Gifts that give twice: our favourite sustainable and socially conscious gifts
At Storyflight, we try to buy gifts that align with our values of environmental sustainability and social change. In fact, we have so much fun shopping in this space, we just had to share some of our 2021 favourites with you.
There are no affiliate links on this page. We just love spreading the word about purpose-driven products!
Something to wear
The Thin Green Line Foundation supports rangers on the front line of conservation around the world. We’re particularly taken with the jewellery in their shop. Local women in Zambia turn wire from brutal snares into unique jewellery pieces.
In a similar vein, LOVEbomb jewellery is cast from safely sourced bomb fragments from Laos. The workers in Laos are paid in accordance with Fair Trade conditions, and a percentage of the profits are donated to their local community.
Check out the fresh, new t-shirt designs at Dangerous Females. One hundred percent of profits are donated to organisations fighting to end men’s violence against women.
And at The Sydney Sock Project, you can shop by charity or by design. Their colourful and ever-changing range has something for everyone. With each purchase, a donation is made to an Australian community in need.
Something to drink
No, I don’t come with the wine.
We recommend Goodwill Wine, and not just because of the pretty labels.. The company donates 50% of their profits to Australian charities. And you get to choose which one!
Or, for a non-alcoholic alternative, support Sobah. Proudly Aboriginal owned and led, Sobah is Australia's first non-alcoholic craft beer company. They’re breaking down the stigma of socialising sober, one delicious beverage at a time.
Something to read
The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for an Endangered Planet by world-renowned conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall contains a message we all need to hear. Dr. Goodall draws on her lifetime of wisdom to teach us how to find strength in the face of the climate crisis. Purchase a copy from the Jane Goodall Institute Australia and 70% of proceeds will fund community conservation projects in Africa and Australia.
For younger readers, we love The First Scientists: Deadly Inventions and Innovations from Australia’s First Peoples. This illustrated science book for kids aged 7 to 12 promotes a love of science and develops respect for Indigenous knowledge.
Something to feel good about
Reusable fabric gift wrap is becoming more and more popular. Choose Christmas-themed fabric wrap from Butterfly and Bloom, or hit up the op shop for scarves and fabric remnants. Check out this blog post from 1 Million Women on different ways to wrap and tie fabric gift wrap.
Earn double brownie points with a reusable mug that also supports a cause, like these new Caring for Country frank green reusable cups. Profits go towards the Clothing The Gaps Foundation, which supports the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people.
SisterWorks is a social enterprise that supports migrant, refugee and asylum seeker women to become economically empowered. Choose from a range of handcrafted products, including reusable bread bags, face masks and DIY beeswax wrap kits.
Something to admire
We love supporting Australian creative businesses. Delvene Cockatoo-Collins is a Quandamooka artist who lives and works on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island). Her prints, sculptures, stationary and hand printed homewares are inspired by the nature around her and her connections to family.
Check out the beautiful work of contemporary Aboriginal artist Ryhia Dank on her website Nardurna. We love this wrapping paper and card bundle!
And our friends at Yogat offer a different spin on art, with yoga mats and accessories featuring original Australian artwork. The perfect gift for art lovers and yogis alike!
Something to stuff in the stocking
Mojo candles are stylish and sustainable. Their products are made from natural soy wax, poured into vessels made from reclaimed wine and beer bottles. They also sell gift boxes that pair their fragrant candles with wine or chocolate.
For the nature lovers in your life, take a look at these beautiful enamel lapel pins from PIGMENTMonicaReeve. Monica Reeve is a Tasmanian artist inspired by the nature around her. We especially love her Orange-bellied parrot pin because $2 from every sale is donated to the conservation of this critically endangered species.
Something to spread cheer
Get into the festive spirit with some decorative touches. When you buy from the Welcome to Country online store, you’re not only buying a beautiful product, you’re directly benefiting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. We especially love their Christmas baubles that come beautifully boxed with information about the art and artist inside the lid.
Order your Endeavour Foundation Christmas cards. Scroll through their new 2021 designs, each one created by a talented artist with disability. Available as digital cards or printed on 100% recycled paper.
Giving gifts feels good, but we love shopping that feels good, too. When your purchase has a story of support behind it, it becomes about more than the ‘add to cart’ buzz. With every purposeful purchase, small or large, you’re helping create a world that matches your values.
Happy holidays!