Giving and receiving gifts is a type of love language and I must admit that one of my ways of expressing love and care is through gifts. So I take any chance I have as an opportunity to show my loved ones how important they are to me through a small gesture.
I normally go for personalized presents or things I know the person needs or wants.
More recently, I started to realize I can give amazing gifts while supporting the local artisans and artists in Portugal.
I’ve had the opportunity to meet some of the people behind these wonderful projects that are eco-conscious and decided to create this list with five sustainable Portuguese brands.
Bhoomi: unique jewelry
Have you ever wondered what your jewelry is actually made of? Well, Bhoomi pieces are made of sand, coffee, flowers, ginger, tea leaves, flour and many other things that you probably wouldn’t imagine being in there.
These two cousins came up with this amazing idea of creating stunning pieces of jewelry while repurposing day to day elements that normally would go to waste. They make rings, necklaces, earrings that will make the perfect gift and you can even customize your own. Plus, they are also super affordable, their prices range from 10 euros to 18 euros.
Find them on Instagram @_____bhoomi____
Uma Nomad: eco-friendly clothing and accessories
This business is run by three sisters and although their project started with clothes for women, it has been growing. Now they also have jewelry and home decoration as well as shirts for men. Regarding the line for women, it includes the most beautiful and unique dresses, skirts, kimonos, jumpsuits and pants.
They even have their own master tailor, Guru Ji. (Check out the website.)
Some of the special things about this brand and the reason why I picked them to be in this list is that their clothes are handmade, made with vegan repurposed fabrics and their employees are paid a fair wage for their work.
Find them on Instagram @uma.nomad
Beecoming Handmade: handmade customizable bags
Marisa started this project in 2021. She has always loved bags and her grandmother taught her how to sew, so when she grew tired of fast-fashion and wasn’t able to find the bags she wanted, she had this great idea of creating sustainable, long-lasting, original and appealing bags that are respectful to the planet. Her catalog includes waterproof bags, tote bags, shopping bags and many others. Prices range from 22 euros to 60 euros and you can also customize your own bag picking fabrics, style, size, patterns and colors.
Find them on Instagram @beecoming_handmade
Email: beecominghandmade@amelia-anderson
Goiva: quirky and useful decoration
If your beloved person loves having unique and attention-catching pieces at home, this is the ideal gift for them. Goiva makes the most beautiful sculptures, but what I find to be the most unique pieces are her dishes, cups, ashtrays and plant pots. Most of the pieces are inspired by the human body but you can also find some plants and flowers motives. Because there’s a large array of pieces, the prices vary a lot depending on their size and material but they are all available on her Instagram page.
Find them on Instagram @a_goiva
No’Ar: magnificent air plants
Did you know there are plants that don’t need soil at all? They are called air plants and No’Ar has the most beautiful ones for sale. However, they don’t only sell the plants; they also create a marvelous little glass house for them that will look super aesthetic in your home. All these low-maintenance plants need is to be watered once or twice a week and receive indirect sun, so they are the perfect gift for your friend who is just like me and somehow loves plants but can’t figure out how to keep them alive.
Find them on Instagram @plantasnoar
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Read more about Lisbon here in Dispatches’ archives.
Mónica da Silva is half-Venezuelan, half Portuguese and has lived in Venezuela, Portugal, Spain and Germany. She has studies linguistics and has a Bachelor’s Degree in European Studies. Besides contributing to Dispatches, she works remotely as an English teacher, which allows her to be on the move as often as she wants.
