We aren't sure how it happened, but October has crept up on us, and with it comes the realisation that we are only a couple of months away from Christmas! We've pulled together a list of our top 5 eco friendly Christmas gift ideas for this year.
GIFT IDEA 1: Upcycled Candles
The ultimate in luxurious yet eco-friendly design, Mo and Jo at Mojo Candle Co have found a way to keep glass bottles out of landfill with their awesome reclaimed wine and beer bottle candles. These guys go to wineries and breweries around Australia and collect unwanted wine bottles and beer bottles that would otherwise go into landfill. They then give them a second life by making these awesome candles!
Our favourite is the coconut and lime candle - each time we light it, we are transported to a tropical island destination - just divine!
Mojo Candle Co - Upcycled Wine Bottle Candle - $39.95
The beer bottle candles are also awesome. Case in point - this candle has a 'barber shop' scent. Who said eco friendly gifts can't be cool?
Mojo Candle Co - Upcycled Beer Bottle Candle - $28.90
GIFT IDEA 2: Gift an experience
One thing that the pandemic taught us is the importance of being able to experience moments in life, rather than things.
Why not gift your loved ones the gift of learning and time spent together by booking in a class that you can attend together? For the budding wine connoisseur, a wine tasting class might be the perfect gift. Gin more their thing? A gin course may be right up their alley.
Alternatively, AmazingCo are a great company that really know how to package up unique ways to experience your city. From mystery picnics to neighbourhood tasting tours, they have experiences for all types of people.
Tickets to an escape room or to a gold-class experience at the movies are always great ideas, too.
GIFT IDEA 3: Reusable Produce Bags
Reusable produce bags are a great eco-friendly stocking stuffer for the person who has everything. A practical gift that will last for years and years, these reusable EcoBits reusable produce bags are made from post-consumer recycled plastic bottles. How cool is that!
Use these reusable produce bags to collect and weigh your fruit and veggies at the supermarket. You can also use these bags to collect grains, nuts and pasta at the bulk food store. 
EcoBits Reusable Produce Bags (large, set of 4) - $13.95
GIFT IDEA 4: The gift of knowledge
There are so many great books out there these days that focus on sustainable living. Jen Chillingsworth has written some awesome books that make great Christmas gifts for those looking to begin or continue their sustainable living journey.
Grow Green is a practical guide to growing sustainably. Packed with easy tips and advice, this little book reveals how to adjust your outdoor space (no matter how small!) and create a wildlife haven, while reducing your impact on the environment as you grow your own cut flowers, fruit and veg. From making your own fertiliser with leftovers, planting in pots, reducing energy consumption and conserving water, to dealing with pests and diseases, Grow Green removes the stress and simply shows you how to garden green.
Clean Green shows you how to carry out every cleaning task in your home in a natural way. From laundry detergent, toilet cleaner and furniture polish to hand wash, dishwashing liquid, stain remover and air freshener, all the recipes for natural products in this book are quick and simple to make and, most important of all, they work!
GIFT IDEA 5: Silicone Baking Mat or Silicone Cupcake Liners
This one is for the person in your life who transformed into a Master Chef during lockdown this year.
Baking paper is a single-use item that is often overlooked when making sustainable lifestyle switches. Help your loved ones cut down on their environmental impact by gifting them a reusable silicone baking mat! These mats come in a range of sizes and can be used over and over again, reducing waste. These reusable baking sheets are heat resistant in the oven up to 220 degrees celsius. After use, simply wash with warm soap and water after use and they are ready to reuse.
Even better, reusable silicone baking mats are non-stick! This means no more paper stuck to the bottom of any freshly baked cookies or cakes.
Reusable Silicone Baking Mat, 26cm x 29cm - $15.00
Another great gift idea for home bakers is reusable silicone cupcake liners. These liners again come in a range of colours and cut down on the wastage caused by disposable cupcake and muffin liners.
Reusable Silicone Cupcake Liners (20 pack) - $20.00
Happy Christmas Gifting, everyone!
The Simple Sustainable Store xx
P.S. Don't forget to wrap your gifts sustainably! Check out our guide on the best eco friendly alternatives to wrapping paper here.