The best ethical gifts not only put a smile on someone’s face on Christmas morning but also support artisans with fair trade practices, fair trade pay, and safe, supportive working environments.
Think of these as presents with a positive impact. Ethical gifting may also mean charitable contributions to social or environmental organizations.
No need to wait for Santa! We now present (pun intended) you with a list of our favorites for anyone, everyone, and all occasions, too.
For more ethical present ideas, check out some of our other guides: zero waste 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: Best Ethical Gift Ideas For 2024
- Perfume Jump to brand
- Pajamas Jump to brand
- Bedding Jump to brand
- Homewares Jump to brand
- Slippers Jump to brand
- Skincare Jump to brand
- Winter Accessories Jump to brand
- Sweaters Jump to brand
- Underwear & Lingerie Jump to brand
- Blankets Jump to brand
- Chocolate Jump to brand
- Shoes Jump to brand
- Jewelry Jump to brand
- T-Shirts Jump to brand
- Handbags Jump to brand
- Pet Products Jump to brand
- Charity Jump to brand
Perfume
Price Range: $7–$144
Complementing aromas of pine, mulled wine, and fresh basked cookies, non-toxic perfume can add a lovely scent to all holiday festivies—and far beyond them!
With bouquets free of parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, synthetic colors, SLS, BHT, and animal byproducts, DefineMe can’t help but define what it means to smell good. in every sense (er, scents).
But they go beyond soft and grounding scents, blending each fragrance with purpose and a touch of magic through crystal infusions like amethyst or rose quartz for an extra layer of intention. For instance, if you have a constantly stressed person in your life (and aren’t we all?), the Rami Clear contains mood-uplifting and calming quartz crystals.
My Personal Review of DefineMe’s Rami Clear Perfume:
“DefineMe’s Rami Clear Perfume has such a unique, uplifting scent—it’s a beautiful blend of citrusy, floral, and earthy notes that feels fresh and grounding at the same time. What sets it apart is the crystal infusion with clear quartz, which is said to promote clarity and positivity. Every time I wear it, the fragrance feels light yet long-lasting, and I love the idea of the clear quartz adding a calming, positive energy to my routine. Even if its psychosomatic, it’s still working in some way!”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Pajamas
Price Range: $25–$104
When we think of the holiday season, toasty gingerbread cookies, warm hot chocolate, and matching sustainable pajama sets all come to mind.
Colorado-based Pact provides high-quality pajamas from fair trade and GOTS-certified organic cotto. For loved ones who love to dress in PJs all day, the Cool Stretch Lounge Jumpsuit is both cozy and discreet, one could wear it all day and no one would know it’s sleepwear.
Hernest Project makes the snooze button even more appealing with the Ada RESET lounge top, an SJ staff favorite thanks to its flowy, boxy fit and fabric that’s vegan, bluesign® approved, OEKO-TEX certified, and incredibly soft.
My Personal Review of Pact’s Button-Up Pajama Top:
“I tested a classic long-sleeve pajama top in a lovely Apricot color, as well as their pajama pants in Charcoal, both of which feature very soft fabric that feels great on my skin. However, everything runs pretty long, which is very noticeable for someone only 5’2″ like me. The pants are very long on me so I don’t reach for them as often, but the longness of the top means I wear it mostly as a nightie.”
Review by Joy McConnochie, SJ Co-Founder
My Personal Review of Hernest Project’s Ada RESET Button-Down Sleep and Lounge Top:
“I tested out the Ada RESET button-down top and was smitten from the first snooze. The fabric is super soft and slightly heavier than regular PJs, which means it’s tough enough to last. A year in, it’s showing just a hint of pilling, but it’s still looking fab. I also really love the boxy, flowy fit, which is flattering and comfortable without being so loose that I get tangled up in the middle of the night”.
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Bedding
Price Range: $150–$303
Sure, hearing reindeer on the roof is unusual—but hearing reindeer on the roof while you’re snuggling in sustainable bedding? Now that’s the stuff of holiday dreams.
Mungo can’t help with what’s under the covers, but they do offer a gorgeous, handcrafted collection of cotton blankets and throws to dress up the top of any bed or couch. Everything is ethically made in South Africa, at the country’s first GOTS-certified textile weaving mill.
Depending on where your loved one lives, you could opt for something a little lighter like the Whalebone Throw or something woven and heavy-duty like the gorgeous plaid Vrou Vrou Blanket, named as a play on the phrase ‘frou frou’, or heavily ornamental and elaborate. This thick blanket will keep your loved one warm on the bed, couch, or anywhere they choose to take
Homewares
Price Range: $12–$180
If your special someone doesn’t really know how to make a house a home, you can set them on the right path with sustainable home decor.
