyone (at least in person). Our next picks would be something upcycled, recycled, or ethically sourced. This year we’re also highlighting BIPOC-owned companies and other brands that our team has tried personally and loved. Here they are…
BIPOC OWNED
The Lucid Dreamers Toolkit is a collection of herbs known to awaken a visionary and lucid sleep. This kit is meant to induce lucid dreaming (visionary dreams), provide restful sleep, calm, and tonify the nervous system. Includes Palo Santo smudge and Palo Santo anointing oil; we’re loving this bundle.
Vahdam is the perfect gift for a tea lover. They have one of the largest collection of loose leaf teas that are directly sourced from India. This startup has cut the supply chain down to sell fresh teas online that are USDA Certified Organic, climate and plastic neutral, plus gives 1% of their revenue towards the education of their farmers’ children.
Looking for a handbag that is ethically-made, vegan, minimalist, and functional that won’t cost your entire pay check? SAMARA bags is a cruelty-free fashion house run by two sisters; Salima and Samara Visram who have impressively created Apple “leather” and luxurious and sustainable bags.
Golde, cofounded by Trinity Mouzon Wofford and Issey Kobori, is a Brooklyn-based superfood health and beauty brand. The two started Golde as a response to the modern wellness products often being unaccessible. They sell Cacao Turmeric Latte’s, matcha, cacao and even beauty products now.
The future of feminine care is natural. Honey Pot has natural washes, wipes and pads. They seek to promote female health through plant-based products. The Founder, Bea Dixon, is one of the first 40 women of color to raise $1M in venture capital, and was at the center of a viral Target ad.
Jungalow® is a black and female owned brand founded by ultra-creative designer, Justina Blakeney. It is the one-stop-shop for bohemian-modern home decor + all things all things colorful +jungalicious. These one-of-a-kind designs are a beauty.
FOR HER
'Tis the season to be cozy! These gorgeous weighted blankets are made without artificial fillers or synthetic fabrics. The calming effect of snuggling in these blankets create many science-backed health benefits of weighted blankets, including more restorative rest, easing insomnia, and lowering cortisol levels. We especially recommend the Cotton Napper.
The Crystal Cove Collection not only has a lovely organic mattress, but also a Yoga Pillow Bundle and Zafu made with a beautiful natural materials.
There is nothing more frustrating then finally taking a sip out of your delicious & warm drink and realizing that it has gone cold. With the fantastic Ember Mug you simply don’t have to. Their smart mug allows you to set an exact drinking temperature, so your drink is never too hot, or too cold. Maintaining a chosen temperature for up to 1.5 hours.
Bring the spa home with this perfect gift. Lift & Define with Facial Massage mimics the effects of a cult-favorite skincare studio treatment. The Gua Sha Sculptor lifts and defines facial contours, while melting muscle tension and improving skin firmness.
We all know that person who can’t go anywhere without their chapstick. Insert the Simply Bee Organics Lip Balm, they use raw, organic honey in every lip balm w/ a variety of natural flavors. What a perfect stocking stuffer and add on to any gift! Plus, the company has a Save the Bees initiative + gifts wildflower seeds with every order.
A diffuser is a great candle alternative for scenting every space safely and naturally using pure essential oils. Vitruvi’s beautifully-crafted stone diffuser helps diffuse essential oils, while doubling as a chic piece of decor.
FOR HIM
The ultimate 'all-you-need' male grooming kit with an electric trimmer, ball deodorant, ball spritz, all-over body wash. Can be used on any part of the body! Here’s to the ultimate quarantine haircut!
An alarm clock that encourages self care. A unique gift for someone who loves Tech but is trying to limit the Screen Time in the bedroom. This clock includes meditations, sound baths, and breath-work all without the touch of your phone. You will be able to go to bed relaxed and stay that way.
There’s never such thing as too many water bottles. Minimal hydration products including reusable stainless steel water bottles, flasks and double wall glass bottle with stylish compact and lightweight design.
Introducing the one shoe to do all that you do. YORK offers high quality performance shoes with minimal branding. When you purchase any pair of YORK footwear you will get a free gift of your choice!
For business calls, listening to music, or tuning out your relatives over the holidays. The battery life of these wireless headphones last up to 8 hours a day and take 1.5 hours to fully charge. The wireless range is 10 meters. This everyday use item is sure to make people happy.
THE KIDS
This completely coordinated 6-piece gift box is perfect for anyone competing hard for the Best Gift Giver Award. Featuring tons of their most popular brands, like Mebie Baby & Itzy Ritzy. The footie is 100% cotton & so comfy!
