Ethical Gift Guide For Late Holiday Shoppers

No gift is better than time spent with loved ones, especially in a year marked by global turmoil, but it can also be great to get someone you love something they will love! It’s extra special when a gift can match someone’s values, but finding ethically made products can be tough these days. In the era of planet-spanning supply chains, it can be impossible to know if the people making what you buy were treated or paid fairly. When we’re giving gifts and setting intentions for the new year, it helps to know whatever we give is contributing to making the world a better place.

The good news is there are great solutions to help make ethical gift-giving both easy and fun. You can make your own present, buy something that’s ethically and sustainably sourced, or go to an ethical marketplace. Here are some options for each:

Homemade with Love

It’s hard to beat homemade. And you don’t have to be creative! There are loads of blogs with incredible suggestions: who would’ve thought of these miniature concrete planters for water-saving air plants?

Sustainable Cooks has an excellent how-to for lotion bars that can help ease the dry skin that comes with winter temperatures (even if, like me, you live in sunny California).

Even if you’re going the homemade route, though, chances are you’ll need ingredients. Those supply chains can be pretty obtuse for common goods that aren’t locally sourced, like coconuts (for many in the US, anyway). And no one wants to contribute to harm if you can avoid it.

Dignity Coconuts is one such supplier. They provide raw, ethically-sourced coconut oil. The company goes beyond fair trade, offering training and a cooperative model that directly involves farmers. They have 15oz jars of raw coconut oil for cooking (also perfect for homemade lotion bars!) and a few different coconut oil-based lip balms—a stellar stocking stuffer! There’s also a body care kit with a smaller jar of oil for skin care, lip balm, and a shower brush.

And finally, you can’t go wrong with food: a few easy-to-make confections include old-fashioned fudge and Peppermint bark—just don’t forget your fair-trade or directly traded chocolate from companies like Manoa, based in Hawaii, the only state where cacao can grow naturally, that produce all kinds of delightful candies. There are dozens of others around the world listed at Slave Free Chocolate, which only lists companies that refuse to partner with any organizations complicit in labor abuse.

The chocolate industry is notorious for its abuse of workers, but something that brings so much joy should never be made with the suffering of others. Thankfully, there are plenty of resources to find ethically-made chocolate.

Wear Your Values on Your Sleeve

Designers like Bethany Yellowtail, an Indigenous woman who founded her own line and store, are incredible. Yes, you can wear native-made clothes if you aren’t native, as the site preemptively answers their most common FAQ. Ceremonial regalia, of course, is definitely not okay and isn’t sold at B. Yellowtail or just about any Indigenous-run shop.

There are so many options available, though. This “Stand in Your Power” sweatshirt or tee would be a particularly special gift for a Native friend in your life, but it’s a great message for anyone. Or, if you’re looking for something elegant, this satin dress or camisol is absolutely gorgeous. Be sure to get your order in by Dec 14th, though, to be sure you’ll have it by Christmas Day!

For a broad array of practical supplies and apparel, Uncommon Goods seeks out artisans and craftspeople throughout the world and creates a simple marketplace to make those accessible. One of the first Certified B Corporations, they’ve been a consistent advocate for higher wages and paid family leave in New York, in addition to providing their values-forward marketplace. A few cool options include a custom pet embroidered sweatshirt, where you can get a design made with the visage for your favorite fluffball!

Discovered Artisan Goods is a similar organization. They have a global set of over 70 artisans that produce hand-made goods. Discovered is part of the Artisan Alliance, which helps connect craftspeople to markets around the world. Discovered has an exceptional selection of all types of jewelry, like this Sterling Silver Amethyst-Garnet-Peridot ring. There’s also an array of home goods like this azure quilt made in India.

And finally, gift-giving doesn’t have to involve any product at all! OXFAM’s Donation Shop offers an array of cards and donations for all sorts of causes. You can donate on a friend’s or loved one’s behalf to grow more food or help end violence against women. Perhaps rather than buying goods this year–you can bring some good into the world.