A sustainable gift guide for a green Christmas

Have you ever thought about how many gifts end up as waste? This time of year, billions are spent on unused gifts because they were received by people who don't want them. We seem to have forgotten that it's the thought that counts. There should be no need to rush out the day before Christmas (or maybe even the morning of?) to pick up presents for your loved ones. Instead, slow down, do your research and choose gifts with thought and look for items that are made to last.

Think global - buy local - or choose a gift to the planet instead of buying anything new. Here's a list of brands and products that have the mother nature front of mind.

Related: Shop the presents that give back these holidays

Swedish Bite Studios has been redefining eco-luxury since its launch in 2016. Meticulous material research ensures that the brand only uses the finest fibres, recycled and low-impact materials complete with environmental and social certifications. As a result, this white trench in organic wool has all the details we demand from a timeless coat made to last. Whether leisurely worn with raw denim and heavy knits or monochromatically white-on-white, it's a coat for all seasons.

This unique jacket from Stockholm-based brand Deadwood is made from leather leftovers – rest products from the cutting and tanning industry that would otherwise be discarded. Here, it is all about the details, as the the lace up sleeves and boxy silhouette elevates the classic leather jacket.

Related: 13 Nordic upcycling brands you need to have on your radar

These versatile steel cups from Pagina are modern and timeless – a fantastic decorative addition to any tablescape. They are perfect for serving tasty cocktails or if you have a sweet tooth, a sorbet...

Stella McCartney knows how to do it, delivering shoes that surpass all of our expectations. Made from vegan leather, these boots are perfectly paired with a minidress for all of the parties we have planned.

Reminiscing about the 1980s, Norway-based designer Romanin creates statement jewellery in eco-conscious recycled silver. This particular piece is inspired by the surf rocks at Cape Woolamai in Australia, where the designer hails from. Layer with chunky chains and bangles in gold for the ultimate statement.

The Danish label (Di)vision makes one-of-a-kind pieces from deadstock materials sourced and produced in Italy, breathing new life into old garments and experimenting with aesthetics. For example, the Split bomber jacket has a zipper both in the front and the back, resulting in a versatile genderless style.

Related: How the (di)vision bomber became every model's favourite off-duty jacket

The Danish brand The Garment design timeless collections made to last, and this vest made from recycled cashmere is no exception. A seasonless piece to be styled in many ways, we long to wear it paired with a turtleneck or thrown over a blouse.

Totême's signature knit is made from fuzzy alpaca wool, a natural and renewable fibre. Due to the fabrics ability to refresh itself, it only requires infrequent washes meaning less water waste. The brand also offers beanies and scarves in the same material for a matchy-matchy look.

Originally from Norway, now based in New York, the founder of Kunst Studioet, Karoline Spenning, makes all her pieces by hand. Spotted on Hailey Bieber, the white and black three square Select top is begging to be gifted to our fellow 'cool' girls. A fantastic layering piece begging to be styled with a leather jacket or blazer.

This genderless puffer jacket from Norwegian brand White:Space is made from 100 per cent recycled down and old plastic bottles. Fabulous for the friend who is constantly freezing; it's a warming layer that works just as well in the city as in the mountains. Better yet, the hangtags are made from plantable paper that, when placed under a thin layer of soil, sprouts a set of flowers.

Nothing is better than upgrading your bedroom with soft and elegant timeless bedding. This Abate set of dark linens is designed in Norway and made in Portugal using crisp øko-tex certificated Giza cotton.

These sweatpants are made to last. Made from 100 per cent undyed organic cotton in pure Ecru from the Danish brand Aiayu, they're a wardrobe staple made in collaboration with Organic Cotton Colours - an organisation supporting over 400 Brazilian family farmers. This is sure to be an everyday favourite.

Not only fashionable, Veja's shoes are all about function. Crafted in recycled materials, the Alveomesh technical fabric ensures the shoe's breathability, flexibility, and lightness.

Related: These limited-edition Tretorn rain boots put a spotlight on the climate crisis

This classic Skall Studio bib roll neck in 97 per cent recycled cashmere and three per cent recycled wool. A timeless piece to replace the scarf during winter, it is an elevated update on the ones we wore in our childhood.