Sustainable Gift Ideas for Him

November 12, 2022  •   2 min read

For the wonderful man in your life, think outside the norm and get him something well-made, unique and made with intention. We’re sharing sustainable gift ideas for him that have been curated and hand-selected for the highest quality and ethical & environmental manufacturing processes. Whether you choose to surprise him with an artisanal seed to lip non-alcoholic gin, or an ethically-made weekend getaway bag, support sustainable gifting during the most indulgent time of year.  

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1. STOW, The First-Class Leather Tech Case, $600 USD

Ultra-luxurious, these tech cases are perfect for the man on the go. With enough slots and pockets to stow his cards, juice pack, phone, cords, and USBs, it’s everything he needs in flight, in one place. STOW works with master craftsmen in Southern Spain, helping them revive the art of traditional leather-making. Each piece is made by hand and finished in detail. New designs can take anywhere from three months to a year to complete, and production is always in small-batch.

2. Icebreaker, Anatomica Boxers, $53 USD

Offering a natural alternative to synthetics, Icebreaker has woven sustainability into the values and design of their business. Working closely with their growers of Merino wool in New Zealand, they ensure a strict animal welfare code that even extends to the sheep dogs. These boxers are super comfortable and soft, and will quickly become his new go to (make sure to get a few pairs).

3. KOTN, Hoodie, $85 CAD

Toronto brand KOTN is becoming the city’s most loved basics line. Ethically made from authentic Egyptian cotton, this brand employs craftspeople, farmers and weavers in the country who are struggling to make ends meet. Partnering with pro-literacy organizations in the Nile Delta, KOTN gives a percent of profits to help build schools for the children of the farmers. Perfect for the cold season ahead, this hoodie will go with him everywhere.

4. Brave GentleMan, Lover Taupe Suede, $155 USD

The first vegan lifestyle menswear brand in the world, Brave GentleMan resists industry-induced “seasons” and invests in sustainable innovation, superior vegan materials, ethical labour, and classic high-quality styles. These boots will become dear friends for years, effortlessly matching with all that he wears.

5. Seedlip Drinks, Grove 42, $30 USD | £24 UK

For the man who likes the ritual of a drink after work, but who might be laying off alcohol for a while, Seedlip, a UK-based brand has a range of non-alcoholic beverages that provide an elevated experience, a far cry from sickly sweet mocktails. Using recipes found in the 15th century book “The Art of Distillation”, Seedlip founder Ben began distilling herbs using a copper still and ingredients from his family farm. This drink experience is truly seed to lip.

6. The Classic T-Shirt Company, Men’s Short Sleeve V-Neck, $45 USD

This brand makes 100% organic cotton tees that are GOTS certified. The tees are made in LA, where all design, cutting and sewing takes place. From the manufacturing to the production, this brand ensures 100% fair trade labour – farmers and workers are given quality working conditions and fair pay. In addition, with every tee purchased, the customer has the opportunity to give 1% of the profit to clean water initiatives, tree planting, or ocean clean up. Give your man a classic tee, a season-less staple he can wear all year long.

7. Fogo Island Inn, Newfoundland, Canada, $1000 CAD +

For the man who loves architecture, rugged landscapes, sustainability and innovative cuisine, a trip to Newfoundland’s Fogo Island is a must. The Inn sits on an island, and each of the guest rooms has floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto the wildest and most powerful ocean on the planet. A stimulating relief from the numbing uniformity of modern life, this award-winning inn is built on the principles of sustainability, respect for nature and culture.

8. Gandy’s London, Matte Black Road Tripper, £89.99

For the guy that’s always on the go, this weekender bag is the perfect hold-all for his basic essentials. This bag is made from cotton canvas and genuine leather, is airline cabin complacent, waterproof and has a removable shoulder strap. Gandy’s as a brand is rooted in sustainability and strong ethics. A portion of profits go towards their Orphans for Orphans initiative, they only work with factories that live up their exacting standards of ethics, and they aim to be as low-waste as possible. Surprise your guy with a weekend trip this holiday
season.

9. Hinter Company, Hinter House, $400 CAD+

While travel might look different this year, you can still whisk your man away to the ultimate rugged escape. Hinter Company offers beautiful lodgings in the natural surroundings of Quebec, bringing nature indoors with a stunning aesthetic that marries Japanese and Scandinavian design concepts. The company believes in giving more than they take, planting 10 trees per booking, as well as working exclusively with vendors that also prioritize the environment (cleaning products, bed linens). Whether you tell him where you’re going or just hinter at it, this is the perfect romantic getaway.

10. Tushy, Ottoman + Bidet, $69 USD+

Your man will love the toilet humour in these gifts, whether you go for the squatty potty or the bidet. With a design to help us poop better, as well as reduce our consumption of toilet paper (pandemic TP wars have us all scarred), giving the gift of better butt health is something you can both enjoy. Unleash the inner child in your man and go for something truly revo-loo-tionary.

11. Peloton, Digital App, $12.99 USD/month

With gyms and classes on hold currently, the guy in your life will love the chance to move his bod with Peloton’s app. You can skip the $2,000 bike, and instead, grab a membership to the app which will get him access to unlimited classes. With more than 10,000 on-demand running, walking, boot camp, strength, cycling, stretching, yoga, meditation and cardio workouts, as well as up to 20 live studio classes, missing the gym will be a woe of the past.

