The Sustainable Look Good Do Good Christmas Gift Guide

As we launch full speed ahead into December this weekend and all that Christmas brings, I've put together my pick of the more traditional Christmas clothing gifts for friends and family.

I've dug deep to find items that are of great quality and are perhaps a little different to those you find in your high street. Most importantly - each of them has a sustainable or ethical story so you know that you are doing good at the same time by supporting these brands. Browse the whole range from these brands and you will find even more goodness.

Celtic & Co - Sheepskin Slippers

All the fluffy synthetic (plastic!) slippers that you see everywhere at this time of year really saddens me. There are beautiful alternatives that are made from wool, leather and sheepskin, such as these. Yes, they are much more expensive than their plastic look-alikes, but something as pretty as this which is sustainable to will hopefully be loved and cherished for years not replaced with next years trend in furry feet!   

Icebreaker - Long Sleeve Top

Icebreaker has used wool as the base of their products since they launched over a decade ago and make technical sports clothing that's also fashionable. I love their base layers such as this, I have two that I wear on rotate in cold weather as they are light yet warm. They do tend to stick to darker shades but this little top is in a lovely colour and is great for running, walking, skiing, riding or just wearing anytime. Your sporty and outdoors friends will love having something from Icebreaker to wear. 

Mey - Wool Silk Top

This is underwear that's pretty enough to wear as outerwear! It feels absolutely amazing to the touch, It's a pity they didn't use a cotton or viscose lace as that's the only part of this lovely top that's not biodegradable at the end of its days. Mey has consistently made quality undergarments for decades and is still a family run business. Many other styles of vests and slips to too if you're looking for a dreamy treat to wear next to the skin.

Thought - Check Pyjamas

A pair of PJ's that have pockets and a very stylish monochrome check pattern. Made from 100% organic cotton they are a reasonable price for such quality. The jacket isn't oversized or too boxy, and they are great to snuggle into around the house. Pair the jacket with leggings or the bottoms with a vest or t-shirt and get even more joy from wearing them as separates. 

Signature Leather - Gloves  

These British made gloves from British leather sourced as a by-product from the meat industry make these a lower carbon footprint choice as well as not using virgin materials. On top of that, you can custom design the gloves to your own choice of colour, stitching and lining! Now that's clever, fun and sustainable too! The only downside is you have to imagine what the colours you pick will look like when combined together as they don't have a design tool, but don't let that put you off their customer service team are happy to advise. 

Rifo - Cotton Shawl

Rifo is an Italian company who use upcycled fibres in their products. Using old garments to make new. Cotton and cashmere are two fibres they use extensively in their collection. I think the colours in this shawl are particularly pretty and will look great with navy or grey in the winter but also won't look out of place in the summer with pale blues or white.  

Younited Cultures- Silk Scarf

Younited Cultures is founded by two fearless migrants from Romania who are on a mission to reverse negative stigmas, celebrate diversity and support migrant communities. By linking each scarf with a migrant success story, they use fashion as a creative tool to communicate and celebrate the positive impact of migrant communities abroad. This fun and vibrant silk scarf pops a powerful punch to lift your spirits any day. 

Colorful Standard - Wool Scarf

The stylish and simple scarves from Colorful Standard are made from 100% Italian Merino Wool. Designed to last season after season. They are made by hardworking people who are treated as humans should be treated. That means fair wages, no discrimination and freely chosen employment.

Thought - Bamboo Tights

Ok, they are not fully biodegradable because they do contain some polyester and the elastic yarn to make them fit snuggly but they are a much more sustainable option than 99% of other tights on the market currently. And this navy with white spots pair are fun and funky to chase any winter blues away.  

Stand4Socks

A stocking filler or just a caring gift to give. Each of the Stand 4 Socks have a good deed associated with them. These running socks use GOTS certified cotton and when you purchase one pair you are gifting one year's safe water. Aligned with United Nations Global Goal 6 "Clean Water & Sanitation". In collaboration with Water.org, this pair helps to provide 1 year's safe water for a household in a developing country. Water is a fundamental human need, yet many people in the world still lack access to it.