Sustainable Gift Guide 2020
This year, more than ever, I’ve been conscious of product sourcing. As online consumer giants and big box retailers are weathering the 2020 storm quite well, many independent businesses are struggling or closing their doors. Now is the time to support our local farmers, spend the extra effort to seek out locally-made essentials, and kick any “fast fashion” habits. Not only do we lessen our carbon footprint, but we vote with our dollars. I no longer want to be a part of perpetuating the cycle of child labor (clothing and chocolate both come to mind!) and environmentally harmful production practices. Sure, mindfully shopping takes more time and effort, but in the end it’s totally worth it! Here are some of the more eco- and human-friendly finds I’ve come across this year.
Jungmaven Paige V-Neck, $50 I’ve been wanting a few more tee shirts for a while, but purchasing from my usual online go-to shops just hasn’t felt right. Their enticing marketing messages with weekly (sizeable) discounts have been setting off little alarm bells inside me. Why can they offer their clothes for so cheap? Probably because they’re low quality, workers aren’t getting paid fair wages, and production enhanced by toxic chemicals and synthetic fabrics speeds up the process. I don’t want to be a part of that system anymore.
Jungmaven’s founder is passionate about ending fashion practices that devastate the planet. Supporting the company’s high-quality hemp tees (and any of their other beautiful clothing items) brings us one step closer to healing the planet.Elements truffles Ayurveda Gift Box, $45 I haven’t been quiet about my love of chocolate. It has to be dark and made with clean ingredients, though. These beautifully packaged bars by Elements truffles have become my favorites—especially the raspberry with beetroot— and they make wonderful gifts. Organic, ethically-sourced, infused with Ayurvedic herbs, and contribute to the education of underprivileged children… What more could you ask for?
Nipomo Tierra Collection Blanket, $86 When I discovered this company I was instantly attracted to their blankets and won over by the story of their business—founded by a mother and daughter team with roots in Mexico and California. They use recycled fibers from clothing remnants to create new yarn that is weaved into the soft yet durable handwoven blankets. I don’t have one of these gorgeous blankets of my own yet, but it’s on the top of my Christmas wish list!
Lumé Organic Infusions Daily Glow, $24 There are still so many products from Lumé that I want to try, but so far my favorites from her Inner Glow line include Daily Glow and Immune Boost. The use of the sun to extract medicinal properties from organic plants makes these products truly unique and powerful. Founder, Beverly Chung, is incredibly passionate about health and I know that her Outer Glow products are highly nutritious and healing for the skin.
Soul of EverLe La Fréquence Candle, $65 When I first heard LeAnn Rimes singing “Be Still and Know,” I put the song on repeat until Instagram stopped playing it (then I just refreshed and started again!) Fortunately, she recently released an album of her beautiful chants—CHANT: The Human & The Holy. Her La Fréquence candles are handcrafted from 100% veggie soy wax, essential and natural fragrance oils and hand-poured in her home. She has encoded her voice, intention and love (by singing during the process) into molten wax to create these candles. My “Be Still” candle is no longer available, but I have no doubt that Holy Hallelujah, with grounding scents of Balsam, Cedar, & Frazier Fir, is just as wonderful. These are limited addition, so don’t wait!
Nuywa Mughal Pillow, $99 Founders Justin, Ashley, and Cyril collaborate with artisans around the world to curate a collection of handmade products from local, sustainable materials. Check out their perfectly matched bundles if eclectic mixing and matching isn’t your thing.
Tushy Modern Bidet, $89 Taboo? Maybe in the states, but it really shouldn’t be because this is how butts are cleaned all around the world! The Ultimate 2020 TP Crises got me thinking abut alternative options and it was a no-brainer that water could clean our tushies just as well (much better, actually) than paper sheets of dry paper. After a little digging, I discovered that it takes 55.5 gallons of water to make the average 1.5 rolls of tp used by one person in a week! I could go on and on about the eco-friendly and health-promoting benefits of adopting a mini bidet into your daily routine, but if you want to hear from Tushy founder, Miki Agrawal, herself check out this podcast with Dr. Mark Hyman.
Our Place Always Pan, $145 Not only is this a fry pan, sauté pan, steamer, skillet, saucier, saucepan, non-stick pan, spatula, and spoon rest all in one, but ethical labor and responsible materials are foundational to this company’s mission. The fact that the Always Pan is coated in a non-toxic, environmentally-friendly ceramic non-stick coating without PFOA, PTFE, GenX chemicals or other questionable materials is music to my ears!
Cacao Lab Ceremonial Cacao - Air Element, $15 They say that chocolate is the love drug, but I honestly never really noticed the mood-enhancing benefits for which it’s so well known. Enter ceremonial cacao. When I first discovered the heart-opening power of sustainably-sourced sacred cacao I finally understood the hype. Now I’m a cacao ceremony facilitator and will be leading in-person and virtual ceremonies as we enter the new year. There are only a few companies who work with family owned agroforestry farms in Guatemala, Ecuador, and other tropical locales ideal for the growth of heirloom cacao trees, and Cacao Laboratory is one of them. I love that they offer small portions so that newcomers don’t have to purchase a full block. I’m currently enjoying the Air Blend, infused with hibiscus and cardamom. They also offer Water, Fire, and Earth if you resonate with another element. Or better yet, try all four!
Made by Ind Boho Placemats, $18 I love these placemats! So much for saving them for special occasions—we use them daily. Made in and shipped from Indonesia. When in doubt I can always find what I need from independent artisans on Etsy.
Modern Pottery Shop Handmade Stoneware, prices vary Sam at Modern Pottery Shop is a pleasure to work with and his handmade stoneware has a nice modern Italian vibe. Even though he’s based in London, he ships worldwide. I love using the little 3.5 ounce espresso cups for drinking my ceremonial cacao.
Sarah Swell Slim Fishbone Bracelet, $675 Can’t have a gift guide without at least one extravagant splurge, right? Growing up, my favorite hairstyle was the fishtail. When I saw this bracelet I was instantly taken back to junior high and memories of crafting my friend’s hair into the chic cousin of the basic braid. The Gold & Oxi Slim version caught my eye, but my wallet prefers the Sterling Silver Slim :) I have my fingers and toes crossed that someone in my family reads this before Christmas. I would love to support this woman-owned business!
*Please note: These are not affiliate links. They are simply products I currently use and enjoy or hope to receive in the near future! :)
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