LIKHÂ has very unique pieces like planters, baskets, coasters, home decor, and ornaments—all made by disadvantaged artisans across the Philippines receiving 25% above living wages. Whether it’s a Giraffe or a Dachshund, their coco coir planters can add a bit of handmade zest to any space.
MagicLinen‘s decorative homewares are as practical as they are pretty, with all sorts of useful things that will also dress up the kitchen, like tablecloths and runners, placemats, tea towels, aprons, and Christmas decor like stockings and ornaments. The best part? All of it is made with linen, 100% natural,l down to the dyes that provide that huge selection of elegant and earthy colors.
My Personal Review of MagicLinen’s Linen Tablecloth:
“MagicLinen’s tablecloth has completely transformed my dining space with its effortless elegance. Since I live in a tiny house, my dining area is shoved into my living room, which often makes it feel less than decorative, but this simple addition has really helped add some charm to the main room. The natural texture of the linen feels both sophisticated and cozy, making it perfect for everything from casual meals to festive gatherings.
“I can upgrade it further with the Double Layer Linen Placemat, which lets me choose between two colors depending on the occasion or just the general vibe of my home at the time. The soft linen texture brings a touch of understated charm to every meal while protecting my table from hot plates.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Slippers
Price Range: $49–$89
Most of us have heard of Christmas stockings, but what about Christmas slippers?
They might be a bit big as a stocking stuffer, but Baabuk makes ethical gifting an ultra-cozy cakewalk, as our SJ team can confirm from personal experience with these. Constructed of 100% felted New Zealand wool, they’re odor-resistant, moisture-wicking, and handcrafted in Nepal. Choose between slimmer styles that feature a non-slip latex coating on the bottom, or give your loved one the option to go outside in their slippers, too, with those that feature a more burly natural crepe rubber outsole.
My Personal Review of Baabuk’s Mel Slipper:
“If you want slippers that keep your feet seriously warm, the Mel Slippers are a total game-changer. They’re super light, but the soft, non-itchy wool keeps my feet toasty, which is saying a lot because we live in a (literal) tiny house in Montana where winter temps can drop well below zero. My floors get REALLY cold, so I pretty much wear slippers all day long during winter.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Skincare
Price Range: $5–$85
Activist Skincare Sea-to-Skin Cleansing Gel is developed to be a supple face mask or makeup remover enhanced with the nourishing power of oils and skin superfoods like grapeseed oil, cucumber extract, and bright blue spirulina. If you want a deep dive, watch our video review review on how effective this product is.
For something any skincare lover will get a lot of mileage from, the Skin Recovery Essence from Shine Skincare will leave your giftee glowing—literally! Its lightweight and colorful serum helps moisturize through a handful of organic ingredients like aloe leaf, orange blossom water, and tea tree oil. It’s perfect for prepping the skin before moisturizing or when your skin needs a break from heavier products.
My Personal Review of Activist’s Sea-To-Skin Cleansing Gel:
“Activist has various cleansers, but I tried the Sea To Skin Cleansing Gel, and let me just say – washing my face is finally something I look forward to! This stuff is like a soft, luxurious hug for your skin (and yes, that ‘soft, decadent’ description is spot on). Plus, it pulls double duty as a makeup remover and moisturizer. I find it sinks in in less than an hour and is the perfect pre-bedtime ritual.”
My Personal Review of Shine Skincare’s Skin Recovery Essence:
“This is hands-down my FAVORITE skincare product I own. I’ve been using it religiously every night before bed all summer long because I spend a lot of time outside in the sun. And instead of looking weathered by the end of the summer, this stuff has my skin looking and feeling fabulous. It goes on feeling cool and soothing at the end of a long day, and over time, I am definitely noticing improvements in my overall facial appearance.”
Reviews by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Winter Accessories
Price Range: $25–$55
Gifting accessories can warm your recipient’s heart—without warming our planet.
Fashion brands like tentree have loads, all made under Certified B Corp-approved ethical and environmental practices. Help your loved one nestle up for the winter (and plant ten trees!) with a tender Ribbed Scarf made from certified organic cotton.
prAna may be best known as a sustainable yoga clothes brand, but their of warm winter clothing (like their Hurricane Trapper Hat) are perfect for keeping you warm on the way to and from your winter yoga class. The complete ear protection, adjustable strap, hidden pocket, throw-back design, and construction from recycled materials make it an on-point gift for cold weather.
