Stumped as to what to buy that special vegetarian or vegan? Here are the top five gifts for all occasions, from Christmas to birthdays to no reason at all.
1. Clothing and accessories.
Non-leather belts, wallet, gloves, purses, shoes, or a gift certificate to a cool veg-friendly store.
Not all vegetarians avoid clothing made from animal products, but most vegans do. Look for leather alternatives made from synthetic fabrics or natural materials like hemp. These are often difficult to find in mainstream stores but are available online and in specialty shops. Bonus: the recipient of this gift will know finding it took a lot of time and effort!
Note: Many vegans also avoid the use of other animal products besides leather. These include wool, beeswax (as in some shoe polishes), fur, and silk, so shop carefully.
2. Specialty Foods
It is difficult to rationalize a seven-dollar bag of gelatin-free “gummy” candies for a daily snack, but on special occasions they make quite a treat. Need additional ideas? How about organic vegan dark chocolate or vegan marshmallows. Try looking for these in the Natural or Organic section of the grocery store, specialty stores or gourmet food shops.
Bonus: some specialty food gifts can be purchased online and delivered to the recipient.
3. Eco-Friendly Gifts
One reason for choosing a meatless diet is the impact on the environment. For eco-friendly vegetarians, choose organic cotton or hemp clothing, pyjamas, or accessories. Even big box and department stores now carry at least one organic line, sometimes including bath towels and bed linens as well.
If consumerism is out, a donation to an earth-friendly charity of the recipient’s choice is appropriate as well. Two of the most well-known are WWF or the David Suzuki Foundation. Some local vegetarian chapters accept charitable donations as well.
4. Food gadgets
For people who love cooking and food, there is nothing more exciting than trying something new. This can be a new food, beverage, or cooking gadget. Some fancy appliances particularly suitable to vegetarian or vegan meals are a soy milk maker, hand blender, food processor, yogurt maker (also makes soy yogurt), or slow cooker.
5. Cookbooks or Magazines
There are cookbooks appropriate for every level of meatless cookery, from beginner to expert chef. For beginners, try a basic manual like the How to Cook Everything Vegetarian.
For those with some experience, try a more challenging and exotic book like rebar or a classic Moosewood hardcover. If buying for a vegan, choose a strictly vegan cookbook, or a vegetarian cookbook with plentiful vegan recipes. There are numerous titles to choose from.
If buying for someone not so culinarily inclined, books like Fast Food Nation or Vegan Freak are interesting reads. For a stocking stuffer, try an issue of a magazine like Vegetarian Times or VegNews.
Of course, vegetarians and vegans also appreciate more typical gifts like house wares, toys, and parties, but selecting a veg-specific gift adds the perfect personal touch.
