Responsible Brands to Shop for the Holiday Season
Whether shopping for yourself or your loved ones, gifting for the holiday season can a time filled with both joy and stress. Today’s quick guide provides a collection of brands to explore for a few of your shopping needs - holiday dresses, shoes for men and women, winter accessories, gifting beauty finds and more. With products offered that are focused on sustainability, environmental impact, and production standards (all without compromising on style), you’ll be sure to find something for just about anyone.
CLOTHING
FRANK AND OAK ($ - $$) - This Canada based contemporary brand creates everything from basic tees to outerwear to shoes for both men and women. You’ll find colorful winter accessories, sustainably made jackets and organic cotton denim.
Try out - the Mockneck Long Sleeved Shirt ($49.50) or the Woven Tartan Scarf ($69.50)
PATAGONIA ($ - $$$) - Always a favorite, Patagonia provides responsibly made, environmentally friendly items for all seasons and styles.
SEZANE ($$ - $$$) - The Paris based feminine brand creates timeless, classic knitwear, dresses and tops without compromising on production standards or sustainbility efforts.
Try out - The Gaspar Jumper ($120)
HACKWITH DESIGN HOUSE ($$ - $$$) - This brand is perfect for well made, versatile styles that are beautifully curated and fabrics that are both comfortable and responsibly sourced. You’ll be able to find minimal-styled outerwear, printed blouses, cozy sweaters and other basics. Check out their Sustain Shop where the brand creates new pieces out of pre-owned clothing.
Try out - HDH Basics : Everything Top ($110)
PALOMA WOOL ($ - $$$) - This small label designer creates sustainably minded collections each season. Influences by art, color and simplicity, Paloma Wool offers clothing, shoes and jewelry for the minimal fashion forward.
EVERLANE ($ - $$$) - With a wide range of styles for both men and women, Everlane is a perfect brand to shop for yourself and your loved ones. As a personal favorite recommendation for those venturing into a more conscious purchase, this will be a one stop shop for basic tees, affordable cashmere, cold weather accessories and even shoes.
Try out - The brand’s curated favorites for Gifts for Her and Gifts for Him holiday guides.
SHOES
NISOLO ($$-$$$) - A consistent personal favorite, Nisolo provides styles that are timeless, classic and neutral for all occasions. The responsibly sources and handcrafted leather shoes and goods with be long lasting investment pieces.
Try out - Paloma Wool in Brandy ($131) or the Isla Boot in Sand ($198)
ALLBIRDS ($$) - Made of some of the comfiest material, Allbirds creates sneakers and slip on shoes for both men and women. Using responsibly sourced wool and eucalyptus tree fiber, these are a perfect, long lasting gift.
Try out - the Wool Runner ($95) for women and the new Tree Toppers ($95) for men.
VAGABOND ($$ - $$$) - Boots should always be viewed as an investment and those from Vagabond are a timeless investment for shoes for work and play.
Try out - shop the brand through U.S. based retailers like Nordstrom or Garmentory.
ACCESSORIES + Home goods
MACHETE ($ - $$) - Making one of the original tortoise shell hoop earrings, Machete designs complimentary jewelry that’s on trend with just the right amount of color, style and simplicity - these earrings are a perfect gift for any friend or family member.
31 BITS ($ - $$) - Handmade by artisans in Uganda, 31 Bits has designed many lines of paper-beaded and brass jewelry as well as bags and home goods.
Try out - the Millie Bangle ($24) or the Marble ‘X’ Coaster Set ($54)
ABLE ($ - $$) - A favorite for a full assortment of options from clothing to accessories, ABLE is a go-to for brass jewelry, stylish shoes and timeless leather bags. These styles are perfect for gifting as well as sharing the story behind the who made each gift you choose.
Try out - the Alem Passport Wallet ($35) or the Echo Earrings ($38)
ANCHAL PROJECT ($$-$$$)- Creating a line of artisan made scarves, bags and home goods like bedding and table linens, Anchal Project will be a unique, colorful gift that gives back to global communities for sustainable income and responsibly sourced fabrics.
Try out - Cotton Straight Scarf - Rust ($72) or Arrow Weekender Travel Bag ($135)
RAVEN + LILY ($$ - $$$) - Offering a wide range of accessories, jewelry and home goods, Raven + Lily has curated a selection of products from artisans around the world. As a leader in the Fair Trade world, each product works to give back to a community for sustainable income and sourcing.
Try out - Zia Dipped Leather Leaf Earrings ($28) or the Bel Air Candle ($28)
TRIBE ALIVE ($-$$) - Partnering with artisans around the world, Tribe Alive is designing earrings, accessories, bags and clothes to create a responsible global marketplace for makers. These are perfect gifts for minimal styles.
Try out - the Lariat Necklace ($48) or the Convertible Pocket Backpack ($248)
BEAUTY
BEAUTYCOUNTER ($$ - $$$) - A favorite for clean makeup and skincare, Beautycounter has been raising awareness within an industry that needs to be more conscious. Beautycounter is the perfect brand to gift yourself and others with simple kits and basics for your daily routines.
Try out - the Countermath Discovery Set ($88) or Sheer Lipstick ($32)
LILAH B ($$) - Another favorite up and coming responsible beauty brand, Lilah B offers a line of makeup for all occasion. The beautiful packaging and sustainable movement helps make it the perfect gift.
