SKFK, photo by Inés R.
Fashion & Accessories
SKFK
The brand formerly known as Skunk Funk has had a minor makeover, but the Basque company’s commitment to slow and sustainable fashion remains unchanged. If you’re looking for a well-made, versatile, durable gift for a lady in your life, look no further. SKFK carries a range of in-house-designed clothing including cozy winter coats and sweaters, as well as lighter jackets, shirts, skirts, pants and dresses. They also do accessories such as belts, bags, hats, shoes, scarves, purses and reusable glass bottles, all in flattering cuts and funky fabrics that are perfect for the party season and beyond.
A significant percentage of the collection is made from low-impact fibers such as certified organic and Fair Trade® cotton, flax, hemp, recycled polyester (from plastic bottles) or recycled cotton, wool and denim. They also pay close attention to minimizing the carbon footprint of the labels, packaging, shipping, etc.
As well as increasing the lifespan and circularity of their products through good design, SKFK offers a repair service, swap meets, in-store collection for recycling and an online renting service, Circular Closet.
Carrer de Verdi 14, skfk-ethical-fashion.com
Photo courtesy of Back to Eco.
Infintdenim
Infinitdenim (formerly Back to Eco) is based around using post-consumer upcycled denim, recycled thread and vegan and sustainable fibers, dyes and detailing. Their unique pieces make great and unusual Christmas presents: clothing such as coats, hats, vests and sweaters; a wide range of bags; and homeware and accessories like funky denim-covered notebooks, pencil cases and place mats. All stitched on-site in Barcelona in fair working conditions by people at risk of social exclusion.
Most of the raw material comes from Roba Amiga collection points, but you can also contribute directly by dropping off your old jeans in exchange for 1€ off any purchase. To extend the life of their—and other brands’—garments, they offer a repair or customization service and run creative workshops and group activities.
Carrer de Bruc 5, infinitdenim.com
Photo courtesy of Orígens Craft & Design.
Design & Home
Orígens Craft & Design
Orígens Craft & Design stocks well-made, original goods from local or national designers and craftspeople working in traditional crafts or cutting-edge techniques with a commitment to sustainability and social equality. Shop for unique gifts from home- kitchen- or office-ware to bags, accessories, jewelry and ornaments. Give the gift of recycling this Christmas with a beautiful, unique lamp or a set of glasses made from old bottles. Or how about bags and wallets that breathe new life into kites, car tires or seatbelts? Where raw materials like wood, fabric or leather are used, Orígens checks to ensure materials and production methods are sustainable and adhere to EU standards. They also emphasize fair working conditions for employees involved in production.
Carrer de Sant Felip Neri 1, origensbcn.com
Home On Earth. Photo by Kate Williams.
Home on Earth
Home on Earth stocks a wide range of attractive and practical home-, garden- and kitchen-ware, as well as accessories, jewelry, ornaments and Christmas decorations with a hand-made, ethnic, quality feel. Here, you’ll find products made from recycled materials or from natural raw materials such as bamboo, felt, ceramic, hemp or organic cotton. Some items are made locally, while others come from overseas, traded directly with locally-selected suppliers.
Carrer de la Boqueria 14, homeonearth.com
Photo courtesy of VeGala.
Cosmetics & Toiletries
VeGala
VeGala offers a range of attractive, reasonably priced quality cosmetics and unisex toiletries and accessories. They even do Christmas packs in case you can’t decide on just one item. Everything in the shop is vegan, so free of animal testing and ingredients. (Yes, vegans wear makeup and, no, you don’t have to be one to shop here.)
Many of the products are made locally in and around Barcelona, others nationally. A few are from further afield but always within the EU. VeGala aims to stock chemical- and toxin-free products made from organic ingredients, certified sustainable sources and in fair working conditions. Look for the Fair Trade® mark on some items. Packaging is kept to a minimum and is largely recycled, reusable or recyclable.
VeGala also offers a professional makeup service and courses, as well as workshops on different aspects of health and wellbeing, beauty and veganism.
Online only: vegala.es
Photo courtesy of El Petit Rusc.
Kids
El Petit Rusc—PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Christmas + kids usually = a mountain of plastic that’s forgotten about by Easter, something El Petit Rusc is keen to avoid. It’s well worth the trip to Sant Andreu to visit this little family-run store stocking hard and soft toys, books, clothing and accessories for kids and parents. The majority is made from natural, non-toxic materials and most toys have an educational function. They also stock a small range of toiletries and cosmetics made with natural, vegan ingredients and sustainable products like biodegradable nappies.
Many items come from local or national producers (the kids’ clothes are made by local neighborhood mothers) or have some degree of supply line traceability and guarantee of fair working conditions.
Parents themselves, El Petit Rusc’s founders also organize workshops, activities and talks for kids and parents in a dedicated space on-site.
Carrer de Rubén Darío, 27 elpetitrusc.com
Shopping fairly and sustainably can be a complex business and there are a lot of factors to consider. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and talk to shop assistants about what’s important to you. They will be happy to explain their products, principles and processes to help you find the gift that best matches your (or your recipient’s) values.
Kate Williams.
Kate Williams is a freelance writer, editor, translator and Director of The Writer Stuff. She left her native England for Barcelona in 2003 and never looked, or went, back. When she isn’t writing or discovering all the cool stuff going on in the city, she enjoys hiking in the Catalan countryside, kayaking on the Costa Brava, and volunteers at a local animal sanctuary. You can read more by Kate here.
Originally published December 9, 2019, updated November 10, 2021.