A Cruelty Free Guide to Holiday Giving 2015

15 FUN AND THOUGHTFUL GIFTS IDEAS FOR THE VEGAN IN YOUR LIFE
December 3
No comments yet

TVJ-holidayHoliday season is truly the most wonderful time of the year. It can also be a tricky time, as far as gift-giving is concerned. The questions are the same for everyone: What will she like and actually use? What does he truly need? What does a thoughtful gift look like? What will keep my budget in check?

Purchasing gifts for the vegan in your life is no different. Even more questions arise: What do vegans enjoy? What can or can’t a vegan eat? What materials are off-limits? These are all valid concerns, particularly to someone who perhaps isn’t as aware of ingredients and cruelty-free statutes.

Thankfully, the vegan and cruelty-free consumer goods market is rapidly expanding and there are more options than ever. And the truth is, vegans aren’t so different than everybody else. We generally love the same things everybody else does – just with a few modifications for our lifestyle choices. For instance, particular kitchen appliances are a great idea, as are beauty products that are 100% cruelty-free. There are also many brands that cater to the vegan opposition of leather and wool.

Fear not – our guide outlines our top picks for your vegan loved one this holiday season, ranging from simple stocking stuffers to something a bit more decadent.

1) Urban Decay Naked2 Palette – $54

A brand known for both its classic looks and innovative boldness, Urban Decay’s Naked2 eyeshadow palette features twelve shades and a double-ended shadow/crease brush. The shades range from creams and coppers to cool greys and the blackest black. The shades also vary from matte to sparkly, which you will love when customizing your own look.

Canada: www.urbandecay.ca

US: www.macys.com  

 

2) Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion – $20 

This incredible eye shadow primer glides on and dries invisibly, creating a perfect surface for 24 hours of crease-free shadow wear. It increases the vibrancy of your shadow and intensity of your eye make up. For those concerned about oily eyelids and shifting makeup, this is your savior.

Canada: www.urbandecay.ca

US: www.macys.com

3) Pacifica – $6-$50

Pacifica products are the perfect stocking stuffers for anyone looking to be pampered this holiday season. All of their makeup, skincare products (including cleansers and body lotions), fragrances, and home goods are 100% vegan and cruelty-free, with a commitment to recyclable packaging and minimal product-manufacturing waste in their factory. Select from an amazing array of nail polishes, lip colours, rich body creams, and fragrant reed diffusers or candles for the home. Pacifica also offers e-gift certificates and gift-sets under $25 or $50 to suit your budget this season. See our review of some specific Pacifica products here.

Canada & US: www.pacificaperfume.com

Europe & The UK: www.hollandandbarrett.com

4) Soda Stream – $100-$200 

Without a doubt, Soda Stream is the kitchen product on everyone’s mind these days. The line boasts sparkling water makers, sparkling drink mix, carbonators, carbonating bottles, and accessories. The CO2-powered carbonators let the user customize fizz and flavour levels. Best of all, the Soda Stream will encourage anyone to increase his or her water intake, while minimizing environmental impact and plastic waste.

Canada: Amazon.ca

US: www.sodastreamusa.com

www.kohls.com

www.bedbathandbeyond.com

International: www.casa.com 

The UK: www.sodastream.co.uk 

5) Vegan leather jacket by Ark and Co – $103

A great leather jacket is a must-have in any wardrobe. However, finding a stylish vegan one can often be a challenge. Ark and Co’s vegan leather jacket has a visually interesting asymmetrical draped front and a detailed tailored look in the back. This edgy piece can be paired with just about any outfit, carrying you through the fall and into spring.

International: www.shoptiques.com 

 

 

 

 6) Vegetable Spiralizer $19.97 (On Sale) – $65 

Spiralizers are an ideal gift for any foodie or aspiring chef. They can turn almost any firm vegetable or fruit into long continuous spirals or thin slices, as well as small julienned strips. They comes with a few different blades for the shape of your choice, and four suctioned feet to keep it firmly in place while using. They washes easily and conveniently hold the blades on their underside, making storage a cinch. They will inspire a variety of salads, vegetable noodles, slaws, and more. Fan favorite zucchini noodles, or ‘zoodles’, are effortlessly created with this spiralizer. 

US: Amazon.com

Williams Sonoma

7) Matt & Nat ‘Lawrence’ Backpack – $122

Everyone knows that backpacks are functional, but not everyone knows that they can be fashionable too! The Matt & Nat ‘Lawrence’ backpack is a great on-the-go bag, whether where you’re going is the grocery store or on a trip across the world. The bag has adjustable shoulder straps, front zip closures, and easily-accesible side pockets. Available in 5 different colours, the bag is leather-free and contains a 100% recycled nylon lining. The entire Matt & Nat product line is vegan and committed to eco-friendly materials, so explore the collections and find the perfect gift for any busy friend on the go!

