As Christmas approaches, I find myself more aware of the choices I make during the holiday season. It’s easy to get swept up in the rush of sales emails and high street deals, but let’s be real—it’s hard to resist. However, I can't help but think of the waste we generate, especially with the mountains of packaging that pile up each year. Did you know we toss out around 300,000 tonnes of card packaging annually?

This year, I’ve decided to focus on supporting small businesses, buying local, and championing female-founded brands. These are businesses I trust and use every day at home. Many are B Corp certified, meaning they’re committed to high social and environmental standards. I’m excited to share some of my personal favourites, hoping you’ll find meaningful, sustainable gifts for your loved ones too.

Health & Beauty Brands

1. Ancient & Brave
   Sustainable nutritional blends and high-quality supplements - meticulously sourced finest ingredients with a focus on sustainability, traceability, and ethical manufacturing. The best bit, they taste incredible! 
   Try: Rest Gift Set £59.99 - Get 20% off with code: FOODIE20

   

2. Evolve Organic Beauty
   Evolve’s skincare range is made with 100% natural ingredients and packaged sustainably. Their luxurious, clean beauty products prioritize ethical sourcing and minimal waste. B Corp Certified.
   Try: Sweet Kiss Retinol Lip Oil £13.50

3. UpCircle Beauty
   Upcycled beauty with a purpose - UpCircle transforms coffee grounds, chai spices, and other by-products into skincare products that nourish and rejuvenate. They use ethically sourced ingredients and sustainable packaging. B Corp Certified.
   Try: Full House Bundle £215 Save 25% 

Fashion Brands

1. Y.O.U Underwear
   Soft, stylish, organic cotton underwear that lets you look good, feel good, and do good. With a buy-one-give-one promise, Y.O.U donates underwear to vulnerable women and children globally. Top-rated B Corp.
   Get 10% off with code: BWBFRIENDS24  
   
   
   

   

2. Chinti & Parker
   A British fashion brand known for its sustainable and playful designs. Chinti & Parker use organic cotton and sustainable fabrics, prioritizing environmental and social responsibility. B Corp Certified.
   Try: Black Sophie Ellis-Bextor Sweater £95

3. With Nothing Underneath
   Offering key wardrobe essentials, their products are ethically made with a focus on longevity. B Corp Certified. 
   Try: The Boyfriend Shirt £120

Home & Lifestyle Brands

1. Urban Apothecary
   Vegan, hand-poured candles, room fragrances, infused with distinctive scents. They are committed to sustainable manufacturing practices and keen to lower negative impact on the environment.
   Try: Rose Outh Luxury Charity Candle £45

2. Sophie Conran
   Elegant, timeless tableware and home decor pieces crafted with care. Sophie Conran’s designs offer a sustainable way to enhance your home while supporting British craftsmanship.
   Try: Sophie Conran Gifts Under £10

3. The White Company
   Stylish, white homeware with high quality but affordable prices, their homeware, women and kid’s clothing range are a family favourite. 
   Try: Christmas Table Decorations

4. Spruce
   Elevate everyday cleaning with Spruce’s eco-friendly essentials. Featuring beautifully designed, refillable bottles and 100% plastic-free cleaning refills, Spruce helps create a toxin-free home without compromising on style. Made with natural ingredients, their products are safe for people, pets, and the planet. B Corp Certified.
   Try: Spruce Super Starter Bundle £29.99
   
   

   

For the Foodie: Sustainable and Tasty Treats

1. Pip & Nut
   Give the gift of delicious, plant-powered nut butters! Pip & Nut offers a range of ethically-sourced nut butters made from high-quality ingredients. Their products are free from palm oil, plastic packaging, and artificial additives—everything I love about this brand.
   Try: Vegan Nut Butter Cups Bundle £12 

2. Celeno Drinks
   For those who appreciate a refreshing beverage with a twist, Celeno Drinks offer a range of premium, non-alcoholic beverages. Made with natural ingredients and no added sugar, Celeno is perfect for anyone who wants a refreshing and healthy alternative to traditional soft drinks. They come in beautiful glass bottles that make them an elegant, eco-friendly gift option.
   Try: Dark & Spicy Tropical Non-Alcoholic Spirit £18

3. Nibble Chocolate
   Nibble’s chocolate is not only indulgent but also sustainably sourced and packaged. This UK-based brand uses ethically sourced cocoa and packaging that’s recyclable and compostable. Perfect for those who love rich, flavorful chocolate but want to enjoy it guilt-free.
   Try: Madagascan Chocolate Chips for the one who loves to bake £4.99

4. Biscuteers
   Hands down a family favourite, they are the original hand-iced biscuit company, based at the Ministry of Biscuits in London. Their hand-iced biscuits can be custom-ordered. 
   Try: The Nutcracker £39.95