Ethical Gifts for Women
I'm a total dork when it comes to Christmas. I love the decorations, the music, the hot toddies, even the egg nog (I know, I'm gross). But I'll admit I've become a little lax over the years when it comes to gift-giving. Jon and I are pretty inconsistent about giving each other presents (Christmas or otherwise), and my family dropped the expectation long ago. I actually like it this way; it makes the gifts we do give and receive that much more special. So when putting together my shopping guides this year, I chose items that not only give back and have a good story, but also exude good quality and construction. These gifts are meant to feel special, and to show the people in your life how much they mean to you.
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14k Gold Filled Hair Accessories
$68 - 188
Available at ByBoe
There's just something so elegant about a hair pin — every time I wear one I feel like I'm in an episode of Downton Abby. This pin and hair jewel by ByBoe are made in New York City by individual artisans using recycled and ethically sourced sterling silver and 14kt gold filled from US factories.
Brass and Bone Plane Ring
$68.00
Available at Nisolo
Last year ethical shoe company Nisolo launched a jewelry line, and I can't get enough of their gorgeous creations. This ring is handmade in Kenya with upcycled brass and bone by artisans who are offered beyond fair trade wages, extensive benefits, and a healthy working environment.
Martina Low-Rise Briefs
$25.00
Available at Naja
Not only are Naja underwear, bras, and swimsuits cute as all get-out, they're also made by single mothers and female head of households who are paid above market wages. Sweathop free and all about empowering women, Naja is one of my favorite lingerie lines.
BABY ALPACA SCARF
$125.00
Available at Cuyana
Through their Lean Closet initiative, Cuyana encourages women to buy "fewer, better things" and reduce their overall consumption. Production-wise, they develop close relationships with artisans around the world rather than outsourcing cheap labor. This baby alpaca scarf is crafted in Peru, and will serve as a wardrobe staple for years to come.
Ceramic Ring Trays
$32.00 each
Available at Amour Vert
These pretty little ceramic dishes are handmade in Kansas City, Missouri by The Object Enthusiast. Finished in a variety of glazes with 22k gold lustre details, they're perfect for displaying rings and other treasures.
MM. Lafleur Bento Box
$50 - 1,000
Avilable at MM. Lafleur
Finding ethical professional clothing can be a frustrating and time-consuming, but MM. Lafleur makes it easy with their Bento Boxes. Each box contains a selection of sustainable, American-made wardrobe staples that are personalized based on a quick style survey. You can send the workin' gal in your life a gift card with increments up to $1,000, which will come with a note from her stylist that explains the Bento process.
Cosmetic Case Set (vegan)
$80.00
Avilable at Angela Roi *
Angela Roi creates beautiful, cruelty- and sweatshop-free handbags and accessories. Handmade in Korea using vegan leather, the Elle Cosmetic case perfect for those who want to avoid animal products.
The Birdie Watch
$525.00
Available at Shinola
This one is definitely a splurge, but well worth it if you can swing the price tag. A few years ago, Jon gave me the Birdie watch for Christmas, and it continues to be one of my most valued possessions. Elegant, well-designed, and just straight up cool, Shinola products are all made in Detroit, Michigan, with the mission of bringing jobs back to the USA.
MORE GIFT GUIDES FOR WomEN
Need more ideas? Check out these gift guides from other ethical bloggers:
LEOTIE LOVELY - 9 Eco + Ethical Gift Ideas for Women
LIFE + STYLE + JUSTICE - Ethical Gifts for Her
SARAH LAUGHED - Ethical Gift Guide for Her
MORAL FIBRES - Ethical Gift Guide #1
VALERIE KEINSLEY - Simplified Gift Guide: for Her
INTO-MIND - 12 Thoughtful books about style, ethical fashion and building a better, simpler wardrobe