Are you someone who stresses about Christmas shopping? Leaves it to the very last minute and then panics? Heads to the stores on December 24th, gets in the long lines, pays way too much, stress, stress, stress. I used to be that person. It took me years to crack the code of how to do all my holiday shopping without the stress, but now I'm a completely stress-free holiday shopper. That's why today I'm sharing with you my vegan gift ideas and my recipe for holiday shopping success!
My recipe for Christmas shopping success is simple, just follow these three steps:
- Pour a nice glass of wine.
- Order online. Do it now. Just do it! Press order. Done? Good.
- Put up feet, finish the glass of wine, and enjoy a good book while you wait for your gifts to be delivered. See how easy that was?
Now every year all of my Christmas shopping is done before December even says hello, so the holiday season is filled with parties, coconut nog, and all the fun-filled fa la la la la I can squeeze in.
I put together a list of vegan gift ideas that are some of my favourite vegan gift ideas. Whether you are vegan or you are getting a gift for a vegan I hope you find this list helpful and that your holidays are totally stress-free! A huge range of gifts that I love- all Sam approved. Just click on the image or name of the item to take you to where you can purchase or to learn more.
FOR THE COOK
Almond Cow -my new favourite gadget, an instant plant milk maker. Just add one cup of soaked almonds, water to the line, and press go. It whips up the creamiest, foamy, delicious almond milk so quickly, and the best part, no straining needed! Endless recipe options. Make milk out of nuts, seeds or grains! I'm hooked.
Grill Pan - surprisingly inexpensive but fantastic quality. I don't have a barbeque so I use this pan to get gorgeous drool-worth grill marks on my vegan steaks, tofu, butternut squash, pineapple, you name it! This makes everything taste and look more delicious.
Fuss-Free Vegan cookbook - if you haven't got your hands on a copy of my cookbook Fuss-Free Vegan yet, then you're missing out! It has over 200 5-star reviews on Amazon.com. If you're a fan of my recipes here on the blog, you are going to love the boo. I filled it with totally drool-worthy, quick and easy recipes using ingredients you can find at your local grocery store, and there is a big beautiful photo for every recipe! Perfect for a new vegan or a seasoned one.
Glass straws or metal straws - everyone is banning plastic straws to help save the oceans, so get a set of glass straws (great for smoothies), or metal straws (great for on the go) so you can sip without the guilt!
Tofuture tofu press - my favourite tofu press, I have two of them! If the person you're shopping for doesn't own a tofu press, this would make a brilliant vegan gift idea!
Carrot whisk - how cute is this!?
Handy Mix Scraper - I love this hand mixer as it doesn't take up counter space like the big stand mixers do. The rubber tips on the whisks mean you don't need to stop and scrape the bowl, and it has a little light to shine on the bottom so you can always see what you're doing.
Food processor - my favourite for making vegan cheeses, veggie burgers, hummus, and so many other yummy treats.
Espresso machine - how I start my day ever day! I can't wait to leap out of bed to use this beauty.
Chefs knife - the number one kitchen tool I recommend for everyone. A good 8" chefs knife is key.
Knife sharpener - keep your knife sharp!! A sharp knife is safer to work with and a lot easier too.
Colourful strainer - love this little pop of colour. It comes in several different shades too.
Popcorn air popper - I use this almost daily. It has a little place to melt your vegan butter, and love that I can control exactly what's being added to my popcorn. No creepy chemicals!
Donut pan - a unique little pan, but once you have it, you can make all the vegan donuts you like!
Blendtec blender - my favourite blender! If you want to start investing in kitchen appliances, this is what I would get first. The price range for different Blendtec models is huge, but the motor behind the blender is just as powerful on the more affordable models.
Mixing bowls - even though the Amazon reviews aren't great, these are actually some of my favourite mixing bowls. I use them almost daily, and the colour palette is adorable.
Measuring cups and spoons - key for making recipes. I measure everything precisely so that if you follow my recipes as written, they will turn out perfectly each and every time.
