Whether you’re gifting a vegan friend, family member, or you’ve decided you just want to gift compassionately this year (a wise choice!), you probably need some help. Surprising animal byproducts have found their way into popular gifts from wine to soaps, accessories to home-care products, making it tricky to know what’s actually considered vegan and what isn’t.
We’ve made this list to help you out.
1. A Cookbook
A cookbook is a beautiful present for anyone, loving or learning to cook! There’s no better way to support the work of hundreds of creative, innovative vegan chefs out there. Here are 3 great cookbooks we recommend every kitchen have: Artisan Vegan Cheese by Miyoko Schinner, Forks Over Knives – The Cookbook, and Minimalist Baker’s Everyday Cooking.
2. A Bottle Of (Vegan) Wine
Did you know? Not all alcohol is vegan. Some beers and wines are filtered through a substance called isinglass, made from fish bladder! Luckily, many brands don’t do this, and their wines make for a classy vegan gift! Here are some useful resources that will help you find and identify all kinds of vegan wine: Vegan Wines in UK, Vegan Wines in US, Vegan Wines in AUS.
3. Artwork
Want to help support small businesses and artists? Buying one of their handmade products as a gift for your vegan friend would be such a personal and meaningful gesture. There are many out there who sell illustrations, jewellery, and other crafts. Just go on Etsy and search for ‘Vegan Art’ or ‘Vegan Gift’ and you’ll see loads of affordable options.
4. A Zero Waste Gift Set
Veganism often goes hand-in-hand with eco-conscious living.! A zero waste gift set makes for a cute and highly functional vegan gift for basically anyone. Since there’s no harm in reducing plastic use for vegans and nonvegans alike, this is sure to be a hit for all.
5. Vegan Leather Accessories
Say goodbye to traditional leather and hello to cruelty-free alternatives! How about a classy bag, purse, or a belt? There are many brands across the globe producing leather alternatives made from a variety of plant-based ingredients; the scope for innovation is endless! For example, the latest in the market is leather made from kombucha scoby and even pineapple!
6. A Box Of Sweets
A box of chocolate, cupcakes, tarts… The classic vegan gift! There are hundreds of shops and bakeries that make vegan gift boxes! Use the HappyCow app’s “bakery” filter to search for the best. Many ship nationally or regionally, delivering the treats straight to that special person’s doorstep.
7. A Tofu Press
Now this is a unique and practical gift for someone who enjoys experimenting in the kitchen. It might just be the cooking tool they didn’t know they needed! Making homemade tofu is a process many find both therapeutic and rewarding, and it’s affordable too.
8. An Online Cooking Class
Gift someone the joy of learning! This is a thoughtful, unique, vegan gift idea for someone who is passionate about cooking. There are many online academies that offer 100% online, self-paced courses. Here are some of the fully vegan online schools: Plant Academy, Veecoco, Yume Culinary, Aurea, and Forks Over Knives.
9. Kitchen Crockery
A simple, classic gift. You can’t go wrong with a beautiful hand-made set of ceramic plates, bowls, or mugs! We recommend supporting local artisans on Etsy, perusing your local market, or peeking into a gallery.
10. A Plant!
Back to basics! Tending for green things may lead to improved physical and mental well-being, making this gift more than just a pretty thing. Take a look at some tips for selecting the right plant for your person, then head over to your local nursery or home center to select the right one. It’s simple yet thoughtful and symbolic!
Keep this list handy for the next time you’re looking for an awesome vegan gift for a loved one! To explore other topics on veganism, check out the rest of the HappyCow blog. To find vegan food near you, no matter where you are, get the FREE HappyCow app.
Follow HappyCow on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter for the latest vegan community vibes.
TeamCow is here to support you for Veganuary!
