Eco-friendly presents that are good for the planet and good for your pocket. Buying environmentally friendly gifts shouldn’t have to break the bank. It’s true that buying more ethically and sustainably can come with a price tag, but it doesn’t necessarily have to. If you know where to look, and how to look, you’ll soon discover a whole price range of unique, high-quality pieces that are just waiting to be gifted. To get you started (and save you time) we’ve put together a list of 25 eco-friendly gift ideas – starting at £10 and all under £100.
A quick sidenote: understanding the true cost
There’s no denying that goods made using sustainable and ethical practices will cost more than those that have been mass-produced quickly with the intent to drive profits. But behind the enticing price tag is a hidden cost. That is, the human and environmental costs that result from cheap fabrics, cheap labour and producing on a bulk scale.
Buy nice, don’t buy twice.
Whilst sometimes it may be harder to justify the extra pounds, it’s also important to remember that, more often than not, lower price means lower quality. Although you may save in the short term, the likelihood is, you’ll spend just as much – if not more – on buying replacements down the line. So, investing in quality at the start can actually help to save you money in the long term.
That said, we understand that buying new goods is a privilege and that it may not always be possible to spend the extra money needed. But before turning to the cheaper alternative, consider the true cost of the product and ask yourself: do you really need it?
1. Baobab Lip Balm by Organic Savanna, £10
A moisturising lip and body balm rich in omega fatty acids and Africa’s “miracle ingredient” Baobab. Plastic-free, cruelty-free and made using locally sourced, natural ingredients that are kinder to the planet and kinder to your skin. A thoughtful gift for a friend or perfect stocking filler.
2. Yellow Headband by Moto Moto, £22.50
This colourful headband is sure to brighten someone’s day and is made from “Maasai Shuka” fabric – a plaid patterned material traditionally worn by the Maasai tribe. These headbands have been created by Moto Moto using fabric leftover from their other creations – or “deadstock” – in an attempt to minimise their waste. The waste-fighting headband is available in a range of colours.
3. Linen Placemats by Love Welcomes, £28
These recycled linen placemats will brighten up your table space. The continuous circle design on these white and orange linen placemats represents inclusivity. Hand screen printed by refugee women artisans, the placemats are made using soft recycled linen and environmentally friendly water based dyes. Gift as a complete set or mix and match with other colours from the designer’s collection.
4. Rose Quartz Stud Earrings Meraki Jewellery Design - £30
Simple yet eye-catching, these stylish quartz earrings will put a sparkle in her eye. Using handcraft techniques, Meraki’s jewellery is designed to be treasured and passed down the generations – a more sustainable option than “fast fashion” jewellery. Made from sterling silver and rose quartz the earrings can be worn alone or layered with hoops and charms.
5. Jelani Ring by Dear Katiopae, £32
Handmade in Ghana, this bold, artisanal ring is made from repurposed brass. Not only can brass be recycled an infinite number of times, but the recycling process uses less energy than other metals giving it a smaller carbon footprint. Jelani means “powerful” in Swahili, making the ring a particularly thoughtful gift for a friend in need of support.
6. Black Pearl Orchid Candle by Flickerwick, £32
Made from 100% soy wax and finished with a wooden wick, this vegan-friendly candle has a deep fragrance that will fill the room with aromas of bergamot, orchid and patchouli. Hand-poured in small batches, Flickerwick uses natural and sustainable wax (as opposed to petroleum-based paraffin wax), recyclable and reusable vessels, and are free from phthalates, an industrial chemical used as a binding agent. Exclusively designed for Akojo Market, you won’t find this treasure anywhere else.
7. Handmade Large Toy Elephant by Toy Project, £35
Handstitched in South Africa, each toy is made using little more than a needle and thread, requiring much less energy than its mass-produced alternatives and designed to last longer. Bright and cheerful, this rhino makes a wonderful gift for children of all ages. And who’s to say adults won’t like them too?
8. Love Leopard Tanzanite Tea Towel by Ardmore Design, £38
Ardmore Design’s love affair with the rich flora and fauna of Africa is reflected in their efforts to design and create in a way that protects and preserves the environment. Kitchen-worthy, wall-worthy, frame-worthy. Whichever way you choose to describe the brand’s whimsical tea-towels, there’s no denying they are completely and utterly gift-worthy.
9. Cookery Set by Qäsa Qäsa - £38.55
Marrying traditional skills with modern design, QÄSA QÄSA uses local and indigenous materials to create functional, sustainably made homeware. Skilfully carved from gorgeous Tanzanian Mninga wood and African Blackwood, this unique cookery set features two wooden scoops, a jam spoon and a butter knife. Perfect for the aspiring chefs or keen foodies in your life.
10. Woven Basket Tray by Raw Label - £40
This minimalist basket tray is crafted from wild Makenge plant roots. Grown in the floodplains of Zambia’s Mongu region, the plant regenerates quickly, making it a long-term sustainable source of weaving material. From a rustic tea tray to a bohemian wall decoration, the tray can be used in a variety of ways around the house. This versatility – along with its neutral colour palette – makes it a sure fit in any home.
