Why give something new when there's so much waste? Belgium is brimming with talented, original, and circular entrepreneurs. All the more reason to choose an upcycled Christmas gift this year!
Here's where we shop ours:
Stock
The storage rooms of Kringwinkel (second hand stores) are filled with dinnerware nobody wants anymore. Plates that have seen countless meals, with faded glaze or missing pieces. Forgotten treasures from attics or grandma’s porcelain cabinet.
Stock gives these cast-offs a second life. With a fresh coat of glaze, these old finds transform from "no longer needed" to "as good as new." Locally and socially produced, with minimal use of new resources. We love this!
Eman
Taking your old bouncy castle to the landfill? Not if you ask Eman. This creative entrepreneur turns them into colorful—and waterproof!—bags. From handbags, hip bags, and bike bags to backpacks: the webshop offers something for everyone. One thing’s for sure: this colorful wonderland will make anyone smile.
Rero Glass
Rero Glass breathes—quite literally—new life into discarded glass. Their webshop features unique glasses and vases, but offers the experience as well. Want a vase made from your old bottle? Just swing it by! A glassblowing workshop as a gift? That’s an option too. We’re big fans!
BROL - Conscious Knitwear
At BROL, yarns take center stage—yarns with a story or history. These are often forgotten or less conventional, yet still hold immense value. BROL is a one-woman business founded by Nele Druyts. Her webshop features stunning, handmade, and circular knitwear. Stay warm this winter, the circular way!
Rekub
One-third of all food produced is wasted—outrageous! Rekub fights food waste by turning "ugly" (and therefore unsellable) vegetables into delicious treats. Their pralines, refined by vegetable chef Seppe Nobels, are surprising, refreshing, and utterly delicious. Every bite actively combats food waste, making them taste even better.
CASE
The fashion industry is a major global polluter. Thankfully, local ateliers offer a refreshing and circular alternative. At CASE, you’ll find Belgian, artisanal, and upcycled items to love. Their shirts are carefully selected from second-hand stores and upcycled by hand in their workshop, where unique designer fabrics from Antwerp designers are added.
UpCircle
It all started with the idea of reusing coffee grounds in scrubs. But this circular skincare brand didn’t stop there. Residual spices from chai syrup production, flower petals from weddings—their upcycling practices are extensive and incredibly creative. UpCircle offers accessible and affordable skincare products and has successfully scaled their refill system. Hats off to these impact creators!
Redopapers
At Redopapers, you’ll also find circular and upcycled gifts made from the finest paper scraps. Our top pick for under the tree is the One Line a Day Journal: an accessible and unique diary concept that lasts for three years. The cover is made from old banners and is refillable, while the pages are crafted from discarded paper. Also available in a gift set with an upcycled blocnote
redopapers.com/journals
