SUSTAINABLE GIFT GUIDE: FOR HIM
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Men are often impossible to buy for. If they need it they buy it and if they want it they’ve probably already got it! So I thought I’d help with some suggestions for items which I know would go down well in the men I know’s Christmas stockings, which support independent and ethical brands and are ultimately useful for everyday life.
It’s important to note — Christmas does encourage mass-consumption which sees us often purchasing and buying items that are unnecessary, will go unused and unfortunately often thrown away, all for a quick thrill or the panic of trying to please. Buying presents for the sake of buying presents is something I try to avoid, whilst simultaneously wanting to treat my friends and family! These days I think it’s getting easier to take this approach as the general public becomes more aware of waste and excess. When it comes to Nick, I’ll give him a couple things which I know he’ll use (or *cough* that I want him to *cough*) wear and love to unwrap — even though he’s more about the food when it comes to Christmas! While the items I’ve outlined below are new, I’m also a big second-hand shopper when it comes to purchasing anything so whilst I can’t put these items in a gift guide for you to see, I definitely urge you to check out your local charity shop and see what you might be able to find. I took the New York times on a charity shop spree this time last year and some of the items we found still had their tags on!
I hope this gives you some inspiration and helps if you’re tearing your hair out on where to start with your gifts this year!
Finisterre Fisherman Beanie
This hat once belonged to me, however was quickly “borrowed” by Nick and it hasn’t left his head since. Finisterre have had sustainability ingrained into the brand since the start and as well as this must-have beanie, carry a great selection of menswear.
Ecoalf Wild Sherpa Backpack
I discovered Ecoalf when I was in Germany to launch East by West a few years ago and it’s been a brand I’ve loved — for both myself and Nick — ever since. The quality is amazing, the pieces are really made to last, and the brand has great ethics too. This backpack is big enough to fit everything in and stylish enough that it can be worn anywhere.
AllBirds Men’s Wool Runner-Up Mizzles
AllBirds are brilliant and the brand’s “Mizzles” are the perfect UK trainer. The wool upper makes them cosy as can be and the clever inbuilt bio-based water repellent shield means they are splash proof — an essential in British weather.
2204 Candles
A candle at Christmas is a signature; however, ensuring you’ve got something that isn’t going to fill your house with nasty chemicals is essential. 2204 Candles are 100% vegan, cruelty-free and sustainable. The soy wax candles are formulated with scented oils and come in fully recyclable packaging.
Pela Phone Case
The world’s first 100% compostable phone case. They look good, do the job and are eco-friendly too! The brand was built on a desire to create a waste-free future. The phone cases are made from “Flaxstic” material, an innovative plant-based material that is flexible but with no unnecessary bulk. It is a starch-based biopolymer combined with flax straw “waste” for added strength and it is free from BPA, lead, cadmium and phthalates. The low-impact manufacturing process used at Pela also means that fewer greenhouse gas emissions are produced than with traditional plastic.
Giesswein Slippers
When it comes to mooching around the house, we can all agree that comfort is key. Giesswein use a 3D Knit Technique to ensure their slippers are soft and flexible. The slip-free sole, made from natural rubber, has been dyed with food colouring for a pop of colour.
Colorful Standard Boxers
When it comes to stocking fillers, nothing quite goes down as well as a pair of boxers! And no pair of boxers is as well received as an organic cotton pair! Colorful Standard, who do the best colour selection of sweaters and hoodies, also have quite the array of coloured boxers — go navy for classic or bright orange for someone who’s a bit more daring when it comes to what’s underneath.
Brothers We Stand
I’ve only recently discovered Brothers We Stand, who work to three principles — ethical production, designed to please and created to last. The brand, which is a menswear-only retailer, has a brilliant edit of sustainable men’s pieces alongside their own-brand creations. I’ve got my eye on a Silverstick Hoodie for Nick which I know he’d wear till it had holes in but if you’ve got someone who’s impossible to buy for, I guarantee an e-voucher for this store would be very well received.
The Level Collective Bamford Tee
A step-up on gifting socks, a simple t-shirt is usually a well received gift on which you simply can’t go wrong. The Level Collective’s products are made from natural, organic and recycled materials to minimise impact on the planet.
Everlane ReNew Short Parka
Nick and I spend A LOT of time dog-walking, as those with dogs will be able to sympathise with. That means cold, windy, wet nights walking around in the dark so a jacket that can withstand the elements that are thrown at it is always a winner. This one from Everlane is made from 100% recycled polyester layered with 100% recycled PrimaLoft insulation.
Mauli Nourish Post-Shave & Beard Oil
For those whose men in their families decided to grow a lockdown beard (FYI also good for post-shave for anyone going back to the office next week!). This beard oil heals and soothes irritated skin naturally, with oils of moringa, sweet almond, coconut oil and other powerful ingredients.
Orasay
Restaurant Gift Voucher
It’s no secret that the hospitality industry has had a tough year and could do with some support more now that ever before. A gift voucher to your favourite local and independent restaurant is not only a great one to receive but is also supporting your local economy and community. If you’re not sure where to start, some of my (London) favourites include Orasay, Santo Remedio and Trullo.
Jasmine Hemsley Gift Card
A Jasmine Hemsley gift card could be just the thing for a picky man, so he can treat himself to a sound bath for every mood or an exclusive Tongue Tingler.
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Patch Plants
And finally….for the man who really has it all: give him the gift of life, or one to look after! Nobody (or nobody I’ve met) dislikes plants and so a tropical house plant, to bring some greenery into the home, is a brilliant gift for someone who’s a bit fussy.