Sustainable Christmas gift ideas: fashion and beauty
Reformation Varenne cashmere tank and cardi set, £245
It's been more than a year since a paparazzi shot of Katie Holmes in a Khaite twin-set introduced us to the idea of a 'bradigan' and the novelty has yet to wear off. Maybe it's the extra time spent at home and the luxury of cashmere close to skin, but this dreamy take on the twin set, made with 70% recycled cashmere, is top of our wish-list.
Reformation Varenne cashmere tank and cardi set, £245 – buy here
Agolde recycled leather 90s pinch pants, £268
Made with recycled leather, these trousers are cut with a flattering high waist, while the slim leg means they can be worn dressed up or down.
Agolde recycled leather 90s pinch pants, £268 – buy here
Floral Street Eau de Parfum Crackers (various scents), £24 each
This goes way beyond the usual plastic tat that you get from your regular crackers. These are stylish, gender-neutral scents, accredited by PETA, FSC certified, and the packaging is 100% compostable, reusable and recyclable.
Plus, they will offer the finishing touch to any tree or table this festive season with their good looks.
Floral Street EDP Cracker, £24 – buy here
Choose from:
Tata Harper Daily Essentials Set, £65
The ultimate farm-to-face / seed-to-skin gift set from eco-warrior Tata Harper.
Tata Harper Daily Essentials Set, £65 – buy here
Patagonia Arbor classic recycled woven backpack, £65
Crafted from recycled, waterproof polyester, the colourful finish is the result of a dyeing method that reduces water consumption by up to 90%. And it's roomy enough to tote the essentials around all day.
Patagonia Arbor classic recycled-woven backpack, £65 – buy here
Desmond & Dempsey palm tree print long-sleeved pyjama shirt, £90, and trousers, £85
We may not be travelling to tropical climes any time soon, so this palm-tree motif will have to do, but thanks to trending pyjama brand Desmond & Dempsey it's not such a big sacrifice. Made from soft organic cotton for a restful night's sleep.
Desmond & Dempsey palm-tree print long-sleeved pyjama shirt, £90, and trousers, £85 – buy here
Sbtrct Gentle Foaming Cleanser, £22; Soap Dish, £10
We love this gentle foaming cleanser made from coconut oil, geranium, rose and tonka bean and the co-ordinating soap tray that is both practical and minimalist but will go with all interior styles.
The solid skincare company pledges zero plastic use, everything is 100% compostable, less water consumption, no fillers or palm oil and are both vegan and cruelty-free. Plus their no-spill formulas mean they're perfect for packing in the case too.
Sbtrct Gentle Foaming Cleanser, £22 – buy here
Bamford + Claudia Schiffer Gift Set, £350
Bamford has been awarded the Butterfly Mark by Positive Luxury for a company-wide commitment to sustainability. This beauty kit by Claudia Schiffer is sure to delight any fashion enthusiast.
Bamford + Claudia Schiffer Gift Set, £350 – buy here
Stella McCartney faux leather drawstring bucket bag, £645
Stella McCartney bags have long been some of the most covetable in fashion, the fact that they're eco-friendly and cruelty free simply add further lustre. This drawstring design can be worn over the shoulder, across the body or in hand, and comes with a clever internal phone pouch.
Stella McCartney faux leather drawstring bucket bag, £645 – buy here
Ganni leopard-print organic cotton-poplin mididress, £195
Danish brand Ganni has been making strides towards improving sustainability in recent years, which means we can continue to enjoy one of our faves guilt-free. The puff sleeves and leopard-print add just the right amount of drama.
Ganni leopard-print organic cotton-poplin mididress, £195 – buy here
EYM Laze Candle, £39
Some candles release carcinogens when burnt; however, not these. EYM is 100% natural, chemical-free, soya wax and scented with pure essential oils – all in sustainably sourced packaging.
EYM Laze Candle, £39 – buy here
Aurelia Skincare Perfect Sleep Collection, £76
These are all made in the UK (so no air freight pollution) with BioOrganic, ethically sourced, cruelty-free ingredients – and without any questionable toxins – so you know you can sleep soundly with this perfect shut-eye-inducing compilation.
Aurelia Skincare Perfect Sleep Collection, £76 – buy here
Heron Preston heron-print cotton jersey sweatshirt, £225
The graphic print on this cotton jersey sweatshirt has cult appeal, and will surely add cache to any streetwear-loving teen's wardrobe (and brownie points to you as the gifter: win, win.)
Heron Preston heron-print cotton jersey sweatshirt, £225 – buy here
Arket wool overshirt, £115
A winter woollen is always a hit come Christmas Day, and this is an alternative take for the man who already has too many jumpers. Spun with recycled wool from second-hand wool products, this shacket (that's shirt/jacket, of course) has less ecological impact than a garment made from pure virgin wool.
Arket wool overshirt, £115 – buy here
Kjaer Weis The Beauty Clutch, £156
They are highly professional, synthetic makeup brushes that are vegan, hypoallergenic, certified cruelty-free and dermatologically tested, all contained in a stylishly soft faux-leather case.
Kjaer Weis The Beauty Clutch, £156 – buy here
Twelve Beauty Moisture Recovery Kit, £75
The entire collection contains only eco-approved ingredients – so it's free from parabens, sulphates, silicones, petrochemicals and glycols. Formulas are plant-based and meet stringent requirements on green chemistry – and this gift bag, with its moisture-boosting qualities, is the perfect kit for post-festive over-indulgence.
Twelve Beauty Moisture Recovery Kit, £75 – buy here
Roop Furoshiki satin bag, £75
Little wonder that Roop's sweet satin bags have been a hit with the style set: they provide just the right touch of ornament that makes any outfit feel more fun. Crafted from deadstock satin and modelled on the Japanese art of cloth wrapping they're truly hard to resist.
Roop Furoshiki satin bag, £75 – buy here
Girlfriend Collective Compressive 7/8 high-rise stretch-jersey leggings, £62
The hunt for the perfect pair of gym leggings can be more punishing than a Peloton session, but Girlfriend Collective wins rave reviews not only for its inclusive sizing and campaigns, but the transparent and sustainable approach it takes to manufacturing and materials. When it comes to gym gear, this is the green standard.
Girlfriend Collective Compressive 7/8 high-rise stretch-jersey leggings, £62 – buy here
The Owl & The Apothecary Wellbeing Little Ritual Kit, £29.99
Send the gift of spiritual happiness this festive season with The Owl & The Apothecary Wellbeing Little Ritual Kit – it has everything you need to kick-start those positive affirmations.
The Owl & The Apothecary Wellbeing Little Ritual Kit, £29.99 – buy here
La Bouche Rouge Vegan Leather Lipstick Case, £60
Plastic-free, infinitely recyclable and possibly the most stylish lipstick case around. You can swap shades with a click and be assured that both case and formula are planet positive.
Even better, if you team with a Selfridges gift card so the recipient can choose the lipstick hue of choice, this will be a winning combination on Christmas Day.
La Bouche Rouge Vegan Leather Lipstick Case, £60 – buy here