2021 Compassionate Gifts Guide

by | Dec 13, 2021

It’s the holiday season, and that means gift-giving for many people. Do you have someone on your list who is vegetarian, vegan, or plant-based? Or, would you like to give more compassionate gifts this year? 

The following is a list of the best compassionate gifts for 2021. Buy one, buy all, and show your friends and family how much you care about them and about the beings with whom we share this planet. In October, TreeHugger published an article of the ten best vegan gifts. What follows are some of the highlights, perfect for any of the vegans in your life. 

NOTE: The following links are not affiliated links. This blog is not sponsored by any of the products listed.

Goldune Bento Box 

View On Goldune.com 

For the snacker, this cute box is a perfect way to take treats on the go. Made from bamboo and food safe melamine resin, this container can carry liquids and hot foods with no problem. 

Lake Champlain Chocolates Traditional Organic Hot Chocolate 

View On Lakechamplainchocolates.com 

Who doesn’t love chocolate, especially a mug of hot chocolate on a cold and snowy night? Lake Champlain chocolates (which also carries vegan chocolate bars) offers this mix of cocoa, sugar, vanilla and spices that can be mixed into any plant-based milk for a warm and tasty treat.

Bee’s Wrap Vegan Variety 7 Pack 

View On Beeswrap.com 

The intersection of veganism and environmentalism is common these days. Single use plastic is a huge driver of pollution in the environment, so better solutions are needed. Enter these wraps, which are made from candelilla, not actual beeswax, and can be washed and reused many times. Plus, they’re biodegradable!

Uncommon Goods Oyster Mushroom Log Kit 

View On Uncommon Goods 

For the foodie on your list with a bit of a green thumb, this oyster mushroom log kit hits all the marks. Oyster mushrooms are used in a variety of vegan recipes as a substitute for animal products, but can come at a high price at the grocery store. With this, the recipient can grow a new crop of tasty fresh mushrooms every six months, and if you’re lucky, they’ll make a meal for you!

Bamboozle Food Compost Bin 

View On West Elm 

View On Food52 

Composting is another step one can take in living a more sustainable and compassionate life. Landfills are quickly filling up with garbage created by humans at a rapid pace. Composting is a way to stop the downward spiral. This container can sit on a countertop, collecting organic matter that can then be used as fertilizer. Bonus – it’s also dishwasher safe!

For additional information regarding composting, please visit HAP’s Reimagine Takeout site: https://humaneactionpittsburgh.org/campaigns/environmental-stewardship/reimagine-takeout/

Organic Cotton Mart Mesh Produce Bags 

View On Etsy 

View On Organiccottonmart.com 

Fabric produce bags are a requirement for any trip to the grocery store or famers market. Using them allows for a huge reduction in single use plastic usage, as well as an easy way to store produce once it is brought home. These organic cotton bags offer the durability and breathability necessary for food storage. 

Ella+Mila Nail Care Collection

 

View On Ellamila.com 

Treat your friend or family member to the gift of a do-it-yourself spa day! These nail care products are free from the chemicals in most other products, and are also made in the USA and Leaping Bunny certified, meaning they are vegan and cruelty free. 

Truff White Truffle Hot Sauce 

https://www.truff.com/

Full transparency: I love this sauce! The addition of white truffle oil to regular hot sauce ingredients is amazing, and a little goes a long way! It’s available in a variety of heat levels, and adds great umami to just about everything. 

Donations

This is the season of giving, and what better way to demonstrate that than by making a donation in a loved one’s name? There are many worthy organizations working to help animals from the perspective of animal welfare, the environment, and health. Humane Action Pittsburgh is a great choice that offers programs supporting all these areas, and the gift of a recurring donation is one that gives all year long. To donate, please go to HAP’s website: https://humaneactionpittsburgh.org/donate/

Finally, no matter what gifts you choose, make sure to keep to the theme of sustainability and compassion by using eco-friendly gift wrap. For a great list of ideas, please visit the following: https://www.ecowatch.com/eco-friendly-gift-wrapping-2649451754.html

AUTHORS

Aimee Douglass is the Director of Compassionate Living. Aimee works in the healthcare industry and has a bachelors degree in Creative Writing from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and a masters degree in Communications with a health care focus from Southern New Hampshire University.

Abhi Nadendla is a blogger at HAP and has been volunteering at the organization since late 2022. She is a student at the University of Pittsburgh and loves spending her free time helping out at animal shelters.

Hannah Lewis is a grant writer and blogger from Pittsburgh’s North Side who has been with HAP since 2020. In addition to writing and advocating for animals, she enjoys hiking, cooking plant-based meals, bouldering at her local climbing gym, and curling up with a good book and her long-haired cat, Freyja.

Kelly Frantz has recently joined the HAP family as a blog writer. She is passionate about animal protection and is excited to educate the community about animal welfare.