Slow fashion is the gift that keeps on giving. And with more and more ethically and sustainably made fashion options coming on the market, doing good in your gift giving has never been easier. Use this as your sustainable gift giving guide to birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries, special occasions or just a friendly surprise (my favourite!)
Sweet separates
Ethically made underwear is absolutely beautiful and a wonderful gift for an eco-conscious friend or family member. Because the price point is a bit higher than the non-ethically made alternatives, people are less likely to purchase this for themselves. This is your opportunity to introduce them to their new favourite brand. Check out my list of ethically made underwear here for options.
Earrings and accessories
There’s no such thing as too many earrings (although I have a friend who is certainly coming close to it). Check out some Etsy shops or boutiques stocking locally made brands (like these beauties by Denz & Co) for sustainably made jewellery, hand crafted in Australia. Alternatively I’ve compiled some of my favourite sustainably produced Aussie accessories brands here.
Activewear
Kusaga Athletic‘s world’s greenest t-shirt is a must-have for an active wardrobe. Give the gift of a long-lasting t-shirt made with less than 1% of the water then it takes to make an average cotton t-shirt. The world’s greenest t-shirt is just $45. For more ethically made activewear, check out my list here.
Purse, wallets and bags
Whether you’re looking for a one-and-done type gift or a stocking filler – a coin purse, wallet or handbag could fit the bill. Empire of Bees makes purses, wallets, handbags and accessories in bright and bold coloured leathers that make for stunning gifts. The purses come in at about $59, and they have a great fold out linen and leather shopping bag for $69. I also love Ahimsa Collective for vegan friendly bags and accessories.
Socks and hosiery
Ok now we are in stocking-filler territory. But socks are cute and people love them covered in prints and funny sayings. I’ve got a list of the top sustainable socks here. Another great gift in this department is the hosiery on offer at Swedish Stockings. This brand is making tights and stockings from recycled ocean waste.
Headwear
This will need to be for a friend or family member you really like. If $100 isn’t out of the budget, Aussie hat heroes Will and Bear make the cutest damn hats around (just check me out in the pic above). Their unisex headwear is made by expert milliners in Mongolia, using 100% Australian wool.
Swimwear
There’s heaps of sustainably made swimwear on the market in Australia. For the most part, it’s probably out of the budget and bit hard to pick sizes, but the cute sets by Bimby and Roy could do the trick. The brand makes super cute separates to be worn from sleep, to swim to sitting around the barbecue (the ultimate summer combo if you ask me), and they won’t break the bank.
Pyjamas
Sustainably made sleepwear should also be on your list for a gift-giving occasion. Whether it’s for your mum, grandma, sister or bestie, there’s some ethically made pyjamas that will suit. Check out my list here.
DIY Loungewear
Give the gift of DIY fashion with the complete sewing kits from the Brisbane-based label and sewing school Common Stitch. I love the Pipit loungewear set sewing kit which comes with everything to sew the set at home – including the pattern, fabric, thread, elastic and buttons. It’s great gift for beginners and experts alike (just make sure they have a sewing machine!) 😉
Slow fashion reads
Pick up a good old fashion book from a book store or secondhand book store. My picks for a fashion lover include Fashionopolis by Dana Thomas and Wardrobe Crisis and Rise and Resist: How to change the world both by Vogue Australia’s Sustainability Editor Clare Press. If they’re a bit crafty, check out Mending Matters or School of Sewing by Shea Henderson.
While we’re here, I’m also a huge fan of a magazine subscription that showcases and encourages slow living and slow fashion. I’d recommend Peppermint Mag which will set you back about $46 for a year, or Womankind which is $60 for a year. Alternatively, a diary or calendar is nice. Frankie Mag does them well.
