10 Christmas Gift Ideas -Buy Local German Brands
Are you struggling with last-minute Christmas gift ideas that are also vegan, cruelty-free, sustainable and made from local German brands?
Look no further!
I do a lot of research before buying certain items, including Christmas gifts, because my purchases have to align with my values. For the most part, the products I choose are vegan, cruelty-free, zero waste or sustainably made*. I also try to buy from local German brands, but not always. Only for this post did I narrow the search to local businesses. If you are looking for Christmas gifts that meet some of these criteria, then keep on reading.
*It must be said that not all individual ingredients are locally sourced.
Last Minute Gift Ideas
PLANTBASE
This startup from Hannover sells exclusively plastic-free, vegan, handmade and affordable natural cosmetics with no animal testing. Soaps, body scrubs, body oils and shampoo/conditioner bars can be found on their online shop.
NKM
All natural, plant-based products that you can customize for your own individual skin care requirements. If your skin has specific needs, customize the final product yourself. Buy individual ingredients with accompanying DIY guides to help you create just what your skin needs. You can also buy from a selection of their top notch “ready-made” products from their shop. They offer both options.
Online Shop – or visit them in Munich: Müllerstraße 10, 80469 München
HELLO SIMPLE
This shop from Berlin has many zero waste products. These include vegan soap bars, shaving kits, reusable make up pads, dental hygiene products, deodorants and laundry products that will have you wasting less than ever before.
Online shop – or visit your local Basic Biomarkt. They carry some of their products.
SEVEN TREES
Nina founded Seven Trees a couple of years ago with a lineup of amazing body soaps, deodorants, hair shampoos, hair wax, and body butters. All her products are palm oil free, plastic free, vegan and organic. Additionally, they are handmade and undergo strict quality controls.
DIE INTOLERANTE ISI
Isabella, or Isi, founded her business out of necessity. Although Isi was diagnosed with lactose intolerance and removed dairy from her diet, she continued with fatigue until she began a “clean eating” lifestyle. There are many people who suffer unnecessarily from different food allergies and go undiagnosed for years. So she started her food truck and catering company for people, like her, who have food intolerances. Her food is not only healthy, but delicious as well. It is also important for her to use environmentally and resource friendly packaging.
Isi sells homemade goods on her online shop, which make for great Christmas gift giving or you can also purchase vouchers for her cooking and baking courses. Her food truck can be booked for special occasions, as well.
OUTENTIC
If you have a partner that loves biking adventures, this young and vibrant company from Munich is making “easy-to-carry” mountain bike backpacks. I thought it was very unique. Plus their mission for local and sustainable production made it an easy pick.
Visit their online shop or test out their products at their office in Munich.
OOIA
Women’s feminine hygiene products generate more than 200,000 tonnes of waste per year, and they all contain plastic. So if you would like to minimize your impact on the environment, OOIA makes period panties that are highly absorbable. I bought a few pairs myself and have never had to buy tampons or pads ever since.
KIA CHARLOTTA
After finding out how toxic regular nail polish really is, I made sure to switch out ALL my nail care products. And I have been using Kia Charlotta’s nail polish since we interviewed their founders in 2017. Plus, I love gifting friends and family members these 100% vegan and cruelty free polishes that come in a variety of beautifully intense colors.
Christmas Gift – a Future Experience
A great way to support struggling businesses that have had to shut down during COVID-19 is to purchase gift vouchers. I don’t know about you, but I am itching to see a live ballet or theatre performance. This makes for a great gift and it also helps your local community. Just make sure the vouchers are valid for, at least, a couple of years. There is still a lot of uncertainty. Here are just some of our local theatres:
Gärtnerplatz Theater
Gift vouchers are valid for 3 years from the date of purchase.
The Munich Opera House
Gift vouchers are valid for 3 years from the date of purchase.
I hope this has served to spark some inspiration into your gift giving. Happy Holidays!
Similar Reading
Munich’s First Food Truck for Special Diets
