The Best Vegan Gifts for 2024: Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Presents for Every Vegan

‘Tis the season, amiright? While it’s a mild 50 degrees here in NYC today, and gloomy, I know somewhere in the city I call home, there are lights twinkling, mulled wine being sipped and people hitting up Macy’s like their lives depend on it. But, if you’re like me (hard pass on the crowds, pls), it’s far easier to shop online. And, if you’re like me, you want to find gifts quick and easy. 

Hi. Your vegan bestie is here to help. I’ve assembled my list of the best vegan gifts for this year for anyone — no matter where they are on their plant-based journey (and even if they’re not plant-based but, ya know, care about climate change and all that jazz). 

What’s in this guide: all the vegan, sustainable, eco-friendly goodness that will put smiles on faces of the people you love and also make the planet a little bit better. From skincare to kitchen must-have’s, here’s the start to my list of the best vegan gifts for everyone on your list this year. For even more, head to my complete gift guide round-up on Benable.

Find this after the holidays? No worries! I’m constantly updating my gift guide with new finds!

Vegan Leather Bags

PHOTO: STELLA MCCARTNEY

In Christmas’ past, you’d get a vegan leather bag that was PVC, likely a little stinky and probably pretty basic, cheaply made and bad for the environment. Oh how the times have changed. Now, you’ve got choices, people! Apple leather! Cactus leather! Pineapple leather! Mushroom leather! And the list goes on.

Fortunately, there’s no shortage of vegan leather goods to gift this year. 

My favorite vegan leather goods:

Stella McCartney

Her work is simply beautiful. From baby-skin-soft, buttery vegan leather Falabella fold over bag (obsessed) to her more every day crossbody, these vegan purses make a statement. They also cost a pretty penny, but if you can splurge, please do. And, get me one while you’re at it lols. 

Urban Originals

I’ve been a fan of Urban Originals for years. Their luxury vegan bags come in a variety of styles, including sleek wallets, and you can find me regularly rocking their crossbody from the Aussie brand. They’re also more affordable than Stella by about $800 and run roughly around $100 for a crossbody. 

Cruelty-Free and Vegan Skincare and Beauty Products

PHOTO: NUFACE

Did you know PETA certifies brands that aren’t vegan? I know, it’s wildly confusing and misleading. So, don’t go off of PETA’s picks since they are certifying cruelty-free versus vegan (and yes, there’s a difference and you can learn more about why cruelty-free and vegan aren’t the same thing here). Instead, trust me to share my favorite vegan and cruelty-free skincare beauty products. Bonus: ’cause you know I’m very much into being an intersectional activist, all of my recommendations here are also BDS-safe.

My favorite vegan, cruelty-free skincare and beauty products:

Kora Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask

My friend gave me her tube of this one day because she wasn’t using it and I tried it immediately and was blown away. The way my skin felt after was magical. This cult-favorite in the beauty world is a two-in-one mask that gives you a deep clean, exfoliates and detoxifies. My skin glows and looks so smooth and pretty after using this weekly. 

Huda Faux Lip Filler

This baby tastes like vanilla and isn’t sticky. Your lips will have a sultry pout that nourishes all day thanks to the Huda Faux Lip Filler gloss. Plus, they have donated to Palestine relief efforts.

Tower 28 Mascara

False lashes be gone (well, at least give your lashes a rest) with Tower 28 mascara. It adds volume, lengthens and defines those babies and is good for even sensitive eyes.

Depology Serum Infused Micro Darts

Korean skincare hype is real. And, Depology’s vegan micro dart patches are magic. Don’t let the name scare you, you feel virtually nothing but the impact is pretty damn incredible. The teeny tiny microdarts help plump your skin. Use it in your frown lines or under eyes once-a-week overnight and you’ll have noticeable results in the morning.

Nuface

I’ve had micro current treatments before from an esthetician and damn, it lifts and firms and makes my face look snatched. Instead of dropping the big bucks on these treatments (which can start at multiple times a week and then taper down), invest in an at-home version. Nuface offers a variety of micro current products and includes vegan activator and skincare. Again, noticeable results. Start with five minutes, five times a week and then decrease.

Lush

Lush is not a fully vegan brand, around five percent is vegetarian, but the treats Lush offers make the perfect stocking stuffer/gift for someone who loves bath time (or showers). My personal favorite gift from Lush is the gift that gives back — their slice of watermelon soap. When you purchase this, all of the profits are donated to projects providing urgently-needed professional mental health support, trauma counseling, art and play therapies for children in Gaza and the West Bank.

Sustainable Vegan Fashion

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Diana Edelman 🌱 AKA Vegans, Baby🗽 NYC influencer (@thedianaedelman)

Please, please do not go to SHEIN or Temu and order clothing. And, if you do, please know they are some of the biggest polluters in fast fashion. SHEIN churns out 10,000 items added to its site each day and emitted 16.7 million metric tons of CO2 in 2023. Plus, they have been called out for their textile waste, high levels of microplastic pollution and awful labor practices. 

Instead of opting for these brands and other like it (ZARA, Forever 21, Asos, H&M, Topshop), check out sustainable and eco-friendly fashion brands. 

My favorite fashion brands:

MATE The Label

As I write this, I’m wearing my favorite MATE The Label long john shirt I’ve had for years. Known for creating essential and functional pieces, everything is made with GOTS certified organic fabric and lower impact dyes. The size-inclusive brand is not fully vegan, but their vegan pieces are long lasting and you know they are ethically sourced and made.

Save the Duck

I’ve had the honor of working with Save the Duck a few times, but even if I hadn’t, I’d be a huge fan of their products. The all-vegan brand got their start making alternative down coats and then branched out in the last year or so to offer other products, like leisure wear. They use recycled materials to create their line, are a certified B Corp and have a transparent business model that does not include any sourcing of animal byproducts.

Want even more suggestions? Be sure to check out my complete gift guide over on Benable!