Words by Abi Scaife
Struggling to pick those last-minute gifts for your loved ones? Well, you’re not the only one.
As we open our advent calendars and pull out those dusty Christmas decs, it’s time to start thinking about presents. But for many this year – as the planet and the people on it is becoming increasingly important to society to protect – you may want to give gifts with meaning. Ones that aren't full of plastic, or do good in the process.
We’ve put together a list of gifts you can buy for family and friends without the guilt, all while spreading a little Christmas cheer.
We no doubt all know someone who would love this gift! For the vintage lovers and secondhand shoppers among us, The Charity Shop Giftcard is a fantastic gift. You purchase and load it up with cash, just like any other giftcard, but the contents are redeemable at a variety of different charity shops across the country.
Participating stores includes places like Shelter, YMCA and TRAID, but the list is growing every single day. This gift does triple the good - you’re making a donation to charities, enabling people to shop secondhand and preventing waste, and you’re bringing a smile to your loved ones faces. What could be better?
Sick of giving the gift of stuff every year? For your loved one who has, well, everything, consider purchasing a Concern Gift, through Concern Worldwide.
On their website, you can choose from a bunch of different gifts, all of which are tailored to improve the lives of families in some of the world’s poorest countries. You can spend as little as £9 on a mosquito net, or as much as £1,180 on a village well - or buy livestock like chickens and cows so that families can eat, and sell produce for money.
Each gift comes with a personalised card you can send to your loved one, so they know where the money is going, and can see the difference it is making in someones life.
If you have a family member who loves a glass of wine at the end of a long week, then look no further. Sea Change Wine is a wine company dedicated to quality wine, and protecting our oceans.
The wines are eco friendly (meaning minimal packaging), and each 75cl bottle purchased results in a 25 euro cents donation to charity partners like the Olive Ridley Project and Sea-Changers. As an added bonus, all wines are suitable for vegetarians, and most are even vegan friendly.
#TOGETHERBAND is a fantastic store that prioritises sustainability above all else - but who says you can’t look good while saving the planet?
For the sustainable fashionista in your life, consider the carbon negative sunglasses made from recycled CDs - for every pair sold £1 is donated to Sightsavers to help prevent blindness. Or maybe take a look at the bracelets made from ocean plastic with clasps made from surrendered firearms.
Whoever you’re buying for, #TOGETHER has a gift they’ll love, that allows you to give back at the same time.
Have a foodie friend who wants to make an impact? Look no further than the Sustainable Foodie Gift Box, where each and every item has made a difference, in its own special way.
From the apple crisps made from wonky apples that would otherwise go to the landfill, helping reduce food waste to the honey spiced nut mix that helps girls in Africa through the Empowering Girls Education Programme, the Sustainable Foodie Gift Box is a great choice for making a difference. One thing is for sure, this gift box will keep your loved ones happy in their souls, and their stomachs, long after Christmas has been and gone.
This article aligns with the UN SDG Responsible Consumption and Production.
