If you have been breaking your head trying to figure out how to pick gifts that have meaning and don’t conflict with your consumer habits, this is the shopping guide for you. Everything on this list can be appreciated by anyone, they don’t have to be vegan or treehuggers to like your gift, since these products are beautiful and of superb quality, aside from being made with conscious principles in mind. Every product here is great regardless of their ethical qualities, which are just the extra special touch.
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1. FISHER COAT| Reformation
Made with deadstock materials in LA. This 31.5” black wool blend coat is a keep forever piece, the classic cut and materials will never go out of style.
2. SUNDAY TOTE IN BEIGE| Angela & Roi at ethica
Angela & Roi makes vegan handbags and donate $5 to a medical charity for each bag sold. According to ethica: “with roots in South Korea, the co-founders work with ILO-compliant manufacturers in the country, where local laws and its U.S. trade agreement offer strong labor protections”. The label also includes ribbons on their products and packaging to help raise awareness about the causes they support. May I say: “I want one”?
3. CITRUS ORANGE ORGANIC LIQUID SOAP| Dr. Bronners
A biodegradable vegetable-based soap that can be used not only in the shower, but for dishes, laundry, mopping, as toothpaste and even as ant spray! We like this because most of the ingredients are of natural origin, which makes it highly biodegradable. Some people believe this means they can use it in natural water sources when traveling or backpacking, but even biodegradable soaps can pollute, so we do not recommend this use. We also love the citrus scent for body care products and the best part: it’s not artificial scent!
Ingredients: Water, Organic Coconut Oil*, Potassium Hydroxide**, Organic Orange Oil, Organic Olive Oil*, Organic Hemp Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Lemon Oil, Organic Lime Oil, Citric Acid, Tocopherol. * CERTIFIED FAIR TRADE INGREDIENT. ** None remains after saponifying oils into soap and glycerin
4. ABSOLUTE ROSE CANDLE | Malin+Goetz
We love Malin+Goetz not only because of the incredible aromas, but because this family owned NYC business was born to create an alternative for people with sensitive skin, creating a line of natural ingredients products that are universally loved. This candle has Moroccan rose oil. Read more about the company’s philosophy here.
5. BLACK GLAM CLUTCH| Palestyle
Palestyle makes luxury handbags with Arabic calligraphy messages. The company is based in Dubai and its social mission is to empower refugee women with job opportunities in Lebanon and Palestine. This clutch is made with real leather, gold plated accents and can be made to order with any of the following messages: Secret of Your Beauty, Magic of Your Eyes, So Adorable, Like An Angel and Charming as the Moon.
6. UNITY BRACELET| Emi & Eve
Emi & Eve is made with ammunition remains in Cambodia by local artisans. Through the exquisite designs of Cassandra Postema, symbols of destruction are turned into beautiful pieces that remind us we can find treasures in the most unexpected places. Read our interview with the designer here.
7. PINK ARTISAN® DESIGN MIXER| Kitchen Aid
This mixer is part of a partnership with Susan G. Koman® to create a pink appliance line, an initiative to raise awareness about breast cancer and a symbol of support in addition to the monetary contribution the company makes to the foundation. Check out the charity’s assessment here.
8. PIPER SUNGLASSES| Warby Parker
Warby Parker partners with nonprofits to provide glasses to people in need while offering a high quality product at reasonable prices. Read our full review of the Warby Home Try On program.
9. LIPBALM HOLIDAY GIFT SET| eos
We like companies that disclose their full list of ingredients, eos lip balm is made almost completely with natural origin ingredients, many of which are organic. We believe that limiting the quantities of synthetic components in our beauty products can help us look and feel better. It’s nice to know that the flavors you are tasting are not artificial, but actually produced with real fruit and herb extracts. This set of 3 comes with Vanilla Bean (limited edition), Pomegranate Raspberry and Sweet Mint flavors. Here is the list of ingredients for the Sweet Mint flavored eos lip balm:
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil*, Beeswax (Cire D’abeille)*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*, Stevia Rebaudiana Leaf/Stem Extract*, Tocopherol, Limonene**, Linalool**. *Organic. **Component of Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil*. Certified Organic by Oregon Tilth.
10. ESSENTIAL STARTER KIT| Malin+Goetz
This is a great way to get you started with Malin+Goetz and sample their best products, excellent for the gym and traveling. The set includes each of the following 1 oz. bottles: Grapefruit Face Cleanser, Vitamin E Face Moisturizer, Bergamot Body Cleanser, Vitamin B5 Body Moisturizer, Peppermint Shampoo and Cilantro Conditioner.
11.0NORA IN GOLD CLUTCH| Emi & Eve
A small clutch with a statement golden touch.
12. LEERON SKIRT| Amour Vert at Revolve
We like the classic cut of this skirt, a definite wardrobe basic. This relaxed fit skirt is made in the USA amd the fabric is a blend of organic cotton and spandex.
13. DIRTY GRL LUCKY TROLL DOLL VEGAN BAR SOAP| Helpsy
Vegan soap handmade in New York City for the eternal Troll collector (the hair color is a surprise).
Ingredients: rainbow blossom fragrance, jojoba oil, glitter exfoliant, coconut Oil, palm Oil, safflower oil, glycerin (kosher, of vegetable origin), purified water, sugar moisturizer, and oat/ soybean conditioner.
