Gifts
36 Perfect Vegan Gifts for Your Plant-Loving Friends
Because sometimes, it's not that obvious what's actually vegan.
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A while back, my friend Bree, who happens to be vegan, told a story. She used to date a guy whose mother would always introduce her by saying: “This is Bree. She’s VEY-GON.”
“It was like I was from the planet Vega, in the faraway galaxy of kohlrabi,'' she says. She may as well have been—in the early days of her lifestyle change she felt “very misunderstood.”
Chances are you’ve got a vegan friend, or a few. Chances are that at some point in their lives they’ve been asked: “You won’t eat brisket, but will you have an egg?” Well, you don’t want to be any version of that person.
And if your vegan friends are anything like mine, sometimes, they need (vegan) gifts. I like to think of each occasion as an opportunity to make good on all the people who don’t totally get their life choices. But I’ll also be the first to admit it’s not always easy—my own struggle became apparent when I realized most wines aren't 100 percent vegan.
So, with that in mind, we sifted through a universe of possibilities to get to the good stuff. Here are 36 gifts—good-looking, funny, nurturing, and thoughtful—that are perfect for vegans.
1. Farmaesthetics Pink Petal Roses Solar Salt Mineral Bath
A friend of mine has this, and swears by its calming properties—not to mention, gorgeous scent. "Just thinking about soaking in it at the end of a tiring day at work makes my shoulders relax," are her words. And, it's part of Farmaesthetics' (a herbal skincare brand I personally love) vegan range of products, so there's much more goodness there where this came from.
2. Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Bar Soap (Pack of 5)
Okay, so this may not be the sexiest gift, but it certainly will get used (and isn’t that the idea of a good gift?). Plus, we are big fans of Dr. Bronner’s, both for its clean ingredients as well as its quirky brand messaging. These almond soaps are super moisturizing and made from plant-based ingredients—good for you, good for the planet.
3. Momofuku’s Seasoning Salts (3-Pack)
This starter pack of three Momofuku seasoned salts, which are 100-percent vegan and made with natural and organic ingredients, will supercharge their go-to plant-based dishes. They’re packed with the same umami-rich ingredients used in Momofuku restaurants, so the recipient can close their eyes, take a bite, and feel like they’re right there.
4. Big Spoon Roasters Mini Nut Butter Sample, $36+
What's even better than one nut butter? A sampling kit of four! Included in this pack is Big Spoon's toasted coconut almond butter, the OG that drew me away from my peanut-butter-is-the-only-nut-butter-that-matters stance. My breakfasts are so much better for it (and your friend’s will be, too).
5. Bamboozle Bamboo Compost Bin, $50
This biodegradable, durable (and frankly, really attractive) bamboo pail will collect your pal’s scraps and hold them until they’re ready for the compost pile (or pot for stock!). It also comes equipped with an odor-blocking filter (and a free year’s supply of filters) that they will be very thankful for.
6. Vegan Bee's Wrap (Set of 3), $18+
These wraps, from Bee's Wrap, are a natural alternative to single-use plastic wrap for food storage, and keep your food fresher, longer: you just wrap the fabric around the food tightly and it’ll stick to itself. Once you’re done, just wash it out, dry it, and reuse it. And oh, did we mention these are vegan?
7. Purple Carrot Meal Kit Subscription
They'll appreciate the ease and simplicity of Purple Carrot, not to mention the delicious vegan meals. You can gift a recurring subscription and they can choose the weekly meals.
8. Otherland Chandelier Candle
Vegan, and paraben- and cruelty-free with a really long burn time—aka the best company for a relaxed night in. Not to mention that the gift boxes are beautiful and come with a set of matches, so you don't need to wrap anything yourself.
9. Ekobo Recycled Chip and Dip Plate, $44
A serving platter made of recycled bamboo fiber that's stylish, lightweight, and durable—and the perfect vessel for veg and hummus, chips and guac...whatever they’re snacking on, really.
10. Fullstar Vegetable Spiralizer
You don't have to be vegan to love a great spiralizer, but for many a raw-food vegan, they're especially crucial.
11. Hu Chocolate Bars
Because a clean-eating, vegan chocolate bar sounds like a misnomer—but it doesn't have to be. Choose from a variety of flavors that'll be sure to please anyone's tastebuds.
12. Garden Jar Herb Growing Kit, $48
An itty-bitty kitchen countertop garden that literally takes up the size of a pasta jar, because...cozy apartments.
13. Emile Henry French Ceramic Fruit Storage Bowl, $130
Your fruits, vegetables, onions, and garlic deserve a home that's safe, beautiful, and two-stories. Enter, the Emile Henry Fruit Bowl. Here are some of its perks: Its cork lid helps maintain a constant temperature in the bowl, the ceramic exterior blocks light from reaching (and spoiling) your alliums, and the bowl, itself, is dishwasher safe.