International: www.mattandnat.com 

8) Stella McCartney ‘Falabella’ Shaggy Deer Foldover Tote – $1280

This beautiful leather-free bag from animal friendly designer Stella McCartney is trimmed with silver-link chains and available in three classic colours (black, light grey, and navy). It can even be worn in different ways; use the fold over chains for a shoulder style or on your arm/hands with the shorter straps. Stella McCartney’s entire line is leather and fur-free, demonstrating that great fashion doesn’t need to come at a cruel cost. This is truly a piece for the fashionista in your life who enjoys making a bold statement with her look.

International: Saks Fifth Avenue

Selfridges

9) Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat – $4-$10

The holy grail of all nail top coats. Seche Vite has completely illuminated the common nail polish struggle; not letting your nails fully dry before moving and subsequently ruining them with the slightest mistake. This product is non-yellowing and fast drying. It applies smoothly with the perfect amount of shine and seals the color for up to a week at a time. You can stay confident that your Seche won’t chip for days. Bring your salon polish look home with this top coat and enjoy the convenience of doing your nails whenever you please. 

               US: Amazon.com

               US & International: Drugstore.com

 

10) Sherwood Houseware Electric Frother & Steamer Pot – $79.99

This well-engineered kitchen piece is battery-free, lightweight, and easy to use – what could be more perfect for creating your own café classics at home? The frother is ideal for recreating lattes such as soy milk coffee lattes, matcha green tea lattes, cold almond milk lattes, and more. The magnetic system only relies on a whisk and 1-2 presses of the button, which will make creative treats a breeze for both novice and advanced foodies alike. It’s a perfect gift for the winter season too, when warm cozy drinks are a must.

International & US: Target.com

Shop this frother, and other great ones here:


11) Thug Kitchen Cookbook – $24.99

The title doesn’t expletively tell you that it’s a vegan cookbook, but that’s just the type of language and vibe you should expect from Thug Kitchen. The recipes are simple to follow, well balanced, and present cooking with vegetables in a very appealing way. From Thai Asian noodle salads to a black bean cilantro dip; this is a fun addition to the cookbook library. Discretion is advised, as the language in this cookbook is profane, extreme and absolutely hilarious. 

US & International: Barnes And Noble

12) Vitamix Blender – $350-$700

There’s a reason that Vitamix is one of the most reputable names in the kitchen appliance world: Their products are high performing, versatile, and intuitively simple to use. The optimized programs, timers, and low-to-high controls will inspire any smoothie, frappe, or cocktail-wielding enthusiast. In addition to the 3 product lines, Vitamix offers accessories (ex. Cups, tampers, and containers) and cookbooks. A must for any cooking enthusiast. 

US: Best Buy

International: Target

13) Younique Mascara – $35

There’s a reason this mascara is all the rage this season: Younique’s Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes+ creates a 400% increase in lash volume. The newly enhanced formula is naturally-based, cruelty-free, and hypoallergenic. It is gentle even on those with extremely sensitive skin. This is a great gift for any woman who loves rocking long thick lashes; you may even need to treat yourself to it too! Better yet, it comes with a full money back guarantee within 14 days if you’re not satisfied, although we’re confident that you’ll love it. 

Order it here. Shipping is free for purchases over $100 to all US locations. Shipping also available to Canadian destinations. 

US-11101-02_3

14) Dr. Martens Vegan 1460 Combat Boots – $130

Dr. Martens’ signature style boot is now available in vegan options in both its 8-eye and 3-eye styles. Using synthetic vegan-friendly materials, the boot replicates all stylistic details and upholds its excellent quality. These boots are a sturdy staple for any edgy guy or girl’s closet.

International: Dillards

15) Free People Go-Vegan Trend

Free People is a retail brand known for its bohemian apparel and lifestyle products. Its Go-Vegan trend offers tons of easy-to-wear pieces and stylish accessories, making for a perfect gift for any free spirited friend. The line features beautiful tote bags, vegan leather jackets, and shoes. Everything is eco-friendly and made with organic materials, while still creating a unique iconic look.

International: Freepeople.com

*Although all products on this list are widely known to be cruelty free and/or vegan, please contact the companies directly to find out more about each product.  Some products may vary in parent companies and ingredients, and may not fall within your personal criteria for cruelty free. 

Written by TVJ writers Mel & Joanna G. 

Your email address will not be published.

© 2024 The Vegan Jetsetter. All Rights Reserved.
Translate »