My Personal Review of prAna’s Hurricane Trapper Hat:
“I’m based in Wyoming, where winter is no joke. We’re talking temps that dip to 30 below zero before the wind chill even kicks in. So, I need gear that actually works to keep me warm. That’s where prAna’s Hurricane Trapper Hat comes in. It’s got a super cozy recycled fleece lining on the inside and a sturdy corduroy exterior that holds up against the cold. Plus, the ear flaps are a total lifesaver against the wind. This hat seriously keeps me warm, no matter how cold it gets.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Sweaters
Price Range: $70–$219
How about unwrapping just to wrap up in a sustainable sweater?
Frank And Oak has a wide selection of turtlenecks, crewnecks, deep v-necks, cardigans, and more—all made from recycled material, like cotton, nylon, cruelty-free wool, hemp, and viscose. One of our fireside favorites is the Ara Seacell™ Sweater, made with blends of organic cotton and SeaCell™, made of seaweed and all-natural cellulose.
Or you can go with something hooded, like The Hoodie, an apt name for the super-soft alpaca wool pullover from Paka. Its extremely lightweight but no less warm for the thinner, flattering fabric, especially with the option to put up the hood while trekking around outside to your car in the winter.
My Personal Review of Frank And Oak’s Ara Seacell™ Sweater:
“Have you ever imagined snuggling up in seaweed fabric? Me neither until I experienced the Ara Seacell™ Sweater, and now I’m totally in love! The vegan material is comfortable and it has a loose fit with a classic ribbed design. Five stars from me for its uber-comfy appeal. Plus, being mid-weight, it gets plenty of use throughout the year, not just in winter.”
My Personal Review of Paka’s The Hoodie:
“I tested The Hoodie and can tell you it’s much more. It’s light, oh-so-soft, odor-resistant, and perfect for trips outside or lounging indoors. If you’re looking for a sustainable essentials hoodie that crosses the style barrier of sustainable sweaters, this knit masterpiece is it. It’s truly one of the most comfortable things I own, though that super soft alpaca wool isn’t as hard-wearing as some kinds of wool. I minimize how often I wash it, and that’s kept mine in excellent condition over the last year of wear.”
Reviews by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Underwear & Lingerie
Price Range: $20–$103
Sustainable fashion is often more about function than actual fashion, and as you get older, you start to appreciate high-quality basics, like sustainable underwear—so save this one for the adults.
The award-winning lingerie brand Understatement cushions everything with their collection of undergarments made of materials like recycled nylon, recycled lace, and some organic cotton. Their Lace Lushness collection strikes the perfect balance of coy and ‘come and get me’ so that spiced mulled wine isn’t the only thing spicy this holiday season.
For men, keep his sleigh bells secure with the Organic Cotton Men’s Boxer Brief from Fair Trade fashion brand Subset. It makes a fantastic basic, with a traditional mid-waist height, a 4” inseam, and a timeless slim design. The best part is the airy fabric and comfortable waistband that doesn’t dig into the skin.
My Personal Review of Understatement’s Lace Plunge Bralette & Lace High Waist Briefs:
“If you’re looking to make a statement without causing a problem for the planet, the Lace Plunge Bralette is your secret weapon. Pair it with the Lace High Waist Briefs, which are basically sheer (literally) genius, and you’ve got a match made in heaven. I don’t usually do lingerie, but this set has me hooked for special occasions. I especially love the double-layered bralette cups—they’ve got that perfect balance of revealing just enough while keeping a little mystery.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
My Personal Review of Subset’s Men’s Boxer:
“At first, I thought these were going to be bunchy because of how thick and high quality the fabric is, but even in restrictive pants like jeans, these boxers are hardly noticeable. I do find they’re not quite breathable enough for active purposes, so I opt for something else on workout days, but once the post-workout shower is over, these are the boxers I reach for. “
Review by Chris Ryan, SJ’s Menswear Tester
Blankets
Price Range: $145–$495
Consider a sustainable blanket which you and your partner can snuggle under like a lump on a Yule Log.
Saatva’s Waffle Knit Blanket texture provides that familiar toasty feeling without getting too hot. With 100% long-staple cotton that’s OEKO-TEX-certified, you can rest assured it will withstand the washing machine and be free of any toxic chemicals.
Or cuddle up with something a bit more heavy-duty from Let’s Cuddle. The Cuddler is a machine washable and breathable weighted blanket, making it the first of its kind. Available in 10, 15, and 20 lbs, the blanket helps you hit the hay with an outer shell of 100% OEKO-TEX-certified cotton and inner tubing of regenerated polyester.
My Personal Review of Saatva’s Waffle Knit Blanket:
“I totally love Saatva’s Waffle Knit Blanket! It’s not just super soft, lightweight, and comfy all year round (thanks to that awesome waffle weave), but it’s also chemical-free. Plus, it looks great draped over the back of my couch when I’m not snuggling up with it. It really adds some texture to the space.”
