10 Stylish (and Ethical!) Christmas Gift ideas for everyone
Breathe! You have time (see previous post if you've run out!). Think how great it would be to get all the gifts brought and you can actually enjoy wrapping! ... rather than that desperate rush on Christmas Eve.
Here you will find the result of my quest for wonderful presents that are also better for people and the environment. I’ve spent hours researching the majority of Etsy and online ethical shopping sites so this is your best selection!
I love Christmas, but every year I shudder at the amount of stuff brought, in particular the pieces that aren’t going to be loved or the ones brought in that Christmas panic!
Ready...!
#1 SMELLIES
Slighty similar to experiences, encourage someone to relax, pause and think of live more slowly.
Tropic - They're a brand a close friend introduced me to. Great for pure indulgence, curing skin conditions, even nappy rash (proven one of the best products for babies)
These 12 days of Christmas looks a real treat. Or go for the best sellers such as the body butter, bath bubbles or hand and foot treatments.
For a great smelling man - Deluxe manmade collection - A collection of 100% naturally derived essentials packed with exotic, energising ingredients perfect for sensitive skin. £38
#2 CANDLES AND DIFFUSERS:
Karavan is a great store in East Dulwich, London, who selects and sells carefully chosen ethical products. A lot of diffusers are incredibly toxic, thats why this one is a great buy:
‘Our all natural diffusers and candles to give your home a chemical free fragrance. From personal experience we know that our range of diffusers don't just smell lovely but they last as well, providing a consistent but not overwhelming aroma which can fill any room without being too pungent. They're also vegan friendly, alcohol and glychol free.
La Galeria’s handmade fair-trade candles turn into vases, tumblers or tea light holders. Based in West London, La Galeria Design is a small family Originally from Mexico, co-founder Fabrizzio has been inspired by his colourful roots and the traditional Mexican hand-crafting techniques to create La Galeria’s unique homeware.
“We want to make every moment a celebration by bringing warmth and excitement to the living spaces”
Being committed to fair trade principles and placing an emphasis on environmental sustainability, we use recycled glass to create our unique and premium hand blown pieces. £20
#2 HOMEWARE
‘Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful. – William Morris’
Gone Rural UK sells a selection of raffia placemats, vases and bowls. Great for table, floors and walls! Raspberry Stripe Classic Placemat £8.50
‘Weaving together tradition with innovation these beautiful grass placemats are hand made by rural artisans in Swaziland (Africa), providing home based employment for over 750 women.'
Fresh, clean geometric patterns are at the core of MAiK products.
‘Here at MAiK, we’re passionate about where our products come from and who made them. It all started in 2015, when Cat Thorogood decided she wanted to create great looking graphic pieces that are sustainably sourced and ethically produced…we found a selection of makers that supported their local community, looked after the planet and so we launched our first collection. Our cushions and pouches are made by unemployed Women’s social enterprise in East London. The beautiful melamine placemats are handmade in the UK from melamine and sustainably sourced eucalyptus, handmade in a family run UK factory.' £36 Placemats.
Handmade to Last by Agnes
For pattern, fabric and cushion lovers. Andinda’s pieces are inspirational. Perfect for the shop Anthropologie biggest fans.
‘Helping you to find eco-friendly gifts. Handmade, earth-friendly, sustainable bags and home decor from preloved fabrics.' Around £30+
Nkuku - Photo frame. Frame that exhibition postcard, love note or kids doodle.
Handmade, ethical and environmentally friendly, Nkuku's values create beautiful products.
They work with independent businesses, social projects and co-operatives whilst adhering to the standard globally recognised 10 Principles Of Fair Trade. Investing in the relationship between an artisan and a beautiful handmade piece to create a story, which makes each product not a mass market item, but an individually crafted piece. A lot of the products are handmade from recycled materials gather the waste leftovers from other industries including; cotton from discarded t-shirts, leather, metals and glass as well as recycled saris. £14.95+
#4 EDIBLES (AND ACCESSORIES)
You can’t go wrong if you think high quality and special treats. Quality Streets aside try these chocolates; even better keep an eye out at your local markets for handmade chocolates.
Metal Straws - 'This pack of two durable stainless steel straws is a fantastic for cool cocktails, smoothies, pop and milkshakes. £8.26
#5 JEWELLERY
For Brass jewellery - choose Just Trade.
Made by the Hope Jewellery fair trade project in Lima, Peru. By working with Just Trade, these women are able to educate their children and secure a better future for their families. £20+
Care note - Brass is likely to tarnish over time but restore the original shine with Brass cleaner and a soft cloth.
