As you can probably tell from the title, I wanted to bring you my top picks for ethical, sustainable and Fairtrade gifts for 2020.

As we usher in the holiday season from this unprecedented year, it’s more important than ever to be mindful of how, where and why we spend our money.

If 2020 has taught us anything it’s that we cannot go on treating people unfairly, ignoring negative environmental impacts and turning a blind eye to sustainability in any area of our lives.

Responsible and ethically created products are not difficult to find. In fact more conscious companies and organizations emerge all the time.

This is certainly not an exhaustive list of resources. It is a compilation of some of my favorites.

I’m so pleased to help this important conversation take form and I know that so many of you consider the sourcing and sustainability of the goods you buy to be paramount. I am right there with you.

It’s our duty as consumers to vet the choices we make, especially during the most consumer driven time of the year.

I enjoyed putting this list of my favorite products for under $37 together. The fact that all the choices came in under $37 is coincidence. It does make for a very specific title. Too funny.

I think there is something for everyone in this list and I am honored to recommend these ideas to you because I believe in each producer, company and artist you’ll read about here.

Without further delay, let’s get right into 10 Must Have, Green, Fairtrade, & Ethically Sourced Christmas Gifts Under $37

Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.

1. Butterfly Ornaments, $28

These gorgeous butterfly ornaments are so pretty they’re perfect for a collector of nature inspired décor. They’d make a beautiful addition to any Christmas tree but you can also leave them up all year if you choose.

Why I love these ornaments from Tulias

The perfect gift for any butterfly collector. Handcrafted from paper-thin sheets of bronze.  These exquisite ornaments are cut, filed, polished, and painted by hand using proprietary techniques by a husband and wife team of artists in central Colombia who create fair wage jobs in their local community.  Each ornament comes with a notecard. Inside the card are details of this species of butterfly.  The other side is blank with room to write a small note of thanks, get well, sympathy, or birthday wishes,  

Ship directly to a friend. We will write the note inside the card for you.

2. Hand Poured Sandalwood Candle, $26

Candles make such nice gifts. When they’re made in the USA and sourced from sustainable and locally grown soy wax, that’s even better!

They’re handcrafted in New York and the company uses minimal packaging to lessen the burden on landfills.

Why I love these candles from Itemerie

Light this candle to fill your home with this complex and sophisticated blend of oils with woody, musk and earthy tones. Traditionally noted as a masculine scent, Sandalwood has been used in both fragrances and medical applications for centuries.

This hand poured 11 oz soy candle will give your senses an experience like none you’ve ever experienced before with this lovely candle burning in your home.

3. Ceramic Plant Support Sticks, $32

These plant sticks are the absolute perfect gift for the plant enthusiast in your life. They are minimal with a slight lean toward boho style, so chic!

Why I love these Ceramic Plant Sticks from Lyon Lips Ceramics

The brand who produces the sticks, Lyon Lips Ceramics, is a woman owned business. They locally source all the clay from the Pacific Northwest and they hand produce each pottery item in the US.

They’re handmade in Portland, OR and are sold as a set of 3 mixed styles. So great!

A creative way to support your plants, these hand built plant support sticks are unglazed in tan or light speckled stoneware.  Every piece is made by hand, some variations from the photo are to be expected.

4. Bedside Smartphone Vase, $32

I love it when functional items are also beautiful. I can’t tell you how excited I was to find this smartphone holder. I have been looking for something attractive to hold my phone at night. I am so sick of it being just plopped down on the night table.

If you’re not someone who keeps your phone by the bed at night, this vase is so pretty and minimal it will fit in on a desk, in the kitchen or anywhere else you choose.

Why I love this Smartphone Vase from Uncommon Goods

Made in the USA by husband and wife design team, Myles and Heather Geyman in Pittsburgh, PA

Part smartphone stand, part vase, this bloom box brightens up your bedside table. Handmade out of glazed stoneware, the stand holds a bouquet of fresh-cut flowers or ever-lovely dried blooms. Keep your existing phone cord nestled into the groove on the bottom of the stand so you can charge your device while it sits pretty among the flowers.

Passionate about designing objects as functional as they are beautiful, the artists are drawn to many of the same things. “Inspiration often comes from the result of interacting with an object,” says Myles; other times, from the natural world.

5. No Water Wax Dipped Amaryllis Bulb, $36

A vibrant pop of color and a holiday favorite of mine. Last week, I wrote about starting your amaryllis bulbs in November or early December. If you do, you’ll have the gorgeous flowers for the week of Christmas and New Years.

This bulb is all self contained and no need for any water, what!? And, they’re perfect for any friend with or without a green thumb!

Why I love these No water, Wax dipped Amaryllis Bulbs from Vivaterra

It doesn't get any easier than this! Our No-Water Wax Dipped Amaryllis Bulb is the perfect gift for someone who loves blooming plants with no maintenance.

No-Water Wax Amaryllis Bulb is dipped in wax and self-contained – no water or care required! Everything the plant needs for nutrients and moisture is inside the bulb. This gift is worry-free, ready to grow and bloom.

Plus, the bulb looks pretty even before it blooms thanks to the holiday colors and subtle design. Place it on any flat surface and the attached metal coil base will stabilize it. Or place it in a decorative container with moss, greenery and other seasonal accents for a gorgeous centerpiece.

Bulbs are shipped in a dormant stage. Just place on an indoor surface and they'll bloom in a few weeks.

