In this new age of conscious creation, the options are plentiful, beautifully aesthetic, and easy to come across. Most are owned by mothers who have created their business to offer a product they themselves use, running the business while juggling their parenting roles.
This year, I bought an average of two baby gifts a month for friends and fam welcoming their beautiful bundles, and it wasn’t until I sat down to plan a baby shower for my main maiden here in Paris, that I realized my list of favourites might be useful to others as well.
Below are my absolute favourite ethical and sustainable items to gift to babies and their parents for the first months of life. Tried and tested by my siblings and pals over the many years which have brought their babes earthside.
SUSTAIN BY KAT
Every aspect of Sustain By Kat‘s creation is as sustainable as currently possible with a collection that is created both ethically and sustainably in Los Angeles from 100% natural organic fibers, and organic cotton thread and labels. Her pieces are either left undyed or dyed with natural plant dyes from Botanical Colors or Aura Herbal Wear which is organic and locally sourced, making them free of harmful chemical whiteners, optical brighteners or industrial fabric softeners. Safe for you and baby.
WHERE TO BUY? sustainbykat.com
ROOBA
Shortlisted for multiple awards for their Boo the Bunny Natural Teething Toy, Rooba uses sustainably sourced natural rubber to create strong, safe, non-toxic, ergonomically designed, to soothe painful gums.
WHERE TO BUY? Rooba.co.uk
STORYBOOK ORGANICS
With woodland-themed bonnets and sleepers, Storybook Organics offers super-soft, epically cute, fairytale creations in organic cotton, linen, and hemp clothing, each handmade with Love.
WHERE TO BUY? storybookorganics.com
LEO & THE LION LEARN OF LOVE
I wrote this book for my nephew in hopes to help guide him to harness the Love he and all children so freely emit. In the book, the Lion teaches Leo how to care for himself and the world around him with his heartfelt sagacity, communicating the complexities of the modern world in a way which encourages children to work towards a kinder, fairer, more unified and peaceful future. The book was illustrated by the talented Caroline Winneguth from Saltwater & Feathers and printed with KLS, a cradle-to-cradle printer. There is also a digital copy available.
WHERE TO BUY? Leotielovely.com
CHILOTE SHOES
The materials for these slippers are sourced in Patagonia from sheep who provide one of nature’s most useful materials, wool. The fibre is then spun and knit by hand to create a slipper, alongside locally and ethically produced upcycled Salmon Leather discarded by the fishing industry. These two naturally sourced materials mean the entire slipper can be composted at the end of its lifecycle – unlike most slippers which are laden with non-biodegradable acrylic materials and rubber. These slippers are also made start to finish by women paid ethically it Patagonia and the company is run by a woman as well.
WHERE TO BUY? Chiloteshoes.com
LITTLE BLUE NEST BABY
These adorable swaddles are hand illustrated with unique British flora and fauna. Each one is made with organic cotton, ensuring your baby is wrapped up in nature’s finest rather than a pesticide cocktail. Each blanket from the fabric to the thread is certified by OEKO-TEX® Standard 100.
WHERE TO BUY? littlebluenest.com
Made from high quality, thermal shock resistant borosilicate glass and covered in a natural rubber cover (and natural rubber nipple) created to be held by little ones, while preventing breakage from falls. When the bottle is not being used, the cover can be used as a toy as well!
WHERE TO BUY? USA / UK / EU / CANADA / AUSTRALIA
MORI
Probably the softest baby products I’ve ever set my hands on, Mori creates ethically produced collections for babies which are crafted carefully from sustainable sources to ensure only natural materials touch the bebe’s delicate skin.
WHERE TO BUY? babymori.com
BABY BARN DK
Handknit in Denmark from 100% organic materials, each piece brings back the beauty of traditional Scandinavian style, complete with heirloom-quality craftsmanship, offering a product which can be passed down through the generations.
WHERE TO BUY? Etsy.com/babybarn
KENDALL THE KALE
A chewable vegetable-shaped baby toy for sensory play and bath time, this cute and conscious baby gift offers a toy that will teach your baby green is good.
GIVE BACK GOODS
There’s a fairly new online store called givebackgoods which carries unique and stylish home goods, accessories, and gifts for one and all with a mission to create a positive impact on the world. Their products are eco-friendly, sustainable, and ethically sourced, each purchase gives back to important grassroots causes like human trafficking, feeding shelter animals, and giving solar power and clean water to people without.
WHERE TO BUY? Givebackgoods.com
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