13 thoughtful gift ideas for the new vegan in your life

If you're a vegan, you'll be more than familiar with the typical joke: 'How can you tell if someone's a vegan? They'll tell you.'

It's one I've personally endured in the five months since I've adopted a plant-based diet.

And while it can be a little predictable, I laugh good-naturedly because, honestly, I feel quietly triumphant about my lifestyle choice. Not only is a vegan diet associated with lower rates of heart disease, cancer, obesity and diabetes, it's good for the environment too. And our group is steadily growing. As of 2023, three per cent of Australia's population identified as vegan, with a further five per cent identifying as vegetarian.

Whether you're plant-based, plant-curious, an ethical vegan or a lazy one, or you just know someone who fits the bill and want to spoil them, here's a list of products and gifts that'll make life as a vegan that much easier.

NOTE: Prices are accurate at the time of publishing.

Kitchen essentials

Tofuture's Tofu Press

Pressing tofu gets all of the moisture out and makes the end result chewy and firm. To avoid having to weigh it down with paper towel and a stack of heavy books (been there), pick up this Tofuture Tofu Press instead. Tofuture is the original.

Buy for $39.99

Dream Farm Set of Citrus Tools

Anything that helps process or extract veggies and fruits is helpful for everyone but it's a game-changer for vegans. When you cook primarily with veggies and fruits, anything to speed up the process is a win. This set of citrus tools from Dream Farm is great for lemons, limes, oranges and grapefruits but the zester can also be used for onions and garlic.

Get the set for $44.95

KeepCup LongPlay Cold Cup

Perfect for smoothies and iced coffees, with a straw big enough for boba tea, the KeepCup LongPlay Cold Cup provides the cafe cold drink experience without all the unnecessary plastic.

Only $41.95

Seed & Sprout Ultimate Farmers Market Set

Complete with shopping totes, produce bags, a bread bag and bulk food bags, the Seed & Sprout Farmers Market Set sets up your environment-loving loved one with all the chic essentials for a day at the markets.

$146 on sale

Kip & Co Toasty Vegie Box Linen Apron

Did someone say plant-based? A little tongue-in-cheek, but mostly thoughtful, this linen veggie apron from Kip & Co is sure to rustle a smile.

Get it for $79

Breville the Paradice 9 Food Processor

As someone who gets their protein from plants, it's likely your loved one has had to cut and mush and dice a lot in their time. A food processor is so handy for everything, including homemade protein balls, falafels, dips and sauces. If they don't already have one, the Breville the Paradice Food Processor is a top-of-the-range pick that they'll be forever grateful for. You want those dairy-free brownie points, right?

Now $499

Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker

It's likely you've seen the Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker all over the internet, and that your loved one has too. This thing can turn anything into ice cream or sorbet – a can of peaches, a protein shake – making the dairy-free possibilities endless.

Yours for $267

Botanello Nut Milk Maker

Save them the money (and hassle) of constant trips to the store with their very own nut milk maker. This one from Botanello just requires water and the nut, bean or seed of choice (almond, oat, soy, coconut, etc.).

Buy for $199

Other nice things...

Golden Grind Turmeric Latte

While no one wants to spend eight dollars on a beverage in a cafe, a turmeric latte is the kind that'll make you think twice. The health benefits of turmeric are well documented and you always feel great after having one. Buying a long-lasting latte blend like this one from Golden Grind is the most wholesome gift.

Get for $22.95

Naked Harvest Hot Chocolate Moon Mylk

While we're on the topic of delicious drinks that are good for us, Naked Harvest's Hot Chocolate Moon Mylk is one of the most comforting you can have. Gift this with some top-quality plant-based chocolate to show someone you love them.

The Korean Vegan Cookbook: Reflections and Recipes from Omma's Kitchen

Author Joanne Molinaro has developed a cult following on TikTok and YouTube for her accessible and delicious vegan twists on authentic Korean food. Her 2021 cookbook The Korean Vegan has a staggering 4.8-star rating out of nearly 3,000 reviews so it seems her success transcends her online platforms.

Buy for $46.20

PlantYou

Similar to the Korean Vegan, Carleigh Bodrug shot to vegan cooking fame through her online videos. Her resulting cookbook PlantYou has a stream of dedicated fans, who have commented that the easy-to-follow recipes are specifically helpful for new vegans.

Pick up for $31.88

The Vegan Baking Bible

Making the transition away from dairy can make baking really difficult. But it doesn't mean it's completely off the table. Karolina Tegelaar's Vegan Baking Bible has been described as just that: not just a trove of recipe ideas and inspiration but an ultimate reference point too.

On sale for $37.73

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