For many, being plant-based is not just a way of eating, it’s a lifestyle. This means that avoiding animal products goes far beyond the kitchen.
If you’re not plant-based (or if you’re new to plant-based living), buying gifts for loved ones may seem slightly frustrating. While staying away from gifting foods made with dairy, eggs and meat products may be obvious, there are non-food items that may require some looking into. Check labels so you can avoid picks that have been tested on animals and/or may contain animal ingredients such as certain beauty and personal care products,
To help you come up with amazingly thoughtful gift ideas and to better navigate your options for the plant-based people in your life, take a look at our suggestions below:
1. For the eco-friendly enthusiast
Do you have someone in your life that loves the environment but also wants to keep up with their beauty routine? Opt for a fresh set of lemongrass shampoo and conditioner that are both gentle on the planet and clarifying. Or, to give their home a refreshing scent, you can opt for a calming and purifying array of essential oils and diffuser combinations in lieu of chemical-laden candles. You can also go the natural perfume route, choosing cruelty-free options and picks free of harmful chemicals such as parabens and phthalates.
2. For the guy who loves to groom
For many, body washes and scrubs might only be gifts for the women on your list, but that doesn’t have to be the case! There are so many products now available to make sure the guys in your life not only look good but keep the environment in mind too. Try a variety of personal care items like cleansing gels and skin care essentials or even a simple kit such as the Andalou Naturals MEN Get Going Kit, which gives the guy on your list the full spectrum of personal care.
3. For the fantastic foodie
Just because there’s no animal products on the menu, doesn’t mean you have to skimp on the fun food gifts! If your loved one has a sweet tooth, choose an assortment of sweet treats, like delicious non-dairy chocolate bars, and create a personalized basket for them. A salt tooth? Opt for a homemade variety of meatless jerky, vegetable chips and crackers that’ll be sure to satisfy them!
4. For the botanical-loving bookworm
For those who want to learn more about plant-based living, a book can be a great choice. To inspire them to whip up some vegan fare in the kitchen, gift a recipe book such as “Oh She Glows” by Angela Liddon. Not a cook? Keep their motivation high with a book that discusses the benefits of the plant-based lifestyle like “The Kind Diet” by Alicia Silverstone. And don’t forget about books that talk about how to follow a healthy plant-based diet, like “How Not to Die” by Dr. Michael Greger!
5. For the beautiful beauty guru
Do you have someone on your list this year who loves makeup but they’re worried that the more natural brands won’t hold up to the quality of the products they’re currently using? There are a variety of natural beauty picks that not only last but are filled with quality ingredients. Options like natural lipsticks, flower pigmented blushes and coconut-based lip balms (we’re loving Hurraw! Balm right now). Create a variety of these picks (which are better for us, the animals and the environment) and thrill the beauty gurus on your list this year!
And, of course, you can combine all of these ideas in one giant basket for the ultimate vegan-friendly gift! Happy holidays.