I’m a sucker for online *window* shopping ethical and sustainable brands that I KNOW are just way out of my price range. From conversations I’ve had with many of you, I know I’m not alone in this. Sometimes it can feel like supporting sustainable and ethical brands is only possible for people who don’t have to be penny pinchers.
I was hesitant to compile a holiday gift guide this year because I’ve already seen SO many, BUT I realized I hadn’t seen any specifically catered towards affordable gifts from small businesses that are champions of sustainability. ALL of these brands/businesses have a commitment to sustainable and ethical production. Many of them are also women owned, BIPOC owned, or have some kind of philanthropic mission!
Without further adieu, here is my 2020 Affordable Sustainable Holiday Gift Guide. This guide is divided into gift type (clothing, service, book, experience, etc.) and ALL items listed are $30 or less. SO LET’S DO SOME SHOPPING (in a way that doesn’t hurt the planet, its people, or your wallet!)
Gifts for the Fashion Lover
Of course I had to start with some sustainable fashion gifts that will make your stylish friends/fam/loved ones jump with excitement.
1. Soulful Seeds Sustainable Styling
Shameless self plug… but I HAD to include the Soulful Seeds Style Consultations! Until Jan. 1st, I am keeping these super low prices that get you a personalized style package of thrifted goodies.
This gift is perfect for a loved one who is trying to do a wardrobe update or the friend who is just getting into sustainable fashion but isn’t quite sure where to begin. First, we have a video call to discuss your budget, what you’re looking for, and sizing, and then I go out and thrift for YOU.
I have always wanted to make my wardrobe both sustainable and trendy, and never knew where to start! Signing up for this styling service has given me my new fave articles of clothing with minimal effort on my end needed, and I now have a good starting point for sustainable shopping moving forward. Thanks Zahra!!!
Alyssa Brooks, SS Sustainable Styling Customer
You can get a customized bundle of 20 clothing pieces for the price of just $25. After I present the bundle to you, you can decide which pieces you want and I will sell them to you at the price I buy them at!
If you are interested in pursuing this as a gift for a loved one, you can do so by filling out the form BELOW…. and if you have any questions you want to ask me before making the purchase, feel free to email me at soulfulseedsblog@gmail.com!
If you want to purchase a package for yourself, I don’t blame ya hehe… and you can do so HERE.
2. Backbeat Co. Seconds Sale
Backbeat Co. is a California based sustainable fashion company that prioritizes transparency in their supply chain. They have a “Seconds Sale” going on where they offer discounted prices on items that are either overstock or have minor imperfections.
They have the cutest basics with a fun twist.. if you have a friend that is into color blocking, they will LOVE this store!
AND I absolutely love how they are encouraging engagement in the secondhand economy through this sale.
3. Streetstyle Mittens
These streetstyle inspired mitts from Frank and Oak are SO cute. If I wasn’t in Texas right now, you best believe I’d be all over these! They are made with recycled polyester and are only $27!
Gifts for the Beauty/Wellness Lover
1. People of Color Nail Polish
Jacqueline Carrington started this brand for individuals similarly experiencing a lack of representation in skin tone with big nail polish brands.
All the People of Color nail polishes are non-toxic, vegan, and cruelty free…. and they are only $12 per bottle!
2. Alamar Cosmetics Lipliner
Alamar Cosmetics is a LatinX- owned beauty brand that
They have a best selling lipliner that I am just DYING to try. It’s only $12 and helps support a small WOC-owned business!
3. Reusable Makeup Remover Towel
We are leaving makeup wipes in 2020… have you heard? Get your makeup-loving loved one a reusable microfibre makeup-removing towel like this one from TALA.
4. All Things O’ Natural Conditioner
All Things O’ Natural is a Black-owned small business with handmade wellness and skincare products. Their leave in conditioner is made of quality ingredients and is the perfect nourishing treatment for ALL hair types.
Misc. Gifts + Sustainable Gifts Marketplaces
1. Better World Books
Whatever you do… don’t buy your bookworm friend/family member their gifts from Ama*on. There are so many other affordable book sellers out there that need your business!
I could talk about this site for hours. If you know me, I’ve probably sent you a link to them when talking books … I just think they are an AMAZING company. This site sells secondhand books and for every book you purchase, they donate a book to a literacy-promoting nonprofit organization!
On top of that, they offer free U.S. shipping and carbon offset options at shipping. Huge, huge fan!
2. Plants
I am fully convinced that plants are some of the best gifts out there. Get your loved one a plant baby that can brighten up their space!
Some good plants to gift that are easy to take care of are:
- Snake Plant
- Aloe
- Peace Lily
- Philodendron
3. Blk + Grn
Blk + Grn is an online marketplace selling natural and Black owned beauty, skincare, and wellness products. Check out the website!
4. Pildora
Pildora marketplace is my go-to website when I want to shop for sustainable and ethical fashion but don’t have a specific brand in mind.
They have a wide variety of clothing for men, women, and children. They also feature POC designers!
DIY Gifts
This is by far the most exciting category; I love giving and receiving gifts that have a personalized touch to them!
1. Customized Compost Bin
OK hear me out on this one. This was actually inspired by the common practice at Southern SEC schools of fraternity brothers’ dates painting coolers for the guys for Spring Formal. If it sounds like I’m speaking in another language right now, here is an example:
The guys appreciate the personalized touch to an item they make use of a TON over the weekend. I was thinking about what my “frat formal cooler” would be, and I realized that its a COMPOST BIN. Cool, I know! (lol)
You can paint or decorate a cute little can like the one below that is from Renee’s Garden. Pails like this one can be a kitchen decoration and simultaneously store food clippings before they go in an actual compost receptacle. You could also go all out and actually build your friend/loved one a compost bin- its way easier than it sounds!
Here is a simple tutorial on how to build a compost bin for a backyard. Perfect gift for your earth loving loved ones who haven’t gotten around to setting one up yet!
2. These Vibey Aesthetic Candles
If you’re on TikTok, you probably already know what kind of candles I’m referring to just by the description. Videos of these candles have been popping up ALL over my For You Page.. (the algorithm knows I’m a sucker for cheap DIYs and *quirky* house decor).
Watch this tutorial on how to make these fun candles and then get to experimenting! This would be a perfect gift for a friend who wants to get into more intentional interior design but isn’t sure where to begin.
3. Zero Waste Lemon Candles
While we are on the candle train, let’s not forget these freaking adorable zero waste lemon candles. All you need is hollowed out lemons, beeswax, essential oils, and wicks/wick holders!
These are so cute and perfect for your cottage-core, low waste, granola BFF (or to make for yourself hehe).
Follow this simple tutorial by Sustain My Craft Habit!
4. Zero Waste Beauty Products
A lot of zero waste or low waste beauty products are simple to make at home.. you just need some time and the right ingredients!
Check out all of these amazing tutorials made by my friend Kathryn, @going.zero.waste!
I hope this guide helped you find some affordable and sustainable gifts that you could give (or ask for!) this holiday season. If you have any recommendations for additions to this list, leave them in the comments and I will consider adding them!
Sending lots of love!