10 Ethical Christmas Gifts under $50 for Compact Living

Posted on December 1, 2022

The time of gift giving is upon us, and it brings me so much joy to show the people I care about my appreciation with presents, and even more joy when they show their appreciation for me. This being said, it’s a challenge to buy new material things every year when we value sustainability so much. I’m also at an age where most of my friends are living in rentals; they don’t need any extra trinkets to pack, store, move and unpack. Everyone can benefit from a little less clutter, so these gift ideas might be perfect for your friends and family, particularly for the granny flat and studio dwellers.

My new goal is to give gifts that cover the essentials. Christmas is a great opportunity to buy the nicest versions of everyday things for your loved ones that they might not think to justify the cost for themselves. Here are some great ideas for useful and ethical presents that won’t be piled into storage or landfill after the holidays.

Truff Hot Sauce

This vegan, black truffle infused hot sauce is a treat someone can enjoy for some time, depending on how spicy your giftee likes their food, then leaves the house in the recycling bin. I've bought this for my dad, who has all he needs except more food. I myself, know I probably cannot take the heat, but it sounds too good not to try.

It's available in varying degrees of heat, and a white truffle infused alternative - I’m not fancy enough to know the difference but the bottle’s pretty.

$32.95

Travel Cheese Set

This cheese board is equipped with a compact draw to store its own utensils, making it useful in the house or out and about, perfect for entertaining in a public space if your friend doesn’t have the room for a big gathering at home.

$49.99

Sewing Kit

This little sewing kit is small, handy and pretty. Encourage others to keep life in their clothes longer with this sweet repair kit.

I received this gift and it's been so useful, now I'm always offering to fix the family's clothes. It’s all I need when I find a tear or want to make a little alteration, and so tiny and light that it comes with me on all holidays seamlessly (pun intended).

$19

Book an Experience

Urban Swan offers a range of experiences centred around food, drink, wellness or adventure across Melbourne and Sydney. Just set the maximum cost for $25 per person and start browsing the possibilities. You can pick something unique, supporting a local business that celebrates am interest of your special someone with this thoughtful gift, and you get to share it!

It can be such a treat to have something totally organised by someone else, which Urban Swan makes easy. It’s perfect for those whose love language is quality time (I hint to my imaginary boyfriend), for those who value memories more than material objects, and for people who really just don’t need more things.

From $8 per person

Reusable Safety Razor

Available in rose gold, gold or black, these quality razors are made to last and reduce our environmental footprint by eliminating the need for repeated purchases of plastic razors.

$49.95

If you like the idea of switching single use essential, check out more of kappi's products, like biodegradable kitchen sponges and q-tips. You could even make someone an eco-friendly hamper of a few products for under $50 that shows you know their value of sustainability.

Sand Free Towel

These sand free towels are bafflingly handy. Super absorbent, durable, anti-bacterial and they don’t collect sand. They’re available in a range of fun colours and prints and come with a matching waterproof bag that magically fits the towel. Perfect for the gym, beach, pool and travel.

These are a great gift for anyone, but especially your granny flat renters who’ll appreciate their compatibility and eco-friendly design that saves on washing.

The smalls go for $44.95, or you could choose to have it gift wrapped for $48.95

Loco Love Chocolates

These chocolates are utterly divine, both in flavour and in creation. Although they taste like a sweet indulgence, these treats are somehow vegan, organic and plant-based, containing superfoods, tonic herbs and healing spices that do good for your body. You can try this pretty box of 9 different heavenly flavours, or for the same price get 10 of one kind, minus the wrapping.

$49.95

Alternatively, if you want a slightly cheaper collection that’s personalised to someone’s preferences and dietary requirements, you could select a few of the single wrapped chocolates for $5.59 each, or several twin packs at $11.95. I have to recommend the Butter Caramel Pecan or the Black Cherry and Raspberry.

The minimum spend on Loco Love is $49.95, however you can find their yummies at other distributers in-store and online, like Flannery’s Mona Vale and Wholefoods House.

Natural Beauty Oil

Nourishing for skin, hair and nails, these multi-purpose oils are so handy for someone short on space, and come in easy-on-the-eyes glass bottles that don’t rely on your giftee having the cupboard space to hide them.

Choose from the Faye, Gwen and Nora beauty oils to personalise the sweet thought.

As super natural blends of organic ingredients, it’s a safe way to gift someone a little self-care with reduced risk of potential irritants and artificial chemicals that someone could react to.

$48 down to $38.40 til the 4th of December

A Card that Makes a Difference

Oxfam Unwrapped make gift cards that you can write in or personalise and send directly to someone, then put the profits to helping people in poverty have food and shelter. They have a range of cards you can choose from that donate to supporting different people in need.

This card assists with safe refuge for women, offering a place to stay away from violence in their community, family or household. At GrannyFlat Rental we know the value of safe place, so this card in particular is touching to our goals, however their other missions assisting farmers or bringing food to regions suffering from starvation are equally important.

The Safe Refuge for Women card costs from $25, but you can choose other $7 cards, or to donate more.

You can choose any charity and any price. It’s a wonderful idea to support a cause that someone you love cares about, and all that’s needed to store to saver the gift forever is a small paper card.

Seagrass Storage Baskets

Finally, you can’t go wrong with a pretty storage solution for your friend to hide all their other gifts in. These lidded basket-styled options are great because your recipient can choose stack them, making the most of whatever their space may be. They're handmade with woven Seagrass to appeal to those au naturel aesthetics.

$39.95

We hope this list has gotten some mental cogs turning to make your gift giving this year personal and ethical. Have a look at our choices last year for 7 more ideas that could make someone’s holiday.