Although this is certainly the season to be jolly, shopping could sometimes be a bit stressful when you are struggling to find those “perfect” gifts for the people in your life. I think that you are very lucky if you want to buy a holiday gift for someone who follows a vegan lifestyle, because the playing field is narrowed and you could concentrate on buying specific things which may interest him or her.
In any event, I urge you not to struggle any longer because I have some very nice holiday gift suggestions for you to consider…
1. How about adopting a farm animal for a loved one, friend, or family member through Farm Sanctuary’s “Adopt-A-Farm Animal Project?” A gift adoption would provide food and shelter for a needy farm animal. The gift recipient would receive an adoption package with information about the adopted animal, his/her story, a photograph and details about year-round visitation rights.
2. Cookbooks always make great gifts. There are so many great vegan cookbooks to choose from, including some new ones which just came out this year. Here are some bestsellers on Amazon…
3. If you are lucky enough to have an I Pad or some other tablet, may I suggest this Smart Tools Kitchen Stand for Tablets from Williams- Sonoma? It provides an easy way to follow recipes while cooking.
4. Williams- Sonoma also carries some great monogrammed gifts such as aprons and cooking tools.
5. Everyone loves a splendid “spot” of tea. Don’t they? I know I sure do. There are so many lovely tea gifts out there. What about a beautiful cast iron tea pot or a flowering “Blooming Zen” tea gift package from Teavana?
May I suggest browsing The Tea Spot if you are interested in organic teas, tea club subscriptions, cute tea steeping mugs and steepware, and fabulous non-drip tea pots in an assortment of colors?
6. What about purchasing a gift certificate for cooking classes? Better yet, what about purchasing a generous enough gift certificate so that you may take cooking classes with the lucky recipient of such a gift? I have taken many wonderful cooking classes at the Natural Gourmet Institute located at 48 W. 21st Street in NYC, and I highly recommend their public cooking classes.
7. Everyone loves luscious gifts and nothing could be more luscious than the natural handmade soaps, bubble bars, and other cruelty-free cosmetics from Lush! They have some amazing pre-packaged holiday gift sets for this season.
8. Christopher Drummond makes some beautiful vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics. If you go to his website, there are many wonderful gift suggestions; however, I think these makeup brushes would make a great gift…
If the price is a little steep for you, he also makes a less expensive travel set which is great too!
9. If you anticipate that gifts of cosmetics will be a big hit this season, then I highly suggest that you check out some of the amazing gift sets currently offered on Sephora’s website. They have some really impressive special edition sets from cruelty-free brands such as Tarte, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, Bare Minerals, Bite Beauty and Korres.
10. Vegan Cuts is another amazing source for all things vegan. You can go to their website to check out some great holiday vegan gift items, but this set of 4 Jem Raw Chocolate Nut Butters caught my eye!
11. Handbags, wallets and messenger bags always make impressive holiday gifts. My friend Ellen gave me this really cool “Poesy” wristlet wallet from Matt & Nat for my birthday and I really love it! You could check out Matt & Nat’s website for other awesome vegan accessories which I think would make great holiday gifts!
12. If you really can’t decide on a gift, gift cards are always a safe bet. I don’t think you could go wrong with a gift card from the wonderful online 100% cruelty-free and eco-friendly boutique “Compassion Couture” which has a gorgeous selection of vegan shoes, bags and accessories. Check out these “Nyssa” boots from Neuaura. Who says vegan can’t be sexy?
13. Since we’re talking about gift cards, what about purchasing a gift card from a great vegan restaurant? Candle 79, located at 154 E. 79th Street in NYC, is one of my favorite vegan restaurants of all time. They sell gift cards on their website for all three of their restaurants: Candle 79, Candle Cafe and Candle West. Maybe a great vegan restaurant near you also sells gift cards. It’s an idea!
14. Lastly, may I suggest ordering a special gift tin from the fabulous Vegan Divas Bakery? You could choose from a variety of delectable goodies, including assorted cookies, gluten-free coconut macaroons, assorted mixed doughnuts or spelt chocolate brownies. Yum!
There it is…my list of compassionate (but fun) holiday gift suggestions. You better get moving now. The holiday is almost here!
