Sustainable Christmas Gift Guide 2025
A sustainable Christmas sounds like an oxymoron when you consider the overflowing rubbish bins put out the day after and the hoards of shoppers at the mall carrying bags of mass produced junk. But when you approach Christmas with a sustainable mindset, Christmas can have a great impact on the planet and people.
This year, use my guide to gifting to ensure your friends and family feel loved while the planet isn’t pillaged in the process. Give your money to businesses who genuinely care about every order and create products that will bring joy, taste amazing, and truly last.
In this blog you’ll find everything from rechargeable batteries to the best honey candles, compostable bras to sustainable sunscreens. Over 100 ideas for you to do all of your shopping with a clean conscience!
Shop through these categories: clothing, practical ideas, self care, eco lifestyle, bath & beauty, food, jewellery, kids, chocolates, socks & shoes, mugs, wine & liquor, non-alcoholic drinks, pjs & underwear, sunscreen, and gift boxes.
But first, meet the standout brands stealing the spotlight this Christmas.
Ironclad
My favourite (& most used) kitchen items are from Ironclad. Iron sealed in a satin enamel finish makes for an easy to use pan that cooks almost anything. Each pan is built for serious cooking on any surface and backed by a lifetime guarantee.
What Kate loves: The olive leaf colour way, the efficiency of cooking, versatility of each pan, the knowledge my grandchildren may cook with the same pans.
Code EthicallyKate is 10% off.
Everkind
Everkind makes certified organic bodycare for people who don’t want to choose between what works and what’s kind to the planet and their bodies.
What Kate loves: Their plush lip balm is my all time favourite (great stocking stuffer!) and their packaging truly does break down in a home compost - I have used their products for years!
Code ETHICALLYKATE is 10% off.
Crescent Nest
Crescent Nest is a NZ-based women-led brand creating Bamboo Sonic Toothbrushes that reduce landfill waste by 85% with compostable bamboo heads and castor oil bristles.
What Kate loves: Gives an amazing teeth clean (noticeably different than a normal non-electric toothbrush), feels great in hand, 60-day long lasting battery.
Note: Every brand included in the blog post was chosen because they are brilliant. Brands with main features are the sponsors of this blog post: without them, this huge piece of work couldn’t have happened. Enjoy the discount codes too!
Find more Christmas inspiration here: 9 Different Things You Can Do This Christmas + Sustainable Christmas Gift Ideas For New Zealanders + 100+ Sustainable Alternatives To Classic Christmas Gifts
Clothing
LETE Active ~ ETHICALLYKATE1 for 15% off
LETE ACTIVE is a New Zealand activewear label that creates high-performance pieces from certified organic bamboo - cutting out up to 95% of microplastic shedding compared to traditional synthetics. The brand is driven by a commitment to both skin-friendly performance and planet-positive production, including OEKO-TEX, GOTS-certified fabrics and water-saving techniques. They’re incredibly comfortable and long lasting pieces that make great gifts!
McDonald Textiles ~ ETHICALLYKATE for 10% off
Recreate Clothing ~ ETHICALLYKATE for 10% off
Royal Merino ~ ETHICALLYKATE for 10% off
Shapes in the Sand (swimwear) ~ ETHICALLYKATE for 15% off
Standard Issue ~ ETHICALLYKATE for 10% off
With Milk (breastfeeding friendly)
Wombat & Co. (baby wearing jackets)
Zeenya Clothing (activewear)
Practical Ideas
Chunky Bottles (drink bottles) ~ EK10 for 10% off
Crafty Gatherer (gardening)
Deeper Questions (game with friends)
Do Not Disturb (sleep products) ~ ETHICALLYKATE20 for 20% off
Duffle & Co (bags)
Good Citizens Eyewear (sunglasses) ~ ETHICALLYKATE for 10% off
Iron Clad ~ EthicallyKate is 10% off
Colours of Home by Ironclad Co includes handcrafted iron in easy acre satin enamel. The strength and heat retention of Ironclad cast iron, sealed in a satin enamel finish that cleans with soap and never needs seasoning. In three enduring colours inspired by things that stay. Naturally non-stick, soap friendly, induction ready, and oven safe to 300°C. Available in Salt Stone, Olive Leaf, and Antique Black. Enduring colours chosen to feel at home. For generations.
