Looking to spread a little more compassion and kindness this gifting season? Then say goodbye to ho-ho-ho-hum presents like lotions made with lanolin and join us on the nice list by giving 100% cruelty-free gifts.

While there’s an ethical gap between cruelty-free and vegan which you can read more about at the bottom, we sought gifting options that satisfy both ethical criteria. In other words, they’re not tested on animals and don’t contain any animal byproducts.

From cruelty-free stocking stuffers that sleigh the competition to full-size plant-based presents, we’ve brought you the ultimate round-up of thoughtful, animal-friendly goodies. To cover a range of budgets with some affordable options too!

For more gift ideas, check out some of our other guides: eco-friendly gifts, stocking stuffers, fair trade gifts and consumable gifts.

We independently research all featured brands and we ask them to confirm their claims. In many cases we personally review recommended products. This post contains affiliate links which means we may earn a commission if you buy something. Learn more here.

Index: Cruelty-Free & Vegan Gifts

  1. Candles Jump to section
  2. Garden Growing Kits Jump to section
  3. Perfume Jump to section
  4. Cosmetics Jump to section
  5. Cruelty-free Skincare Jump to section
  6. Pajamas Jump to section
  7. Watches Jump to section
  8. Handbag Or Wallet Jump to section
  9. Kicks Jump to section
  10. Slippers Jump to section
  11. Gift Basket Jump to section
  12. Food Jump to section
  13. Gift Cards Jump to section

Candles

Price Range: $24–$42

Whether it’s for your sister, brother, mailman, or neighbor, P.F. Candle Co. is redefining luxury-level scents through 100% domestically sourced vegan soy wax. Plus, the gorgeous amber apothecary jars will never contain ugly ingredients like lead, parabens, or phthalates, thanks to a clean-burning cotton wick and all-natural oils that create fragrances like the delightfully earthy Teakwood & Tobacco or lightly floral Sandalwood Rose.

My Personal Review of PF Candle Co.’s Sandalwood Rose Soy Candle:

“There’s something about the soft, flickering glow of a candle on a cold winter evening that feels so comforting, but I’ve always been frustrated by the fact that most candles are filled with synthetic fragrances and petroleum-based wax. That’s why PF Candle Co. has earned a permanent spot in my home. The Sandalwood Rose scent, in particular, has become a favorite. Its perfect mix of warm sandalwood and delicate rose creates an inviting, cozy vibe without being overwhelming. Plus, I love that it’s made from soy wax, so it burns cleanly on my windowsill without leaving an unsightly black mark behind.”

Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content

Garden Growing Kits

Price Range: $4–$125

Uproot Design Studio founder Julia Barry calls their garden growing kits “irresistibly joyful”, and if that isn’t exactly what we should be seeking in a gift, we don’t know what is.

These little kits simplify the process of growing houseplants, herbal teas, leafy greens, veggies, and flowers (you’re choice, though they do offer a variety of kits), making them suitable even for kids or loved ones who have trouble keeping houseplants alive. Each kit is filled with strictly US-grown sustainable seeds that are non-GMO, batch-tested for viability, and packed fresh for better germination rates.

Plus, the seeds come in tiny reusable tins and 10% of profits go to local farms and wildlife protection.

My Personal Review of Uproot’s Herbal Tea Garden Kit:

“I’m currently sprouting their Herbal Tea Garden Kit, which includes a delightful mix of chamomile, calendula, lemon balm, lavender, and catnip herbs. Once matured, I’ll dry them and turn them into all sorts of tea recipes! Plus, each tin contains an abundant 100 seeds, meaning I still have lots left over for subsequent plantings.”

Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content

Perfume

Price Range: $29–$110

With vegan gifts for her, him, or them, Clean Reserve’s perfumes are a good option. The brand’s limited edition Clean Reserve Travel Set features 4 travel-size roll-on perfumes to suit every scent fancy: Radiant Nectar, Skin, Rain, and Sparkling Sugar.

The 7 Virtues’ Lotus Pear Eau de Parfum is vegan, cruelty-free, fruity, and flirty. Each whiff of The 7 Virtues’ luxury vegan gifts will provide a reminder of global giving, as a portion of every sale of this fragrance supports Days For Girls, an international organization ensuring menstrual equity, dignity, and health.

