Christmas over the years has gone from being a religious festival only for families willing to celebrate Jesus’ birth to a holiday of extreme materialism with most only caring about the superficial art of gift giving. Well sense its apparently the season of giving not receiving, why not give a gift that also gives back? Spend your money on a gift for friends that inspires good for the world.
For the Foodie
- As we know, animal agriculture is a leading cause of climate change. Excite your friends to eat healthier by picking them up a cookbook that helps our environment. There are so many amazing vegan cookbooks on the market. Whether your friend eats gluten free, raw or even carnivorous get them a compilation of recipes that does not harm our earth or its inhabitants! My favorites are Thug Kitchen, Vegan Comfort Classics and 15 minute vegan.
For your nature loving friend
- Save the bees! We have been hearing this for the last couple years now, but how can you really help? Adopt a beehive! A unique and thoughtful gift, by adopting you will be supporting environmental and education projects that help research new sustainability methods to help our honey bees.
Your active friend
- Every gym rat needs a yoga mat! But here’s the thing, most mats are made with PVC. PVC is a plastic that cannot be recycled due to the high toxins made with it. Get your friend a mat that is only made from the good stuff- like cork. Cork Yogi makes a mat with a mission; with every mat sold it ensures a training course for victims of human trafficking.
The homebody
- Every homebody needs a few candles to light on cold winter nights. Your friend will love this one– made with soy wax, recycled glass and a cotton wick this candle is sustainable and cozy. Not only do they ethically make their products, but they also give a portion of the proceeds to underdeveloped countries to help them develop solar power.
Beauty Lover
- For the lover of all things beauty in your life try snagging Lush’s Charity Pot. It is a self preserving body lotion that gives 100% of its price (minus taxes) to grassroots businesses that are working to prevent environmental destruction and fight climate change.
If you are going to participate in gift giving this year, try giving a gift that is not based off pure materialism. There are plenty of brands that support and give back to communities and organizations that are trying to make the world a better place. You should start this Christmas.
What are some of your favorite companies who give back? Share in the comments your favorite sustainable and practical gift ideas!