14. We Take the Cake Vegan Chocolate 4-Layer Cake
This delicious birthday cake has four layers of cake and frosting without any eggs or dairy—proof that vegans can have their cake and eat it too.
15. Vegan and Mighty Salads by Food52, $24+
Think sweet pea hummus, tempeh kebabs, and roasted cauliflower and freekeh salad. The recipes are so delicious that we think you might end up getting a set for yourself.
16. CapaBunga Multi-Pocket Canvas Market Tote, $55+
Perfect for farmers' market runs, this hardy and good looking tote has a pocket for everything.
17. Matt&Nat Ozma Vegan Coin Purse
Vegan leather brand Matt&Nat has the perfect cruelty-free but fashion-forward gift for your favorite vegan. Plus, this little coin purse clips onto keys to always keep it handy.
18. Vegan Power Co. For The Animals Enamel Pin
Because enamel pins will always be cool. This one's for vegans who proudly wear their hearts (and tummies) on their shirt/apron/hat.
19. Sweet Potato Soul by Jenné Claiborne
Full of vegan twists on Southern soul food, author and blogger Jenné Claiborne had us at Bootylicious Gumbo.
20. Love Goodly Essential Bi-Monthly Subscription Box
For vegan, non-toxic, and cruelty-free cosmetics delivered straight to their door throughout the year.
21. Andrew Pearce Live-Edge Oval Wooden Bowl, $220
Handmade using local, responsibly-sourced wood, Andrew Pearce bowls combine thoughtful technique and timeless design. Whatever you place inside of it—whether it's a tossed salad or your family's car keys—will never look better.
22. Cultures For Health Vegan Yogurt Starter
A vegan yogurt starter kit is the gift that will keep on giving.
23. Made by Mouth Vegan Snack Box
Sweet, salty, savory, chewy, crunchy—and all plant-based.
24. Spruce And Pine Co. Zero Waste Kit
This all-inclusive kit is perfect for anyone on your list who's looking to reduce their footprint, not just vegans, with reusable utensils, lunch boxes, tote bags, straws, and more.
25. EcoTools Makeup Brush Set
For the vegan in your life who loves to get made up: sworn-by makeup brushes that are totally cruelty-free.
26. Veja Vegan Trainers
Sneakers that are totally on-trend, and don't use animal products? Yes, they'll love them. While some Veja styles do incorporate leather, they have a large selection of shoes made from non-animal materials.
27. Pacifica Color Quench Lip Tint
Since many lip balms have beeswax in them, it's usually pertinent to check the ingredients of a beauty product before purchasing one for a vegan friend. These are 100 percent vegan, super moisturizing, and lightly tinted.
28. House Plant Shop Subscription
We're willing to bet that the vegan in your life is also a plant parent, and in this case, a monthly houseplant subscription is the perfect thing. Each one comes sustainably packaged, includes care instructions, and all species are pet-friendly.
29. Five Two Organic Cotton Reusable Produce Bags, $29
What's a veggie haul without reusable bags? These come in two versatile weaves and three sizes, and are machine washable—making their reuse all the easier.
30. YARKOR Tofu Press
This might be the most satisfying way to eliminate excess water from a block of tofu, since the transparent design lets you see the moisture being squeezed from it. Plus, now your friend's tofu has all the more room to soak up a marinade.
31. How to Be a Vegan and Keep Your Friends by Annie Nichols
Transitioning into a plant-based diet might be the easier part of veganism compared to the lengthy explainers your friend often has to give, and the rolled eyes they might receive. Giving this book is a lighthearted reminder that you're here for the long run.
32. Steele Canvas Garden Utility Tote Bag, $99
Is your friend planning to grow their own fruits and vegetables this year? Gift them this heavy-duty utility tote from Steele Canvas to ease their pursuit of a bountiful harvest.
33. BALMUDA Toaster Oven, $299
Bake cookies, toast sourdough, or reheat your favorite vegan pizza with this dynamic, gorgeous toaster oven from BALMUDA.
34. Handmade Colored Glass Straws, $48
Not only do these glass straws help reduce your consumption of single use plastics, they also improve the aesthetic of whatever you’re drinking.
35. KitchenAid Variable Speed Cordless Hand Blender, $99
A perfect gift for any serious homecook, this blender is the best tool for blending vegan soups and sauces. Also, it’s cordless design means it’ll work anywhere—even kitchens that are annoyingly short on outlets.
36. Swedish Lightweight Watering Can, $59
Speaking of contributing to your friend's successful harvest. Hydrate your plants in style with this geometric watering can from Gardening Glory—it's durable, will never rust, and holds up to 4 liters of water.
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Written by: Arati Menon
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