Ethical and Sustainable Gift Ideas to Add to Your Shopping List

Whether you’re shopping for an upcoming birthday, special event, or the holiday season, getting the perfect gift for the person you care about is a wholesome exchange that leaves us grinning from ear to ear. But when we travel to our local stores or shop online, we notice something odd: a handful of brands dominate the market.

While this may seem trivial on its surface, how many organizations go above and beyond their duties to provide ethical products that keep our planet safe? If you’re an individual who wants to make someone’s day with the perfect present without contributing to pollution and toxicity, here are the ethical gifts you must consider!

Pajamas and Nightwear

Have you heard about the common interest that unifies all humans, regardless of their age or geographical locations? Comfortable pajamas and nighttime clothing! After a long day in the office and wrangling the kiddos, climbing into bed wearing soft and delicate pajamas soothes your soul like a fresh cup of steamy coffee on a brisk winter morning.

When shopping for clothing, pay special attention to the materials used to craft the article. Although we would like to imagine that our clothing does not harm Mother Nature’s delicate ecosystem, the opposite is true. As a rule of thumb, avoid pajamas and nighttime apparel that uses the following materials:

• Conventional cotton
• Acetate
• Polyester
• Wrinkle- and static-free blends
• Rayon

Beauty and Makeup Sets

Ethically-sourced beauty gift sets for women are a brilliant addition to any shopping list this holiday season. Nothing says “I’m ready to tackle the world” than a woman wearing an elegant combination of makeup and cosmetic products. Although her natural beauty shines through in each moment, a fresh face of makeup helps her feel her best when times become challenging.

While most individuals understand how toxic certain makeup materials can be for their skin and complexion, they often ignore the environmental damage that popular products inflict on their immediate surroundings. From packaging contents to the accessories contained within the box, makeup perpetuates pollution and unnecessary waste. Readers who want to make the woman in their life smile with boundless joy need to consider products that utilize biodegradable materials and avoid animal testing.

Bathtime Goodness

Relaxing in the tub with a glass of wine to unwind from a stressful day is a treat that millions of individuals around the globe enjoy each night. Combine this activity with a few episodes of your favorite online series, and you’re just shy of achieving nirvana from the comfort of your restroom.

A creative gift that makes this experience even more enjoyable is introducing organic and ethical products into your nighttime bath routine. The benefit of using these products is twofold: you’re using naturally-occurring materials straight from the heart of Mother Nature, and you’re healing inflammation and tension trapped in the deep recesses of your aching muscles. If you’re struggling to get started, consider using these all-natural components:

• Epsom salt
• Flower petals
• Lavender
• Honey
• Sage
• Palo Santo

Combining these ingredients into a homemade bath product and giving it to a friend or loved one is the perfect addition to their self-care routine!

Chic Linen Bags

A funny part of becoming an adult is how quickly you begin to appreciate storage containers and bags. Whether you’re bustling through a busy airport this holiday season or heading out into the wilderness for an adventure, a convenient bag that holds your goods and belongings is a lifesaver!

Unfortunately, most bags sold at department stores use a combination of materials that are slowly destroying our environment for future generations. From plastics that take thousands of years to degrade to unethical manufacturing conditions, modern luggage causes more damage to our planet than we realize. Knowing this, a linen bag makes the perfect gift for the person in your life who’s always ready to hit the road and tackle a new adventure!

Oral Care

Our dental routine is often performed unconsciously at the beginning and end of the day without much thought. As long as we’re able to remove food, sugar, and tartar from the surface of our teeth, we’re happy. But when we examine our toothbrushes, dental floss, and other oral tools, we make an alarming discovery: these instruments increase our carbon footprint and wreak havoc on our ecosystem.

As an extension of our discovery, an oral-care kit with instruments constructed with organic products and ethical processes is essential. While your gifting needs will vary, here’s what to consider when purchasing an ethical kit for that special someone:

• Do the utensils contain biodegradable materials, such as bamboo?
• Does the product contain bisphenol A (BPA)?
• Is the manufacturer reputable, or do they have a history of unethical practices?
• Does the business selling these products contribute to the growing pollution problem?

By keeping these points in mind while shopping for a product, you put yourself in a better position to make the right purchase. Not only will the recipient of your gift appreciate your gesture, but their health and wellness will benefit from your actions.