AD- some products which appear in this guide have been gifted for review
What a year it has been! Suddenly it is December and time to buy gifts for your loved ones. This year I am trying to shop small where possible, and support small businesses after this crazy year that we have all had. This gift guide includes lots of small business owners who have nature at the core of their ethos. Shopping with them not only supports the makers and designers of these products, but also gives back to the world in an ethical and sustainable way.
So without further ado, let’s take a look at some top picks for eco-friendly, natural gifts…
Positive News Magazine
We could all do with a little more positivity this year- and so why not gift a subscription to Positive News Magazine to one of your friends and loved ones?
Each issue is packed with positivity, and it’s a gift that will bring joy for many months after Christmas comes to an end. The magazine is filled with uplifting journalism aimed to inform about progress and solutions rather than doom and gloom- we’ve had enough of that in 2020!
The magazine is a certified carbon neutral publication. It’s printed on FSC certified paper using 100% vegetable oil-based inks which means that it’s a brilliant eco-friendly gift.
Get their Christmas subscription for £30 for the year.
Lily & Loaf Candles
Lily & Loaf have the most gorgeous, non-toxic, soy wax candles- and they smell INCREDIBLE. I have the lavender & geranium and lemongrass & lime scents and will definitely be replacing these once they have run out.
Each candle costs £13.71, and come in a beautifully packaged box. The scents carry really well, and when I have lit a candle in one room, it travels into other rooms making the whole flat smell delicious. Head to their site to buy for yourself.
Bookswap
Looking for an alternative way to gift books this year? Perhaps you are looking for an alternative to Amazon? Bookswap is a circular way to consume books. It works on the basis that you list books to swap, and can order books from other members who have their books listed.
You could decide to use the service with your friends and family- and swap books!
It’s a great way to give your books a second life, and also read some of the latest titles in a sustainable way.
Purdy & Figg
What is a more 2020 style gift than hand sanitiser? The products from Purdy & Figg however are what can only been described as luxe hand sanitiser- the scents and glass bottle packaging are beautiful. It’s hard to believe you’re using a hand sanitiser when they smell so good!
The sanitisers come in a variety of scents, and 50ml bottles start from £5.99 on the Purdy & Figg website, making this the perfect stocking filler. A lovely feature of the Purdy & Figg product range is that refill bottles are available, and even atomisers!
Huski
Huski is the place to go for plastic free, non-toxic food utensil products. From sleek lunchboxes to resuable coffee cups, straws and cutlery, you’ll certainly be able to find a gift for everyone from this truly lovely brand.
Sustainability is at the core of their business ethos- all of their products are made from waste products such as rice and coconut husks- hence the name! And another bonus? The items are also really quite affordable with prices starting from £5.99 for coconut bowls, and lunchboxes priced at £13.99. Head to their website to see their collection.
Rubies In The Rubble
Not only do these chutneys have a great name, but they are also made with a great goal in mind- to reduce food waste. The relishes are made from surplus fruit and vegetables that would otherwise go to waste. Rubies In The Rubble work directly with UK farmers to create their delicious chutneys, and are an award winning brand.
Their Christmas gift set is £12 and includes chilli onion, classic apple, and pear and fig chutneys. You can buy directly from their website- which even shows the positive impact you are having by buying green this Christmas!
Other places to shop small this Christmas
Etsy
Etsy is a huge online marketplaces where you can buy from makers, creators, and small businesses. There are thousands of sellers on the platform, and you can find just about anything from unique prints, to handmade clay pots, to vintage clothing.
You might also be interested in: Etsy Christmas Gift Guide- Second Hand Treasures
The Indie Store
The Indie Store is your place to go to find small independent businesses in your local area. Their website is a great way to scope out some Christmas present ideas and shop small while it’s a little more difficult to get out and about to local shops this Christmas.
Search by your county to find and buy from local sellers in your area!
Merry Christmas!