Whether it's something you already have, not your style, or not your size, you’ve probably received a holiday gift that you didn’t actually want at some point in your life. You may have even ended up putting it in the back of a cupboard, or worse, throwing it away 🙁
I think we can all agree that holiday waste is... snow joke.
The great news is that low-impact gifting isn’t rocket science.
So, if you’re ready to feel lighter about the impact that your gifts will have on the planet this holiday season, here are our top tips for low-impact gifts that will make everyone and the planet holly and jolly 🎄
Tip #1: Let’s not complicate gifting — just ask what they want
The best way to make sure the gift you are giving doesn't end up in the landfill (or the cupboard) is to ask the person what they need or want. This way you ensure the gift will be used and loved for a long time.
Pro tip: Include the gift receipt.
We’re sure you are an excellent gift giver, but sometimes even when we know what the person wants, the present you pick might not be the perfect match. We’re big fans of adding gift receipts with any pressies for this exact reason.
Tip #2: Regifting
This may be a little faux pas, but if you have something that you have never opened or simply aren’t using anymore and it's in wonderful condition, why not regift it?
The key here, of course, is to make sure it’s in good condition and that the person you’re gifting it to will actually like it.
Finding something you already own at home saves you time, money, and keeps more items out of landfill. That’s a win, win, win!
Tip #3: A plant lover's dream - propagation station
House plants are all the rage and I’m sure that you have at least a few. Instead of trimming back those little baby plants that pop up, simply clip them off and stick them in some water to let them root.
Then once they have rooted, take a pot, glass jar or bowl you already own, add soil and pot the plant.
Pro tip: If you are feeling extra festive, personalise the pot with painted designs or tie a ribbon (reused, of course) around to wrap it up.
Tip #4: You can’t go wrong with baked goods
In my humble opinion, one of the best parts of the holiday season is all the freshly baked cookies, cakes and desserts.
Whip up your special recipes with love and we're sure that your friends and family won’t miss the candle you buy them every year because their bellies will be full of cookies and holiday cheer instead.
Juuuust make sure to find out any dietary restrictions before you begin baking up a storm.
Tip #5: Help them be more eco-friendly
If your friends and family are interested in starting the journey to lower their impact on the planet, there are plenty of gifts out there that will help.
For beginners, we recommend a reusable water bottle, coffee mugs, food storage containers, bags or, loose tea and a steeper.
These are all very easy ,plastic-free swaps to single-use items we use every day.
For intermediates, we suggest a compost bin for their counter. Composting helps to reduce methane gas emitted from rotting food.
Tip #6: Gift a bike
Looking for a bigger gift? If your friend or family member is interested in lowering their emissions (and getting a workout in along the way), a bike is a great gift! Check out platforms like TradeMe or Ebay for pre-loved options that help the planet and your wallet.
Another low-impact pressie idea that can help someone get from point A to B, is to purchase a public transportation pass to help reduce their car use.
Tip #7: Donate your gift allowance
There are always people and animals out there that need our help.
You can combine the money that you and your family or friends would’ve spent on gifts this year and donate it. Contact your local community centre or non-profit organisations, they are sure to have programs during the holiday season for you to help other community members in need.
Tip #8: Cool and casual - Metal water bottles
A classic and well-loved low-impact present is a metal water bottle! Not only are they stylish and practical, but they help limit plastic use. There’s a staggering number of single use plastic bottles discarded every day, so gifting metal bottles is a sustainable and reusable replacement (and it actually keeps your drink cold)!
Tip #9: Made with love – Handknit scarf
This is more than grandma’s go-to: hand making any sort of garment would make anyone feel appreciated and cared for!
Not only is this gift idea super sustainable, but it also keeps its wearer warm and less likely to need to crank up the heat, which is not only better for the environment but also for your electricity bill!
Tip #10: The gift that causes a buzz – Beeswax wraps
Sustainable packaging that is also aesthetically pleasing? Sign me up! These wraps serve as a low impact swap for plastic wrap for food storage.
These wraps are reusable, and you can pick from a large variety of colors and patterns, meaning you can personalize them depending on the person you’re gifting to!
Tip #11: Show of a lifetime – An experience
Whether it’s a concert, festival, or even a pottery class, gifting someone an experience is an amazing and unique way to show people you care.
There are so many different experiences you can give your loved one, and we recommend getting electronic versions of tickets so there isn’t any paper waste!
Tip #12: That’s my jam – Homemade preserves
Pickles, jams, sauces – oh my! The way to a person’s heart is through their stomach, so get out those mason jars!
Creating homemade preserves is an easy and delicious low-impact gift that combines a personal touch with sustainability.
Tip #13: Bar up – Beauty bars
Give your friends and family sustainable beauty without compromising quality. You can give plastic-free, solid bars that can save space in your loved one’s bathroom (and give them great hair while they’re at it)!
Just one of Ethique’s shampoo bars replaces three full bottles of shampoo while staying plastic free, making it a great low impact present!
Tip #14: Get thrifty – Thrifted clothes or items
You can find so many great low impact gifts at antique shops and thrift stores that friends and family would love. Whether it’s a new golf cap for dad or a vintage designer dress for your BFF, thrifting is a great low impact way to find sustainable gifts!
Tip #15: For a good cause – Charitable donation
Some of the best gifts aren’t items, they’re actions! Donate in your loved one’s name to a charity or organization that you know they care about.