Cosmetics

Price Range: $18–$67

If you want to make(up) someone’s holiday, you can’t go wrong with Elate Cosmetics. Everything they sell is cruelty-free and vegan—and comes consciously packaged. Made of sustainably forested Californian cedarwood, the Long-Wearing Lip Crayon moisturizes as it works as a lip liner, pencil, crayon, and color for cheeks.

Cruelty-free Skincare

Price Range: $4–$85

Their wildlife-inspired name’s a giveaway: everything from Meow Meow Tweet is vegan and Leaping Bunny certified. It’s the pits when someone receives a gift they won’t use—which is why we’d recommend the brand’s refillable Grapefruit Baking Soda Free Deodorant Cream—which is suitable for all skin! It’s made with recognizable ingredients, like fair trade coconut oil, and is backed by a brand that’s a Certified B Corp, Plastic Negative, and Climate Neutral.

If giving deodorant as a gift doesn’t exactly strike your festive fancy, Shine Skincare Co. will keep your giftee’s utterly glowing. They have a huge range of toners, serums, and moisturizers to choose from, like Shimmer Spray Toner, which does double duty hydrating the skin with vegetable glycerin and aloe vera and adding an all-day shimmer thanks to mineral mica.

They also have cruelty-free gift sets, like the Dewy Skin Care Set complete with a vegan squalene-packed Skin Recovery Essence, Radiance Serum, and lightweight Soothe + Hydrate Serum.

My Personal Review of Shine Skincare’s Shimmer Spray Toner:

“You might have read my review of Shine’s Firm + Hydrate Facial Toner in our article on natural toners. Now imagine the refreshing, moisturizing power of that infused with a little bit of shimmer. That’s this spray. I love getting glitzed up for concerts, but I hate the impact of glitter (and finding it in my clothes and hair for weeks). This is the perfect solution. Don’t expect the shimmer to be as obvious as synthetic glitters; it’s way more subtle than that, but that little bit of shimmer really helps pull a look together.”

Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content

Pajamas

Price Range: $28–$165

Boody’s nightgown or PJ set can help provide some well-deserved zzzs.

Whether your loved one likes to wrap up in the likes of their Goodnight Robe or wants to slip into something a little sexier but still very classy a là the Goodnight Slip Sleep Dress, they’ll be dressing in clean bamboo, created with non-toxic solvents through a closed-loop production process.

To layer on top on a Chilly Christmas morning, there’s ettitude’s Waffle Robe, also made of CleanBamboo® made in a safe, closed-loop process. For even more warmth when you’re snuggled up together in front of the fire, gift the softness of cashmere but none of the cruelty via their super-soft Vegan Cashmere Blanket.

My Personal Review of ettitude’s CleanBamboo® Waffle Bathrobe & Vegan Cashmere Blanket:

“I absolutely love my Ettitude waffle robe! It’s incredibly soft and cozy but still lightweight, making it perfect for lounging around without feeling too warm. The shorter knee length helps a lot with this, too. Plus, the bamboo fabric feels luxurious and dries quickly, so it’s my go-to after showers. The sleeves are quite billowy, but I find it very easy to cuff and roll them up if I want to wear the robe while I’m, say, cooking, and I need to make sure nothing is in the way of my hands.

I’m also a huge fan of their Vegan Cashmere Blanket. A lot of the time, when brands claim to offer a vegan alternative to something soft, it’s never truly as soft as the original. Not ettitude’s Vegan Cashmere Blanket, which actually IS as soft as cashmere, with an even more satisfying, fuzzy texture. I also love that it’s a very lightweight and compact blanket, which makes it more versatile to use all year, as well as for traveling. I always like to bring a blanket on road trips just in case, and this one will be my go-to!”

Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content

My Personal Review of Boody’s Goodnight Sleepwear:

“I have worn Boody’s Pajamas now for several years. I have their Goodnight Sleep Pant, their Goodnight Raglan Sleep Top, their Downtime Lounge Pants, and their Goodnight Sleep Tee (which I was lucky enough to find secondhand at a thrift store!). In particular, I love the lounge pants to sleep in because they have pockets (handy for pre-bed activities) and don’t drag on the ground (I’m a shorty) and the two tops are a staple. All these items are super soft and ultra-comfortable to sleep in. My toddler loves “soft things” and also loves to sleep snuggled with my PJs.”