Blooms appear in approx. 4-6 weeks. Each bulb will produce one or two flower stalks with up to four blooms per stalk.

6. Minted Garden Windchime, $29

I can imagine these sweet little chimes singing in the wind just outside the kitchen door.

The design is exquisite. I love the gold and oxidized green color, so pretty.

They’re the perfect finishing touch to a patio or garden space. Hang them any place where they can catch a simple breeze.

Why I love these wind chimes from Fair Trade Winds

Gifts that Empower Women

Fair trade products support women around the world by providing opportunities to market their talents. Each product is handcrafted by a hardworking woman who is able to live her dream of becoming self-reliant and supporting her family.

This indoor/outdoor recycled metal chime features a looping floral pattern within its diamond-shaped form, painted an antiqued mint green for a vintage look. Accented with golden metal bells and clappers for mellow metallic sound. Suspend free hanging or as wall art from attached 5″ chain.

Size: 18″l x 17″w

7. Fringed Taupe Geo Coasters, $30

I have one word for these coasters, obsessed! I love the color and I firmly believe that everyone needs a bit of fringe in their life. These coasters are a super functional and subtle way to get that needed fringe! They’re a perfect gift for anyone who leans a bit to the boho side and they’re perfect for a touch of texture on any surface.

They are vegan, made from sustainably sourced materials, are a heritage product and, well read on…

Why I love these coasters from Kazi

KAZI was founded to create beautiful products that alleviate poverty across rural Africa. Their products are all made from all natural fibers of sisal and sweet grass with natural dyes that are food safe. KAZI sources local materials native to Africa that are readily available to their artisans. KAZI reinvests their profits to further expand artisan development through training initiatives — training rural farmers to become artisans and teaching existing craftspeople new techniques and processes to continue to build upon their existing skill sets. Each KAZI product is handmade in Africa. KAZI is a member of the Fair Trade Federation and implements fair trade practices across their organization.

8. Wild Olive Wood Leaf Scoop Set, $28

Beautiful and functional, these scoops are perfect for all your dried baking ingredients or spices. How beautiful would these look adorning the tops of all your decanted containers. I love it when functional things are also so pretty!

Handmade African spice spoons, hand carved from wild olive wood, make unique gifts for any occasion. Wild olive wood serving pieces are hand-carved by Kamba people living in the bush of Eastern Kenya. Special permits must be received to fell an olive wood tree, and the carvers make use of every inch of this prized wood. Often several artisans work on a single piece, with specialities in carving, smoothing, staining, and adding cow bone. Each spoon has a unique pattern created by the natural grain of the wood and is embellished with cow bone inlay decorated with simple lines. Sold as a set of 4.

Why I love these scoops from Accompany

Artisans can earn a living from the comfort of home by doing creative work, so they have options beyond seeking work in cities. Through export, skills inherited through generations - sometimes with deep-rooted cultural significance - continue to bring meaning, stability and a sense of pride to entire communities. Crafting handmade products provides a particularly vital employment option for rural African women.

Swahili offers their artisan partners across Africa the means to build stronger homes and communities by their own design.

9. Large Scissors, $26

Another beautiful product that can go from kitchen to garden. These stylish scissors are made from heat treated stainless steel and are embellished with a walnut wood detailing.

They will work like a charm for lefthanded as well as righthanded people! I love that so much because it’s one tool for different people, genius!

Why I love these scissors by Barebones

Founded with a desire to do good, Barebones is creating a positive, far-reaching impact around the world. Their artful, heritage-inspired designs provide durable tools for better living, benefiting communities near and far.

Barebones meets the highest standards for social and environmental impact. A portion of the proceeded from each sale goes to support marginalized communities and to reduce poverty through professional development and leadership.

10. Pet Bed Pad, $18

I’ve said it many times, gifts for folks with fur babies are always a hit! Give this pet bed as a gift or get one for your own fur baby. They are gorgeous, hand crafted and very stylish. My spoiled pup has beds in every room but my office and I’m totally getting her one of these.

They’re best suited for smaller dogs or cats because they measure approximately 12” x 26”. The description indicates that there may be a slight variation in the size due to being hand made.

They’re perfect alone or try placing them in a basket or fully constructed pet bed.

Why I love these pet beds

Matr Boomie is a wholesale fair trade collection from India that marries modern design sensibility with inspiring traditional art forms, bringing people and cultures closer together.They began in 2006 with the mission of creating opportunities for women and minorities to realize their creative, economic and leadership potential. Since then they have grown their network to empower 20,000 artisans in 40 partner communities throughout India. Their passion has enabled them to build a credible force in the Fair Trade market while making critical differences in the lives of partner artisans, their families and communities.

Well that’s it.

I’d love to hear what you think of this year’s gift guide. Leave me a comment below and tell me what your favorite is. Are you shopping in a more mindful way this year?

These are my favorite picks but if you explore the various sites through my links, you’re sure to find many, many more options under $37.

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Michael is Principal designer and blogger at Michael Helwig Interiors in beautiful Buffalo, New York. Since 2011, he’s a space planning expert, offering online interior e-design services for folks living in small homes, or for those with awkward and tricky layouts. He’s a frequent expert contributor to many National media publications and news outlets on topics related to decorating, interior design, diy projects, and more. Michael happily shares his experience to help folks avoid expensive mistakes and decorating disappointments. You can follow him on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook @interiorsmh.