Each year I promise myself that this year I will start doing my Christmas shopping earlier, and each year I leave it just that little bit too late and end up settling for gifts that I would not have bought otherwise. If you are nodding in agreement, my list of Christmas gifts might just come in handy this year. I had two criteria in mind when I compiled this list. I wanted the gifts to be as eco-friendly and carbon conscious as possible. And secondly I only wanted to buy from local, and small to medium sized businesses. And all the beautiful products on this list tick both these boxes.
So without further ado…drum role please… here is my Conscious gift list for Christmas 2022.
AnkerKaroo skincare products
This small family-owned business produces the most wonderful handmade natural skincare products made with locally sourced ingredients. What started as a hobby in 2015 grew into a business in 2021. Their handmade soaps make for great stocking fillers. I especially love their Aloe & Lime soap which is perfect for dry and damaged skin. Contact AnkerKaroo via their Instagram account.
Waterleliefontein Olive Oil
Waterleliefontein’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the ideal gift for a foodie friend. This well-balanced Extra Virgin Olive Oil is wonderful to cook with, but even better just drizzled on soups and salads, or enjoyed with fresh bread. And how beautiful is the tin?
Funky Ouma herb filled salts and spices
Whether you are looking for kitchen essentials or something special for the foodie in your life, Funky Ouma has got your back. For the nomad braaier in your family, opt for their Braai Blaai travel tin, complete with 8 heavy duty, pliable cardboard braai blaais and tins of their famous braai salt and African rub. They also have some great gift packs that are perfect for corporate or Christmas gifts. I absolutely adore their Beetroot and Fig garnish flakes!
A reusable coffee cup from Ecoffee cup
A reusable coffee cup is the perfect gift for the coffee-lover in your life. Ecoffee cups are made from the fastest growing, most sustainable crop – bamboo fibre. They are light, relatively strong and come in the funkiest colours and designs. They have some amazing special offers this time of the year.
Bonnievale wines – The perfect Christmas gift
Opt for one of South Africa’s well-known wines as a Christmas gift this year. Bonnievale Wines comprises of four production cellars whose cumulative histories go back centuries. Working with the farmers’ multi-generational experience and sustainable management of the land is a talented winemaking team. They match varieties with ideal terroir and usher fruit with cutting-edge innovation to become delicious and much-awarded wine.
A Bento Box full of homemade treats
A bento box is an all-in-one Japanese lunch box containing a single portion of a balanced meal. The Yumbox Presto stainless-steel bento filled with homemade treats makes for a practical, yet thoughtful Christmas gift. The five-compartment stainless steel tray will make packing nutritious lunches for 2023 a breeze. Available from Cloud&Co.
CLICK HERE FOR SUSTAINABLE CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS FOR KIDS.
Gift certificates and vouchers
Here are a few ideas for those family members and friends that fall into the ‘impossible to buy for’ category.
Gift certificates for services and/or experiences (manicure, movie or theatre tickets) make great gifts and can be very personal if you put some thought into it. If you are really looking for a gift for that special someone I can recommend buying them a voucher for a Hot air balloon flight from Bill Harrops Original Balloon Safaris.
A voucher for a workshop is another wonderful green alternative to traditional Christmas gifts. You won’t be burdening someone with ‘stuff’ they may not want or need, and you are giving them the opportunity to learn a new skill. Why not buy yourself a voucher as well, tag along and make some memories? This foodie wouldn’t mind getting a sourdough workshop from Grace & Crumbs in my stocking this year.
Happy gift-giving.
xxx
