Black Friday has never sat well with us here at Nouba. All that crazed spending on things which, let’s be honest, we probably don’t need. But with Christmas around the corner, there will be a heck of a lot of spending tomorrow… but instead of handing over your cash to the big guys, we reckon you might prefer to keep things local, ethical and sustainable. Beautiful gifts for your loved ones, warm fuzzies for you. Win win!

Shopping at makers markets is an awesome way to support your local creatives. There’s no shortage of markets at this time of year – we’ve popped a few on the Events Page for you to check out.

And have you heard about #buyfromthebush? It’s a brilliant initiative by Grace Brennan – a NSW sheep farmer – to support rural businesses in drought affected areas. We got totally lost in their Insta feed, scrolling through all the beautiful wares available from the growing number of participating artists and stores. With this terrible drought and the constant threat of bush fires, getting your Christmas gifts from #buyfromthebush is one small way to show your support for regional Australians.

Etsy is another great place for finding unique, ethical and sustainable Christmas gifts. Just be sure to search within your region so you’re not stung with shipping fees (and adding to the carbon footprint). There are a bunch of great zero waste gift ideas on Etsy, like string shopping totes, reusable ceramic coffee cups, stylish drink bottles… the list goes on. Other eco-friendly gifts include sustainable jewellery, natural body products and cute vintage finds.

If you’re shopping fashion, tread carefully. Fast fashion is notoriously unsustainable, but fortunately we have some amazing local brands here in Australia who value the environment and their workers. Iconic Byron Bay label, Spell & The Gypsy, is one such brand – we’ve included a few of our fave pieces below.

Finding beautiful gifts for the people we love is one of life’s pleasures. And by being thoughtful about how we shop, and who benefits from our spending, we can spread those Christmas feels a little wider. Happy shopping!

Planet-friendly gifts under $50

Handmade ceramic coffee cup

Did you know that the waxy lining on takeaway coffee cups means they can’t be recycled? Kick the habit in style with this speckled half-dipped clay cup by Gold Coast ceramicist Mudhavi. Reusable and dishwasher safe.

$40 – shop here

Mini threader earrings

These dainty, minimalist threader/archer earrings by Tweed Heads jeweller, Minimetal, are made from reclaimed precious metals. Fast + cheap shipping available within Australia!

$25 (pair) – shop here

Printed crop bralette

Crafted from off-cuts, the ‘Revive Crop’ by Byron Bay’s Arnhem Clothing is a lovely guilt-free gift. Get the matching knickers for your extra-special someone.

$49 – shop here

Net reusable shopping bag

String net reusable shopping bag by Earth’s Tribe. Made from 100% cotton, these washable totes are the perfect addition to your zero waste collection.

$12 each – shop here

Amber glass bottle soap dispenser

These lovely apothecary-style amber bottle soap dispensers from By Me Home come with metal pumps and designer decal. Perfect for bulk-buy or low-package bath and home products.

$25.25 each – shop here

Personalised water bottle

There are few things more pointless than a single-use plastic water bottle! Ensure your loved ones can drink sustainably and in style with these laser engraved personalised water bottles from Wild Fire Engraving on the Gold Coast. Free shipping!

$45 – shop here

Sustainable gifts under $100

Sustainable activewear (speckled crop top)

Aussie label Team Timbuktu uses fabrics that are made from recycled plastic bottles to create their stylish activewear. This not only saves plastics from oceans and landfill, but also uses less energy and water!

$59 – shop here

Upcycled rubber planter

Made from reclaimed truck tyre tubes, these rubber planters from Upcycle Studio in NSW are the perfect gift for your plant and planet loving friends.

$59.95 – shop here

Natural linen bath towel

Made from natural linen waffle fabric, these handmade bath towels from Melbourne’s House of Baltic Linen are an elegant gift for your house-proud loved ones.

$86 – shop here

Ethical gifts under $200

Waterfall One Piece

Made from recycled fiber, the Waterfall One Piece by Spell and the Gypsy is a sustainable beauty. Spell are also part of the 1% for the Planet initiative, whose members contribute at least one percent of their annual sales to environmental causes.

$189 – shop here

Rose Quartz ring

Sydney designer Belinda Saville creates delicate eco-friendly jewellery, and this dainty rose quartz gold ring is a modern classic.

$160 – shop here

June linen mini dress

A minimal mini in pastel linen, this sweet dress by Byron Bay’s Rowie the Label is the perfect summer outfit. You’ll receive your delivery in a nifty plastic-free, compostable bag!

$159 – shop here

Maisie travel scarf

This vintage inspired printed travel scarf is made from LENZING™ Modal, a super-soft fabric made completely from sustainably harvested, renewable wood fibre. Another stunner from Spell and the Gypsy.

$129 – shop here