Lemon/ lime squeezer - a great stocking stuffer and super handy too.
Vegan yogurt kit - make your own vegan yogurt at home, how cool is that?
FOR THE ATHLETE
Armband - I have had many armbands to hold my phone while working out. They fall down, the velcro wears out, they pinch the skin, they suck! Until I found this one. Its simple design is brilliant and you can just shove your phone and even keys right in there.
Running water bottle - if you're a runner, you might be familiar with a running water bottle belt, or "dork belt" as I called mine. I discovered this water bottle which is not only cuter looking, but it straps to your hand so you don't even have to grip it, it's easier to drink from while running and it has a place for keys, running gels, or whatever else you want to carry.
Fitted sports jacket - I picked up this sports jacket right before I had to run my ½ marathon which was scheduled on a very chilly day. I was blown away with the quality and attention to detail in this jacket. It's flattering with a ton if hidden pockets.
Nike zooms - my favourite shoe for long-distance running. I trained for my half marathon all summer long in these and never once got a blister.
Bluetooth sound cancelling earbuds - a great affordable option that blocks out the surrounding sound. I wear these when working out at a gym and I don't want to hear the surrounding noise, or for getting work done in cafes.
Aftershokz open ear wireless headphones - when I go running with friends I love to be able to chat while listening to music, and if I run outdoors by myself, I would prefer to hear my surroundings for safety reasons. These super cool headphones actually sit just in front of your ears resting on your cheekbones. They play the music through vibrations in your bones meaning you can hear the music perfectly and still be able to hear what's going on around you. They are SO cool!
Foam roller - the best thing ever for rolling out sore muscles!
Fitbit Charge 2 - I love love love my Fitbit for tracking my runs and being able to see my progress, heart rate, calories burned, and comparing runs. It a big motivation booster being able track your progress, and to push yourself harder! I recommend using the Fitbit and Strava apps.
Fitness bands - these bands are great for adding a little resistance for at home workouts. I keep mine in the living room and do little exercises while watching tv.
Native shoes - these shoes aren't for running, they are for casual wear and they are SO comfy. They feel like you are wearing something in-between a sock and a shoe. Once you tie them in your preferred tightness then you can just slip them on and off without ever untieing them again. No socks needed!
Cute joggers - Comfy cozy joggers for relaxing after a workout.
Core sliders - love using these for more at home workouts on the living room floor.
FOR SOME PAMPERING
Bath tray - I was secretly hoping someone would gift me one of these bath trays for years (although I never asked anyone for it). Eventually, I caved and bought one for myself, and I'm so glad I did, I now look for any excuse to take a long bubble bath.
Deva Curl how to quit shampoo - I have curly dry hair (it's true), but this stuff is literally so life-changing to my hair. I've been using it exclusively for years. It makes my hair so soft and silky that I don't even use any other products.
Kindle - this e-reader has a built in light so I don't even need a light on when reading at night, and it's also glare-free so you can read outdoors. Ever since I got it, it's the only way I read books now!
Bath bombs - having a bath is one of my favourite ways to relax, and these make a regular bath seem like a day away at a spa.
Waterproof mascara - I have been looking for years for a vegan waterproof mascara to no avail. The Body Shop just recently release the first waterproof vegan mascara I have ever seen and I'm in love!! Finally, I won't look like a clown when my eyes tear in the wind.
Body butter - this shea body butter keeps my skin soft and flake-free all winter long.
E.L.F. makeup - I love this line of super affordable all vegan makeup! I use the setting powder every day, but I also have many other makeup items from E.L.F.
Face sunscreen - I have been on a mission to find the best vegan natural sunscreen that I could wear daily without and white residue or greasy skin. This is it!!! A little goes a long way, let it sink in before applying makeup. No white residue, it has a very subtle but amazing scent, it won't cause breakouts, and you won't even notice you're wearing it!