Review by Joy McConnochie, SJ’s Co-founder

Watches

Price Range: $127–$299

One of our favorites is TRIWA. Made of materials like recycled ocean plastic and recycled illegal firearms collected from areas of conflict, styles like the Black Solar Recycled prove you don’t need leather to look classy and timeless.

TIVC, or Time IV Change, is a mecca for classy timepieces to impress the best. The Unisex Silver Piñatex Band watch is made with a stainless steel face and Piñatex recycled pineapple leaves.

My Personal Review of TRIWA’s Black Solar Recycled Watch:

“I was fortunate enough to try the Black Solar Recycled watch, which features a large face that strikes the perfect balance between being easy to read, while still looking elegant and minimalist. It features glow-in-the-dark hands and a VS22B Solar movement that runs for several months without charging (which it does on both artificial and natural light!). It keeps time really well, even if I go through a phase of not wearing it and keeping it stored away for several months.”

Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content

Handbag Or Wallet

Price Range: $36–$249

Portland, Oregon-based Carry Courage makes use of PETA-approved cork leather and a linen lining in products like the ADVOCATE Zippered Tote, a spacious catch-all for all your daily essentials and shopper needs.

For gifts so good they could’ve come from a fairy, completely vegan and PETA-approved Pixie Mood has a whole magical line of handbags and wallets—most of which are made with high-quality recycled vegan leather and a recycled bottle lining.

My Personal Review of Carry Courage’s ADVOCATE Tote:

“I can highly recommend the ADVOCATE Tote for its blend of style and practicality. It’s my go-to bag for trips to the farmer’s market, as it has plenty of space for all my fresh fruits and veggies. Plus, the cork is easy to wipe clean, so I don’t worry about messes.”

My Personal Review of Pixie Mood’s Jane 2-in-1 Crossbody:

“The Jane 2-in-1 Crossbody purse and wallet combo is one of the coolest vegan handbags I’ve ever had the pleasure to own. Featuring a clever combination of magnets and clasps, its zippered clutch wallet can either go with the handbag or be detached and toted away separately. This, combined with its classic looks, means it has become my go-to daily purse, and I often use the wallet part on its own.”

Reviews by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content

*Use code PIXIEGIFT20 for 20% off

Kicks

Price Range: $66–$345

If salt and snow have proven a worthy match for your special person’s current footwear, give them an upgraded pair of Jolene Western Ankle Boots from Bhava. The luxury brand’s vegan leather is free of formaldehyde, PVC, phthalates, azo dyes, aromatic amines, and chrome.

With conscious Converse look-alikes, NAE has unisex Redo PET Black Vegan Mid-Top Vulcanized Sneakers that pair the recycled plastic with a 100% organic cotton lining and organic rubber sole. They’re trendy, easy to clean, and animal-friendly. Or if your loved one is more of a Blundstones type but wishes they could find them without the leather, try NAE’s Molly Boots, a minimalist and sleek Chelsea boot with a water-resistant vegan leather build.

My Personal Review of NAE’s MOLLY Boot:

“I recently tried the NAE Molly boots and I’m impressed by their comfort and classic Chelsea design. They do run a bit large, but that’s perfect for a boot style like this, where I want to wear thick, cozy socks. The veg-tan leather feels super high quality, with none of the fake, cheap look that some plastic-based vegan leathers have.”

Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content

Slippers

Price Range: $48–$140

Dooeys isn’t sheepish about its leather and wool alternatives, which include a cork insole, sugarcane sole, recycled plastic lining, and vegan apple leather. Perfect to pair with PJs or business casual attire, their carbon-neutral House Mules are an easy and versatile slip-on for practically all occasions.

My Personal Review of Dooey’s House Shoes:

“I tried out the House Mules, and I’m really impressed by how versatile they are. They have a robust outsole and a cork-molded footbed, which provides a surprising amount of support. They work great not just indoors but also for light outdoor activities, whether you’re wandering through the garden or running to the grocery store. Plus, their sleek apple leather exterior gives them a stylish appearance that makes them look more like regular mules than house shoes.”

Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content

Gift Basket

Price Range: $35–$150

The adorable gift baskets from Etsy-based Pop-Up Poetry Shop come in a few different options and feature sustainable, eco-friendly, plastic-free products, like soap, bath bombs, teas, and jokes or poems. The affordably-priced hampers are packaged in eco materials like washi tape and recyclable cardboard.

