Did you know that one-fourth of millennials in America identify as vegan or vegetarian? In fact, The Economist has projected that this year will be the year that veganism becomes mainstream. Veganism is much more than a dietary preference. Vegans abstain from using any products made from animal products, including meat, eggs, and dairy as well as leather, wool and silk.
In the age of the climate crisis, veganism contributes to making a difference in the fight for the environment. Climate researchers have identified following a vegan diet as the “single biggest way” that a person can reduce their impact on the planet. Being vegan is believed to reduce your carbon footprint by 50%, reduce damage related to the cultivation of animals, and conserves 1,100 gallons of water a day.
The popularity of veganism has fueled an industry dedicated to responding to the ethical, health and dietary principles of the vegan lifestyle. Vegan products often embrace creativity to find sustainable ways to reinvent everyday products made entirely from cruelty-free and eco-friendly materials. With all kinds of vegan products entering the market each year, finding the perfect vegan gift for him is becoming easier all the time!
These vegan gifts suggestions put an emphasis on practical and thoughtful gifts over kitsch like T-shirts that say “kiss me, I’m vegan,” although online retailers have plenty of those. Consider the suggestions in this vegan gift guide for him as a starting point for finding something unique to impress any vegan man in your life.
1. Vegan Cookbook
When it comes to the best vegan gifts for him, start simple. Veganism is first and foremost about changing consumption habits and showing that you care about the food that nourishes us is a deeply personal way to show that you care. There are vegan cookbooks tailored to all kinds of culinary styles from practical veganism to haute cuisine delicacies. Most bookstores have dedicated vegetarian and vegan sections.
Spend some time browsing trying to find a vegan cookbook that matches the personality of the person you are shopping for. For less personal gifts, find a quality comprehensive vegan cookbook like Vegan Comfort Classics by Lauren Toyota or But I Could Never Go Vegan! by Kristy Turner.
2. Vegan Cooking Classes
The vegan version of the old maxim “give a man a fish and feed him for a day / teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime” might involve giving the gift of vegan cooking classes. The principle obtains without fish. While online vegan cooking courses are widely available, do some digging to find the best option available locally.
If you are in a city of any size, there’s likely a local initiative offering vegan cooking classes for every experience level. Cooking classes are a personalized gift that offers an experience as well as the chance to interact and socialize with like-minded people.
3. Vegan Wallet
Very often, wallets are made of leather product and finding a suitable alternative can be difficult. Vegan wallet options include wallets made from faux leather, genuine cork, paper-based art prints, plastic and even metal. While paper and plastic varieties sacrifice durability for style, there are a number of small eco-conscious manufacturers who specialize in creating durable and attractive faux leather, cork, and metal options.
4. Vegan Shaving Kit
For travel or home, conventional shaving products often use leather and feature shaving creams that are tested on animals (which most vegans eschew). Combine a quality durable faux-leather bag, razor with blades, and a cruelty-free vegan brand shaving cream and after shave to make a custom vegan shaving kit. Like many of the vegan gifts for him, this is a delightfully unexpected present that most men will love!
5. Vegan Shoes
Vegan shoes involve no animal products and often use cruelty-free and ethically sourced materials. There are affordable and stylish options in vegan shoes to suit any taste profile. Vegan shoes can be made from recycled rubber or plastics, canvas, faux leather, and even excess or repurposed fabrics.
Seek out a vegan shoe manufacturer with a conscience that is transparent about how their products are manufactured. A shoe is a just shoe, but a shoe that tells a story has special appeal that might appeal to the special fellow in your life.
6. Vegan Canvas Messenger Bag
Canvas is seeing something of a renaissance as a vegan material right now. A minimalist messenger bag is practical for the vegan cyclist or city dweller casting something of a bohemian air even for the vegan businessman. Messenger bags are also a reasonably affordable gift option with homemade craft messenger bags available on artisanal platforms like Etsy. There are also high-quality models available from most vegan retailers.
7. Vegan Cupcakes
Many traditional baked goods are made using eggs, milk and butter making them decidedly not vegan. Vegan bakers have discovered many alternative ingredients like a “flegg” (a mixture of mashed flax seeds and water), applesauce or mashed banana, or arrowroot powder, that often yield healthier results for delectables like cupcakes, brownies and cakes. Patronize a vegan bake shop in your area to find a special treat for your special vegan.