The festive season is here again and with everyone beginning to frantically search for the best gifting ideas I decided to compile a list of online stores where you can shop ethically this Christmas!
A lovely little start-up that launched last month, Edge + Company sell ethical products that are handmade by those living with disabilities, mental health conditions, homelessness and addiction. Their mission is to break the stigma associated with such conditions through ‘radical giving’. Every product you purchase, from dainty homewares to organic teas and gorgeous greeting cards, will provide employment opportunities for those living with challenges.
The founders Milly and Steve kindly sent me a pair of their hand-rolled beeswax candles – made by the Campbell Village Trust, a home for people living with disabilities.
The Ethical Gift Box sells gifts that “give twice” – to both people and the environment. With their beautiful range of tailored gift boxes, you can be sure that each box has been created with such thought – not only for the receiver, but also for the maker. Incorporating local traditions, handcrafted work and recycled materials, you can either purchase a pre-made gift box or personalise your own!
I was delighted to sample the ‘For Her’ box. Thoughtfully packed with scented bath salts, a handwoven flannel, fairtrade soap and an upcycled coaster – I can’t wait to put them all to use.
One of my favourite online stops for ethical gifts (they also have a fab store in Surrey) – you’ve probably seen them featured in my 2018 Valentine’s Day and 2017 Christmas gift guides! Arthouse Unlimited is a collective of artists living with complex disabilities. These artists create artworks that are then developed into products for sale such as gift wraps, cards, chocolates and more. I especially love their tea towels – you can shop them here!
4. Etsy
In November I went to The Etsy Good Store, a pop-up in London to showcase the entrepreneurial and independent makers at the heart of Etsy. In the evening I listened to a talk on Shopping for a Sustainable Future with Lucy Siegle and Kate Arnell. They were also joined by Sarah, the founder of Little Beau Sheep, who spoke about her very cute and eco-friendly tumble dryer balls! It was great to hear the real life story behind one of Etsy’s many makers and know that you really can support craftsmanship and entrepreneurialism through shopping their online store.
5. Oxfam
I think Oxfam’s online shop falls a little under the radar despite the wealth of wonderful gifts and goodies you can find on there! With every purchase helping the charity to fight poverty around the world, you can be sure that proceeds from your gift will go towards life changing work. I especially love their charity gift cards which you can buy and in turn give a goat/ safe water/ food/ education to those in need!
Earlier this year Oxfam kindly sent me this gorgeous recycled sari bag from their brand new Sourced by Oxfam store. Handmade from recycled saris by a fair trade organisation in Delhi, each bag contributes to improving economic and social welfare in the region.
6. Acala
Acala is an online store that offers a range of natural, organic and vegan health and beauty products from market leading brands. Opened earlier this year by Hana, one of my first friends in the eco-blogging community, I have been so pleased to watch Acala become such a popular destination for ethical beauty lovers in only a short couple of months! For the festive period why not check out their gifts page where you can buy some gorgeous zero waste gift sets!
PLEASE NOTE THAT I WAS KINDLY GIFTED THE EDGE + COMPANY BEESWAX CANDLES, THE ETHICAL GIFT BOX ‘FOR HER’ GIFT SET AND THE OXFAM SARI BAG TO REVIEW FREE OF CHARGE.
I love posts like this because I like having a roundup of cool companies to check out and potentially support. The Ethical Giftbox seems like such a cool company
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Thanks, am so glad to hear!! And yes – especially love that you can personalise your own gift boxes!
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