“I’m a tricky person to buy for. Not because I’m picky, but because for the past few years I have been on a careful journey of ‘conscious consumption’. Since making a bold New Year’s resolution in 2017, I only buy sustainably and ethically produced clothing and homewares, and cruelty-free beauty. So my family face the challenge of finding cool, sustainable gifts in Australia.
I’ll admit, it can be a chore if you don’t know where to look or what to look for.
So, in the spirit of giving here is the Zee Feed-approved gift guide! All items are sustainably and ethically produced, from small Aussie businesses who appreciate every purchase. Plus, nothing is over $100 because sustainability does not have to be expensive.
Mum, Dad if you’re reading – consider this my wishlist!”
Crystal Andrews, Founder & Editor
Szade Sunglasses, $79.99
This is genius: sunglasses, made out of recycled sunglasses! Melbourne-based Szade takes sunnies that are headed for landfill, breaks them down and re-uses the plastic in a closed loop cycle that achieves almost zero material waste. The brand is certified by the Global Recycling Standard.
Szade styles designs are genderless and fly as hell. Collection 001, available now, is just 90s enough to be cool without being completely trend-driven – you’ll wear these for more than just one season.
Available from szade.com.au
Fluff Cosmetics, Bronzing Powder $53
Fluff is the beauty brand of the future. Not only are their products completely vegan, cruelty- and palm oil-free, but they are turning the whole premise of the beauty industry on its head. Wear makeup, use skincare, or don’t – Fluff doesn’t care. All that matters is that you feel good and feel like yourself.
The iconic, original Bronzing Powder has just been re-released in an extended 4-shade range (developed in consultation with cool Aussie women with diverse complexions). It’s a matte, buildable formula great for low-makeup days.
Best part? The Bronzer compacts are now refillable! Better for your face, better for the planet.
Available from itsallfluff.com
Damn Gina Silk-Lined Bucket Hat, $54.95
Bucket hats: cool girl aesthetic, sun safe.
Silk-lined bucket hats: won’t give you ‘hat hair’.
Damn Gina silk-lined bucket hats: ethically manufactured to keep your conscious clear.
Damn Gina bucket hats have a cotton outer, are lined with 100% mulberry silk, come in four different two-tone colourways and two different sizes.
But it’s the transparency of Damn Gina’s manufacturing labour policies that make this hat better than a fast fashion alternative. The brand ensures it’s silk weavers and garment makers are in India are permanent workers who receive above average wages, employee insurance, yearly bonuses, and employer-paid retirement contributions.
Available from damngina.com.au
Antipodes Gin, $89 for 700mL
Antipodes is Australia’s first carbon neutral spirits company, with the brand’s distillery in Canberra is powered by 100% renewable energy. Carbon neutral cocktails, anyone?
The gin is certified organic, triple-distilled and refined with Australian rainwater. If traditional gin is not your thing, Antipodes also makes pink gin, vodka and Espresso liqueur to the same high standards.
Available from antipodesgin.com or any of the listed stockists
S-kin Jewellery
Cheap costume jewellery is terrible for the planet – how many rings have you thrown out because they turned your finger green after a few wears? But fine jewellery that lasts is usually way out our price range.
S-kin Jewellery creates a happy medium: gold-filled jewellery that doesn’t tarnish, so you’ll wear it for longer, at an accessible price-point.
The chic, timeless pieces are designed in Melbourne and ethically manufactured in India with paid leave, free upskilling, and insurance for all factory workers. S-kin Jewellery is also a member of the 1% For the Planet movement – the brand donates 1% of it’s annual revenue to non-profits working to fix problems with land, water, climate, wildlife, and food.
Available from s-kin.com.au
Hey Tiger Chocolate, $14.50 for 90g block
This is a stocking stuffer that will change the world. Hey Tiger is a delicious social enterprise, working to fix the many, many problems in the global chocolate manufacturing industry. They are super strict about coca sourcing, ensuring the cocoa they buy ensures the livelihoods of farmers and long-term sustainability of the entire industry.
On top of that, 50c from every full size block and 25c from every mini size is donated to The Hunger Project Ghana – this little Aussie business has donated over $253,000 so far!
Then, there are the next-level flavours. This year’s limited edition Christmas range includes strawberry trifle, caramel and gingerbread, mulled wine jelly and marshmallows… Don’t even attempt to choose just one, buy them all.
Available from heytiger.com.au
Pottery for the Planet, Ceramic Travel Bowls from $45
Reusable coffee cups were the gift of 2019 and 2020. Be honest, how many random Keep Cup knockoffs do you own now? Enough. This year, let’s upgrade our plastic tupperware containers instead.
Pottery for the Planet’s travel bowls are dishwasher and microwave-save (perfect for work lunches) and come with a silicone lid. The ceramic is ethically manufactured in Vietnam by a family-run studio that has been working with the brand since 2003.
As the bowls are handmade, natural variations make each one truly unique.
Available from potteryfortheplanet.com
Mighty Good Basics, undies from $24.95
Underwear is the ultimate utility gift – everyone needs them, they never go out of style, and we don’t buy new pairs for ourselves often enough.
If you have to buy a gift for someone who has you stumped (*cough* Dad), go for ethical undies. Might Good Basics are made from fair trade cotton in a very transparent supply chain – suppliers are listed on the brand’s website.
Sizing runs from 8-22 for women, and XS to XXL for men.
Available from mightygoodbasics.com