Vegan Gift Ideas: How to Choose the Best Vegan Gifts Containing No Animal Products

Vegan 101

Oh no! Your vegan friend is having a birthday and you just have to get him something. But what? How will you find something that’s truly vegan? Before you embark on your journey to find the perfect vegan gift, you’ll have to learn the basics of veganism. Vegans don’t use anything made with animal products. Avoid anything containing eggs, gelatin, meat, dairy, honey and beeswax, wool, silk, leather and other animal product derivatives. Also, make sure you don’t buy products that are tested on animals. Always check the label or ingredients and make sure the product specifically says “Not Tested on Animals” or “Cruelty-Free.” If you’re still not sure that a product is vegan, ask an employee. To simplify your search, you can buy from online stores that sell only vegan products or you can buy items that are marked vegan.

Vegan Gift Ideas

Most vegans want the world to know of their ethical decision to be free of animal products. Tee-shirts, bumper stickers, and patches can easily get the message across. Vegan tee-shirts come in many styles—trendy, graphic, cutesy, and formal. You can also find hats and even belt buckles that say, “I Love Tofu.”

You can never go wrong with buying vegan cosmetics. Both men and women need to be pampered with lotion, shampoo, and soap. There are many companies that specialize in vegan cosmetics and their products can be found in major retail stores. Additionally, there are numerous small, independent vegan cosmetics companies that make handmade products.

If your friend cooks, you can always give her potted herbs, like basil, parsley, and rosemary. Fresh herbs add unprecedented flavor to a dish that can be experienced all year long. Dried beans can be put in fancy containers and given as a gift, as well. Vegan cookbooks can be found at any bookstore and always make a practical gift.

Another vegan gift idea is to give a donation to an animal rights group or sanctuary as a gift. Many animal sanctuaries allow you to “adopt” an animal and your chosen recipient will receive updates on their animal friend.

Gifts for Little Ones

Don’t fret if the vegan friend you intend to buy a gift for is a baby—there are plenty of adorable gifts for vegan babies (and parents) that are sure to make anyone swoon. Look for vegan soft-sole baby shoes, organic onesies, plant-based lotions and shampoo, and vegan baby food. Don’t forget advocacy shirts. After all, every vegan baby needs a shirt proclaiming their love for animals and tofu.

Decisions, Decisions

Vegan gifts have become quite popular, especially with the advent of the “go green” movement. After looking through all the vegan gifts available, the hardest part will be choosing which one to buy.