Ho ho ho!
Black Week, Black Friday and Christmas are just around the corner. And what would Christmas be without gifts?
But what can you give without adding to the environmental impact we already have? We want to share some of our ideas for more sustainable gifts with you. Maybe you’ll find just the right gift for yourself or someone you love.
EXPERIENCES & DIY GIFTS
A great alternative to material gifts are experiences, shared memories and handmade presents. In other words: give someone your time or create something with your own hands.
If you do decide to go for a physical gift, here are some ideas:
SUSTAINABLE GIFTS UNDER 100 ZŁ
Candles are one of those gifts that are hard to get wrong. Almost everyone loves a beautiful scent, candles create a sense of relaxation and add a special atmosphere – especially during the Christmas season. There is also an incredible variety to choose from. More and more small local makers are creating handmade candles, such as Wosk i Knot. Soy candles are made without many of the additives commonly used in traditional candles and are often sold in reusable jars. They are also vegan. And if you have a little more time, you can always try making one yourself!
A gift that pretty much everyone can use. This tote is perfect for shopping, the beach, the gym or university. It is spacious, easy to store, closes with a zip and is made from Polish cotton. The bag features an illustration by artist Anna Rudak and celebrates body positivity.
This set makes it easy to gradually replace single-use plastic products in the bathroom. It includes seven reusable bamboo terry makeup-removal pads, a soap from Cztery Szpaki, a hemp shower pad, bamboo cotton swabs and a bamboo toothbrush.
The shop’s other gift sets are also worth checking out. There are travel, men’s, women’s and baby sets, as well as various wellness sets. There is plenty to choose from, with prices staying under 100 zł.
A collapsible cup that folds down after use, taking up very little space in your bag or backpack. It comes with a thermal sleeve and can also be used with a straw – perfect for smoothies and cocktails. The cup is dishwasher- and microwave-safe and made from safe, durable and recycled materials. A practical companion for anyone who loves coffee or tea.
This cosmetic bag is entirely handmade from reused materials. It is spacious, lightweight and has a reinforced base. Whether you use it at home, while travelling or as a pencil case, it is incredibly versatile. Made from felt, it can also be safely washed in the washing machine. Available from Spięte Baby.
These scrunchies are also handmade by the women behind Spięte Baby. There are plenty of unique three-piece sets to choose from, each with its own character thanks to the way the fabrics are made. Inside, they feature a strong and elastic band from a local manufacturer. A lovely accessory not only for your hair, but also to wear around your wrist.
A collection of stories about travel, encounters, people and the emotions that stay with us along the way. Beautifully illustrated by the author herself and written in an engaging, personal style. Despite being almost 500 pages long, it is the kind of book you’ll want to devour in one sitting.
The latest e-book by two well-known Polish food bloggers, Marta Śliwicka and Tosia Kolo. Together, they came up with a 2-in-1 gift idea: you can give the e-book itself as a present, or use the recipes inside to create a basket filled with homemade treats.
Available from 1 December (the photo shows last year’s Christmas e-book).
A project created by women for women. What started as an educational and community platform has grown into a shop offering books, courses and e-books at different price points. The programmes are designed to support women in their personal development, help them expand their networks and work towards their professional goals.
Of course, we couldn’t leave our circular #SecondChance T-shirts off the list. Thanks to their versatile cuts and sizing, they make an easy gift choice. There is a wide range of designs to choose from – from colourful and unique graphics to classic, minimalist options. The embroidery gives each T-shirt its own character while supporting the zero-waste concept behind the collection. 5 zł from every T-shirt sold is donated to charity.
A lovely gift idea for anyone who already loves natural cosmetics – as well as someone who might be trying them for the first time. When choosing a product, look for environmentally friendly packaging, such as glass. You can also create your own set, for example by combining a body lotion with a dry brush. Natu Handmade offers a great selection to choose from.
The set features products from the Polish natural cosmetics brand iossi. The products are made with organic ingredients, with some of the plant-based ingredients being infused in-house, and the entire production takes place in the Niepołomice Forest area. The set includes three little moments of self-care: a regenerating body butter, a body scrub and a face mask – all packaged with sustainability in mind and with as little plastic as possible.
A natural Eau de Parfum designed to be a more conscious choice for both your skin and the environment. It contains no synthetic fixatives and is based on organic wheat alcohol. The formula is complemented by organic floral water and natural fragrance extracts. There are several scents to choose from, including a lemon and bergamot version with a fresh, relaxing character.
A two-tier stainless steel lunchbox with two containers, a small strainer and a decorative charm. Its size makes it ideal for taking on the go and provides enough space for a full day’s meals. It is ethically and handmade, with a range of distinctive designs to choose from. The lunchbox is dishwasher-safe and completely leakproof, so you can even use it to carry soups and other liquids. The brand offers several size options, ranging from 3 × 500 ml to 3 × 750 ml.
Girls Camp offers workshops and retreats created specifically for women. There are winter and summer editions featuring different activities and workshops. Previous editions have included yoga, ceramics workshops, meetings with artists and people from the holistic wellness community, as well as discussions about books, films and many other topics. “Żeby się Chciało” retreats combine sport, travel and meditation and are open to both women and men. One of their recent projects took place in Portugal and focused on surfing. They also organise various trips around Poland, with activities ranging from twerking workshops to horse riding. Prices vary depending on the duration and destination – but it is certainly the kind of gift that can create memories for years to come.
Over the past few years, ceramics has become increasingly popular as a relaxing and creative activity. Working with clay and letting your imagination take over is a wonderful way to switch off while creating small, unique pieces of art. Workshops range from first-time experiences with clay to more advanced ceramic techniques. Today, ceramic studios offering workshops can be found in most larger cities, with options for both individuals and groups.
Comfortable, soft and stretchy, made from GOTS-certified cotton and Tencel. The collection includes soft bralettes and briefs in a range of colours and cuts. You can mix and match them to create beautiful sets that are perfect for everyday wear.
A unique Polish jewellery brand combining classic style with a touch of retro. The brand has an international following and works with natural materials. Jewellery may be a more expensive gift, but it is something that can be worn for years and even passed down from one generation to the next. Some pieces worth checking out include the Pearl No.8 earrings, Pink Opal Bracelet No.3 and Aquamarine Necklace No.4.
Is there a more Christmassy gift than a warm winter beanie? Our beanies are made from mulesing-free wool and produced with a Less Waste approach – naturally, only at KOPYTO :) Some of our warmest winter styles include Moose, Owl, Deer and Wolf. They are designed to last for years and are perfect for the city, winter getaways, skiing and mountain trips. Thanks to the natural temperature-regulating properties of merino wool, they can even be worn all year round.
We hope you find something perfect for yourself or someone you love – and that your gifts bring plenty of smiles.
P.S. We can’t wait to see photos of our beanies under your Christmas trees! :-)
