Our guide to ethical gifting

Whether it’s the festive season or a milestone birthday, there’s always a good time for giving but with the rise of conscious consumerism, many of us are rethinking the impact of our gifts.

Ethical gifting isn't just about the present itself - it's about considering the environmental, social, and economic footprints of our choices. It involves thinking about everything from who is involved in producing that gift and the manufacturing processes, to the way it’s packaged and how long it will last.

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply want to show appreciation, choosing thoughtful, sustainable gifts can make a difference. This guide will explore how you can gift more ethically, offering practical tips and advice to help you make choices that align with your values, support responsible businesses, and spread joy in a mindful way.

How can you gift more ethically?

Gifting ethically doesn't have to be complicated. With a little thought and planning, you can find meaningful gifts that are kind to people and the planet.

Consider who you’re gifting to

Although it’s nice for a gift to be a surprise, asking the recipient what they need, want or care about will help make sure that your gift will be loved and used rather than sit in a cupboard or be thrown away.

Prioritise quality over quantity

Opt for well-made, durable items that are designed to last. High-quality gifts not only bring long-term joy but also reduce the waste associated with disposable, trend-driven products.

All Billy Tannery products are made from high-quality materials and when looked after, can be used for decades.

Choose sustainable materials

Look for gifts made from eco-friendly, renewable, or recycled materials. For instance, consider items crafted from organic cotton, bamboo, recycled glass or sustainably sourced leather.

All our leather is produced from goat and deer hides that would have otherwise ended up in landfill. By utilising these hides, we reduce wastage and create durable accessories that will last far longer than fast fashion items.

Support fair trade and artisanal brands

Buying from fair trade-certified brands ensures that your gift supports ethical labour practices and fair wages. Handcrafted items from artisans also often come with a story, making your gift more personal and meaningful.

Billy Tannery’s story started in 2016 with a discovery and as our chapters continue to unfold, we have opened a micro-tannery, partnered with UK production partners and had many exciting design collaborations.

Go for plastic-free packaging

Reduce your environmental footprint by choosing gifts that come in minimal, plastic-free packaging. You can also get creative with reusable gift wraps like fabric, scarves, or recycled paper.

How to find ethical brands

Finding ethical brands can be a bit of a challenge, especially with the rise of greenwashing where companies deliberately skew their sustainability credentials. However, there are ways to make informed decisions and ensure your money supports businesses that align with your values.

Do your research

A quick online search can reveal a lot about a brand’s ethical stance. Look for transparency in their sourcing, labour practices, and sustainability initiatives.

Wild Clouds, for example, have a dedicated sustainability section on their site that features information about their supply chains, impact reports and B Corp certification.

We are totally upfront about our processes, from how we source our hides to the way we vegetable tan our leather, meaning our customers know exactly where the materials for their purchases are sourced from and how they are manufactured.

Read reviews and testimonials

Feedback from other conscious consumers can be invaluable. Look for reviews that discuss the quality of the product, as well as the brand's ethical practices, to get a sense of whether they truly live up to their claims.

Billy Tannery has customer reviews proudly presented on our website. Clean Living is another brand whose reviews speak volumes about its products, packaging, and mission.

Look for certifications

Ethical certifications such as Fair Trade or Cruelty-Free can be reliable indicators of a brand’s commitment to sustainable and ethical practices. These labels are usually displayed on packaging or listed on the brand’s website.

Outerknown, for example, are Fair Labor and Fair Trade certified and their website has plenty of information about their sustainability efforts, including their 2030 roadmap.

Ask questions

Don't be afraid to reach out to brands directly. Ask about their sourcing, labour conditions, or environmental policies. Ethical companies will be more than willing to provide detailed answers. If you ever have a question about any of our processes or products, you can contact us any time.

Ethical leather gifts

Leather gifts are a great ethical option when sourced responsibly, as high-quality leather is durable and long-lasting.

Investing in ethically made leather goods supports artisans like Billy Tannery and reduces waste, offering a timeless, eco-conscious and luxury alternative to fast fashion and disposable products.

Ethical gifts for men

If seeking ethical leather gifts for men that will make the perfect present for a man in your life, you won’t go far wrong with an accessory that they can use every day.

A leather cardholder may be small but packs a sustainable punch. Ours are handcrafted from premium goat or deer leather and are available in a range of colours. They comfortably fit up to 6 cards plus a few folded notes, meaning your loved one can easily slip into the pocket of their jeans or coat no matter where they are going.



If you've got a dad or a brother who is the family chef, a leather apron might be more up their street. It’ll protect them from heat and splashes while they are cooking up a storm, and ensure they look really good while doing so.

For a grand gesture, why not consider gifting a rolltop backpack? Timeless and highly functional, the recipient can use it for adventurous weekends away or on their daily commute. With proper care, it’ll last for decades and as it ages, its patina will act as a lasting memory of your generosity.

Ethical gifts for women

We have plenty of leather gifts for women that can take pride of place under the Christmas tree. Our zip tote, for instance, is the perfect everyday bag. It’s large enough to store everything someone will need without being cumbersome and the top zip will ensure everything inside stays safe.



For a friend who is always offering up invites for Friday night cocktails at her place, a leather coaster set could be a great idea. Available as a set of four or eight, and in a warm chestnut brown or rich bark deer leather, they’ll look great at any table setting, especially with a G&T placed on top.

A leather journal is a great sustainable gift option for someone who is full of ideas or loves to document their life. The pages are made from recycled leather fibres and once full, the journal can be refilled for endless jotting.



Need more ethical gifting ideas? You can take a look at our guide to the best sustainable unisex gifts, check out our list of leather Christmas gifts, or shop our full range of leather products.