Gift Guide: Zero-waste gifts for an eco-friendly holiday

For holiday cheer that doesn’t turn into holiday eco-anxiety, consider giving zero-waste gifts this year.  Whether we are the giver or the receiver, sustainable gifts can help to reduce the huge impact that special occasions and holidays can have on our environment. They are simple, produce little to no waste, can be reused multiple times, and are biodegradable 

Are you looking for gift inspiration? Here is a selection we’ve carefully picked out of our best zero-waste gifts for the eco-minded people in your list. Whether you are buying something for a décor lover, the newbie, chef extraordinaire, or an eco-warrior, we've got you covered.

1. Furoshiki Gift Wraps 

With this vibrant Furoshiki wrap, you can put a new spin on the traditional presentation of your holiday gifts. These patchwork wraps, handcrafted by Afghan refugees in India from upcycled waste fabric, provide a great sustainable option when it comes to gift wrapping. Plus, they can be kept and reused by the gift recipient, making them a lovely addition to your holiday gifting.

£16.00 // BUY NOW

2. Love Pouch

If your friends or family enjoy traveling, this love pouch will help them keep track of all their valuables while on the road. Nothing says eco-friendly more than this handcrafted love pouch, which was created by Afghan refugees living in India using waste materials from industrial clothing production. This pouch makes a perfect and unique gift for your loved ones or for yourself.

£16.00 // BUY NOW

3. Upcycled Fabric Bag

For ones on the go, this roomy upcycled fabric bag, made by Afghan refugees in India, is a stylish addition. The bag is made from durable waste materials from industrial clothing production, making it eco-friendly and ideal for grocery shopping. Each one is reversible - it's patchwork pink on one side or polkadot yellow on the other - both are adorable. The straps are woven, adding a special touch of craftsmanship to this 'everyday' item. 

 £15.00 // BUY NOW

4. Wooden Cutlery Set with Embroidered Wrap

If they're just getting started with sustainable cutlery, your budding home chef will love these wooden cutlery sets in an embroidered wrap. With all of the upcoming holiday festivities, these sets made by female refugee artisans of Karen and Karenni ethnicities living in Northern Thailand are the ideal gift. Give a set to add elegance and uniqueness to their dining experience.

£16.00 // BUY NOW

5. Blue Katakuru Ikiba Coaster- Set of 4 

Can you tell that these coasters are made from local grasses and upcycled grain sacks? Anyone with a green thumb will appreciate this Blue Katakuru Ikiba Coasters crafted by Burundian refugees living in Tanzania. This four-piece set is a lovely combination of sustainability and storytelling for your home, making it the ideal eco-gift.

 £25.00 // BUY NOW 

6. Upcycled Christmas Stockings

We're particularly fond of these Upcycled Christmas stockings, which were created by Afghan refugees in India using waste materials from industrial clothing production. Give these upcycled Christmas stockings to add charm to a mantle and a handmade touch to holiday décor.

£25 // BUY NOW

6. Jan Horse the Doll 

You can never go wrong with sentimental gifts. This Jan Horse the Doll was created by Afghan refugees living in India using waste materials from industrial clothing production. Bring back childhood memories with this one-of-a-kind toy, each one as unique as the refugee women who stitched it.

£45.00 // BUY NOW

Becoming a conscious consumer and an eco-friendly gift giver yourself is just the beginning. The next step is to also ask for zero waste gifts for yourself and your household to truly make a minimal waste impact on the world.