It’s the most wonderful time of the year. But it can also be the most wasteful, especially when it comes to gift-giving. With this in mind, consider green gifting this year.
“The tradition of gifting is about celebrating, joy and creating memories, but with reports showing approximately 19% of unwanted gifts ending up in landfill, it’s important we think before we buy,” says Amy Nelson-Bennet, CEO of Positive Luxury, the luxury sustainability specialists.
“Luxury products and experiences should be leading the way as more sustainable gift options – where quality, craftsmanship and longevity are core luxury values – as is the creativity to package more sustainably, and communicate it to the buyer.”
Christmas is the perfect time to start a new tradition of regifting. From preloved vintage treasures, to repurposing family heirlooms, here’s our gift guide to sustainable gifting.
Vintage threads in Florence:
To wear vintage clothing is like being a guardian of memory. And in a city like Florence, where history seeps from every pore, it’s no wonder the streets are peppered with vintage designer boutiques. Which makes it the perfect place to pick up something truly special for the sartorialist in your life.
Via del Parione, 51/red, 50123 Florence | 7-minute walk from Hotel Savoy
Described by its owner, Giada Barra, as an alternative to your home wardrobe, C’est Chic is exactly that. A collection of beautifully curated, timeless pieces where vintage Italian classics sit alongside international finds, with a smattering of antiquities for good measure.
Via dei Serragli, 7r 50124 Florence | 13-minute walk from Hotel Savoy
Take a dive into the past with Momo Vintage, a true fashion archive spanning back decades. Browse the impressive selection of French and Italian designers, as well as some mid-century American and British classics.
Curious collections in Brussels:
The Belgian capital brims with antiques that make for truly memorable gifts. Defined by a characterful blend of styles – elegant, refined, yet delightfully eccentric – Brussels is the perfect place to uncover something unique, even for the trickiest person on your list.
Place du Grand Sablon, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium | 9-minute walk from Hotel Amigo
Set along the cobbled streets of the chic Sablon district, this antiques market has been running since 1960 and is considered one of the best in Europe. Open every Saturday and Sunday, it brings together professional dealers from across the country with vendors offering everything from silverware and china to art, clocks and furniture – a collector’s dream in the heart of Brussels.
Rue Blaes 40, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium | 12-minute walk from Hotel Amigo
For something a little more curated than the open-air stalls, step into Via Antica, a boutique specialising in 20th-century furniture. Its collection spans far beyond Belgium, with standout pieces from Italy and Scandinavia too, featuring renowned designers like Arne Jacobsen and Mario Bellini. From sculptural table lamps to mid-century armchairs, these timeless designs make the perfect gift for the aesthete in your life.
Reimagined treasures in London:
Whether it’s a long-loved piece of jewellery, or an adored heirloom piece in need of repair, breathe new life into old treasures before passing them on to loved ones for future enjoyment. Take a trip down memory lane in London.
By appointment only | 11-minute drive from Brown’s Hotel
Old ingredients, new style – so say female-run jewellery designers LYLIE who use salvaged gold and recycled, antique gems in their sustainable creations. Their designers work in close collaboration with you to lovingly craft something unique, remodelled from cherished pieces.
100 Fulham Road, SW3 6HS | 14-minute drive from Brown’s Hotel
For over 20 years The Chelsea Bindery have lovingly restored ancient tomes and parched paper alike. Passing on a much-thumbed first edition, or a precious family heirloom, your text is in safe hands. A wing of rare book specialist Peter Harrington London, you may well find another literary jewel while dropping off your repairs.
If you’d prefer to make your own memories, treat your loved ones to a unique trip or experience some of Europe’s most inviting cities with Rocco Forte Hotels. https://www.roccofortehotels.com/gifting/
