Eco Millennial has herself a green little xmas

I am a big fan of Christmas. The gifts, at-home cosiness with a fluffy blanket and glass of mulled wine, extravagant feasts… the list goes on. But it can have its downsides, too. The amount of waste produced is extortionate.

But there are ways to reduce the environmental impact and buy your loved one’s gifts that are eco-friendly. This doesn’t mean it has to be as boring as an e-card or recycled items shoved into brown paper bags. The eloquent sets that I have listed below will hopefully inspire you to gift from brands that are vegan, natural, cruelty-free but also low on waste.

1. Elemental Herbology, Body Wash and Cream Duo, £35

A brand that sources their ingredients ethically, 99% of their product packaging (which includes plastic and paper) is recyclable and they package their gifts minimally. This set includes the Grapefruit and Mandarin Body Wash and Mandarin and Geranium Body Cream. The rather lovely duo contains essential oils and natural fruit extracts. Citrus scents that are invigorating and uplifting are always a win-win at this time of year.

2. ESPA, Time for Calm Bodycare Gift Set, £22

The gift of inner calm at this time of year is a blessing, arriving in the wake of family arguments, and tensions about Christmas day plans. This ESPA gift set is beautifully packaged and includes the restorative bath oil, restorative body oil and the limited-edition restorative balm. The Rose Geranium, Sweet Orange and Lavender blend will make the most stressed Christmas fairy feel positive and soothed.

3. Evolve Organic Beauty, Bestsellers Gift Set, £30

A brand that makes their products in small batches, they’re also vegan, cruelty-free and made up of natural ingredients. Their product packaging is glass and they come in a pretty floral card box which makes for the perfect ready-wrapped gift. It contains the Hyaluronic Serum, Daily Renew Facial Cream and Radiant Glow Mask, all created to leave your skin feeling soft, plump and improve tone and elasticity.

4. Neom Organics, Complete Bliss Candle, £16

I know I’m a bit obsessed with candles but you can never go wrong with them. (If my family are reading this, please feel free to gift me with a lifetime supply.) NEOM uses organic ingredients and natural fragrances that focus on making you feel relaxed and happier. The ‘Calm and Relax‘ Complete Bliss Candle has a blend of 17 essential oils to relax the body and the mind. So dreamy.

5. Neal’s Yard Remedies, Sweet Dreams Bedtime Bodycare Gift Set, £22

Neal’s Yard always use organic and natural ingredients and never use parabens or synthetics. This set has me in awe of how eloquent the packaging is (perfect for any astrology lover). It contains the Beauty Sleep Body Lotion, Foaming Bath and Pillow Mist to allow you to create a simple bath time routine before sleeping. Pure bliss.

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Here are some more tips on other ways to have a more eco-friendly (and also wallet friendly) Christmas:

• Wrap your gifts in recyclable wrapping paper or parcel paper – they always look vintage and pretty, especially if you wrap them with twine. You can decorate them with holly or other plants and flowers.
• Make orange and lemon garlands and add a few drops of essential oil before baking them for an extra citrus kick. Super easy and looks lovely anywhere around the house.
• Make home-made cards with things you already have lying around your house – it makes it much more personal (and impressive) that way.
• Buy a reusable advent calendar – it’ll be fun to put something new in every year.
• Buy less gifts but buy well!
• Try to have more vegan-friendly food options at the Christmas table, and skip disposables where you can.
• Use soy-based (or beeswax) candles which are better for your health and the environment.