The Story Behind Our Christmas Collection: Sustainable Gifting with Eco Ems
ECO EM’S BLOG
THE STORY BEHIND OUR CHRISTMAS COLLECTION: SUSTAINABLE GIFTING WITH ECO EMS
The Christmas season has arrived, and at Eco Em’s HQ, we’re gearing up for the most wonderful time of the year! While this season is filled with lots of celebrations, it’s also a time when we tend to overconsume. At Eco Ems, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, so this year, we’ve created a Christmas Collection that allows you to give thoughtful gifts that are both kind to the planet and good for your loved ones.
The Inspiration Behind Our Collection
When curating this year’s Christmas Presents, I wanted to create a variety of gift boxes that are perfect for Secret Santas, pampering loved ones, and providing some well-deserved relaxation at home. Last year, our customers couldn’t get enough of our gift sets, and at the Lamport Hall Christmas Market, we sold out of gift boxes on day one! Inspired by that success, I’ve taken everything I’ve learned from previous years to craft a collection that combines your favourites with a few festive essentials.
This year, I’m excited to bring back our best-sellers like the Soap & Suds Gift Set, with a few updates based on your feedback. For those who loved last year’s Orange & Cinnamon Soap and the Warm Spice scent, they’re making a return. After a customer survey revealed they were your favourites! From November 1st, you’ll be able to pick up the Christmas scents across the website as well as, each of our craft fairs and markets.
Sustainable Gifting: What Makes Our Presents Eco-Friendly?
Christmas can be a time of over-consumption, but it doesn’t have to be. Every product in the Eco Ems range follows our sustainability-first ethos. By offering plastic-free products and natural, vegan-friendly ingredients, we make it easy for you to make thoughtful swaps. Each item is crafted with care, from our home-compostable plant-based wax paper packaging to recycled paper stickers and gift boxes.
One of the reasons I started Eco Ems was to encourage people to make simple swaps to their bathroom and skincare routine — think bars instead of bottles. Each bar of soap, shampoo, and lotion you gift and buy, helps reduce hundreds of pieces of plastic packaging from our homes each year.
I also pride myself on keeping my business local and small. All the products are handmade by me or sourced from other small businesses in the Midlands to support local creators. And for those ordering online, I partner with Royal Mail to ensure your gifts arrive with minimal environmental impact.
Eco-Friendly Tips for a Greener Christmas
At Eco Ems, I practice what I preach, and every year, I’m mindful of reducing the environmental impact of my own Christmas celebrations. Here are a few tips for keeping things eco-friendly this holiday season:
- DIY Gifts: Get creative with handmade presents like candles or a personalised recipe book. Make your own chutneys, liqueurs or chocolates for that special touch.
- Charitable Giving: Donate to a charity in someone’s name—an amazing way to show you care while avoiding unnecessary consumption.
- Upcycled Decorations: Repurpose items like glass jars into candles or use old fabrics for a twist on a wreath. I saw this at Canons Ashby National Trust Shop they looked amazing!
- Create a Christmas List: Stick to a thoughtful gift list or opt for a Secret Santa to reduce the number of gifts purchased. My controversial opinion is yes you can ask what someone wants for Christmas.
- Shop Second hand: Look for accessories or clothing in charity shops, on Vinted, or borrow from your friends. You can borrow a dress for your Christmas Party rather than buy one, for those one-off events.
- Eco-Friendly Advent Calendars: Instead of heavily packaged chocolate calendars, try a wooden or beauty calendar, or even a seed advent calendar! Every year I create a reverse advent calendar, November is a good time to start and donate before the Christmas break.
- Eco-wrapping: Use paper tape as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic tape when wrapping gifts. You can also reuse bags from last year or try furoshiki wrapping.
- Green Gifting: When gifting skincare and self-care items, ask your recipient what they truly need. I always like to add my twist to their wish list!
Spotlight: Soap & Suds Gift Set
One of my favourite presents this year is the Soap & Suds Gift Set. It’s the ideal trio for anyone who loves a little pampering with natural self-care products. This bundle includes:
- A bath bomb of your choice
- A handcrafted soap made from vegan-friendly ingredients
- A bamboo flannel for an eco-luxury feel
Choose your favourite essential oils to ease aches and pains or to help you unwind after a chaotic Christmas Day. Whether you’re looking for a gift for someone special or simply want to indulge in some self-care, this set brings together our top-selling products in one place.
You can grab this lovely gift for just £11.50 — a perfect stocking filler or Secret Santa present. Pick yours up now from the website and enjoy a luxurious and sustainable treat!
Christmas Market Line-up
If you’re in the Midlands and want to shop in person, I’d love to meet you at one of our upcoming Christmas markets! Here’s where you’ll find me throughout November and December:
- 3rd November: The Charnwood Eco Hub, Loughborough Market
- 6th November: Martyrs Church, Shopping Evening, Westcotes Drive, Leicester
- 9th November: St Andrews Parish Hall, Aylestone
- 23rd & 24th November: Beaumanor Hall Christmas Shopping Weekend
- 29th November to 1st December: Bawdon Lodge Farm Artisan Christmas Market
- 7th & 8th December: Lamport Hall Christmas Market
Making Sustainable Choices this Christmas
As the winter season gets into full swing, let’s focus on giving gifts that bring joy and also benefit our planet. Whether you’re picking up a Soap & Suds Gift Set or another item from our Christmas Collection, you can feel confident knowing that you’re making a sustainable choice.
For even more eco-friendly options, explore our Green Gift Set section, where you can buy curated bundles at a discount. And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to get an extra 10% off across the entire website!
Thank you for reading this weeks blog, The Story Behind Our Christmas Collection: Sustainable Gifting with Eco Ems.
Peace and love
Eco Em xx