Or Santa can surprise and impress your loved one with the Self Care Gift Box from EarthHero. Just over $80 will provide all the sustainably made and Leaping Bunny-certified essentials for a conscious day of relaxation: detoxifying soap, a herbal lotion bar (contains organic beeswax), bath salts, a clay mask, an agave washcloth, and a USA-grown soy candle.

Food

Price Range: $5–$198

You can satisfy a sweet tooth sweetie with the decadent vegan chocolate from The Raw Chocolate Co. When they “accidentally” eat a few bars from the Chocolate Bar Selection Box, they can feel good knowing they’re devouring raw, vegan, organic, soy-free, refined sugar-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free ingredients. When multiple biodegradable wrappers are tossed in the compost bin, they don’t even count, right?

If your loved one is more of a create-a-meal-from-scratch kind of chef, give them the gift of a MICHELIN Star Oil & Vinegar Tasting Kit to make their own vegan cuisine from Saffi Saana. The foodie in your life will sip and drizzle their way through six transparently-sourced oils and vinegars from the US, Chile, Mexico, and Spain.

My Personal Review of Saffi Saana’s MICHELIN Star Tasting Kit:

“Once I tried their MICHELIN Star Tasting Kit, I was hooked. I’ve never purchased another brand of oils and vinegar since. Every one is so rich in flavor and I can rest easy knowing the oils are pure and the highest grade possible, rather than many commercial olive oils now cut with lesser quality seed oils. If your loved one loves to cook like I do, trust me when I say they’ll love this gift.”

Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content

Gift Cards

Price Range: Various

If, after checking out these vegan gift ideas, you aren’t feeling absolutely paw-sitive about a potential hand-selected present, turn to the most infallible option (after food): a gift card. The best vegan gifts, after all, are those the recipient can choose themselves.

EarthHero has a nearly limitless range of sustainable and ethical goodies—from audio and tech to clothing, pet, and travel essentials—easily organized by value, (vegan included) so your loved one can shop for exactly what values matter most to them.

Plastic waste-free and ready to please, an EcoRoots e-gift card ($25-100) can be sent by email to help jumpstart someone’s sustainable living journey. Or just hook them up with a non-expiring way to keep their favorite cleaning, kitchen, and personal care products well stocked.

How To Find Cruelty-Free Products & Gifts?

Just how can you be sure you’re spreading the love with these cruelty-free gifts?

It starts with understanding the difference between cruelty-free vs vegan. While possible to find that perfect present that ticks both boxes, realize that vegan doesn’t necessarily mean cruelty-free, and vice versa. Some products may contain organic or ethically sourced beeswax (making them non-vegan), but can be completely free of animal testing, making them cruelty-free. These pro-animal terms aren’t legally defined, so the safest bet is to not assume they mean the same thing but rather are delineated as follows:

  • Cruelty-free means that the products and the ingredients used were not tested on animals at any stage—from sourcing to shipping of the final goods.
  • Vegan means the product is totally free of animal ingredients and animal byproducts.
How To Spot Non-Vegan Ingredients:

Some animal ingredients are pretty easy to spot—like wool, honey, beeswax, yogurt, and gelatin. Animal by-products, however, are a different story. You may unknowingly buy something that contains squalene or ambergris, only to find out that you’ve just surprised a vegan with shark liver oil or whale intestines.

Here are some other possibly animal-derived ingredients commonly found in cosmetics, food, and other products, but you can check out this PETA article for a more complete list.

  • Albumen / Albumin
  • Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (Lactic Acid)
  • Biotin
  • Caprylic Acid
  • Carmine / Cochineal / Carminic Acid
  • Castor / Castoreum
  • Chitosan
  • Civet
  • Collagen
  • Elastin
  • Guanine / Pearl Essence
  • Hydrolyzed Animal Protein
  • Keratin
  • Lipase
  • Monoglycerides / Glycerides
  • Musk
  • Oleic Acid
  • Pepsin
  • Sable Brushes
  • Shellac / Resinous Glaze
  • Tallow / Tallow Fatty Alcohol / Stearic Acid

To make it easier, some companies and products may bear a logo from one of the big vegan certifying bodies:

Many brands have started to share their position on animal testing or sourcing 100% cruelty-free products. A company’s FAQ or About Us page is a good place to look. Even easier, there are three trusted certification bodies to look out for:

However, even with these certifications, you may only have a finished product that is cruelty-free—not one that has been made with cruelty-free ingredients/materials.