How To Shop for Vegans in a City Obsessed With Bacon

Holiday shopping isn't simply a matter of buying cool shit for cool people; you also want to make sure that your gift fits the recipient's lifestyle. Which means that some people on your shopping list will provide more challenges than others. Like vegans... What do you buy for vegans?

To answer that question, I turned to Filbert founder (and Bay Area vegan) Bridget Brown, for tips. It may not be easy to find cruelty-free gifts in a city that serves bacon with every meal, but Bridget has found nine sustainable brands in the Bay Area that your most stylish vegan friends and family are sure to love.

Stanyan Tote, $185

We have to start with Bridget's line, because it's a fantastic alternative to the leather you love, and the traditional "faux leather" you love to hate. While Filbert has a range of sizes and styles, this luxe, vegan suede tote fills the vegan void for high-end totes that are so popular for gifting. It's the perfect everyday grab-and-go bag. Plus, it's made in small-batches in Filbert's Portland factory, so it comes with a hefty dose of hipster credibility. Best of all,  it's machine washable. 

Rothy's Point Flats, $145

Rothy's are 3D-printed flats made from recycled plastic water bottles. They're flexible, washable, and adorable—the ultimate triple threat. Choose from three styles—round-toe ballet flats, pointed-toe flats, and loafers—in a rainbow of colors.

Beauty Heroes Subscription, $115-$450

Unlike the standard sample beauty box subscriptions, Beauty Heroes specializes in full-size hero products. (Most months include one 'hero' product and ‘sidekick’ trial size.)  Each monthly discovery is valued at least $90, and often over $100 in total value. Most of the products are vegan—a rarity in the industry—though a few include honey or beeswax.

Brevity Brand Do Anything Jacket, $249

Brevity Brand's Do Anything jacket checks all the socially conscious boxes. It's made for women by women from buttery-soft vegan leather, right here in San Francisco. It's an easy layer for work or weekends, it travels well, and it even has a cell phone pocket. What else could you ask for?

Three Babes Bakeshop Pie, $40

It's an indisputable fact that pie is a delicious treat, and a vegan pie makes an especially great hostess gift. (Or just a great gift in general. Who's gonna be mad at pie?) Three Babes offers an assortment of vegan, gluten-free pie each week, some orders can be ready in as little as two hours, and delivery is available within San Francisco. They even offer a pie subscription service.

Sweet & Spark Sweaters, $56-$98

Vintage jewelry reseller Sweet & Spark started selling super-femme apparel this fall, and all of the sweaters in the collection are vegan! While you're shopping, pick out a vintage bauble as a bonus gift for yourself.

Alter Eco Chocolates, $4-$8

Alter Eco works directly with small-scale farmers who grow the quinoa, rice, sugar and cacao that go into their vegan treats. The brand is also Fair Trade, and uses organic and environmentally sustainable practices. A bundle of bars or truffles is a good gifting bet.

Shizen Vegan Sushi Gift Certificate

San Francisco isn't exactly brimming with vegan cuisine, but Shizen Vegan Sushi makes a sushi night accessible to everyone. Treat your favorite vegan to a gift certificate to this ground-breaking restaurant.

Charlie's Acres Donation

When you really want to show support for a friend's cause, consider making a charitable contribution. Sonoma animal sanctuary Charlie's Acres rescues farm animals who were abused or destined for slaughterhouses. You can even stop by for a guided tour and a chance to rub the pig bellies.

Have a local vegan gift idea to add? Ping us in the comment below, or send an email to rockstyle@gmail.com.