Tiso Gift GuidesSustainable Gift Ideas
Let’s face it, Christmas is not the best time of year for the planet. Whilst Santa can build and deliver presents through the power of love and goodwill using hay-fed renewably powered reindeer, the rest of the world is largely using methods to manufacture our presents that are damaging to our home planet, to the wild places we cherish, and to people.
At Tiso, we are a team of adventurers, outdoor enthusiasts, and lovers of the natural world that believe in protecting our planet for future generations to cherish as much as we do. This is reflected in our team and is why we have proudly developed Think Green. Think Green investigates every single product that comes through our doors for its sustainability credentials and assesses it against a strict set of eligibility criteria. If a product passes through these criteria, it is awarded a Think Green icon, highlighting it as a more sustainable choice. Our process is designed to minimise greenwashing and dubious sustainability promises, and we will be reviewing this regularly as industry standards develop.
So, if you’re looking to shop a little more sustainably this Christmas, or you’ve no idea what to buy the eco-conscious person in your life – look no further! Our sustainability experts have hand-selected several items that have achieved our Think Green status, meaning that they are doing right by both people and the planet.
Layer up and Think Green!
Rab Arc Eco Jacket
If you have an outdoor enthusiast in your life that is requiring an environmentally conscious upgrade for their adventures, then the Arc Eco Jacket from Rab is the one for the job. We were impressed by Rab's commitment and effort towards successfully becoming a climate-neutral company, through their clear tracking and accountability of greenhouse gas emissions. Rab has also made commitments to reaching net-zero emissions across its supply chain, which they are working on by improving their supply chains and by supporting various climate projects! The jacket itself is constructed using 100% recycled 3-layer Pertex® Shield Revolve, which keeps it comfortably waterproof and highly windproof. Further technical features include pack compatible chest pockets, pit zips, and a laminated peak on the adjustable hood. This jacket is perfectly suited for those who love lowland hikes, microadventures, and everyday outdoor living.
Passenger Men's Made to Roam
Passenger was born out of a combined longing for escapism with a passion for wild spaces. The Made to Roam T-Shirt is the perfect amalgamation of these values. We love everything about how this shirt was made. It is created from a 50/50 blend of recycled and organic cotton, water-based screen printing (free from nasty chemicals like PVC and phthalate) and is certified vegan friendly. This shirt also did not just impress us for these reasons, but we believe that it will make a perfect gift for someone who wants to get one step closer towards building an exciting outdoor lifestyle.
Passenger Women's Jinbei Tee
The Jinbei Tee makes an excellent gift from Passenger that inspires us to get out there and travel. The Jinbei is made from a blend of 70% organic and 30% recycled cotton with a water-based screen print (containing no PVC or phthalate). We also love it because it is certified vegan friendly. The Jinbei is therefore deserving of Think Green status, and we think this will make a wonderful gift for ethically minded wanderers and outdoor lovers.
Patagonia Women's Lightweight Synchilla Pullover
We couldn’t make a list of sustainable products without talking about Patagonia. We picked out the Synchilla pullover because we thought, “Hey, why don’t we encourage people to throw some summer into this winter?” This pullover is made from 100% recycled materials, is Fair Trade certified, so those who made it have earned a fair wage for their work, and Patagonia is a B-Corp-certified brand that teams up with the Fair Labour Association. You might have also heard about the announcement from founder Yvon Chouinard, who has transferred ownership of the company to a trust and a non-profit organisation respectively that will fight climate change and protect wild spaces for generations to come.
Patagonia Men's Micro D Snap Pullover
The R1 Air Zip Neck truly belongs to the top brass of technical midlayers. We are pleased to recommend it as it is made from 100% recycled fabrics which lessen our dependence on materials such as raw petroleum, and it’s Fair Trade certified, so those who have sewn it and their communities receive proper earnings and recognition for their work. We also rate this fleece because it is super cosy in the cold and frosty months. The zig-zag patterned fabric does wonders in wicking away moisture and dries really quickly, which along with the bindings at the hem and cuffs helps to keep heat in wonderfully.
