Plastic-free stocking stuffers for everyone on your list

We know many of the stats by now: Canadians create over 3 million tonnes of plastic waste every year, and less than 11 per cent of plastics are recycled in Canada. In short, plastic waste is a huge problem. And while we wait for single-use plastics to be banned nationwide, and recycling technology and programs to improve, we can all definitely try to reduce our personal, non-essential plastic consumption this holiday season. After all, there are so many great gift options made out of durable and (more easily) recyclable or biodegradable materials.

(Note: Most of these gifts feature minimal packaging, and if you're able to buy them locally in-person it will also reduce or eliminate the plastic or paper packaging required to ship the item to you.)

This spice set is mixed and packaged in Montreal by the workers of Les Filles Fattoush, a social-enterprise catering company that employs Syrian refugees to Canada.  

Les Filles Fattoush Middle Eastern Flavour Set, $16, Simons

Winnipeg-based EQ3's ceramic posey vases, which range from 4.75" to 8.75" tall, make for a sweet friend-gift — just throw in a few fresh blooms and you're good to go.

Posey Vase, $14.99, EQ3

Kotn's sustainably made cotton t-shirts, which are $25.50 each if you buy 3 or more, are designed in Toronto and made in Egypt. 

Essential Crew, $30, Kotn

These gorgeous, double-sided crayon blocks from French toy company Moulin Roty are recommended for children ages 3 and up.

Moulin Roty Les Petites Merveilles Wax Crayon Blocks, $15, Advice From A Caterpillar

This play dough is handmade in Calgary using plant-based dyes (local pickup is available) and packaged in small glass jars.

Play Dough, $5.95 each, Little Larch

Available at Halifax's The Tare Shop, this rosemary eucalyptus all-purpose balm comes packaged in an eco-friendly paper tube.

Meow Meow Tweet Vegan Lip Balm, $21, The Tare Shop

Montreal retailer Bkind's bamboo hairbrush (also available as part of a very giftable bamboo brush trio gift set) is compostable and biodegradable — even the bristles are made from bamboo wood. 

Bamboo Hairbrush, $21.95, Bkind

These pretty bath salts are handmade in Vancouver and are guaranteed to look good in any bathroom. 

Kismet Essentials Salt Soak, $21 each, M+L

This exfoliating, vegetable-based facial sponge by Hamilton, Ontario-based Artifact is made on Jeju Island in South Korea.

Jeju Island Bamboo Charcoal Konjac Sponge, $18, Artifact

Select a few fragrant items from Lush's packaging-free Naked range of beauty products (like these solid shower-oils and cloud-shaped soap), place them in reusable tins, and you've got a great zero-waste stocking stuffer. 

Sleepy Bar Soap, $7.95, and Shower Oils $7.95 each, Lush

Truc Nguyen is a Toronto-based writer, editor and stylist. Follow her at @trucnguyen.