Vegan Birkenstocks - yes, I'm a Birkenstock wearing vegan. I know, typical. But com'on! They're so comfortable. I wear these when working in the kitchen all day and my feet never hurt.
Lip Ink lipstick - I get asked all the time what the red lipstick I wear is. I only wear one red lipstick and it is Lip Ink in the shade Berry. This liquid lipstick is a little bit of work to put on, but once it's on, it's on. It won't smudge, leave a mark on your drinking glass, or fade. It's so trusty I don't even bring it with me to touch up throughout the day. For real!! I just bring the moisturizing top coat. It's hands down my fave and only lipstick. Get 10% off Lip Ink by clicking here. (Not sponsored). (Wish it was sponsored). I recommend getting the liquid mini lip kit to start.
Stila waterproof eyeliner - you may have noticed a theme of waterproof makeup here. I've had the honour at doing many live cooking demos at festivals and on TV. The last thing I want to worry about is my makeup smudging, running, or fading. I love this eyeliner because even with my hooded eyes, it will stay put for hours. Perfect cat eye every time!
Clay face mask - after wearing makeup it's always nice to give your face a proper cleanse and some love, this mask is so simple and works like a charm.
Eyebrow gel - I use this to help define my brows a little and it will stay put all day long. A little goes a long way, I'm still on my first jar of this and feel like I could easily get another year out of it!
Tinted lip balm - when I don't go for the full red lip, I love this tinted lip balm. It's super moisturizing and adds just a subtle hint of colour. Sometimes it's the little things that make for the best vegan gift ideas. Finding a good beeswax-free lip balm can be a challenge!
Beauty Blender - if you don't have one of these, then you are missing out! I'm not a foundation wearer, but I spot treat with a bit of E.L.F. concealer, and this little sponge blends the makeup into my bare skin seamlessly.
Bubble bath - I can't help it, all baths need bubbles in my opinion. I will toss in a bath bomb and use this bubble bath for the best of both worlds! Excessive? Maybe. Leisurely bath perfection? Absolutely!
FOR THE FASHIONISTA
Wuxly vegan winter coat - fur and down free, this vegan coat line is SO amazingly warm. I wear a Wuxly coat all winter long and never get cold!
Kale tee - if you don't have a KALE tee, are you even really vegan? 😉
Knit hat with faux fur pom pom - this hat is so cute and warm! I have it in red but it comes in many colour options.
Jewels by SJB - I've recently fallen in love with the layered jewelry look so I wanted to find a jeweller who not only had beautiful pieces but who was also sporting the vegan message. Jewels by SJB has gorgeous pieces, some with vegan messaging, and others just simply beautiful. Bonus points: not only is Sue (the creator) a proud vegan, but a portion of the proceeds go to an animal sanctuary. Sue helped me choose three necklaces to layer, along with a set of earrings, and a ring. Love them all! Check her out on Instagram too @jewelsbysjb
Vegan from my head tomatoes tee - this shirt just makes me smile!
Pixie Mood backpack - I've been a big fan of Pixie Mood bags and purses and have quite the collection myself. All vegan all the time!
Converse shoes - if you ever go to a vegan festival, you will see that about 65% of the people will be wearing converse, and I will 100% be one of them.
Cozy thick hooded knit sweater - finding a super warm sweater without wool can sometimes be a little tricky, but I love this one for those extra chilly days.
70's style vegan tee - love this retro vibe!
Herbivore tee - nobody ever asked him where he got his protein!
Vegan hat - I love wearing this cap to sporty events, always representing.
Herbivore pin - a cute pin to pop on your bag or jacket.
FOR THE FOODIE:
I do most of my shopping online, but if I'm running last minute, want to save a little money, or just want to treat someone extra special, I will cook them up something scrumptious. Below are my recipes which are perfect for gift giving as they should hold up pretty well and be a lovely treat.
