Meat, fish, eggs
These are obvious things, but still it is worth recalling them again. This is not only about the New Year’s gift, but about souvenirs in principle. If you traveled to Spain and decided to bring some jamon as a present, or bought the freshest red caviar while traveling in Kamchatka, it is better to refrain. You run the risk of being misunderstood by a vegan who does not consume any animal products. And yes, delicious ostrich eggs – there too.
Noble (and not so) cheeses
If a vegetarian can still like this gift (in the event that there is no rennet in the cheese), then a vegan will definitely not appreciate it. Better give him vegan tofu or nut cheese, a plant-based “paté”, or some vegan “dairy” desserts.
Candy, chocolate, sweets
Here you need to be extremely vigilant. Look for the word “Vegan” on the packaging or read the ingredients. Confectionery should not contain milk, eggs or other ingredients of animal origin. Often on the label you can see the inscription “May contain traces of milk, eggs …” Not at all!
Fur, wool, silk, leather
With fur and leather, everything is more or less clear (but still, check what that beautiful wallet that you are going to give to a vegan is made of). Why vegans did not like silk and wool?
To obtain silk, people kill silkworm pupae. Yes, this is not killing an animal, but insects are also living beings. Silkworm moths are specially bred to use their bodily secretions to produce the softest scarves, skin-friendly shirts, and such cozy sheets.
Wool is also a subject of violence. Most sheep are raised exclusively for wool. They have wrinkled skin that yields more material but also attracts flies and larvae that cause deadly infections. Also, sheep are shaved very quickly and often injure them by accidentally cutting off an ear or a piece of skin. So find out what material the reindeer sweater you made for the vegan is made of.
Wooden crafts
This is not a thing for all vegans, but for most. Vegans do not quote deforestation for paper and wood. But! If you give a vegan a recycled notebook (which is easy to find these days), he will definitely appreciate it!
Tusks, horns, tails
Another obvious point. No matter how effective a talisman a squirrel’s tail is, no matter how beautiful deer antlers are for the home, don’t even think of giving them to a vegan! Rabbit and crocodile feet – there too.
Honey
Now at New Year’s fairs a huge amount of natural honey is presented. There is even a honey soufflé with nuts and dried fruits! Well, how can you stay here? But no, still try to resist if you choose a gift for a vegan. We have a whole one for that!
Ekaterina Romanova