Pale Blue ~ ETHICALLYKATE for 20% off
Ditch dirty disposable batteries for good and save money. One Pale Blue rechargeable battery lasts up to 1,000 charges, so a single 4-pack replaces about 4,000 single-use batteries. They’re fast-charging, consistent, USB-C powered, and perfect for everything from kids’ toys to camping gear. Pale Blue batteries are simple, reliable, and ideal for every Kiwi home and holiday.
The Green Collective ~ ETHICALLYKATE for 15% off
The Wedge is a clever, eco-friendly pouch made from PVC manufacturing offcuts that would have otherwise gone to landfill. Strong, durable, and showerproof, it’s the perfect multi-purpose bag for wet swim gear, phones and keys, toiletries, cords, snacks and more. Handmade in Nelson with a sturdy YKK zip, it’s endlessly useful and easy to clean.
The Loyal Workshop (bags & more)
Water 2 Go (filter water bottle) ~ ETHICALLYKATE for 10% off
Self Care
Honeywrap (candles) ~ ETHICALLYKATE for 10% off (orders over $40)
Hearth & Home (candles)
Kaiora Downs Mats (yoga mats)
Manawa honey (candles)
Poet Botanicals (candles)
Poppy and Sage (candles)
Shakti Mat (relaxation mat)
The Hug (wearable hot & cold packs)
Wearable relief, hot or cold - wherever you need it most. Eco-friendly, non-toxic and beautifully made, The Hug is comfort that lasts. The Hug is an alternative to smelly wheat bags or leaky hot water bottles. It can be used for headaches, ankles, knees and wrists, as well as larger areas like lower and upper back and tummy. The removable washable linen blend cover means you can keep it fresh.
Valka Yoga (yoga mats) ~ ETHICALLYKATE for 10% off
Eco Lifestyle
CaliWoods ~ ETHICALLYKATE for 5% off
Eco Warehouse ~ ETHICALLYKATE for 10% off
Health Post ~ ETHICALLYKATE for 10% off *one code per order
Since 1988, HealthPost has been NZ's home of healthy living; a Kiwi-owned, B Corp certified business offering over 6,000 natural products to help you live well and live lightly. Their in-house wellness brand, BioBalance, has your AM-PM ritual covered - from skincare to superfoods & more. Enjoy 3 for 2 on BioBalance until 8 December or use code ETHICALLYKATE until 19th January 2026 for all your personal and Christmas gifting needs.
It’s Organic Darling ~ ETHICALLYKATE for 5% off
Nil harm, nil waste. Nil Products are a B corp certified organisation; NZ owned and women lead. They offer sustainable products for around the home. From cleaning sheets and concentrated tablets to handmade cotton food covers and bags!
Bath & Beauty
Aleph Beauty ~ ETHICALLY7HJ3 for 10% off
Bee Fresh ~ ETHICALLYKATE for 10% off
Beyond Soap ~ ETHICALLYKATE for 10% off
Corbin Rd ~ Spend 150.00 & save 15% (code Kate15). Spend $250 & save 20% (code Kate20)
You shouldn’t have to guess what’s lurking in your skincare. At Corbin Rd, they take the confusion out of choosing safe, effective, results-driven skincare for your face and body. Their minimalist three-step system delivers proven results; no fillers, no fluff, just thoughtful formulas that work in harmony with your skin and the planet. This Christmas, they’ve made gifting easy by putting together bundles for every skin type.
Crescent Nest is a NZ women-led brand bringing sustainability and style to everyday self-care. Their Bamboo Sonic Toothbrush uses compostable heads, castor-oil bristles, and a long-lasting battery, cutting landfill waste by 85%. Each purchase also plants a tree through One Tree Planted, making your daily brushing a simple step toward a cleaner, greener future.
Everkind ~ ETHICALLKATE for 10% off
Everkind makes certified organic bodycare for people who don’t want to choose between what works and what’s kind. For themselves, their little ones, and the planet. Thoughtfully made in Taranaki with the best natural ingredients, and packaged in paper that’s home compostable. From daily essentials to newborn care, Everkind is a beautiful gift for any conscious home.