My Personal Review of Let’s Cuddle’s Cuddler Weighted Blanket:
“Having never personally tried a weighted blanket before, I went into testing The Cuddler with a blank(et) slate. Now I can safely say I’ll never be without a weighted blanket. I can’t say if they actually trigger a response that reduces stress hormones, but I can say that lounging under one of these for an hour or so before bedtime makes me feel significantly more relaxed and helps me fall asleep faster. Plus, I love how breathable the chunky-knit style is, meaning I can use it in summer or winter (during which I just pair it with another layer).”
Reviews by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Chocolate
Price Range: £2–£60
If you’re shopping for a coworker or maybe that estranged cousin twice removed, you may not know them well enough to gift anything personal. But you can pretty much never go wrong with ethical chocolate.
Female-founded Certified B Corp Conscious Chocolate appeases all dietary needs with raw, vegan, gluten-free, organic, and plastic-free treats. The Rainbow Collection includes nine different bars ranging from Pure Dark to Goji & Coconut—all made with Peruvian cacao from farmers who are paid a higher-than-market price.
Or bring joy to their world with the vegan, organic, raw, refined sugar-free, gluten-free, palm oil-free, and plastic-free treats from Raw Chocolate Company. The Everything Pouch Hamper has a taste from all seven of the Raw Sharing Bags, with sustainably sourced ingredients like hazelnuts, goji berries, and nuts.
Shoes
Price Range: $97–$250
Who wouldn’t love kicking off Christmas with a pair of shoes?
VIVAIA’s catalog of heels, boots, sandals, mules, and sneakers are all made from recycled plastic bottles. The Regina Pro is a show-stopper with its mid-ankle height, square toe, and architectural block heel for a sophisticated look. But what really sets these boots apart is the water-repellent, super soft stretch knit uppers and herbal insoles for natural pressure relief.
If you’re buying for a loved one who isn’t vegan, Nisolo’s consciously sourced byproduct leather goods will last for many Christmases to come. The Heeled Chelsea Boot has a classic design sporting a 3” heel, breathable and water-resistant uppers, and memory foam cushioned insoles. It’s made from durable Nubuck leather, which is strictly sourced as a food industry byproduct.
My Personal Review of Nisolo’s Ana Heeled Chelsea Boot:
“If you’re on the hunt for boots that do it all, the Ana Heeled Chelsea Boot is where it’s at! I’ve been strutting around in these sleek, smooth-grain beauties for over a year, and love how durable and versatile they are. The chunky wooden heel gives me all the support I need, and they’ve held up like a dream. Whether I’m dressing up for something nice or just dashing out for errands, these boots have my back every time.”
My Personal Review of VIVAIA’s Regina Pro WBoot:
“If you’re in the market for ankle boots with flair, the Regina Pro Square-Toe heeled boots are a sustainable stunner. I personally own these boots and adore how warm yet breathable the soft, recycled stretch knit upper is. You’d never guess it’s also water-resistant, but I’ve tested it stomping through the snow and found that unless it gets properly saturated, they keep the feet dry.”
Reviews by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Jewelry
Price Range: $14–$13,800
For that really special someone, sustainable jewelry brands are a go-to giving partner.
Catbird is an NYC-based brand with a lovely selection of all things bling—including rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and anklets. Almost everything is made with recycled gold and recycled or lab-grown diamonds, like the stunningly simple Petite Classic Hoop with it’s singular dangly diamond to draw attention to the ears.
If you’re looking for something more bespoke this holiday season, look no further than the recycled silver and gold and conflict-free diamonds from Praxis Jewelry. You can basically gift a wearable version of twinkling holiday lights with the vibrant Blue Chalcedony Gemstone Ring, handmade by owner Allison in her San Diego Studio. Make yours a fully unique ethical gift by adding custom engraving meant just for your special someone.
T-Shirts
Price Range: $40–$68
If there’s one gift that won’t disappoint, it would surely be organic cotton t-shirts. Okay, maybe socks also make for a sure-to-be-loved ethical gift for Christmas.
Get creative with the Classic Organic Cotton Tee from Colorful Standard, and you can choose from 67+ environmentally-friendly dyed colors. They’re made ethically in Portugal, and a portion of each sale supports an all-purpose activity center in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Certified B Corp tentree also has a number of basics, graphic tees, long sleeves, and tanks for him and her. The TreeBlend Longsleeve T-Shirt, made from a blend of recycled polyester, TENCEL lyocell, and organic cotton, yields a silky soft fee. Paired quality construction that makes this something worth investing.