14. WOMEN’S BELLE BLACK HAT| Pachacuti
A wool felt at made in Ecuador. Pachacuti was the first Fair Trade certified (WFTO) company and it offers a good variety of hats for men and women. This one reminds us of old Hollywood glamour but we’d wear it to the store any day.
15. LEMONGRASS MINT BODY OIL| Mullen and Sparrow
We love Mullen and Sparrow because they manufacture in Brooklyn with all natural ingredients, their products don’t contain any preservatives, artificial color or fragrance and they use recyclable packaging. Citrus scents and mint are also one of our little secret pleasures.
Ingredients: Helianthus annuus (sunflower) oil*, tocopherol (vitamin e), essential oils of: Mentha spicata (spearmint)*, Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass)* * Organic
16. FLORA DORADA COMB | Nomadista
Each one of these comb is one of a kind, since they are handmade. Valentina Rosenthal jewelry is made in Chile by local artisans with gold-silver-plated brass and stone beads.
17. ARGAN OIL MASCARA| Josie Maran
Josie Maran specialized in argan oil products, trying to reduce the use of traditional make up synthetic additives for natural ones, while keeping the product’s required performance. This product is made of 91% natural ingredients and has proven to perform very well in consumer studies.
Ingredients: Aqua (Water)**, Cera Alba (Beeswax)**, Sucrose Stearate**, Propanediol**, Cetearyl Alcohol**, Oryza Sativa Bran Cera (Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax)**, C18-36 Acid Triglyceride**, Acrylates/Ethylhexyl Acrylate Copolymer, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyethylcellulose**, Myrica Pubescens Fruit Cera (Myrica Pubescens Fruit Wax)**, Silica**, Panthenol, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil*, Ethylhexylglycerin, Laureth-21, Glycerin**, Bambusa Vulgaris Extract (Bambusa Vulgaris Leaf/Stem Extract)**, Potassium Sorbate**. May Contain: Iron Oxides (CI 77499)**. *ORGANIC. **NATURAL
18. HELPSY PINK SKULL PIGGY BANK| Helpsy
If, like us, you never got over the obsession with skulls that started in 8th grade, this is the perfect addition to your skull collection. Any like-minded friend would love this as much as they love your skull tattoo. Additionally, $5 from each product sold is donated to Planned Parenthood ♥
19. LIGHTWEIGHT MERINO RUN ANKLET SOCKS | Patagonia
Made in USA with Chlorine-free 53% merino wool, 45% nylon and 2% spandex performance socks great for men and women.
20. WHITE ORGANIC COTTON MEN’S T-SHIRT| The White T-Shirt Co
For the man who has everything, except for a luxury plain white t-shirt. This is definitely a special touch to a basic wardrobe. Made with GOTS certified organic cotton and shipped in eco-friendly packaging, this is the best white t-shirt you could ever give to your loved one.
21. KODAL KNITWEAR SEED STITCHED HAT| Kaight
Handmade in Brooklyn, NY, this piece is made of 50% wool and 50% alpaca, we like the color and the fit and the fact that it’s reversible. A winter street style must.
22. KATE TOP| Reformation
A basic viscose black top with a naked back made in Los Angeles. Versatile, timeless and chic, we can’t get enough of Reformation.
23. THE FINGERLESS GLOVE| Everlane
Touchscreen friendly, made with Merino wool in Hong Kong by Mr. Chu’s factory.
24. DAMASK STRIPE WHITE DOWN KING PILLOW| Royal Luxe
Made in USA, 100% downproof cotton and hypoallergenic fill.
25. DARK SLATE CORK OPEN HEEL | The Acey
The black ankle strap sandal has become a classic piece that fits every situation, giving you a touch of timeless elegance. These one in particular are special because it’s made with soft cork, rubber sole and a wooden heel. It is hand-made in Los Angeles and it takes approximately 20 hours to craft. Completely vegan and made in the USA for superior manufacturing accountability. The Acey has a very sophisticated line that you need to check out right now.
26. SEWING BUNDLES| Offset Warehouse
These bundles are made with the intention of realizing the value of clothes: time, skill and practice are key to garment making and what better way to help yourself and your crafty friends appreciate the value of clothes than their own cute sewing gift set? Hurry to get it on time!!
27. DAVID AND GOLIATH by Malcom Gladwell | Amazon
David and Goliath is a book about finding your biggest strengths in what could superficially be seen as a weakness. Several stories, including the biblical tale, help us understand the meaning of hidden advantages and help us re-evaluate our self-imposed disadvantages.
28. THE CHARISMA MYTH by Olivia Fox | Amazon
Personal favorite – Yarina: I loved this audiobook as it tackles many areas that are crucial in the world of business but that I had never seen treated this openly before. Under the premise that charisma is not only an innate virtue but that, as many other skills, it can improve over time, the author takes you through many of her experiences coaching high level executives and gives detailed and specific advice about on how you can improve your personal magnetism, which can help you dramatically in your personal life and career. An excellent guide to keep being a nerd, just one that people will like more.
I prefer audiobooks, since they are an excellent way to learn while you work out, cook or drive. This book was my hiking partner for about a month and definitely made it better. If you are still a paper lover, here is the paperback version.