12 sustainable gift ideas – our 2018 Christmas Gift Guide
Published 30 November 2018
Sustainable Christmas Guide 2018
For those of us who care about environmental sustainability, as the climate reports and real-life consequences of climate change get more terrifying each year, it can feel harder and harder to justify engaging in a mindless bout of consumerism each Christmas.
Christmas though is primarily a time for family and friends, and there’s no denying the warm fuzzies you get when watching the ones you love open your well thought out gifts on Christmas morning.
Fortunately, there are a wide range of awesome businesses who create products that are sustainable, ethically made and locally sourced – and we sell many of them at our EcoShop!
Our Front of House heroine Rose lives and breathes Sustainability Trust values and scours the internet to find the very best NZ businesses selling sustainable products. Rose has kindly helped us put together this list of 12 gift ideas to help you find the very best sustainable goodies for your loved ones this Christmas:
Underwear from Nisa or Thunderpants ($28 - $36) – underwear is a classic Christmas gift if you're after a guaranteed winner, and for good reason - you can never have too many pairs of undies. These are two of the best in the business for NZ-made underwear with a story you can get behind.
Soaps by Ethique or Underground Soapery ($7 - $25) – great stocking stuffers, and another safe bet for a gift for a wide range of people. NZ made and from businesses with responsible business models are icing on the cake.
Donate a drape by Sustainability Trust ($20 or $50) – a new initiative from us, your donation helps our curtain experts find, collect, sew and deliver custom-made, good quality, lined curtains to families that need them.
Tree Gifts NZ Singles ($50) – new in this year, you can buy a loved one a sapling of a variety of trees – Kowhai, Lemon, Lime, Camellia and Olive are all available – which they can plant outside for a lifetime of enjoyment.
Māori alphabet blocks by Uncle Goose ($89) - with striking artwork, sustainably sourced wood and use of te reo Māori alphabet, these make a stunning and relevant gift for a kiwi kid.
KeepCup ($13 - $36) – a reusable coffee cup is an increasingly popular first step to reducing personal single-use plastic waste. Help a loved one start their journey with a KeepCup – available in a range of sizes.
Azure Ellis Earrings ($24) – made from recycled L&P plastic bottle (approximately 10 earrings per 1.5L bottle), these abstract flower earrings are unique and truly one of a kind.
Green Toys ($24 - $70) – Often kids’ toys are just lumps of plastic – so why not make sure they’re recycled? These are made 100% out of recycled plastics (milk and yoghurt containers) and toys range from a Toolbox to a Sandpit Kit Set
‘What Did I Even do This Year?’ journal by Moon Turtle ($13) – sometimes it’s good to take some time to reflect – Wellington-based Moon Turtle have made this neat journal that makes a great gift for anyone, young or old.
Wishbone bike RE ($275) – this awesome push-trike is the perfect gift for an adventurous littl’un. Made from 100% recycled plastic, it adjusts to be suitable for ages from 12 months to 5 years old. Now if only they came in adult sizes…
Flight of Pollen ($40) & Cloak of Protection ($80) - Kakariki Games – The educator behind these games has come with up with two eco-board games with a NZ twist. Fun for the whole family
Defender Laptop case – made in NZ, these recycled bags make for practical and sustainable gifts. Made from old vinyl billboards, 100% of their profits go to help vulnerable children.
Plenty there for you to sink your teeth into! All of the above are available online or in-store at our EcoShop on Forresters Lane. Remember - use the code xmas10 to save 10% on all orders over $100...
Don't forget, our Christmas market is on Saturday 1st December from 11am-3pm at our EcoCentre where many of our favourite local businesses will be with a stand to sell their amazing products. Don't be shy - come along and say hi!