For the sweet tooth:
Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies, Vegan Linzer Heart Cookies, Vegan Peppermint Patties, Easy Fruit & Nut Vegan Chocolates, Vegan Peppermint Chocolate Cupcakes, Easy Vegan Coconut Mounds, Perfect Vegan Sugar Cookies, Vegan Peanut Butter Cups.
For the savoury fan:
Homemade Vegan Mac & Cheese Powder, Everything Bagel Seasoning, Scrumptious Vegan Chex Mix, Crispy Chewy Vegan Crackers, Cranberry & Thyme Vegan Cheese Ball, Mixed Herb Vegan Pesto.
For the pooches:
Easy DIY Sweet Potato Dog Chews or Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Dog Treats.
I hope you found this list of vegan gift ideas helpful! If you have a favourite vegan-friendly gift, let me know in the comments.
Bon appetegan!
Sam.
Kate says
Hi Sam,
I love your recipes and your blog is my go to. I want to buy your cookbook but I have a question. Can the recipes in your cookbook be found on your blog? Thanks!
Sam Turnbull says
Hi Kate, only 20 recipes from the blog are also in the cookbook (mostly basics). The remaining recipes (81) are unique only to the cookbook. 🙂
Kate says
Awesome! Just bought a couple for gifts and for myself 🙂
Sam Turnbull says
Wonderful, Enjoy!
Sally McMiller says
Great list! Definitely some inspiring items I might consider as Christmas gifts. I also bought some Cookly gift cards for my vegan/veggie friends, because they have a lot of vegan cooking classes. I took one in Bali and loved the experience and recipes I learned! 🙂
Sam Turnbull says
Oh what a great idea!! I will have to check Cookly out 🙂
Leanne says
What an excellent "gift" for all of us! Thanks so much for this list ~ I now have more items for the hubby to purchase for me! 🙂
Sam Turnbull says
Haha! Awesome!! Glad you like it 🙂
KELS says
Love this Sam. I followed the links and have the shampoo and jacket headed my way. Can't wait! Also, I didn't know ELF was vegan. I've used their products before and enjoyed them, so now I plan to try more. Thanks for sharing these great ideas!
Sam Turnbull says
Oh awesome! I hope you love everything so much 🙂
Sarah says
I LOVE Birkenstock sandals but sadly they are not vegan 🙁
Sam Turnbull says
Birkenstock has a line of vegan sandals 🙂 Check it out.
Sarah says
:O:O:O Sam!!! My saviour!!! Now where to buy these in stores or even online in Canada. Hmm. Will need to investigate further.
crystal herndon says
Hi Sam! I love this♥️. Can u rec a food processor u like which is more budget friendly- like closer to $100. The breville looks cool, but is priced kinda high.
Sam Turnbull says
Thanks, Crystal! Before I had the Breville I had a Cuisinart food processor which worked great for many years.
rebecca kenyon says
This is an awesome collection of ideas, I want most of them myself, thank you!
Sam Turnbull says
Haha, you're most welcome 🙂
Danielle says
How does the Lip Ink hold up with salad dressing? Oil and vinegar have been the killers of my dark red lipstick so far.
Sam Turnbull says
I don't tend to eat much oily salad, but I have worn this lipstick on many, many dinner dates with no need to touch up. It's amazing!!
Vin says
Thanks for compiling the excellent gift ideas, Sam‼️
Additional thoughts for athletes:
EXOUS Bodygear Barbell Pad Squat Bar Foam Neck Cushion - for Hip Thrusts - Fits Olympic Weight Lifting Bar - Fixing Straps for Non Slip Fit (Cool Blue) https://amzn.to/2DLubHG
E2shop 5CM 50mm Quick Release Pair of Locking 2" Olympic Size Barbell Clamp Collar Barbell Clamp Collar Clip Weight Dumbbell Spinlock Lift a Pair (Sky-Blue) https://amzn.to/2TpHD8s
Sam Turnbull says
You're most welcome! So happy you enjoyed them, and thanks for the recommendations!