The temperature has dropped drastically, which means only one thing: it’s time to give free reign to that colourful Christmas spirit! Warm chocolate, mulled wine, &nd lots of lots of twinkling lights are just some of the things I adore about this festive season. One thing I’m not so crazy about? That intense (&nd often wasteful)  gift hunt. Well, today, I’m here to tell you that leaving sustainable gifts under the tree is possible! So, if you’re a fan of durable and useful gifts, this blog will hopefully make the process a bit easier, and you can concentrate on the things you love. Read on to find out some of my top picks for a more responsible and thoughtful Christmas celebration!

Hadithi baskets

 

These baskets obviously have to be mentioned first. After all, they immediately make me feel warm and fuzzy inside as they bring back a lot of the memories from my recent Kenya trip. Made by local women, each basket tells a unique story. I get goosebumps when I think of the energy and positivity radiated by those women — even their cheerful bickering!

 

Thanks to Solid International in Ayacucho,  an organization that supports local projects such as Hadithi Crafts, we have gift options available that aren’t just beautiful but also empower communities.

You can find the Hadithi baskets at AS Adventure, Juttu and Solid.

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LifeStraw products

LifeStraw offers water filters and bottles that make all kinds of water drinkable, be it H2O from the river, from deep within the mountains, or anywhere else. For every product you buy, you also give a child in a poor country safe drinking water for an entire year! Seriously, how awesome is that? Can anything warm you up more than this kind of good deed?

 

The LifeStraw range is quite large, ranging from the ‘standard’ straw acts as a filter to fun take-away bottles and products for your home. I have used these products, especially in Asia, to drink tap water safely. And I’ve already placed one under the Christmas tree, but shhhhh.

The Lifestraw products are available online.

Stuff at DreamCATchers VZW

For the cat lovers among us, a visit to the cat adoption café in Ghent is definitely worth it! Essentially, DreamCATchers help cats that have been staying in asylums or shelters for a long time. Besides fluffy kittens, you can also choose from all kinds of gadgets and tid-bits in their shop. So, you not only get to support a super cool organisation, but will also leave with fun gifts tucked under your arm.

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All info can be found at: https://wearedreamcatchers.be

 

SodaStream bottles

Away with disposable bottles! SodaStream is a device that turns tap water into sparkling water and, thanks to different syrup flavors, you make the most delicious soft drinks at home. Less storage, less waste and let’s be honest, it looks super cool as well. You’ve probably already seen mine from time to time on Instagram — well, that’s because I absolutely love it and think it’s ideal to put under the Christmas tree!

The SodaStream products can be bought in just about any electrical shop as well as online. All info can be found at: http://www.sodastream.be.

 

KleanKanteen products

Klean Kanteen launched the very first stainless steel, non-BPA, reusable bottle that is the perfect  solution for disposable plastic. You can find all sizes and colors, so these bottles are ideal for every trip and activity. And before I forget, they’re insulated, which means they  keep your drinks cold for hours! Klean Kanteen also boasts the well-known and steel straws in their range.

You can find their reusable bottles and steel straws at AS Adventure.

6. Plan International

Do you want to do a heart-warming good deed this Christmas? Support a project from Plan International — in a loved one’s name, it’s quite the thoughtful gift. Through various projects, they strive for a world in which all children have the opportunity to go to school and make their own choices about their bodies and lives. You can support them by sponsoring a project, starting your own action, becoming a volunteer or simply by putting your best foot forward on one of the many Urban Trails in our country!

All information can be found at: www.planinternational.be.

Water-to-Go bottles

The founder of Water-to-Go was amazed by the towering mountains of waste he encountered during his trips to India, Indonesia and China. Initially, they also developed a technology for  NASA, but then the Water-to-Go three-in-one filter was born. Thus, these bottles are suitable for everyday use, outdoor use, and sport activities. As the company grew, it also built strong relationships and collaborations with different charities and projects. Needless to say, with a Water-to-Go bottle, you’re in good shape this Christmas!
You can easily order a Water-to-Go bottle online at http://watertogo-benelux.eu/.

Ayacucho clothing

AS Adventure’s own brand stands for high-quality clothing that lasts for years. This collection is produced with respect for people, animals and the planet, which immediately turns us into big fans! All their suppliers must meet strict conditions. With a purchase of an Ayacucho product, you also support Solid (mentioned above). These are two good deeds in one! So, quickly shop for a nice Ayacucho hat or a warm sweater as a gift and give a loved one a thoughtful surprise.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BoR26aLH6vq/

 

 Homes for bee colonies

Do you have some space left in your garden, at your company, or anywhere else? If so, why not accommodate a bee colony? Rest assured, if  you want to do your part for Beeodiversity, you don’t need any beekeeper skills!  The colony is completely installed for you and you don’t even have to give it a second thought. Maybe not really suitable to put under the Christmas tree, but you will get honey pots with your logo, and these can certainly make a lot of family and friends happy!

 

Of course, there are countless other sustainable ideas that make for great presents, so please do share some with me. As always, I’m always on the lookout for mindful purchase options. Oh, and don’t forget to enjoy this season to the max. Tis the time to be jolly, after all!