The festive season is here! With the pandemic casting its shadow over our lives, this has been a tough year for all of us, and we can’t wait to celebrate. It is the time to be with our loved ones, tuck into desserts (gulab jamun, we’re eyeing you) and feel gratitude for all that we have. It is also a great time to choose sustainable gifts that reflect a thoughtful and conscious lifestyle.
So, here’s a guide to beautiful gifts that don’t just look good, they are full of goodness in what they are made of and how they are made.
Source: Kokoatrait
Sustainable clothing brands source ethically, minimize the usage of resources, use recycled water, and pay their artisans’ fair wages.
Chocolates: We all know that gifts without chocolate for that dessert loving friend are incomplete. Luckily, there are quite a few homegrown chocolate brands that are whipping some great flavours. Kokoatrait — India’s first zero-waste vegan chocolate brand has some interesting flavours like Masala Chai Dark Chocolate, Lavender Dark Chocolate, Ginger and Cinnamon, etc. Even the chocolate packaging is made from reclaimed cotton from garment factories and reclaimed cocoa shells. Well, it sounds like you can make a difference, one chocolate at a time!
Skincare: Got a friend who loves splurging on skincare products? We think you should go for cruelty-free brands. Brownie points for brands that are also using recycled plastic for packaging. The immediate thought that comes to our mind when we think of a sustainable skincare brand is Earth Rhythm. From zero-waste accessories to makeup and skincare range — it is a certified non-toxic and cruelty-free brand. Tip: Pick their face masques, and your friend will love them. You can also check out other brands like Pahadi Local, Daughter Earth, and Juicy Chemistry.
Source: P-Tal
Home decor accents: Nothing warms a heart up like home decor, and if you’ve got a home-decor-loving fam, we know just the thing! Many Indian decor brands work with artisans and pay them fair wages to handcraft decor accents. For instance, P-Tal is working with the Thathera community of Jandiala Guru, Amritsar, to strengthen India’s only UNESCO-listed craft. These artisans hand-make kitchenware and cookware from brass, using their traditional craft-form. Also, brands like Okhai, Differniture, and The Retyrement Plan are crafting decor accents that are beautiful and sustainable.
Sustainable clothing: Got a fashion enthusiast in your circle that loves to shop? Perhaps, you can get them to move to slow-fashion or eco-friendly brands. Sustainable clothing brands source ethically, minimize the usage of resources, use recycled water, and pay their artisans’ fair wages. Ilamra is a Hyderabad-based label that uses 100% organic cotton to craft clothing and hair accessories. Looking for casuals? Cancelled Plans is one label that has got to be on your list. This label collects plastic, used condoms, billboards and aluminum waste, upcycles them, and produces bags, sweatshirts, and t-shirts. Psst., they’ve collaborated with Aditi Rao Hydari, who has designed some adorable sweatshirts. You can also check out other Indian brands like Doodlage, Siesta O’Clock, and Vanaras.
Condiments: We know that cooking enthusiasts treasure their spices and condiments collection. If you’ve been meaning to gift items like organic honey, coffee, or even cheese — go for Indian brands. Kashmir-based Himalayan Cheese advocates fair trade and socio-economic development; they produce cheddar, Kalaari cheese, gouda, and many more. Picking coffee? Araku Coffee works with the tribes folk of Araku, involving them in every step of the process. NE Origins — an online store based out of the North-East that sells organic honey, chili, turmeric, etc., is worth checking out.
Source: Monsoon & Chai
Scented candles: Scented candles lift our spirits like nothing else! Indian brands are now producing vegan and organic candles in slow-batches. The best part is they involve artisans to handcraft or hand-paint candle jars that are reusable. We’ve got a thing for Monsoon+Chai’s scented soy candles; every candle is handmade, painted, and hand-poured. You might just fall in love with their Coconut Shell scented candle or Summer Nectar.
Book rental membership: Can’t decide which book to pick for that bookworm of your gang? Well, we think they’ll appreciate a membership or an annual subscription to a local book rental store instead. If you’re unable to find any offline book rental stores, you can check out Champaca Bookstore, which offers book subscriptions and delivers across India. Also, their subscription themes keep changing, making it exciting for any book lover out there.
Source: Aarka
Jewelry: We’ve all got those friends who love their trinkets dearly, and for a reason. Thinking of giving them a little something? The answer lies in jewellery brands that are upcycling brass, wood, and other items that generally lead to wastage. Spotted on celebrities like Mallika Dua, Jacqueline Fernandes, Sobhita Dhulipala — Aarka is a jewellery brand that works with artisans from Jaipur to handcraft hypo-allergenic jewellery from brass. They produce only 20-25 pieces in every design to avoid wastage or overconsumption. Another Indian brand, Madiha Jaipur recycles wood and brass to craft their jewellery. They are sustainable throughout the process of sourcing, upcycling, design, and production.
Plants: The best thing about plants is everyone appreciates them. This gifting season, pick some air-purifiers or indoor plants to cheer your loved ones. If they’ve got a work desk at home — succulents are a great selection. Besides, they’re low-maintenance. You can head over to your local nursery and take your pick. Otherwise, you can check out MyBageecha for some green beauties online. From cactus and bonsai to shrubs and creepers, they offer a wide range of plants and pots. They also sell garden decor and essentials to go along with the plants.
Now, those were some sustainable gifting ideas. While you are at it, don’t forget to opt for paper or recycled packaging for your gifts. Also, do tell us what caught your interest or how you spin good gifts yourself.