For Silver jewellery choose Hummingburd Hawkmoth sell their incredibly reasonable, cool pieces using recycled silver on Etsy,
These earrings and bangle are made from recycled sterling silver. Choose the finish you like to personalise it further.
Earring £20
Bangle £30
#6 DECORATIONS AND CHARACTERS
These ethically produced products are all designed in Bristol and brought to life by skilled artisans in the Himalayas. Certified member of British association of fair-trade suppliers. Many of the Nepalese craftspeople in our employ use techniques and skills that have been passed down through countless generations and it is with this artisan history in mind that we strive to support and promote ethical practices to ensure a fair wage and excellent working conditions are provided. £7-£40
#7 ACCESSORIES
Simple colourblock Bags - for everyone
‘Sourced entirely here in the UK and sewn in our Bembridge workshop on the Isle of Wight, these hard wearing and water resistant bags are keepers!’ Handmade in UK Vintage Upcycled Stripy Green Orange & White Deckchair Canvas Tote Shopping Beach Bag £19 - £24.50
‘Using papers sourced from end of print runs and packaging from factories and book binders in Delhi, paper that would usually be discarded or pulped was ‘rescued’ and made into the ‘rescued paper notebooks’ we still sell today.
Rescued Paper Notebook £7-£11
Sukie also sell personalised notebooks: Personalised Bright Ideas Notebook £9.95 GBP
#8 BOOKS
An exploration of the interconnectedness of human life and an unexpected love story, Integrity delves deep into the choices and emotions of a woman trying to change the world, and a man trying to change with her. 'A powerful novel that brings the big picture of climate change, economic greed and runaway inequality down to a deeply personal level through the story of a relationship between a woman and a man. A compassionate and empowering read.' - Vandana Shiva £9.99
There’s a Bear on My Chair by Ross Collins - Winner of the Amnesty CILIP Honour 2016
Poor Mouse! A bear has settled in his favourite chair and it just isn’t big enough for two. Mouse tries all kinds of tactics to move the pesky Bear but nothing works and poor Mouse gives up. Once Mouse has eventually gone, Bear gets up and walks home. But wait – is that a Mouse in Bear’s house?!
Hard back £9.95
#9 FOR LITTLE ONES
Relax in the garden to the sound as these red, orange and yellow wind chimes make a gentle tinkling sound in the breeze. This stylish design will look great in any garden and delight the whole family. The three chunky chime pieces are made with Planwood, a super-green product made from recycled rubberwood sawdust. www.babipur.co.uk £8.95
Organic Cotton Cord/ Jersey lining
These fun and colourful Willow Cord Dungarees, made from beautifully soft organic cord with a cosy and warm organic cotton jersey lining, are perfect for layering over one of our long-sleeved bodies or t-shirts for a comfy autumn outfit. £32
Made from super soft organic cotton velour, with organic cord elements to create lots of sensory textures for little hands to touch and feel, this toy is stuffed with fab recycled polyester perfect for lots of cosy cuddles! If the toys get a bit grubby then just simply pop them in the washing machine at 30 degrees! 31cm tall. £25
Piccalilly Space 2 Pack Bodysuit, Babipur
A 2 pack of short sleeved 100% organic cotton bodysuits from Piccalilly. £15.95
#10 BIGGER ONES
All from Frugi
100% organic cotton. Most fleeces on the highstreet are polyester, make us sweat! Not this one, the cotton will keep them warm and look awesome! £45
These Firefly Socks are great with willies or warming up those little legs under a skirt for £7.50 what a cute pressie! Made from 90% organic cotton, 8% polyamide and 2% elastane looped terry for extra longevity, cosiness and comfort! £7.50
The Magic Number Top, with a fun Frugi character on the front masquerading as a number. £19
There’s more!
‘All Pebble products are made by Hathay Bunano. Hathay Bunano, meaning hand made or hand knitted in Bangla, is a non-profit, fair trade organisation in Bangladesh. Its mission is to create fairly paid, good quality, flexible and local employment for rural women who are poor and often disadvantaged.
This adorable octopus rattle is the perfect size for little hands to shake! She looks very cute with her pink, purple and orange stripes and large googly eyes, and has eight legs which are perfect to grab hold of chew on!’
Fair trade and suitable from birth. £9 Octopus £26 Mobile
Organic Baby leggings by Mint Cake Club. Made by a Mama bear with a passion for minimal, ethical fashion and accessories, handmade in my West Sussex studio. £15.50
Follow us on instagram @resonatepicks or on twitter @lizzie_resonate for more gift ideas.
Have we missed something? Please leave a comment; we’d love to hear your thoughts!