ETHICAL AND ECO-FRIENDLY GIFT IDEAS

With the holiday season almost upon us, it’s time to whip yourself into a frenzy and start stressing out about what you’re going to give your friends and family for Christmas this year… right?

Wrong! After scouring the web for you, we've come up with a list of noteworthy Christmas gifts that are green, help wildlife and are kind to the environment.

Here's your eco-friendly gift guide this Christmas.

1. Adopt a Native Animal

From $20 with WWF-Australia

A native animal adoption is the perfect gift for any animal lover, and a great way to inspire friends and family to care for nature as much as you do. There are different animals you can choose to adopt, including a platypus, koala, turtle and more! By making a symbolic adoption, you’ll be helping to support crucial work to bring our unique wildlife back from the brink of extinction. Help make a difference this festive season and join us in securing the future of our iconic Australian animals.

2. Sustainable toys

From $50 with Axis Toys and Gifts

The sustainable way for kids to play! Axis Toys focuses on the little things, with suppliers who are all creators of quality products with purpose. A range of WWF-Australia puzzles and toys is a great way for kids to learn about Earth’s precious wildlife while they’re having fun.

3. Amy's Balancing Act

For $29.95 on Bjorn Sturmberg's website.

Inspire your little ones and teach them about the power of Renewable Energy with Amy's Balancing Act - an inspiring story about the importance of clean energy and diversity. 

4. Pet products made from recycled materials

From AniPal

Looking for a gift for your furry friend? AniPal is a pioneering carbon positive business in the pet and vet industry. To date, AniPal has recycled over 250,000 post-consumer plastic bottles into pet products. Each collar and lead incorporate recycled plastic instead of virgin plastic. The result? Each product uses 86% less water, 70% less energy and 75% less CO2 emissions. If your pet is more food motivated you can also find therapeutic, natural and hypoallergenic dental and chews and baked treats. Made in Melbourne with sustainable seaweed and insect protein.

5. Vegan leather wallets and lifestyle goods

From $48 at Matt & Nat

Looking for stylish and unique gifts for a loved one? Matt & Nat have a range of eco-friendly, sustainable lifestyle products. Some chic present ideas include wallets, boots, backpacks, dog accessories and more. They’re committed to not using leather or any other animal-based materials, and experiment with recycled materials.

6. Natural products for your home, body, baby and pets

From Bondi Wash

Bondi Wash combines the power and fragrance of unique Australian botanicals with a luxurious mix of other essential oils and natural ingredients.

7. Jewellery made from recycled Australian wood

 From $18 at Ispa Designs

For a sustainable and recycled gift from close to home, this Western Australian based online shop takes offcuts from local timber and turns it into simple stunning jewellery designs. They’ve got a wide range of pendants, earrings and cufflinks, all natural and all recycled. The designer and artist also used to work here at WWF-Australia!

8. Locally made jewellery that supports koala

$125 from Serpent & the Swan

Born from a forever love of animals, nature, symbols and historic jewellery, Serpent & The Swan is an ethical and sustainable Australian-made fine jewellery label, based in Sydney’s inner west. The Little Koala Padlock is a special edition piece created in support of koalas. A percentage of Serpent & The Swan sales are donated to WWF-Australia to support work in protecting native wildlife such as koalas and their homes.

9. Eco-friendly skincare

From $10 at Seed & Sprout

Skincare that's good for you and the planet? Sounds like a win-win! Whether you're looking for a hydrating bundle or an exfoliating kit, Seed & Sprout offer sustainable skincare packs to suit everyone.

10. ReefCycle sunnies

From $89 at WWF-Australia

The ocean just got a lot safer - and your face is about to get a lot cooler! ReefCycle is the perfect gift for anyone who loves helping the planet in style. These sustainable sunnies started life when WWF-Australia and Vision Direct collaborated to remove a deadly commercial gill net from the Great Barrier Reef. The net was then recycled and turned into these super stylish sunglasses - made from 100% upcycled fishing net! 

11. Get outdoors with Tasmanian Walking Company

Know an explorer who loves adventure? Look no further than Tasmanian Walking Company! Give the gift of travel and connect with nature on the Bay of Fires Lodge Walk, Cradle Mountain Huts Walk, Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk (Victoria) or Three Capes Walk.