Christmas is all about giving, and these stylish and contemporary presents will help you give twice over. Each one helps support a charity, either via a donation or by helping support their work directly.
1. Bee friendly apron, The Oak Room
Encourage bees into your garden with the help of this apron…yes, really! Britain’s bees are under threat and the apron has been designed in collaboration with Friends of the Earth – £1.00 from each apron purchased will be donated to the charity. Made and printed in the UK from 100% organic, unbleached cotton. Available from The Oak Room.
2. Navy tote bag, Urban Road
A hand blocked cotton shopping bag that replaces plastic and looks good. Each bag generates training in new skills for the women who make them in rural India and each bag contributes 100% of the proceeds back to Indian orphans in need. £29.37, available from Urban Road.
3. ‘Chinwag’ mug, Jinny Ngui Designs
In support of Age UK’s Big Chinwag, designer Jinny Ngui has created a mug inspired by the campaign to combat loneliness. The proceeds from sale of these mugs will go directly to the Age UK East London day centre near Jinny’s home. £12, available from Etsy.
4. Sam the Camel, Forty Red Bangles
In a world of disposable children’s toys, this one is a real keeper and makes a special gift. Hand-crafted from block-printed Rajasthani fabrics, this camel soft toy is made from pure cotton and organic dyes. Every purchase supports The Sambhali Trust and the work they do towards the empowerment of women and girls in Rajasthan. £10, available from Postcards Home.
5. Diabolix bottle opener, Alessi
Designed by Biagio Cisotti and made from thermoplastic resin, this is the ideal gift for anyone who likes a party! For every purchase of Alessi products from their ‘RED’ collection, stockist Black by Design will donate a portion of the £11.50 purchase price to the Global Fight Against Aids.
6. Scandi nest of tables, Sue Ryder
A set of three muted coloured nest of tables, £59, capturing the typical clean style of Scandinavian furniture. Money raised from the sale of this item will help support hospice care. Available from Sue Ryder.
7. Vintage sari kantha quilts, Decorator’s Notebook
These kantha bedspreads are stitched by hand from contrasting vintage saris, so this design is completely unique and can never be repeated. Made by a social enterprise in Bangladesh that helps victims of sex trafficking rebuild their lives. Each quilt is hand-sewn by just one woman and finished with an embroidered label telling you her name and a link to her personal story. Prices from £175, available from Decorator’s Notebook.
8. Love nature reed diffuser, RSPB
The easy way to give your room a subtle and long-lasting fragrance. This Wildflowers scent diffuser contains no chemicals and brings the heady aroma of a flower garden into your home. £8.99 for 100 ml, supplied with reed sticks. Available from the RSPB shop.
9. Handmade fairtrade baby blanket, Hathay Bunano
This bright and colourful blanket, £33, has a hand crocheted edging, and is made in rural Bangladesh. This product helps to support families, removing the need for economic migration to the cities and providing women with flexible working opportunities which are close to their homes. Available from Best Years.
10. China dog bowl, SPANA
If you’re searching for a festive dog gift, this ceramic dog bowl will certainly get a woof of approval. Proceeds will go to SPANA, a charity that helps animals in the world’s poorest communities. £5.50 from the SPANA shop.
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