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The Ethical Holiday Gift Guide

I’ll be the first to admit that while I start to compile my list for the holiday season early, I often start shopping late.
Goop

I’ll be the first to admit that while I start to compile my list for the holiday season early, I often start shopping late. Some people agonize over the chore of holiday shopping but with the advent of online shopping and the sheer amount of variety it’s much easier than before to tackle that list. Now more than ever, consumers are paying attention to where a product comes from, what it actually does for them and how it’s made. The good news is, ethical products are on the rise in retail markets which means we have more options (and some good ones too!) than before. 

The best way to find products that are ethical is to start locally and know your level of comfort on the ethical continuum. You can buy all natural products that are ethically and sustainably made or find vegan products which are produced ethically based on the absence of any animal derivative. Start small and pay attention to your local organic grocer which will usually introduce new ethical products to try. Finally, talk to someone who is vegan; they are usually experts on helping you source the best vegan products they likely have tried themselves. To get you started, here are a few options this season that your friends and karma will thank you for. 

 

 

The Body Shop

This holiday season, body shop has dedicated their line to create change by restoring one square metre of rainforest with each sale of their gift set. With the launch of their new Superfood masks which are 100% vegetarian, you won’t find any parabens, silicon or harmful chemicals in their product. If you’re looking for a smart purchase that pays it forward as well, The Body Shop will knock both those off your list. 

Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask $28 (VEGAN); The Body Shop

 

 

Bioeffect

When it comes to a vegan and all natural option for anti aging product, bioeffect has been a favourite of mine. The main ingredient is sourced using green biotechnology to extract EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor) from the seed of barley plants to boost skin brightness and evens complexion. Produced in Iceland, this vegan product puts the power of plant based skincare at the forefront from start to finish. Tip: Refrigerate the serum for a longer shelf life. The coolness also feels great on your skin after a warm bath leaving you feeling rejuvenated. 

EGF Serum $220; Bioeffect

 

 

AG Hair

Vancouver based brand AG Hair has taken huge steps in creating products that are vegan and cruelty free. This season, my favourite product is their dry shampoo which absorbs excess oil (I use mine after a morning workout before I zip to work). Dry shampoo is magical in many ways and can be used to keep curls from clumping together, boost volume, adds grip to bobby pins and keeps bangs from sticking to your forehead. 

Simply Dry; AG Hair (also try: root touchup dry shampoo for between salon visits)

 

 

 

Tata Harper

If you’re keeping a close eye on what’s circulating in beauty news, you’ll see all kinds of research suggesting that environmental stressors have an impact on your skin. If you live in the city, you’re at an increased risk. For an all natural solution, Tata Harper’s Purifying Cleanser promises to help daily wear and tear from things like smog and pollution which can build up on your skin. While this may be a legitimate concern for many, I find this product is a great companion to take off all your makeup at the end of the day. Clean skin will help absorption of any skincare product such as toners or anti aging serums and maximizes results. 

Purifying Cleanser $62; Tata Harper

 

 

 

Juice Beauty

A proclaim vegan and all natural advocate, actress Gywneth Paltrow has had huge success from her online blog Goop to cookbook and now skincare/beauty line. Paltrow has launched Juice Beauty which is (you guessed it), an all natural and vegan beauty line from foundations to skincare which uses plant based ingredients aimed at creating healthy skin. 

Phyto-Pigment Ultra Natural Mascara $22; Juice Beauty 

 

 

 

H&M conscious

H&M has been quickly expanding their brand to accommodate the needs of different shoppers. Currently, they have a premium line, beauty line, active wear line and designer collaborations. The H&M conscious line uses recycled materials and textiles to create clothing for their collection. While prices are higher than their classic H&M collection, it promises to uphold ethical principles during the production of the pieces. As an avid H&M shopper, I’ve seen the line grow and so have consumer’s affinity for the brand. Not surprisingly, items are usually sold out quickly. Quality of the clothing from the conscious line is actually good and feels great on the skin. For those who want to shop at H&M guilt free, make a B line for this collection. To avoid disappointment, you can now shop online to ensure you snag those must have pieces before they’re gone!

Long Cotton Shirt $34.99; H&M Conscious

 

 

 

Vancouver Cnadle

A long time staple in my home, Vancouver Candle is a great local choice for a gift that will please most people. The candles are soy based and infused with all natural essential oils. Not sure which to choose? Hint: Bergamot is usually pleasing to both sexes. 

Mount Pleasant $20; Vancouver Candle (Neighbourhood collection: Vancouver and Toronto)

 

 

 

Oh she glows

I think cooking is a skill everyone should try to acquire in their lifetime. You save money and become committed to what you put in your body and assert better control on the ingredients you choose to include with each meal. It’s also a great activity to include family members or children to increase connectivity. The key is to add innovation to classic recipes. I recently made a chickpea chocolate dip for my fruit by simply blending chickpeas, cocoa powder, agave nectar, vanilla extract and cashew milk. Healthy, delicious and simple is the key to keep you going back to the kitchen. 

Oh She Glows Vegan Cookbook $20 (online); Chapters

 

 

 

Zimt

A recent discovery during my weekend shop at Whole Foods, Zimt chocolate has made its way into my pantry weekly. For those who adore dark chocolate, you can find flavours such as maple smoked salt and rosemary, sweet orange nib (a personal favourite), peppermint and Kaffe. All their chocolate bars are also vegan and dairy free. 

Salt of the Earth $5.25 (LOCAL & VEGAN), Zimt chocolates

 

 

Heartspring

Keep it simple and all natural with California based brand Heartspring lip balms. Made with beeswax, shea butter and essential oils, these lip balms will leave your lips feeling great all day. Flavours include coconut and rose, lavender and honey (personal favourite), rosemary and vanilla, lemon and sage. 

Assorted flavours lip balm $8.35; Heartspring 

 

Amy Yew is a contributing columnist at Vancouver Courier and a fashion and style writer. She is also the author of a blog Style du Jour. Tell us what you think and submit any questions you have to amyvancouvercourier@gmail.com.