While the pandemic has seen many businesses adapt to a ‘new normal’, consumers have also changed their habits, with a strong shift towards supporting local, ethical and socially responsible brands. 

Our eco-friendly gift guide offers ideas that encourage consideration of both people and planet this festive season, from sustainably made nursery linen to businesses that give back. 

SUPPORT… THE END OF SINGLE-USE PLASTIC

WITH… ECO-FRIENDLY CERAMICS FROM POTTERY FOR THE PLANET

Based on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Renton Bishopric and Clare Botfield are on a mission to reduce plastic waste with their range of handcrafted, reusable coffee cups, mugs and bowls. The business also supports a number of environmental organisations including the Australian Marine Conservation Society.

Image: @potteryfortheplanet via Instagram

SUPPORT… HABITAT RESTORATION AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

WITH… A PERSONALISED WWF WILDCARD

The World Wide Fund for Nature offers a chance to help endangered animals and habitat with cute, printable eCards. Simply select your card, type your message and choose the amount you would like to donate on behalf of the receiver. You can also adopt a koala and orangutan – the perfect pressie for little ones.  

Image: @WWFAustralia via Instagram

SUPPORT… OPTIMAL HEALTH AND A HAPPY PLANET

WITH… AUSTRALIAN MADE SKINCARE AND VITAMINS FROM BEAR

This Byron Bay-based wellness company creates locally and ethically made skincare, vitamins and powders with thoughtful, minimal packaging. Bear closely considers its environmental impact and works with WildArk and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation.

Image: www.bearltd.com

SUPPORT… SUSTAINABLE STYLE

WITH… A SUBSCRIPTION TO PEPPERMINT MAGAZINE 

Who wouldn’t love to receive an inspirational, eco-friendly magazine in their letterbox four times a year? Filled with ethical, environmentally conscious content covering fashion, beauty and lifestyle, Peppermint has partnered with non-profit organisation One Tree Planted to plant a tree for every subscription sold.  

SUPPORT… CHARITABLE CAUSES AND CIRCULAR ECONOMY

WITH… A PRE-LOVED DESIGNER PIECE FROM WORN FOR GOOD 

TOM Organic Pitch for Purpose grant winners Pip Best and Sophie Palmer founded Worn for Good to support circular economy and offer a creative solution to manage waste in the fashion industry. They collect and curate a range of new and pre-loved designer fashion to shop online, with 100% of profits going to their three charity partners who work to improve the lives of vulnerable women and support environmental regeneration. 

SUPPORT… AUSTRALIAN PRODUCERS AND MAKERS

WITH… A CURATED GIFT BOX FROM BINDLE 

Catherine Blackford started Bindle in 2012 when she was having trouble finding locally made gifts. The brand’s carefully sourced gift boxes include a selection of Australian made, artisan products and produce, with an option to suit everyone including mother and baby-themed Bindle boxes. 

SUPPORT…LOVED ONES WHEN THEY NEED IT MOST

WITH… A VIRTUAL VILLAGE OF SUPPORT IN THE FORM OF SUSTAINABLE & HELPFUL GIFTS FROM IT TAKES A VILLAGE

Watching family and friends go through tough times and noting just how much Bolognese can be eaten in a week, founder and mum Fran Portet became convinced that a freshly mown lawn, a good dinner and an empty laundry basket could change lives. Or at the very least, take a weight off your shoulders and give you one less thing to worry about. It Takes A Village simplifies the process of collective support-giving and gifting in one online platform. 

Image: @mymilkman_aus via Instagram

SUPPORT… BIODIVERSITY AND A LOVE FOR GARDENING

WITH… A GIFT OF SEEDS FROM SOW ‘N SOW 

Mum-of-two Michelle Brady runs her seed gifting business from her studio in south-east Queensland, while Melbourne-based illustrator Daniella Germain designs the brand’s eco-friendly packaging and gift tags. Sow ‘n Sow’s handcrafted, Australian made flower presses also make a great Christmas present for nature lovers.

Image: @sownsow via Instagram

SUPPORT… ENDING PERIOD STIGMA AND MENSTRUAL INEQUITY

WITH…. HANDMADE VULVA EARRINGS FROM OUTSIDE THE BOX

This social enterprise creates handmade, taboo tackling earrings supporting service, education and advocacy around the world. 50% of all profits made going to PERIOD, a not-for-profit organisation that distributes tampons, pads and menstrual cups to those in need. 

Image: @be.outsidethebox via Instagram

SUPPORT… NEW PARENTS (OR TREAT YOURSELF)

WITH… A TOOSHIES BY TOM 12-MONTH SUBSCRIPTION

Give a new parent one less thing to worry about with a 12-month delivery of our planet-friendly nappies and baby wipes. Or gift a subscription to yourself, (because the gift of convenience is something everyone deserves). Delivered to your door via carbon-neutral delivery, subscriptions can be paused or changed at any time and an email is sent before each delivery goes out to check if your baby’s nappy size needs updating. Fully flexible subscriptions for TOM Organic pads, liners and tampons are also a great idea of gifting the monthly essentials.

Related: 12 Australian brands on our Christmas wish list