Stocking Fillers
Fjällräven High Coast Pocket
This makes our list for more than just its sustainability credentials, this is a favourite of ours because it is just so incredibly functional. But let’s start by checking out how it’s made. The main body and fabric have been crafted from 100% recycled nylon and is coated with a PFC-free water repellent layer. In terms of its production practices, Fjällräven are partners of the Fair Labor Association (FLA), which uphold and advocate for workers’ rights worldwide and ensure that all their partnered brands have implemented ‘International Labour Organisation’ standards within their supply chain. This will make the perfect gift for the adventurer in your life because of its multiple adjustment points, an inside mesh pocket, and an outside zippered pocket, plus it can be worn around the shoulder or attached around a belt.
Buff Original - Serra MaUVe
Buff has been a longstanding staple here at Tiso and is beloved by adventurers of all stripes. We believe that due to their adaptability Buffs make the perfect stocking fillers, and we have a large range of styles to choose from. Many of our Buff’s have been awarded Think Green due to their advances in sustainability. This style is made from 95% recycled polyester from post-consumer plastic bottles, given new life by REPREVE®. They turn waste into a top-performance fabric capable of wicking moisture and insulating heat. So, this product is both high performing and gives a new adventurous future to our waste.
Sky Dance by John D. Burns
Few things offer greater satisfaction than getting lost in a good book, especially in our fast-paced lives. Sky Dance by John D. Burns blends the pressing environmental, conservation, and political challenges facing Scotland’s highlands into a well-crafted story on the fictional island of Morva. Where two different styles of land management take place, one traditional, and one centred around rewilding. This book presents the debate around Scottish land management through a compelling cast of characters, and a gripping narrative, rather than straying into an academic text. We would recommend it as a perfect choice for anyone that might have an interest in learning more about Scotland’s natural beauty, its past, and future.
12oz Coffee Wide Mouth Flex
There are many reasons why we would recommend a good flask this Christmas. Perhaps there is someone in your life that often hits the road in the early hours to get out to the hills, or you know a passionate wild swimmer that likes to warm themselves up with a nice warm cocoa after a dip. This flask includes a twist open sip lid that will not leak, is easy to clean, plus can keep hot drinks warm for a whopping six hours! The materials of Hydroflask do not quite meet our targets to achieve Think Green Status, although we do recommend it because it is BPA and phthalate free. Reusable bottles also help the environment by cutting our reliance on single-use plastics. It is estimated by the UK Government that we throw out a massive 2.5 billion coffee cups every year, with a whopping 500,000 being littered across the country every single day! By gifting a durable, long-lasting flask you can help someone play their part in reducing these figures. Plus, when grabbing a coffee on-the-go, many shops now give discounts to reusable cup users! Check out the rest of the Hydroflask Range.
Rab Khroma Beanie
We love the Khroma beanie from Rab and we were super happy to award it a Think Green badge because of its use of only 100% recycled polyester and Rab’s partnership with the FWF. We were also impressed by Rab’s sustainability commitments by teaming up with a third-party organisation that is helping them become climate neutral today, and on-target to reach net-zero emissions by 2030
Smartwool Light Hike Cushioned Socks
You may have heard children groan in dismay at the prospect of getting socks for Christmas! But there are few things that we at Tiso appreciate more than a good pair of socks. These lightly cushioned socks from Smartwool use a blend of moisture wicking ZQ certified merino wool and a proportion of recycled nylon. The ZQ certification ensures that the wool used in these products is traceable back to its source, that the sheep graze freely with a high quality of welfare, and are never subjected to inhumane practices like mulesing. With a light amount of padding to ensure comfort, protection, and stability around the foot, these socks are perfectly paired with light outdoor hiking shoes and can even be worn as comfortable everyday socks. When you add these into the stockings of your outdoor loving friends and family why not even throw some extra goodies inside like chocolate, fruit, or these recycled adventure patches!
Sustainable Gifts
We hope you’ve found this list helpful; we really enjoy seeing the brands we stock deliver on their sustainability promises and we hope this selection has helped you to start Thinking Green this Christmas. Do you have any environmentally friendly gift ideas for outdoors lovers? Get in touch on Twitter or Instagram! #mytiso
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