Christmas Gift Guide
Your Christmas gift guide is here for those of you looking for the perfect gift for that special someone. With a focus on sustainability, this year we’ve designed this Christmas guide with some thoughtful gifts that are not only earth-friendly but won't get thrown in the trash or left in the corner. Gifts that are thoughtful and made to last for your loved ones. Scroll down to check them out!
Ethique Body Bars
If you haven't already heard, Ethique is a New Zealand brand that creates beauty bars (for men and women) that contain no plastic packaging and made from natural ingredients. Shaving bars, body butter, face wash and shampoos; Ethique bars are to die for! The body butter is my go-to gift for the gals this year and the shampoo x shaving combination bar for the boys.
Vinyl
Records are back! If your significant other, mum, or dad has a preloved record player lying around then why not get them a new (or old) record to play. The original way to listen to music! Vinyl has a sort of nostalgia that makes listening to tunes more meaningful and real than your Spotify playlist.
Beer brewing kit
One for the dads or the big brothers, a beer brewing kit is great for those classic kiwi lads. You can pick up a starter kit for around $100 at your local brewery or check out www .homebrewshop.co.nz. All the instructions, essential equipment and ingredients to allow your man (or woman) to make great tasting beer.
2019 Planner
A 2019 planner is ideal for the busy working gal or organised student. The 2019 Planner by Annie Tarasova of 'Dreamy Moons' is one of my favourites because it's not just a planner, its a place to reflect on your week and write goals and aspirations. Lots of beautiful art and affirmations to accompany the week, any gal will love this sweet gift, it's a gift that won't go unused in the new year.
Honey Wraps
Honey wraps are an alternative to plastic food wrap and made from beeswax and cotton cloth. The best thing about them is that they’re reusable and come in all different colours and patterns. Pick them up at your local gift store. Perfect for mums, dads, aunties, sisters and friends.
Plants
Gifting flowers are great, but what about an alternative that will live a little longer? Plants are more meaningful than flowers as they won't wither after a few days, they’ll only grow greener and happier over time. Succulents or even a bonsai tree are beautiful gifts for someone you love. A personalised pot is a lovely addition to make it more personal too.
The Shakti Mat
Acupressure mats are all the rage at the moment for many reasons. They relieve muscle pain and help with stress and sleep. It's a bizarre concept as it pretty much involves lying on a ‘bed of nails’ but a gift that so many will learn to love. Since getting a Shakti mat, my boyfriend can't live without it. It’s become part of his daily routine; a 20-minute shakti is his key to relaxation. The bros at Shakti NZ will sort you out just in time for Christmas.
Sustainably Made Earphones and Speakers.
Earphones and speakers made from recycled plastics and sustainable bamboo are a thing! Check out The House of Marley! Everyone loves music, so one of these products is foolproof and a guilt-free gift for every human in your life. They even have affordable dust and waterproof speakers, ideal for that active person you know.
Bananas
No, not the fruit, but the game. The board-less boardgame is actually called ‘Bananagrams’ and its kind of like the modern version of Scrabble. Endless fun for all ages, and can even be turned into a drinking game if you’re into that — only $20 at the warehouse and so easy for camping, travelling and storing at home.
NZ Made Jewellery
Boys, if you’re reading this, then Caja Jewellery is my new go-to brand for fine, handcrafted jewellery... and your girlfriends and sisters will very much appreciate something that is so delicate and unique to New Zealand. Made in Wanaka, Caja takes inspiration from the mountains of New Zealand and creates rustic but delicate pieces that every woman will love.
Sponsor an elephant!
Probably one of the most sustainable gifts you can buy, as nothing physical is made or transacted. For $50, you can sponsor an orphaned elephant in Kenya Africa, and receive monthly updates on their progress. Great gift for that hard to buy for person or the animal lover. Check it out at http://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/asp/fostering.asp?G=0
A Turkish towel
Turkish towels are perfect for summer, for travellers that want to pack light, and for the stylish person you need to buy for. Stowaway is a New Zealand brand from Piha that ethically make their towels in Turkey using sustainably grown cotton and earth-friendly dyes. There's a huge range on the website at stowaway.nz and as a bonus, 5% of the profits from each purchase are gifted to ocean conservation charities that support New Zealand coast and marine life.
Sunblock
Everyone needs it, so why not invest for your fam in a natural sunblock that doesn’t contain harmful chemicals? Brands like Coola and 'Sun and Earth Zinc' are both plant-based formulas that will protect the skin from the sun and don’t have some of the toxic chemicals that other blocks do.
A Salt Label gift card
Last but not least, probably the best gift idea on here as a voucher enables all the freedom for your special gal to pick her size and style of swimwear so that she gets the perfect fit and choice. We at Salt Label have lots of designs for all shapes and sizes, that are made ethically in Australia from a fabric called ECONYL. Econyl is regenerated nylon from plastic waste. Grab one here
https://saltlabel.co.nz/products/gift-card
