Explore 32 curated gifts that resonate with purpose and panache.
Our meticulously curated holiday shopping guide goes beyond the norm, embracing sophistication, sustainability and conscientious craftsmanship. We've delved deep so you don't have to and found ethical and sustainable brands that consistently give back and uphold the highest standards of practice.
1. Ethnotek Raja 30 Roll-Top Backpack
$229
Effortlessly shift from daily commutes to weekend getaways or use it as a carry-on for adventures—the versatile Raja 30 Liter Backpack caters to all your needs. The ethically-sourced handmade textiles that decorate its bright exterior come straight from Guatemala. Ethnotek also partners with artisan villages in Ghana, India, Indonesia and Vietnam.
2. Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket
$221
This water-resistant 800-fill responsibly-sourced down jacket is lightweight and good for all seasons. 100% of the down Cotopaxi procures comes from byproducts of the food industry and exceeds animal welfare best practices. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
3. Lonely Planet The Lonely Planet The Travel Book Book
$50
Get ready for a journey around the world! Incredible photography illustrates all 195 countries and offers information on culture, landscapes and when to visit in this impressive, oversized 400 page hard-cover book, the perfect gift for travel lovers.
4. Baggu Go Pouch Set
$40
Organize essentials sustainably with reusable pouches, reducing single-use plastics while staying chic.
5. Mad Hippy Holiday Trio and Bag
$25
Treat your skin to this holiday skincare set: three cherished products in eco-friendly sachets nestled in an illustrated bag made from 100% recycled plastic. The Mad Hippy folks are champions cruelty-free, affordable and sustainable skincare without compromising quality or ethics.
6. Atmos Magazine
$30
An exquisite blend of climate consciousness and cultural sagas woven by artists and activists devoted to nurturing a harmonious world.
7. Patagonia Wool Crew Socks
$25
It’s never a bad idea to support outdoor clothing company Patagonia. In 2022, founder Yvon Chouinard gave away his $3 billion company, ensuring that the company’s $100 million in annual profits will be used to combat climate change. Needless to say, we love these expertly crafted Wool Crew Socks, which are tailored for enduring comfort on extended trail journeys and keeping your toes warm all winter long.
8. Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Del Día Travel Pack
$215
Perfect for a two-week trip, this pack offers secure and comfortable gear transport, featuring a padded mesh suspension system for ease during hostel walks or airport dashes, while its unique remnant fabric construction ensures each pack is one-of-a-kind, maintaining the standard features of the classic Allpa 42L Travel Pack.
9. Chnge "No Planet B" Tee
$31
A sartorial statement advocating environmental stewardship—fashion allure fused with a bold call to protect our planet.
10. Glerups Boot with Natural Rubber Sole
$155
Luxuriously snug footwear crafted from nature's bounty, embracing eco-friendly comfort without compromising style.
11. Know the Origin Wildly Kind Organic Skincare Duo
$36
A testament to skincare with conscience—organic skincare sets committed to purity and sustainability.
12. prAna Hurricane Fleece Bucket Hat
$49
Embrace '90s nostalgia with the gender-neutral prAna Originals fleece bucket hat, blending retro vibes with modern eco-conscious craftsmanship. As a brand committed to sustainability, prAna infuses iconic outdoor aesthetics from the past with contemporary fits, ensuring this hat is perfect for adventure and daily throwback feels.
13. Cotopaxi Trico Hybrid Vest
$108
Elevate your outerwear game with this vest that merges style and sustainability. Cotopaxi is known for its commitment to ethical sourcing and social impact.
14. Osprey Fairview 70 Travel Pack
$230
If researching long term packs for a soon-to-be digital nomad, look no further than the Osprey Fairview 70 Travel Pack. It's not easy to find a quality long-term pack that suits 30+ day travel. It features a removable daypack with a laptop lockable compartment. Comes in Men's and Women's versions.
15. Raven and Lilly Aida Small Orbit Earrings
$95
Sophistication meets social impact with these chic earrings, crafted by artisans empowering communities through fashion.
16. Atlas Obscura, 2nd Edition: An Explorer's Guide to the World's Hidden Wonders
$38
Atlas Obscura's second edition introduces 100+ new destinations, city guides for places like Berlin and Tokyo, captivating photography, and a global road trip map, inviting readers to explore wonders that ignite curiosity and wanderlust.
