Newshub's definitive Christmas gift guide: Sustainable gifting

With December underway and everyone beginning to panic about what to do buy their loved ones, fear not! In this series, Newshub has put together a definitive list of pressie ideas - from the budget to the bougie - to help you on your way.

Christmas often can seem like an eco-warrior's worst nightmare. There's all that plastic packaging, Christmas wrap and toys that get played with once before ending up broken in the bin.

If you're looking to make your Christmas a little more sustainable, here are some guests for that planet lover in your life.

1.   Reusable drink bottles

A Pump bottle at the gym is so 2007. Now high-quality, durable, reusable alternatives are all the rage: plus you can use the fun colours and styles to brighten up your bag.

My pick is this stylish Hip Bottle in blush from Stevens, which even has a handy little handle. RRP$34.99 - but it's currently on sale, so get in quick. 

For something sturdy on your desk, this Zoku stainless steel bottle keeps hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold. It's also great for any mountain bikers or hikers; the description says it's "designed to take a hit". 

Newshub's definitive Christmas gift guide: Sustainable gifting
Photo credit: Hip Bottles.

2.   Sharesies investment

What could be more sustainable than the gift of future investment?! A Sharesies gift voucher can be used to purchase investments on Sharesies. The minimum investment for Sharesies is $5, but you can take it up to $2000. Whether they're new to Sharesies or already an investor, your gift can be used to cover their Sharesies subscription or give their portfolio a boost.

There are 13 investment options; check them out on the site now.

3.   Reusable straws

No eco-warrior would be seen dead in public drinking out of a plastic straw these days! Reusable steel straws like these ones from Purely Natural are perfect for sucking up smoothies and iced coffees on the work commute. They come with a cotton carry bag and cleaning brush, plus they look awesome. 

If you can't go past single use straws, there's also an eco-friendly option for your Christmas lunch. These Green Bean single-use paper straws are compostable, but are three-ply, meaning they won't disintegrate in your drink.

Newshub's definitive Christmas gift guide: Sustainable gifting
Photo credit: Purely Natural.

4.    Honey wraps

These wraps are made from organic cotton; blended with beeswax, tree resin and jojoba oil. Food lasts longer and tastes better when it's stored in honey wraps because the beeswax coating allows the food to breathe, whilst staying covered and sealed. Use them in your lunchbox instead of cling film - they look way better, plus they're biodegradable. They also can be used to wrap half cut fruit and vegetables, or even the end of the cheese.

Newshub's definitive Christmas gift guide: Sustainable gifting
Photo credit: Honey Wraps.

5.   Eco-friendly makeup

It can be hard to find skincare and makeup that you know is good for both your skin and the planet. One such cruelty-free option is Nude by Nature makeup; organic, cruelty free and PETA certified.

Newshub's definitive Christmas gift guide: Sustainable gifting
Photo credit: Nude by Nature.

Their new range of lippies are a great stocking stuffer. They're free from carmine, petroleum waxes, parabens and silicones, but contain Shea Butter and tangerine oil for a 100 percent natural smile.

Newshub.