My Personal Review of Colorful Standard’s Classic Organic Tee:
“This classic tee is a super well-made, chemical-free wardrobe staple that comes in a ton of great colors. As much as I’m tempted to grab every shade, I remind myself I don’t need them all! The fabric is beautifully soft (and actually gets even softer with washing and wear), and the color hasn’t faded at all, even though I’ve been wearing them frequently for over a year now.”
Review by Chris Ryan, SJ Menswear Tester
Handbags
Price Range: $80–$362
How about a keepsake in the form of a luxury eco-friendly handbag?
Pixie Mood’s Jane 2-in-1 Crossbody is made of recycled vegan leather with linings from recycled plastic bottles. It’s a fabulous bag that doubles as a wallet, with adjustable straps and high-quality magnetic closures.
If your giftee is more the “everything but the kitchen sink” type when it comes to packing a purse, the bags made from cruelty-free faux leather and plant-based materials from LaBante are a good option. The Sophie Tote is the quintessential handbag for work or shopping around town. It’s big enough to carry a 14” laptop and doesn’t contain any animal byproducts or harmful chemicals.
My Personal Review of Pixie Mood’s Jane 2-in-1 Crossbody:
“The Jane 2-in-1 Crossbody bag is hands down one of the best vegan purses I’ve ever owned. The zippered wallet can either stay attached to the handbag or be removed for solo use. Its stylish, timeless design makes it my favorite everyday purse, as it goes with any outfit. It’s also super easy to unclip the wallet part if I want to travel light.”
My Personal Review of LaBante’s Sophie Tote:
“I absolutely love LaBante’s Sophie Tote. The black faux leather is totally gorgeous; I can hardly tell it’s not real leather. My favorite thing about it, though, is how much it holds. The boxy shape gives it tons of space without being bulky and it’s become my fave bag to take on flights as my personal item. It holds my 32 oz plastic-free water bottle and lunch canister with plenty of room left over for everyday essentials and some ‘what ifs.’ “
Reviews by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Pet Products
Price Range: $8–$249
Fur babies are part of the family, and if they’re included in the Christmas list, then we may as well make sure they’re getting an ethical gift, too—like something mentally stimulating from Certified B Corp West Paw. The Montana-based brand has a wide array of chew toys, frisbees, and games made from recycled materials without any toxic chemicals.
The QWIZL is a favorite for tough chewers, we entertained our dogs for hours by hiding treats in the middle. It’s made of non-toxic, machine-washable Zogoflex material.
Or if you have a furry feline at home, set them up in style with a bed from one of our top-rated brands, The Kind Pet. Handmade from anti-microbial, odor-resistant wool rich in lanolin, the Handmade Wool Cat Bed is a must-have. It’s 100% compostable, and the added handles make it easy to transport or move around the house.
My Personal Review of West Paw’s Hurley Dog Toy:
“The Hurley toy is my go-to fetch toy. As a multi-dog household, I’ve tried our fair share of balls, discs, frisbees, you name it. The Hurley is the perfect addition to your pooch’s playthings. A great benefit to the Hurley is as it jumps and twists after a toss, it’s long enough that two dogs can safely mouth for the toy without causing a scuffle. On the off-chance the dogs both catch it, a tug of war ensues (and the Hurley stands strong!). The recyclable Zogoflex material means that even after our hurley is well loved (and chewed), we can send it in to continue on its life cycle for other dogs to enjoy later on down the line – out of the landfill!”
My Personal Review of The Kind Pet’s Better Bone:
“The Better Bone is the answer if you’ve collected mountains of chew toys and promptly dumped them in the trash after day one of your pooch chewing them. This natural bone, made of food-grade ingredients is absolutely solid for the toughest chewers. Our pups carried this bone around, gnawed on it in their kennel, and buried and dug this bone up a number of times, without finding bits and pieces of plastic or nylon garbage around the yard. A win-win for us and our beloved four-legged friends. The Better Bone helps with dental cleaning and is safe for any dog to chew on.”
Reviews by Shelby Leoppky, SJ Writer & Product Tester
Charity
Price Range: Various
Ethical gifting isn’t limited to odds and ends. Non-profit organizations like Charity Water allow you to donate on someone’s behalf, helping provide clean drinking water to communities across the globe. You can donate whatever amount works for you, but rest assured, their 100% Model ensures all of your donation goes directly to funding clean water projects.
Or, if you want to help fight the environmental battle, donate to Earthjustice. Earthjustice goes to where the real fight is—the courtrooms. With over 50 years of experience, the team of lawyers has protected countless species on the brink of extinction, cleaned up pollution, and funded clean energy efforts.