Los Angeles Gift Guide: How to Give Eco Friendly Gifts this Season
Los Angeles might not be your typical winter wonderland come the holiday season. But that doesn’t mean the City of Angels isn’t abuzz with the spirit of the season as early as November.
Look no further than the incredible, magical transformation of L.A.’s theme parks like Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood (particularly within the Wizarding World of Harry Potter). Even smaller venues like the L.A. Zoo wow with winter-inspired light displays.
Plus, Angelenos are just as passionate about giving great gifts as any other cold-city-dweller counterpart. Angelenos are often generous, climate-conscious gift givers too. You want to give a gift that puts a smile on the recipients’ faces while not feeling guilty about the negative effects the gift has on the environment.
To that end, we created a sustainable gift guide for you containing some of the best eco friendly gifts for Angelenos. No matter who's on your list, you'll find great gift ideas that don't compromise your commitment to the climate.
Eco friendly Fashion Gifts
Image via @shop.trove
For your fashionista friends and family, try Trove LA. They consider themselves “LA's #1 Boutique thrift & consignment store", with top brands that rotate in and out. The fashion industry is a major source of carbon emissions, and so buying used clothing is a great eco friendly alternative.
Who said you can't save money and still get a top brand for a top friend, family member? 🤑
Beauty-Focused with Sustainable Materials
Style and sustainability look good together. sun moon rain—known formerly as Re[eco]ntained—boasts no waste beauty products, lotions, and accessories for a more sustainable lifestyle. Plus, it’s located in Santa Monica so you could stop by the beach after shopping.
Zero Waste Living
Image via @myzerowastestore
If you have an admirable friend who lives plastic free, avoids single use plastic, is loath to make food waste, and generally strives to reduce their ecological footprint, My Zero Waste Store in Pasadena is probably a place they’d love.
You won't find plastic bottles, plastic wrap, or other disposables here, but you might just find that perfect reusable, sustainable, thoughtful gift. Good news: They sell gift cards!
Sustainable Gifts for Sporty Spice
Why buy lightly used sports equipment? To keep it out of landfills! Plus, it’s nearly as good as new. For a great eco friendly gift for the sports lover, Second Wind Sports in Chatsworth is a great place to score on used equipment.
Great Gifts for Green Thumbs
If you’re an Angeleno, there’s no way you haven’t seen an iconic yellow Armstrong Garden Centers sign on one of your typical commutes.
Whether it'll live indoor or in the garden, get your green thumb friend a new plant they’ll obsess over—and think of you every time they see it 😉.
For the Nature Lover
Image via @descansogardens
That gift recipient who doesn’t take L.A.’s weather for granted? Get them a gift card to the Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge. Their dazzling winter wonderland display starts on November 19 and runs through January 7!
A note on shopping online
We know you might not be able to get out there and shop IRL. But even if you can't shop local, you can still make climate-friendly choices this season.
When scoping gifts on the web, keep an eye out for carbon neutral shipping options, recyclable packaging, and products made from fair trade and/or recycled materials.
Many businesses with sustainable practices proudly describe their climate commitments on their websites. Check out the FAQs, and don't hesitate to drop your favorite brand an email to ask about their manufacturing process and more.
Well, Angelenos, we hope you feel empowered to get out there and find the perfect gift for your eco conscious loved ones. And who knows? Sustainable gifting might just jumpstart your own eco friendly lifestyle.