14 conscious gifts that give back to people and planet

From ocean conservation to ending period shame, treat yourself to a gift that gives something back
words Sophie Lou Wilson
Earth is the ultimate mother. But we don’t always treat it with the kindness we bestow on other maternal figures in our lives. When we consume mindlessly, we take it for granted. We all deserve a lil treat to get us through the week, but those plastic coffee lids and takeaway boxes all add up. Thankfully, you don’t have to live an ascetic, off the grid lifestyle to treat the Earth with more respect. When conscious brands are committed to reducing plastic waste and donating funds to social and environmental causes, it's possible to treat the Earth at the same time as treating yourself.
So, buying nice things isn’t inherently bad for the environment, especially where the brands below are concerned. Whether it’s Neighbourhood Botanicals donating funds to protect forests or Haekels’ scheme to clean up beach rubbish, they’re making actionable real world change to protect the planet and the people living on it.
But looking after the environment also means looking after yourself. Each of us is part of the environment, after all. Treat yourself to a relaxing scented candle or a cosy sweater so you can feel good while you do good.
clean and marine
Haekels’ moisturising facial cleanser contains bladderwrack and aloe vera to help visibly soothe and restore skin. If you take a bag of rubbish to one of their stores – with visual proof that it came from the beach – then you can get a product for free!
clean hands, clean conscience
Haekels have a coastal licence that allows them to harvest ocean vegetables directly from a chalk reef so they can design high quality natural products like this gentle hand wash. It’s enhanced with seaweed extracts and fennel that leaves skin clean and hydrated.
do good, smell good
This Egyptian and Jasmine Sandalwood reed diffuser looks good, feels good, smells good and does good. Holistic London’s suppliers help Egyptian jasmine farmers get access to financial support and social initiatives to provide healthcare for their families and higher education scholarships for their children.
berry good
Light this candle and relax in good conscience. The vetiver used in this candle is farmed in South West Haiti, where the highest quality vetiver grows, but where rural communities face social, political and environmental challenges. Holistic London works with suppliers that have helped implement inclusive business and sustainable agricultural practices as well as instituting free health care, financing local schools and establishing a cooperative development strategy to rebuild homes destroyed by natural disasters.
save the trees
We all know that trees are pretty important when it comes to preserving life on Earth. Neighbourhood Botanicals knows this too. That’s why they’ve committed to protecting five trees for every sale made. This cleanser is a fast and easy oil-to-milk cleanser that doesn’t leave your skin tight. So, it’s a win-win really.
cool it down
Help cool down the planet while calming down angry skin with Neighbourhood Botanicals’ Simmer Down Serum. This light serum is bursting with potent plant actives to target blemishes and give dull skin a healthy glow. With each purchase, Neighbourhood Botanicals contribute funds to forest protection projects.
b-corp body scrub
This Lemongrass Body Scrub is a full body exfoliator made from coffee grounds rescued before they reach landfill. Enriched with shea butter and coconut oil, you can wave goodbye to dry skin while supporting a certified B-corp – Upcircle received the certification in March 2022 which means they are proven to have socially and environmentally responsible practices.
give and give back
The perfect gift for the eco-conscious skincare lover in your life. Suitable for sensitive skin, each product in this day and night hydration gift set features upcycled ingredients to minimise food waste.
conscious citizen
Join the Conscious Citizen community, dedicated to promoting more mindful shopping. This timeless baseball cap is made from 100% cotton. An understated classic, you can wear it forever with everything. Give the Conscious Citizen podcast a listen to learn more about their purpose and how to shop more consciously.
cosy and conscious
Your new WFH uniform. This unisex capsule wardrobe essential brings comfort to every look. It’s made from 100% organic cotton and part of a circular design process encouraging upcycling, recycling and reselling.
better periods
Tampon applicators make periods easier, but they also lead to a lot of plastic waste. DAME’s year’s supply of tampons come with reusable applicators so, since launching, they’ve saved around 18 million disposable plastic applicators ending up as waste. Plus, their youth empowerment programme aims to end period shame for young people who menstruate.
rinse and reuse
Like tampons, single-use sanitary pads lead to a lot of plastic waste. These reusable sanitary pads can be pre-soaked then washed by hand or on a 40 degree wash so you can use them over and over again. They come in a range of absorbencies with fast-drying technology that ensures you’re always comfortable. Since releasing their reusable pads, DAME has replaced around 4 million disposable pads.
wild and free
Wild by name and wild by nature. For every deodorant bought, Wild contributes to planting more trees to keep the world’s forests wild and thriving. The carbon negative company has planted over 300,000 trees. So, make this revitalising mint and aloe vera deodorant your new daily essential. Don’t forget to refill it when it runs out.