Giving a thoughtful, environmentally responsible, Australian made gift is a great option amidst the mass produced presents this time of year and is highly endorsed by our prefab eco home specialist. So the Ecoliv Buildings team have selected ten of our favourite locally made sustainable gifts that will cater to everyone on your shopping list from the $10 Kris Kringle to those nearest and dearest to your heart.
1. Grown and Gathered – For the Gardener and Cook
Local Victorians Matt and Lentil are farmers, gardeners and educators who have written this comprehensive guide and cookbook on traditional living and how to make your patch of the world into a productive garden. Centred on the concept of living thoughtfully and waste free, their online shop also has a great range of organic bags and food storage options which make great gifts and reduce the need for single use plastic.
2. Orbitkey – For the Organiser in your life
For those who likes to keep things simple, clutter free and be prepared for any situation the Orbitkey is a nifty little tool to help keep things organised. Melbourne based duo Rex and Charles quit their jobs and crowdfunded to launch the Orbitkey which organises your keys into a stylish neat stack with no annoying jiggling! With a range of accessories including a bottle opener, multifunction tool and USB this handy tool will have us ready for work or play.
3. Grown Alchemist – For the Beauty Conscious
Flawless, clean skin and hair is important for all ages and the organic formulations from Grown Alchemist achieve results without harmful chemicals or animal derived or tested ingredients. The range of skin, body and hair care products in apothecary-style packaging (which looks super schmick in any bathroom) is carefully considered, using recyclable glass and premium PET plastic. Everything about Grown Alchemist’s branding indicates a scientific approach to natural and effective beauty.
4. Kester Black – For the Teen Fashionista
For the fussiest of teens with a penchant for keeping up with the latest fashion trends Kester Black nail polish is the first company to provide cruelty free, vegan, ethically manufactured nail polish. Driven to minimise overall environmental impact and maximise quality, they use sustainable production methods that utilise recyclable materials and small batch manufacturing to minimise wastage. Kester Black is a non-discriminatory, gender-neutral brand which is suitable for Muslim women, which also donate 2% of profits to charities each year.
5. Happy Hands Happy Heart – For the Little Ones
Happy Hands Happy Heart is 100% natural play dough which was developed by a Victorian mum to encourage creative and sensory play and development of fine moto skills. The plant based dyes used mimic flavours found in nature and scents that encourage general wellbeing and calm. It’s safe even for those little ones that like to explore with their mouths! With a $1 off initiative to re-use existing packaging on your next purchase what is not to love about this fun and sustainable kid’s gift?
6. Seljack Brand Blankets – For the Interiors Lover
Seljak Brand makes closed loop recycled wool blankets using offcuts from the factory floor of Australia’s oldest mill in Tasmania. Made from 70% recycled Australian merino wool and a 30% blend of recycled alpaca and mohair each blanket is made from a renewable resource, is odour and stain resistant, antibacterial, lightweight, breathable and insulating. After the blanket has enjoyed a long adventurous life they’ll collect it, shred it and spin it into new yarn to make future blankets. This circular model diverts waste from landfill creating a new product – you can’t get more sustainable than that! They are also a perfect gift for prefab eco home owners, if we do say so ourselves.
7. Home Made Infused Vodka – For the Party Animal!
This Fig, Vanilla Bean and Cardamom Infused Vodka is so simple to make, within a week you’ll be making cocktails that will blow your friends away! If you aren’t big on cocktails you can also enjoy it as is on the rocks or as a simple martini. – 1 litre bottle of vodka – 1 lb of fresh organic figs, stems removed and cut into quarters – 2 organic vanilla beans, split – 1-2 tablespoons dried cardamom pods Add all of the ingredients to a glass jar or bottle. Let sit in the fridge for at least 1 week. Strain out the figs, vanilla beans, cardamom pods, etc. and add back to the jar or bottle. Enjoy!
8. Fresko Flasks – For the Teacher/Business Person
It’s a fruit infuser, water bottle and thermos flask all in one! Brew tea, sip coffee, create fruit infused water and smoothie recipes – in style and on the go! Each flask has been created 100% BPA and chemical free, with double walled glass and bamboo and is vacuum sealed. Each is reusable and sustainable so it’s yours to keep and use for a long, long time.
9. Chow Cacao Chocolate – For your Kris Kringle
Chocolate in its purest form is loaded with minerals and antioxidants that when enjoyed in moderation can have a multitude of health benefits. Chow Cacao is lovingly hand made in beautiful Byron Bay and is raw, organic and vegan making it perfect for a little guilt free indulgence. With an amazing range of flavours including peanut butter slab, dark crunchy mint, dark cherry and creamy coconut your Kris Kringle will be eternally thankful and reap the benefits of this healthy treat.
10. Care Australia – The global gift for the person that has everything!
Sometimes a beautifully made card with a special handwritten message is all it takes to make a beautiful Christmas gift. Our personal favourite is Change Gift from Care Australia. You can send a young girl to school: buy drought resistance seeds or a fuel efficient stove for a family. Care will send a card explaining the difference their gift has made to someone else. Isn’t that what Christmas is really all about?