Not only is this gift low-impact, but it’s also a way to do good for others on a bigger scale.
We wish you a happy holiday season and hope that everyone enjoys your low impact presents!
Holiday gift guide
Get ready for a heartwarming holiday season with gifts you can feel good about. Our Ethique gifts not only brings joy to your loved ones, but also helps to make a positive impact all year round.
Once you have made your list and checked it twice, head over to our shoppable holiday gift guide.
Stocking stuffers
Minis
Available across our hair, face and body range, our minis are the perfect way to introduce someone to your go-to Ethique products. Each mini lasts up to 20 uses 💚
Lip balms
Lip balms dedicated to doing good for the planet, for people and of course, for your lips. 94% of testers agreed that lips look supple and healthy-looking when using our lip balms.
For Mum(s)
Bliss Bar face cleanser
Treat Mom(s) to the Bliss Bar gentle solid face cleanser for a gentle and luxurious skincare experience that pampers skin while promoting relaxation.
The Perfector face cream
Elevate Mom(s)'s skincare routine with The Perfector hydrating solid face cream, a creamy, deeply nourishing face cream that's perfect for balanced to dry skin, providing the ultimate hydration and protection.
For Dad(s)
Pumice, Tea Tree and Spearmint scrub bar
Help Dad(s) refresh and revitalize with the Exfoliating Pumice, Tea Tree & Spearmint soap bar. Perfect for an energizing shower and gentle exfoliation.
Tip-to-Toe shampoo & shaving bar
Enhance Dad(s)'s grooming experience with the ultimate plastic-free multitasker, Tip-to-Toe 2-in-1 solid shampoo & shaving bar. This bar offers a close shave with its soft rich later and refreshes hair.
For Him
Zesty lime & ginger soap bar
Treat him to the Zesty Lime & Ginger soap bar featuring lime and ginger essential oils for a refreshing, citrusy experience. It's perfect for both hands and body, making it an easy, sustainable choice.
Fresh Bodycare Discovery Pack
Help him find his perfect grooming matches with our Fresh Bodycare Trio Discovery Pack. It contains three refreshing minis from our body care range, including a soap-free body cleanser, an exfoliating body polish, and an aluminum-free deodorant, all designed for fresh, clean skin without the plastic waste.
For Her
Lavender & Vanilla body cream stick
Indulge her with the luxurious delight of our Nourishing Lavender & Vanilla body cream stick, scented with calming lavender and delicious vanilla, enriched with cocoa butter and glycerine for long-lasting hydration.
Lip balms
Nourish her lips with Juicy, a pink grapefruit and vanilla-scented lip balm that nourishes, leaving them soft and supple, and comes in eco-friendly, home-compostable packaging.
For Your Best Friend
Gingersnap face scrub
Give your best friend the gift of radiant skin with Gingersnap Gentle Solid Face Scrub, a bar that gently exfoliates with ginger and cinnamon, leaving their skin super-soft and glowing.
Lavender & Peppermint soap bar
Treat your best friend to the Refreshing Lavender & Peppermint Sopa Bar , scented with lavender and peppermint, for a rejuvenating experience suitable for all skin types.
For Secret Santa
Discovery Packs
Discover the perfect plastic-free gift for your Secret Santa with our Discovery Packs, offering a variety of Ethique products to help them find their ideal eco-friendly match and wonderful for travelling.
For furry friends
For all good dogs on the nice list
Bow Wow is our nourishing solid shampoo bar that helps clean and refresh fur.
For all good dogs that need something gentler
Shampooch is our unscented solid shampoo bar that helps gently cleans and softens fur.
For all good dogs that want some extra shine
Pawfector is our softening solid conditioner bar that does an incredible job to leave dog fur super soft and snuggly.
For people who have it all
Opt for a thoughtful homemade holiday card or maybe pop on your apron and bake up some festive goodies instead. For more low-impact ideas check out our low-impact gift guide.
Last minute gift
Gift cards
Our virtual gift cards are the perfect way to gift someone exactly what they would like without any additional waste, plus there is no shipping time ;)
For Ethique fans
Storage trays
Do all of their bars have a forever home? Our storage trays are not only stylish and help you tell your bars apart, they help bars last longer too.
Lip balms
Lip balms dedicated to doing good; for the planet, for the people and of course, for your lips. 94% of testers agreed that lips look supple and healthy-looking when using our lip balms.
Gift cards
Our virtual gift cards are the perfect way to gift someone exactly what they would like without any additional waste.
For Ethique newbies
Discovery Packs
The best place to start with our plastic-free range? Our Discovery Packs which are designed to help anyone find their best matches.
Fresh Body Care Trio Discovery Pack
Three refreshing body care minis to pamper your skin without the plastic waste.
Luxurious Face Cleansing Trio Discovery Pack
Three skincare minis to gently cleanse and moisturise skin. Our Luxurious Face Cleansing Trio Discovery Pack contains three pH-balanced, soap-free minis from our award-winning solid skincare range to help anyone and everyone find their perfect match before committing to anything full-size.
Have them take our hair quiz!
Our new hair quiz will help them find their perfect haircare routine and they can send you their results or screenshot them! Take our quiz.
Have any questions or need a hand selecting the perfect gift for someone? Simply email our team of Miracle Workers at hello@ethique.com or drop our team a DM on social :)
Happy Holidays🎄
-Team Ethique
