‘Tis the season when our sustainable principles struggle against the onslaught of tinsel-filled window displays and our own mental countdown clock to 25th December! But fear not – it IS possible to spoil your loved ones with some conscious Christmas shopping in Hong Kong.

Spread some cheer this year by supporting local Hong Kong brands – after all, it’s been a tough couple of years for business. Everything on our list has been personally chosen by our Banyan team with no recompense; we just genuinely love them! 

And, like last year, we’ve divided our list into two parts. First up, our top ten ideas for plastic-free or sustainably-sourced products to wrap up and put under the tree. Then keep scrolling down for our second list of some great ideas for Gift Experiences, for those who prefer to give the gift of adventure!

TOP TEN GIFT IDEAS

1. Impact Berry Coffee Starter Set

If you’re a fan of delicious and sustainable coffee, you probably already know about Impact Berry and the fantastic work they do in the coffee-growing regions of Indonesia. Why not help a friend ditch the capsules by introducing them to the company’s organic and fairtrade range with one of their starter sets? Includes a selection of coffee beans, a hand grinder and either a French press for the home or a neat micro coffee dripper for when they’re on the move. From $300.

Perfect for: your caffeine-addict mister

2. Tove & Libra Safari Shirtdress

This family-run Hong Kong brand has just launched its flagship boutique in Fashion Walk, Causeway Bay. It lives and breathes sustainability in its materials, designs and practices, making it a go-to choice for the conscious style maven. This chic safari dress works for both work and play, priced $1,190.

Perfect for: your fashionista sister

3. Peerie Tea Gift Set

Despite the ubiquitous prevalence of tea in Hong Kong, it’s still rare to come across a brand so dedicated to providing a premium quality, chemical-free, all-natural product. Peerie Tea offers these beautifully-presented gift sets for a range of their loose-leaf organic blends, such as the Rebalancing Set for $280. They are also offering a free tea infuser with your first purchase to make sure you have everything you need.

Perfect for: your stressed-out BFF

4. Conspiracy Chocolate Hamper

This local artisan chocolatier specialises in small-batch dark chocolate from their kitchen workshop in Wong Chuk Hang. Responsibly sourced from single-origin cacao beans in Vietnam, their focus is on providing a top quality product at an affordable price point. If you’re looking to gift a sustainable hamper this Christmas, check out their unique two-tiered traditional wooden baskets filled with indulgent chocolate treats.

Perfect for: your chocoholic business partner

5. ZeroYet100 Product Bundle

Hong Kong company Zeroyet100 have created an impressively effective range of all-natural toxin-free skincare products in sustainable packaging. Pick from a selection of body and face products, including our favourite Glow Getter body scrub which leaves skin with a subtle shimmer. An ideal stocking filler – as long as you can resist using it yourself!

Perfect for: your eco-savvy teen

6. Bamboa Men’s Routine Kit

Bamboa is dedicated to helping you take your eco-friendly bathroom to the next level, giving sustainable bamboo products a luxurious twist. Help your loved one enjoy some plastic-free pampering with the Full Deluxe Kit, including bamboo towels, cotton buds, make-up pads, toothbrush, body brush and double-edged safety razor, all packaged in a reusable woven rattan basket. Currently on sale at $900.

Perfect for: your strapping lad

7. Flo Jewellery Necklace

Local designer (and certified healer) Flora Chan has created a distinctive brand of sustainably-produced jewellery inspired by her love of symbology, bestowing the wearer with the protection and wisdom of ancient cultures. We love that you can browse online according to meaning and chakra. This Flower of Life symbolizes oneness and harmony and is designed to remind the wearer of infinite possibilities. $720.

Perfect for: your flying-the-nest-soon chicks

8. Lion Rock Press Yum Cha Set

The Lion Rock Press are renowned for their beautifully-made hand painted wooden toys as well as their love of all things Hong Kong. Introduce your little one to the joys of yum cha with this delightful blue and white set, including teapot, dim sum basket and chopsticks. $350

Perfect for: your tai-tai toddler

9. A Ginger Jar Lamp

Spread a little light this Christmas by gifting one of these gorgeous upcycled lamps. The mix-and-match pairing of traditional Chinese ginger jars with modern silk shades creates a truly unique piece of art. And if you’re not sure what colour scheme they would prefer, the company also provides pretty gift cards so that they can decide for themselves. $3,200

Perfect for: your nostalgic relative

10. Resolar Sunglasses

“I don’t need any more shades,” said no woman ever! Now you can indulge your fetish guilt-free with what are possibly the most sustainable sunnies you can get here in Hong Kong. Not only are they gorgeously stylish, they are locally made out of ocean plastic waste, come in recycled paper packaging, and donate US$1 of every pair sold to international beach cleaning and plastic-free campaigns. We love this Zebra pair available at $680 

Perfect for: are we allowed to say yourself??

TOP TEN GIFT EXPERIENCE IDEAS

1. Chocolate Making Workshop 

Remember the old adage about teaching a man to fish? Well, Conspiracy Chocolate also hold workshops! Teach your loved one to make decadent dark chocolate at home from quality sustainably-sourced beans and they’ll be yours for life.

2. Learn to Stand-Up Paddleboard

Work off those Christmas calories with a day trip out on Hong Kong waters. Whether you want to explore the shores solo or join a group SUP Yoga session, Island Paddle’s professional instructors will have you up on your feet in no time.

3. Photography Lessons

If you know someone who’s going to be gifted a “proper” camera for Christmas, help them learn their aperture from their autofocus with the guys at Click852. Fun yet professional photography workshops in and around Hong Kong for both kids and adults.

4. Learn to Sew

This small client-focused sewing school can help you learn to design, create, alter and repair your own clothes. Perfect for a wannabe fashion designer or simply someone who wants to become a more conscious consumer. Adults and kids classes available.

5. Go on a Snake Safari

Discover some of the incredible night wildlife in the hills of Hong Kong with these guided evening hikes by nature enthusiast (and snake catcher for the Hong Kong Police) William Sergeant. Suitable for ages 12+

6. Learn Vegan Recipes

Michelle and Ayelet from OliveLeaf restaurant teach popular cooking classes, including hosting woman-only retreats on Lantau. If you know someone looking for an inspirational new challenge for the new year, this would be a great start.

7. Be a Conscious Consumer

From learning to decode the labelling on food and beauty product packaging to hands-on experience making coasters from upcycled materials, the sustainable fashion brand Tove & Libra are hosting a series of conscious consumer workshops.

8. Learn about Hong Kong

For history buffs and Hong Kong aficionados, consider sending them on a walking tour with Lindsay Varty, author of the popular coffee table book “Sunset Survivors”. Immerse them in the life stories of people who grew up in the Hong Kong of old.

9. Create Your Sustainable Wardrobe

With Sustainability being the hottest thing in fashion right now, why not invest in a Personal Shopping experience at circular fashion boutique Hula? Their in-house stylists can help you learn the pre-loved shopping ropes, refine your personal style and discover the hidden gems in their vast collection.

10. Gift Yourself

Remember the true meaning of Christmas and extend your goodwill to all mankind by participating in some community service. Sign up yourself or with friends and family by taking a look at the Hands On Hong Kong website, which helps you hook up with many different local NGOs who need volunteers.

And finally… 

Give the entrepreneur in your life the gift of a peaceful desk in a professional, like-minded community! A Banyan Workspace Desk Pass Bundle is the perfect way to start the New Year. Find our special offers HERE!