12. Yoshida Pottery Beaded Foot Cup by Cerani Studio - £42
Mugs make a wonderful and practical gift that can be used everyday. Finished in a unique crackle glaze, these Japanese mugs make a thoughtful gift for any tea or coffee lovers.
13. Tamegroute Ceramic Fruit Bowl by Artisans du Maroc - £45
Hand crafted by artisans in the Moroccan village of Tamegroute, this unique ceramic bowl can be used in a variety of ways around the house. We love to use it as a fruit bowl and we sure your lucky recipient will to.
14. Citron Swirl Basket / Plateau by Indego Africa - £50
A colourful basket makes an excellent environmentally gift for the home. Expertly handmade from sisal grass using traditional Rwandan weaving techniques, these unique and versatile baskets can be used as a kitchen fruit or bread bowl, table décor or simply hung on wall or placed in a bookshelf as a decorative accent.
15. Large Wooden Bowl by Raw Label - £50
Raw Label strives to be as environmentally friendly as possible by using local materials and traditional craft techniques. Carved from reclaimed Zambian Zebra wood, this large fruit bowl is finished with a sustainable beeswax based polish and is as versatile as it is beautiful. Simply wrap and let the recipient choose how they wish to use it.
16. Kaleidoscope Silk Scarf by Mantua - £55
Is there a more classic gift than a silk scarf? Mantua’s collection of scarves is the antithesis of fast fashion, designed to be worn again and again and passed on to the next generation. Chic, colourful and undeniably versatile, this 100% Chinese silk scarf is suitable for any occasion.
17. Oaxacan Clay Americano Cup by La muerte tiene permiso* - £64
Chances are you know one person in your life who is a coffee aficionado. Brighten their morning caffeine routine with these natural americano cups, handmade in Oaxacan, Mexico, using a local traditional artisanal technique called barro negro.
18. Embroidered Linen Cushions by The Milaya Project, from £65
This bright linen cushion is made using “milaya” – an intricately embroidered fabric traditionally used for dowries or celebrations in South Sudan. The Milaya Project works with female refugees living in Uganda to provide a sustainable source of income and preserve the traditional art form. Hand-sewn onto 100% linen, the cushions are a thoughtful gift for eco-friendly people and can be used both indoors and out.
19. Rahisi Chain Bracelet by Lala Salama - £68
Chunky chain bracelet full of personality and charm. Working with talented artisans in Kenya, the brand’s jewellery is made by hand using local 100% recycled materials to reduce their climate impact. The bracelet is finished with hammered detail which effortlessly catches the light giving a special touch.
19. Colourful Woven Pot Basket by Lola & Mawu, £69.99
Opt for something truly unique with this one-of-a-kind straw basket-pot. Each basket is lovingly handmade using traditional techniques that are low in energy and create high-quality results. The basket features a sustainably-sourced leather handle for comfort, but should you be looking for a vegan friend, the designer offers a naked handle option as well as a range of other colours and sizes to choose from.
20. Amalfi Coral Howlite Stud Earrings by Ottoman Hands - £75
Inspired by the enchanting colours of the Amalfi Coast, these bright stud earrings capture the spirit of ‘La Dolce Vita’. Showcasing a captivating combination of vibrant natural stones and organic textures, this artisanal pair is guaranteed to become an instant hit with gemstone jewellery lovers.
21. Masa Embroidered Striped Cushion by Oshana - £75
This striped embroidered cushion is a great house warming gift or those who love filling their home with meaningful homeware. Hand stitched by Syrian refugee women living in Lebanon, the cushion is named Masa after one of the artisan maker's daughter.
22. Grass Leaves Linen Apron by KISANY Living Linens - £90
This playful, artisan-made apron is ideal for home chefs and bakers alike. Made from 100% linen, each apron is hand-embroidered with a beautiful grass illustration. Strong, durable and biodegradable, linen improves with time and washing, making it one of the most sustainable fabrics you can choose.
22. Half Moon Carafe with 2 Cups by La muerte tiene permiso* - £98
This one's for the tequila lovers! Skilfully made by artisans in Mexico, this unique decanter is designed to hold Mezcal or Tequila and comes complete with two cups for drinking or holding salt and lime wedges. Or if Tequila's not their cup of tea, it works just as well with any other liquor, or as a sculptural water decanter.
24. Pom Pom Cotton Blanket by Artisans du Maroc - £95
This cosy tassel throw makes a wonderful housewarming present. Made from 100% cotton, the throws are handwoven on traditional wooden looms in the Atlas Mountains and complete with pom pom tassel detail. A warming versatile gift that can be used throughout the house.
25. Ceramic Candlestick Holder, Baté by Weruzo - £100
Get a gift thats stands out with this eye catching ceramic candle stick holder. Inspired by the instruments used in African folk music, its a particularly apt present for instrumentalists and musical lovers.
Still haven’t found the good environmentally friendly gift you’re looking for? Be sure to check out our range of practical gift guides – including our vegan and fair trade gifting blogs – for more inspiration.