Fongky ~ ETHICALLYKATE for 10% off
The new-generation toothbrush that combines the best of both waste minimisation and affordability. All you have to change out is the head when the bristles have done their dash! The handle is made from recycled plastic and should last you a lifetime. Fongky brushes are a great idea for a simple present or stocking stuffer.
Frankie Apothecary ~ ETHICALLYKATE for 10% off
Oh Goodness ~ ETHICALLYKATE for 10% off
Mia Belle ~ ETHICALLYKATE for 10% off
Raw Nature ~ ETHICALLYKATE for 20% off (purchases over $50)
Scenturie ~ ETHICALLYKATE for 10% off
Food
Crafty Weka Bar ~ ETHICALLYKATE for 10% off
The perfect foodies Christmas present! Aotearoa New Zealand’s earliest and largest selection of new season garlic, grown sustainably in sunny Hawke’s Bay. Order by the 7th of December to ensure delivery pre 25/12 etc. This garlic is a favourite in our kitchen. The bulbs are a superb size for cooking; large and easy to peel. Temata Garlic is on my Christmas list this year!
Kids
Keeping kids off screens at Christmas shouldn’t feel like a battle - it should feel like play! Sustained Fun is a New Zealand-based, climate-focused toy company (and certified B-Corp) that designs games and play activities to reduce waste, tackle climate anxiety, and inspire sustainable change in the toy industry.
Chocolates
This might be THE most tokenistic Christmas gift of them all: a box of chocolates. It’s consumable, it’s loveable, it’s ritualistic and traditional. But after learning about the troubling ethics of the chocolate industry and publishing this eye opening ethical chocolate blog, I simply will not buy a box of Favourites, Scorched Almonds, Roses, Ferrero Rocher, Lindt or Toblerone as a traditional Christmas gift again. Thankfully we have so many ethical options here in Aotearoa New Zealand!
Ao Cacao ~ EK10 for 10% off
Valura Chocolate~ ETHICALLYKATE for 5% off
Socks & Shoes
Socks are nearly as universal as chocolate, yet gosh they can be poor quality. This year it would be epic if you could use your hard earned money to support a brand who pays the people who make their socks fairly and uses sustainable materials like organic cotton, bamboo, and wool. Your family and friends are bound to love these ethical Christmas presents!
Charly ~ ETHICALLYKATE for 10% off (selected products only)
Collective Canvas ~ ETHICALLYKATE for 10% off
Organic Basics ~ ETHICALLY10 for 10% off
La Sierra ~ ETHICALLYKATE for 10% off
Orba Shoes ~ ETHICALLYKATE10 for 10% off
Roam Barefoot ~ ETHICALLYKATE for 5% off
Sly & Co ~ ETHICALLYKATE for 15% off
Velvet Heartbeat ~ ETHICALLYKATE for 15% off
Mugs
Instead of the usual ugly novelty mug that no one wants on Christmas, go for sustainable Christmas gifts like these ceramic cups made by local artisans. They’ll get plenty of use and support small businesses, rather than being a dust collector in the cupboard. In my opinion, a mug is a super thoughtful gift. Most people use a mug daily and it’s cool to know they’ll think of you when they have their morning cuppa.
Wine & Liquor
A bottle of wine or whiskey is a pretty standard Christmas gift, but what about going a bit greener? For a more sustainable Christmas gift, choose organic or biodynamic wines and spirits. There are some great eco-friendly Christmas presents available, with alcohol that’s produced right here in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Fugitive Organic produce spectacular organic wine with the lowest carbon footprint possible by thinking outside the bottle. They love doing things a bit differently, so they only put our wine in lightweight, fully recyclable boxes. The 2025 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2L box is:
-BioGro organically certified
-Low carbon foot print (40% less than your average wine bottle)
-Fully recyclable
-Stays fresh in the fridge for 4 weeks after opening.
-Perfect for summer, camping, at the beach or bach or out on the boat!
Loveblock have just launched their first bubbles, Loveblock Méthode Traditionnelle. Bright, elegant and delicious, this bubbles from Marlborough is made with love and care by Erica & Kim Crawford. Perfect to share, gift, or quietly keep for yourself. Ideal wine for the festive season! We love Loveblock wines and even had them at our wedding back in 2017.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks
With more people leaning towards mindful drinking, non-alcoholic drinks make for thoughtful and sustainable Christmas gifts. Skip the sugar-packed soft drinks and look for locally made, low-waste, organic sodas or kombucha. These eco-friendly alternatives to classic Christmas gifts show you care about health and the planet.