17. Nkuku Mango Wood Card and Dice Set
$48
An artisanal indulgence for game aficionados, crafted with sustainability and fair trade ethics at its core.
18. Know the Origin Clean Ocean Embroidered Socks
$13
This perfect stocking stuffer—stylish footgear with a noble mission. Support ocean conservation efforts while warming your feet.
19. Untamed Borders Virtual Tours with Fatima
$60
Ever imagined exploring Afghanistan or experiencing its wonders as a tourist? Pioneering Afghan tour guide Fatima Haidari hosts virtual tours that provide insights into Afghanistan's history and current affairs, while guiding participants through captivating explorations of Herat or Central Afghanistan. Ticket proceeds support Fatima, a chosen women's education charity in Afghanistan and cover the Untamed Borders administration fee.
20. King: A Life by Jonathan Eig
$33
Jonathan Eig's new 2023 book "King: A Life" provides a vivid and assiduously researched portrayal of Martin Luther King Jr. It draws from newly declassified FBI files, offering an intimate view of his struggles, relationships and unwavering pursuit of justice.
21. Espace Culturel Gacha Ndop Memory Game
$14
Espace Culturel Gacha, a vibrant showcase of Cameroon's diverse heritage, extends its cultural richness into a memory game of 30 tokens embellished with symbols from the revered Ndop fabric, crafted by artisans from the Bamiléké, Bamoun and Wukari cultures. Each symbol encapsulates messages of peace, protection and the enduring strength symbolized by Cameroonian royalty.
22. Parks Project Yellowstone Geysers Trail High Pile Fleece
$140
This meticulously designed high-pile fleece pullover is the perfect companion for park adventures, keeping you warm while contributing to environmental preservation through Park Projects' dedicated conservation initiatives.
23. The Writer Within by Nina Karnikowski
$16
Get your holiday meditation on and connect deeply with yourself and the world through prompts that evoke creativity and inner calm. This book offers guided exercises to sort through daily thoughts for clarity and peace, for both new and seasoned writers.
24. Nkuku Mula Ring
$43
An exquisite ring handcrafted by skilled artisans, embodying elegance and ethical craftsmanship in every curve and contour—we’re obsessed.
25. Funambilist Magazine
Digital + Print: $65/year
A thought-provoking journey into urban narratives and architectural musings—a treasure trove for the intellectually curious. This magazine is perfect for the globally curious intellectual in your life. And at that price point, how could you not?
26. The Lost Explorer’s Mezcal
$65
Award winning, responsibly crafted mezcal supporting environmental and social initiatives in the spirits industry? Yes please! Crafted sustainably from 100% agave, this delight is encased in hand-labeled recycled crystal bottles sealed with biodegradable beeswax.
27. Victionary Botanical Inspiration
$45
Visionary has done it again with this artistic celebration of nature's allure—a visual ode to flora's captivating beauty and creative inspiration. The perfect gift for plant lovers and folks looking to elevate their coffee table reads.
28. Smallholder Mushroom Rub Trio
$29
Carefully crafted by farmers to honor the unique flavors from Brooklyn, Los Angeles and Austin, these mushroom rub seasonings invite you to infuse your culinary delights with a touch of mushroom magic. But hurry! These farm-fresh blends are in limited supply—order yours before they're gone.
29. United By Blue Insulated Steel Bottle
$44
Support ocean conservation in every sip with this 32-ounce sustainable hydration companion.
30. Who Cares Wins by Lily Cole
$14
A manifesto of hope amid global complexities, a compelling narrative advocating for positive transformation. A must read for the slow and often dark winter months.
31. House of Waris The Creativitea Set
$50
Get cozy and warm with this artistic set of tea blends and support artisanal craftsmanship, local communities and elephant preservation.
32. The Climate Book by Greta Thunberg
$28
Greta Thunberg's "The Climate Book" is a vital read, as Thunberg gathers wisdom from experts while sharing her own stories to urge us to act swiftly and collectively against climate disaster for a safer future on Earth.
This holiday season, celebrate style and purpose with gifts that exude elegance while championing sustainability and conscientious living.
Raeann Mason
Raeann is a traveler, digital storyteller, and guide writer, with a degree in Mass Communication & Media from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism. She is passionate about a/effective journalism and cultural exchange, and is an advocate of international solidarity and people's liberation. Her work at CATALYST focuses on reshaping the culture of travel and hospitality to be more ethically sound and sustainable