Struggling to find the perfect sustainable Christmas gifts? Don’t worry, we’ve got you sorted. We’ve done the research to find you some of the very best small UK brands and online ethical marketplaces for all your Christmas shopping so that you don’t have to stress.
This winter it’s going to be particularly challenging not to give in to the temptation of ordering presents from Amazon… we’re all stuck inside (f u corona) and are unable to visit local markets and our favourite independent shops. Fortunately, the rise of sustainable e-commerce has coincided with the pandemic, so there’s plenty of online options and you don’t even need to set a foot out of the house.
Hand-made ceramics – Nina Paloma
Sustainability: Made in the UK, recyclable packaging, low-waste process
Price range: Medium
Favourite products:Sunset mug
Who to gift:Friends, family… anyone who has good taste and loves a hot brew!
Website:https://www.ninapaloma.co.uk
For the most BEAUTIFUL ceramics you’ve ever seen, head over to Nina Paloma’s website. I am quite literally obsessed with her mugs and have a growing collection which I plan to continue adding to. There’s plenty of beautiful colours and styles available to choose from on her website so there is something for everyone! Nina makes everything herself in her Kent-based studio so no ceramic is exactly the same and you are guaranteed that the piece you purchase will be unique. Nina is also an incredibly talented illustrator and many of her mugs feature beautiful illustrations of sea creatures and other animals – so if you know any animal lovers who also love a cuppa then Nina has you sorted for Christmas! I adore all of Nina’s ceramics but feel that her mugs make particularly incredible presents and I will definitely be buying some as pressies for my favourite family members.
I mean, how gorgeous are these colours?!
Ethical marketplace - Wearth London
Sustainability: Made in the UK, recyclable packaging, sustainable materials, ethical practises, vegan
Price range: Low - high
Favourite products: Everything in their ‘Conscious Christmas’ section!
Who to gift: They have something for everyone!
Website: https://www.wearthlondon.com
Wearth London is an incredible ethical marketplace stocking an extensive range of sustainable, ethical and vegan products from independent UK brands. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to Christmas present options; from natural beauty products, zero waste essentials to jewellery made from recycled silver. All of their products are selected by their London team with quality and style in mind, they have just about every sustainable pressie you could think of! They even have a ‘Conscious Christmas’ section on their website which has reusable Christmas crackers, seasonal soy wax candles and adorable sustainable gift sets for both men and women. I just love how they stock such a wide range of products and the ethos behind the marketplace is incredible; they promote sustainable, cruelty-free living whilst championing small UK businesses at the same time... a massive win-win.
Soft furnishings – July Home
Sustainability: Made in the UK, recyclable packaging, sustainable fabrics
Price range: High
Favourite products: The Francisco and Vienna cushion
Who to gift: A special friend or family member who deserves a bit of sustainable luxury!
Website: No website yet – place orders through messaging them on Instagram @JulyHome
If you have any friends who love crisp, clean, beautiful interiors and also care about the environment (I mean, who doesn’t) then look no further than July Home for Christmas presents! They’re a mother and daughter team based in the UK who source their fabrics from Ireland and handcraft their products in Buckinghamshire. They stock an exclusive range of luxury soft-furnishings, including gorgeous sustainable cushion covers and table runners. I am truly obsessed with the neutral tones and earthy shades of the fabric they use - their classy, timeless pieces would go with almost any interior! From a sustainability perspective they’re also ticking all the right boxes; they only use environmentally-friendly fabrics such as linen and organic materials, they’re UK based and all of their packaging is recyclable. Their prices are fairly high (around £40 per cushion cover) but this reflects the luxury sustainable fabrics used and the time it takes to carefully handcraft each item - they are definitely worth the investment!
We just love the natural colours of the fabrics July Home uses - so classy!
Jewellery – Jaspe Jewellery
Sustainability: Made in the UK, ethically sourced materials, donations made to charity
Price range: Medium
Favourite products: 'Pearl Next Door' necklace
Who to gift: Female friends
Website: https://www.jaspejewellery.com
Jaspe Jewellery is a UK-based jewellery brand with a range of beautiful, high quality pieces at affordable prices. Most of the pieces are gold-plated and around £20 (which I think is a bargain!) and they often have sales with great deals available. I am particularly obsessed with their necklaces and recently bought their ‘Pearl Next Door’ necklace, which I have received soo many compliments on. It’s made from ethically-sourced freshwater pearls and there’s even the option to personalise it and add an initial – so cute! The brand isn’t explicitly focussed on sustainability but they do stock some sustainable pieces including a fabulous beaded necklace handmade from recycled fishing wire from the beach and they donate 50% of the proceeds towards beach clean-up charities. Definitely check them out for Christmas presents, I know I would be so happy to receive anything from their website and with a range of options around the £20 price mark you won’t be breaking the bank!
How gorgeous is this sustainable necklace made from recycled fishing wire?!