Chia Sisters ~ ETHICALLYKATE for 15% off
Good Sh*t Soda ~ ETHICALLYKATE for 10% off
Pete’s Natural ~ ETHICALLYKATE for 15% off
Six Barrel Soda ~ ETHICALLYKATE for 10% off
Wild Dispensary ~ ETHICALLYKATE for 10% off
Pajamas & Underwear
Bhumi Organic ~ ETHICALLYKATE for 25% off
Mighty Good Basics ~ ETHICALLYKATE for 20% off
Mighty Good Basics specialises in sustainable, ethical underwear made from organic cotton. Their fair trade practices ensure that every purchase supports workers’ rights. I wear my Mighty Good Basics tanks on repeat and the quality is unmatched. I know underwear can be seen as a naff gift to some, but I reckon sustainable underwear that is gorgeous and high quality like Mighty Good Basic’s is a sure way to make your friends and family happy.
Organic Basics ~ ETHICALLY10 for 10% off
The Very Good Bra ~ ETHICALLYKATE for 15% off
The Very Good Bra is an Australian B Corp creating 100% plastic-free, fully compostable bras and underwear. Their size-inclusive range (up to 34 proper bra sizes) is made entirely from materials that can be composted or worm-farmed (eaten in 8 weeks!) at end-of-life. There’s not even one stitch of polyester. Every component is intentionally low-impact, offering a genuinely sustainable alternative to traditional lingerie.
Sunscreen
A summer essential that often sneaks into Christmas stockings, sunscreen can be a more ethical gift than you think. Opt for non-toxic sunscreens that are better for your body and the planet. Sustainable Christmas presents can still be practical, and a good sunblock is the perfect example of how even traditional Christmas gifts can go eco-friendly. Personally, I love sustainable sunscreen as a present. Sunblock is an essential need during New Zealand summers so it’s an incredibly versatile gift too!
Back to the Wild ~ ETHICALLYKATE for 10% off
Back to the Wild’s SPF 50 minimal ingredient sunscreen is safe for babies from birth, non-greasy and easy to apply. It offers high-performance sun protection without harmful chemicals and in handy glass pots. Handmade in Kaiapoi with natural ingredients, this sunscreen is gentle on your skin and the environment, while being built for outdoor adventures.
Goodbye ~ ETHICALLYKATE for 10% off
Goodbye is a New Zealand B Corp making high-performance, all-natural sunscreens designed for real outdoor life. Their formulas are clean, concentrated, low-waste, and built to protect your skin while treading lightly on the planet. “Outdoor skincare that goes where you go.”
My Sunshine creates high-quality mineral sunscreens that double as skincare, using zinc-only formulas that are gentle on skin and safe for the environment. Their new Zinc-It sunscreen rubs in clear with a soft semi-matte finish and is enriched with antioxidants to nourish and protect the whole family. The Semi-Matte Tint offers SPF 30, a light tint, primer and moisturiser all in one, delivering a smooth, polished look with added skin-brightening and soothing benefits.
Smidge ~ ETHICALLYKATE for 15% off
Sol Goods ~ ETHICALLYKATE for 15% off
Sun Slayer’s Reef Safe Sunscreen offers SPF 50+ protection with a natural, eco-friendly formula that’s gentle on marine life. Made with non-nano zinc oxide, this sunscreen provides broad-spectrum coverage without the use of harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate. Packaged in a recyclable aluminum tube, it’s water-resistant and perfect for beachgoers and outdoor adventurers who want powerful sun protection that won’t harm the ocean. They are a 6 x Gold Medal Winner & Editor’s Choice for Best Overall Sunscreen and Best Kids Sunscreen 3 years in a row!
Gift Boxes
Sometimes a gift box filled with a range of goodies is the most appropriate gift for your boss, clients, neighbours, or a combined family Christmas gift. We’re lucky to have several amazing companies in Aotearoa New Zealand who gather amazing sustainable brands (many listed in this blog post!) into one place so you can order a gift box while knowing everything inside it is made better.