12. Anian MFG, The Modern Melton, $189 CAD

With a strong belief in the circular economy, Anian uses recycled natural fibre textiles from landfills, giving new life to discarded garments. Using recycled wool (a practice dating back to the early 1800s), the shirts are softer, more stain resistant and durable, not to mention kinder to the earth. With a focus on creating clothing that is timeless, this shirt will soon become your man’s coziest comfort (after you, of course).

13. Gear from Moment, prices vary

For the guy who loves tech, photography and videography, Moment gear is both sleek and environmentally sound. Using 100% recycled textiles, bio-plastics, recycled aluminum and fully compostable packaging, this brand is aiming to offset 100% of their carbon footprint by 2021. Choose from the latest in tech accessories, helping to get your content creating man the professional results he needs.

14. Goodland, Wood Burning Hot Tub, $7,999 CAD

Crafting objects for a slower, more considered life, Goodland designs products that are meant to be reciprocal. Wood burning hot tubs are not just about the bathing experience, but about the anticipation of the ritual – chopping and stacking the wood, lighting and stoking the fire, stirring the water, adjusting the temperature – this meaningful practice evokes emotion and grounds us in nature. It might be gift for him, but let’s be honest, it’s more so a gift for you!

15. Nisolo, Owen Belt, $50 USD

An underrated but always appreciated gift, this beautiful water-resistant nubuck leather belt from Nisolo will quickly become a wardrobe staple. Nisolo is known for their incredible quality, transparency in sustainability and ethics, and aesthetic appeal. These belts are handmade in an ethical factory that they own and operate in Peru, meeting the highest standards of verified social and environmental responsibility. As a Certified B Corp, every purchase with Nisolo ensures a living wage to 100% of the people involved in product creation.

16. Paper Project, All Day Clean Sweat Set in Greige, $160 USD

An innovative material made from Manila Hemp (a member of the banana tree that helps minimize soil erosion) and paper yarn (yes, actually), Paper Project’s apparel is versatile, lightweight and warm. Dating back to the 1600s, paper yarn (washi) was traditionally used in Japan for the aristocracy. Help your man feel like the king he is with this super comfy sweat suit that is durable and long-lasting, just like your love. Each pair sold plants one tree.

17. Our Place, Perfect Pot, $165 USD 

From the people who brought us the revolutionary Always Pan, their newest stove-top product is just as amazing, and perfect for the man who loves to cook. Made with the same game-changing ingenuity that they’re known for, this pot does everything from boiling to baking, crisping to steaming. This single pot will replace 8 kitchen items – stockpot, dutch oven, saucepot, roasting rack, steamer, strainer, braiser and spoon rest. It might not be the kind of “green pot” he was expecting this year, but it’ll be appreciated regardless!

18. Drift Co, Wood Freshener 3-Pack, $24 USD

A beautiful alternative to the tacky (and plastic) air-care products on the market, Drift Co’s natural wooden air fresheners are designed to blend in. With amazing scents that are free from chemicals, phthalates and parabens, these fresheners are unique, effective, and subtle. Choose from scents like pine, amber, coffee, teak and more. For the man whose car always smells faintly of the gym, this gift will go a long way for both of you!

19. Wildland, Lundies House Scotland, £455 +

Whisk him away to an earthy stay at Lundies House in the Scottish Highlands. This carefully restored home is a harmonious marriage of Scandinavian and Scottish design, anchoring the feeling of timeless tradition. With the herb garden and shared lounge space overlooking the sea and a scenic view of the mountains, this tranquil home elevates the traditional B&B experience. Wildland is a 200-year vision of landscape-scale conservation in the Scottish Highlands, working to let nature heal, grow and thrive. Spend your vacation loch fishing, nature walking, pony picnicking, and biking the natural terrain.

20. Heirloom Art Co., Brass Pepper Mill, $120 USD

For the man who loves to cook, this cast brass pepper mill is both simple and sturdy, making it the best kitchen aid. He’ll just know his food is seasoned to perfection with the satisfying crunch the peppercorns make as the handle turns. Beautiful in design and consistent in its function, this brass mill takes an everyday cooking essential to the next level. 

21. Naadam, Cashmere Long Sleeve Polo, $195 USD

This beautiful, timeless staple – the long sleeve polo – has just gotten a classy upgrade. Made from 100% Mongolian Cashmere, with a fold down collar, three-button placket and ribbed sleeves, your man can wear this dressed down with jeans or dressed up under a blazer. Naadam is renowned for their ethics, working directly with their herders and paying them substantially more than the average cashmere goat herder makes.

22. Walrus Oil, Finishes for Wood, Metal, Leather, prices vary

For the handy man who loves new projects, Walrus Oil’s mission is to help make treasured goods last. Made with plant-based and nature-friendly ingredients, Walrus Oil is great for finishing new projects, restoring vintage finds, or putting a shine back in family heirlooms. Perfect for wood, metal and leather, this stuff stands the test of time – just like your relationship! Whether he’s fortifying his favourite cast iron pan, waxing his beloved boots, or finishing the new table he built, oil bet this gift will bring about some new hobbies!

23. Coucou, French Classes, $385 USD

Help him take his language goals to the next level by gifting him online French classes! Coucou offers in-person or online classes in French, in 8-10 week segments. Whether he’s just starting out or looking to increase his fluency, classes are available for all levels. Coucou was started by two cousins from Toulouse and Paris who wanted to find a fresh approach to French learning. Their classes are small, taught exclusively by native speakers, and are meant to be fun and community-based. C’est parfait!

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