The best toy for on the go! This block set includes 6 magnetic blocks in 2 shapes (4 triangular prisms, 2 parallelograms). Your little ones will love playing with this eco-friendly and non-toxic wooden blocks set.
Soft and Comfy footies! Colored Organics Footed sleeper is a baby essential. Made of 100% organic cotton, this sleeper is a cozy and breathable layer that will keep your baby comfortable 24/7.
For the little explorer. The National Geographic’s 70mm telescope will allow your kids and the rest of the family to embark on a fascinating adventure through our solar system and beyond. It’s highly portable and versatile with wide fields and high-powered views.
Each kit includes a journal for jotting down thoughts and feelings + a ballpoint pen. This Wood mini notepad + pen gift set is perfect for the little ones who are looking to express their thoughts and art.
The gift that keeps on giving, for the kid that loves science and art. Founded by mother and environmental scientist Penny Bauder in 2010, Green Kid Crafts has sold over 1.5 million kids subscription boxes specially designed to help children exercise creativity, develop a love of discovery, and learn about the world around them.
for the foodie
A pan for almost everything. Meet the cult-favorite best-selling Always Pan. This do-it-all wonder is designed to replace 8 traditional pieces of cookware. Those of which include the fry pan, sauté pan, steamer, skillet, saucier, saucepan, non-stick pan, spatula, and spoon rest. Plus, it looks pretty beautiful too.
You can’t go wrong with a cookbook. Embrace eating for health and wellness with OJAS. Author Nira Kehar translates centuries-old Ayurvedic wisdom for the modern palette in this stylish, spice-driven cookbook. This set is paired with the beautiful Spice Grinder to bring freshly ground flavor to each and every recipe.
For the person that is always on a time constraint. The Instant Pot cooks fast without that funky aftertaste. They are easy to clean up and works like a slow cooker when you really need one.
A unique twist on the classic Cheese Boards. This piece features the elegantly embossed letter of your choice carved from hardwood cherry, maple, or walnut. With ample space on its surface, the board also provides a unique groove within the initial's curves to serve and display crudités, cheese, and hors d'oeuvres.
Shaking off single-use plastics and food packaging has never looked so stylish. The Porter Ceramic Set includes their bestselling ceramic Porter Bowl and Porter Mug, as well as their borosilicate glass Porter Bottle and Porter Glass. When you buy together in your favorite color you’ll save! Plus, it makes for a great gift for your fellow eco-friendly shopper.
Create your own medicinal tonic bar in your own kitchen! These 16oz bottles are great for using to craft into cocktails, mocktails, tea's, fresh juices, high vibe meals, and basically anything that inspires the taste buds. These medicinal mixers are perfect for entertaining at home —with just the addition of tonic or sparkling water.
FOR THE SPIRITUALIST
An artistic way to set the mood. Founder, Andrew Cinnamon and partner Charlie Stackhouse established Cinnamon Projects as a creative agency that helps nurture emerging artists and brands. Their signature incense—an intoxicating blend of cypress, myrrh, sage, and oakmoss—is just as magical as the chic incense burners that hold them.
A daily reminder to pause for even the busiest individual. In the convenience of an app, Prezence guides us back to the here, and now, as we drop back into a peaceful state. It offers gentle reminders to check in, journal, and to unplug whenever you need. Right now they have an annual holiday sale for individuals, families, and students.
This synergistic duo contains hemp + adaptogens to promote total body healing. These herbs work on multiple systems in the body to help relieve stress and aid deep sleep.
The Mini Set includes both the Good Day and Good Night tinctures. Benefits include stress relief, Mental Clarity & Focus, Energy Support, Anti-Inflammation and a good night’s sleep.
Create a place of beauty, refuge and inspiration in their home. Dharma Crafts reclaimed wood meditation altar is sized to hold a statue, incense bowl, and other shrine items. A meditation altar is a reflection of the deepest aspirations of the heart. Make it a place of beauty, refuge, and inspiration.
Prayer wheels are turned clockwise to release prayers and mantras into the heavens. Dharma Crafts have a beautiful metal prayer wheel which sits on a warm natural wooden frame. Made by skilled artisans in Nepal, the wheel is decorated with the mantra of great compassion, 'Om Mani Padme Hum' as well as the Eight Auspicious Symbols.
The soy Aspen Holly Candle makes a great gift for the holiday season. A perfect addition to any house to set the mood for any activity. Plus, when you shop with Boon, 40% of every purchase goes towards supporting the local organization of your choice — whether it’s your neighborhood school, your daughter’s soccer team, or the nearby chapter of a nonprofit.