If you want to surprise someone with a personalized and sustainable gift, there are plenty of options available. In this blog, we provide gift ideas that do not impact the environment and are also affordable.
In this blog, you will find the following gift ideas:
• Sustainable clothing
• Reusable water bottles
• Eco-organic and Fairtrade foods
• Organic and natural skin care products
• Sustainable gadgets
• Sustainable gift packaging
Sustainable clothing
Sustainable clothing lasts a long time and often has a timeless design, making it a perfect gift for someone who values quality and durability. Below are some stores you can turn to for this.
TheGreenLabels
TheGreenLabels is a sustainable online shopping platform committed to making the world a better place. The company offers a wide range of products from sustainable and ethical brands. These brands are selected based on strict criteria, such as sustainable materials, fair working conditions and eco-friendly production processes.
Moreover, the company is transparent about the origin of its products and ensures minimal environmental impact by consolidating shipments and using recycled packaging, for example.
BrandMission
At BrandMission in Amsterdam you will find sustainable fashion brands with a unique story. The range includes garments made from natural fabrics such as organic cotton, wool and hemp. In addition to fair fashion, they also offer handmade jewelry and organic cosmetics.
BUUF Rotterdam
The cozy concept store BUUF is located in the heart of Rotterdam's Kralingen neighborhood. Here you will find a mix of second-hand and new items for all ages.
BUUF believes in sustainability and tries to contribute to a circular economy by reusing beautiful and quality items. In addition to children's clothing and books, the store also offers sustainable products for the home and fun gift ideas.
Want to discover more sustainable stores near you? Use the COSH! Shopping guide. ※ Only available in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Reusable water bottles
With a reusable water bottle, you quench your thirst on the go with peace of mind. Using reusable water bottles saves money and also reduces plastic waste. There are plenty of options available, ranging from stainless steel bottles to glass bottles.
Dopper
The Dopper is one of the best known reusable water bottles. It has already sold 40 million of them, removing some 125 million kg from the ocean (source: Dopper). Moreover, the Dopper Foundation supports water projects around the world, contributing to a more sustainable future for our planet.
Eco-organic and Fairtrade foods
Organic and Fairtrade foods are a delicious and responsible gift. By buying these products, you are supporting sustainable agriculture and fair trade practices. Consider organic chocolate or coffee, for example, or Fairtrade tea.
Organic chocolate - Tony Chocolonely
Tony's Chocolonely not only produces delicious chocolate, but also carries a strong message of fair trade and sustainability. The company strives to produce 100% slave-free chocolate and does so by working with farmers and suppliers and paying them a fair price for their products.
In addition, Tony's Chocolonely's packaging is made from 100% recycled material and the company is actively involved in sustainability initiatives and reducing their carbon footprint.
Pukka tea
If your friend is a real tea lover, then you're at the right place with Pukka. Pukka is known as an organic and ethical company, publicly promoting the principles of fair trade and supporting the FairWild Fair Trade program.
Herbruikbare tassen
With a reusable bag in your pocket, you'll never have to buy plastic bags while grocery shopping again. These bags reduce the amount of plastic waste and come in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials - including cotton, jute and recycled plastic.
Tote bag - Dille & Kamille
Since Dille & Kamille was founded in 1974, sustainability has been an important core value of the company. This is reflected, among other things, in the assortment that consists mainly of products made from natural materials. The Dille & Kamille tote bag is convenient, stylish and good for the environment.
Organic and natural skin care products
Organic and natural personal care products make a wonderful gift for someone who wants to take good care of themselves as well as the planet. By choosing these products, which are produced sustainably, you reduce the use of harmful chemicals. Think for example of organic soap, shampoo or face cream.
Toothpaste tablets - Smyle
With Smyle's toothpaste tablets, your radiant smile contributes to a better planet. Unlike traditional toothpastes in plastic tubes, these tablets are packaged in sustainable and compostable packaging.
In addition, these products are free of unnecessary additives and are made from natural ingredients such as sodium bicarbonate and xylitol to keep your teeth clean and healthy.
Shampoo bar - Lush
With Lush's shampoo bars, you responsibly care for your shiny locks. Instead of traditional plastic bottles, these shampoo bars are packaged in recyclable containers or even come with no packaging at all.
They are made from natural ingredients such as essential oils and fresh produce, and are free of parabens and sulfates. Moreover, they last longer than traditional liquid shampoo, which not only saves you money but also produces less plastic waste.
Conditioner bar - HappySoaps
HappySoaps' conditioner bars reduce plastic waste in the bathroom and excel at hair care.
Unlike traditional conditioners in plastic bottles, these bars are packaged in compostable paper. The product itself is made from natural ingredients such as shea butter, olive oil and essential oils. The bars are free of parabens and silicones, making them not only better for the environment, but also for your hair.
Natural deodorant - Nuud
Nuuds's Natural deodorant is an effective and plastic-free alternative to spray. Nuud is made from natural ingredients such as microsilver, coconut oil and vegetable oils. In addition, the product comes in a convenient recyclable tube.
Green soap - Marcel's Green Soap
With the sustainable soaps and cleaning products from Marcel's Green Soap, doing house skins becomes a breeze. These soaps contain no parabens, dyes and petrochemical ingredients.
Skin Food Cream - Weleda
Weleda has only 100% natural cosmetics, self-care and medicines. For example, take care of rough and dry spots with the Skin Food cream. This product is made from organic and natural ingredients, including extracts of marigold, chamomile and viola tricolor. But you can also use the brand's other products with confidence.
Sustainable gadgets
Sustainable gadgets as gifts not only make life easier, but also contribute to a better future. You can think of:
- Solar powerbanks - Solar powerbanks are a convenient way to charge devices using solar energy. Prices range from €20 to €100.
- Smart home devices - Smart home devices reduce energy consumption and provide greater convenience and security in the home. Prices vary based on the device, but average between €50 and €200.
- Smart lighting - Smart lighting reduces energy consumption and improves the atmosphere in the home. Prices vary depending on the brand and model, but average between €30 and €100.
Sustainable gift packaging
Have you found a great gift? Then it's time to think about the wrapping! Unfortunately, traditional wrapping paper creates unnecessary waste and environmental damage. Fortunately, a little creativity will get you a long way, too.
Instead of buying new wrapping paper, you can use old newspapers, magazines or paper bags to wrap your gift. You can also use natural materials such as jute, hemp or cotton to wrap your gift. This is not only sustainable, but also adds a personal touch to the gift.
If you don't have old materials at home, you can also purchase beeswax cloths or get Furoshiki at the Lush. Furoshiki is a traditional Japanese cloth used for carrying many types of gifts and goods, from books to lunches.
You can possibly give a bloom card instead of a normal greeting card. If you put the card in soil, flowers will grow from the ground. The bloom cards are available at ZoZero.nl or Levenzonderafval.com.
All of the options described can be reused by the gift recipient, reducing waste even further.
