When it comes to Christmas stockings, creative, thoughtful curation is key. I enjoy the challenge of finding little luxuries for lower spend. This year, I have narrowed my options by seeking cruelty-free, preferably sustainable, items.

I had not fully considered the wasteful nature of toothbrushes until I discovered Humble Brush (£3.99) on a recent trip. Unlike billions of plastic and rubber brushes, which end up in landfill, it is biodegradable (including the gift-worthy packaging) and, for each one sold, the company will donate another to a child in need.

Posh hand care treats need not cost a fortune. Cowshed’s ingredients are mostly sourced from its British gardens and, uniquely, its Cow Slip antibacterial hand gel (£7, 50ml) contains no skin-drying alcohol – it is the only antibac I use. My hand cream choice is easy: Burt’s Bees almond and milk hand cream (£9.99, 57g) comes in a recyclable glass jar that barely contains the delicious smell of custard and just-bathed babies.

“Smellies” remain a classic filler. Dr Bronner’s liquid soap (£7.69, 237ml) is a risk-free, guilt-free choice. Vegan, Fairtrade, organic and packaged in a design classic made from 100% post-consumer recycled materials, it is a multitasking wonder. Wash hands, body, woollens, hair, dishes, pets and surfaces, and leave behind a beautiful almond scent (other scents are available). For bathers, I recommend Lush’s cherry blossom reusable bubble bar (£7.50, about five baths), which has no packaging and bubbles satisfyingly.

If you would like to bestow the gift of proved skincare without breaking the bank or casting aspersions on appearance, know that a hyaluronic acid serum improves the look of every skin type at every age. The brilliant Garden of Wisdom has a vegetarian-friendly version (£9, 30ml) that is free from alcohol and silicones, making it mixable with other skincare (silicone often causes products to pill). For millennials’ stockings, Glossier’s Balm Dotcom (£10, 15ml; six flavours) is now an essential accessory. Finally, treat a girlfriend to buyers’ club Beauty Pie’s fabulous One Palette Wonder. Three eyeshadows, two blushers, a bronzer and a highlighter in one sleek, no-frills palette for only £7.56 (plus a monthly £10 membership fee). Nothing above is tested on animals.