Shopping at the last minute for Christmas gifts?
Choose from these ethical gift ideas – here are my top 10 suggestions for feel-good giving.
1. Charitable donations
Let’s face it – most of us have more than enough stuff. So a charitable donation can be a great option for an ethical gift, because your money is going to someone who really needs it. Choose a cause which aligns with your loved one’s interests and values and your gift will be especially welcome.
Try UNICEF for ideas from footballs to blankets to vaccines, to support vulnerable children in the world’s poorest countries.
Closer to home, Centrepoint have a range of options to help homeless young people at Christmas and throughout the year. Sponsor a hot meal, a safe warm bed or even a package of toiletries.
2. Handmade and local
When you spend your cash in a local business, you know exactly where your money is going. Choosing an ethical gift from a local business supports your local economy, cuts down on transportation and puts money in the pocket of a family in your neighbourhood. Take a walk along your local high street to find loads of great ideas, or visit a Christmas market or craft fair to buy unique, local and handmade gifts.
3. Preloved treasures
Buying preloved is bang on-trend, and your money will go further with a sustainable gift which also supports the values of “reuse, reduce, recycle”. Vinted is a great source of preloved and vintage fashion and accessories. Why not have a dig in your wardrobe for things to sell too?
Oxfam also offer vintage and preloved treasures from clothes to homeware, vinyl records to books – available to buy online.
4. Plant-based gifts
When you’re looking for ethical gift ideas, plant-based products are a great place to start. Think bamboo toothbrushes, reusable water bottles, sustainably sourced fabric tote bags, – even socks!
5. Fair Trade chocolate
Is it even Christmas without chocolate? And fair trade chocolate is not only an ethical gift, it’s also delicious. And it’s surprisingly easy to find. Look for brands that commit to supporting cocoa farmers and promote ethical practices. Divine is available online and also from Ocado. Several of the big supermarkets are switching to fairtrade chocolate including the Co-op and Aldi. Click here for more brand ideas from Fairtrade.org.uk.
6. Sustainable fashion
The fashion industry hasn’t got the best reputation when it comes to ethical practices. But things are changing for the better, so Christmas is a great opportunity to support trailblazing businesses who are committed to fair working practices and sustainable materials. For ethical accessories, try sojustshop.com. You can find more eco-friendly ideas including jewellery and accessories, at Green Tulip. And for beauty and skincare fans, try Upcircle Beauty.
7. Experiences over things
Giving an experience is a great ethical gift idea. Theatre tickets, a spa day, a dance class, or a cookery course are all great ideas. Choose an experience that fits your loved one’s interests – or surprise them with something completely new. When you give an experience, there’s minimal wrapping, low postage costs and it gives your loved one something to look forward to in the dark days of January.
If you’re stuck for ideas, the big experience gifting companies offer special sustainable gift menus. Try Buy A Gift, Red Letter Days, and Virgin Experience Days.
8. DIY gifts
If you’re feeling creative, a present you have made yourself is a great ethical gift, because you know exactly where it has come from. From homemade biscuits to crocheted washcloths, making a gift yourself adds a real personal touch to Christmas.
9. Gifts that Give Back
This year I’ve been exploring gifting companies who make a charitable donation when you buy. I love Out Of the Box Gifts who are partnered with B1G1. For every gift you give, you can choose a global project to donate to. As the founder of a B1G1 partner business, this is gifting I can really get behind.
For a tasty, feel-good gift, try Social Stories Club chocolate gift boxes. Each purchase supports a social enterprise dedicated to making a positive difference in communities. And as well as delicious chocolate, the gift box contains a story booklet about the good cause it is supporting.
Give the gift of wellbeing with a thoughtful selection from Wellboxes. For every purchase, Wellboxes donates £1 to mental health charity MIND.
I hope my ideas have inspired you to crack on with your Christmas shopping. What are your favourite ethical gifts?
