Impossibility of finding Christmas presents for children that are produced ethically

[TeaAndBiscuitsAndWine]

Hands up, I’m new to this ‘ethical shopping’ malarkey, but having recently found out about what is going on in China with the minority Uigers and political dissidents being forced into ‘re-education camps’ and used as slave labour (and worse), I have been trying to find things for this Christmas that (a) weren’t made in China, (b) haven’t been shipped half way around the world with all the associated emissions / just a load of plastic that will be landfill by New Year, and (c) aren’t ridiculously expensive. It’s impossible! Tried everywhere on the High Street, nothing. Tried online, but even on Etsy lots of the stuff for kids (for ages 8-14) Christmas stockings was imported from China. I’m sure there must be stuff out there but I don’t know where. Anyone got any suggestions? I’ve been glued to the MN Christmas shopping threads but everything I’ve checked out has failed to meet the basic ethical requirements I’m trying to meet this year. Am I just being unrealistic? Is my search doomed to failure? Is Christmas cancelled this year?!

I agree with others that buying fewer things, but choosing things they actually want is the best in the long run. I also try to visualise where they would actually keep it / use it as well to help stay practical.

Etsy is great for UK-made small businesses. There are lots of treasures on there and often for a good price too.

Some ideas for being HP themed:

• A framed poster or Marauders Map for the wall (there will be people who have nice prints on Etsy, get it framed at a local framers) like these: etsy.me/2XCpWsX
• hand painted / pyrographed sign for bedroom doors in HP style like these: etsy.me/2LVO3tK
• hand-made HP decorations like these: etsy.me/3kGuJTl

Unicorn things

• unicorn felting kit containing ethically sourced merino wool: etsy.me/2rV5Sis

Minecraft desk tidy (also spotted pig and chicken or duck one) or could be a plant holder: etsy.me/2XLR9de

Don't know if any of these exact things would be suitable but hopefully gives some inspiration!

RobertaFirmino
aw, you're welcome I hope there's something you like

Spirit of Nature have a gift section here

Try YesBebe or Little Acorns etc
Or a whirli subscription? “New” toys all year!
Second hand also great (toy barns etc)

I'm thinking of Whirli for DD who is 7.

Myriad do lovely stuff.

www.myriadonline.co.uk

On Christmas Eve we look on the computer and choose a charity together and then I set up a direct debit for £5/month. By the time they're adults it will add up to a lot but it's a lovely thing we do together.

I'm a childminder & have been trying to keep the business side mostly tat free & mostly ethical.

My main things that are played with daily are the peg dolls-if there's any particular characters you like, there will be a uk maker who has made an inspired peg of it. I started painting my own so I could do customs of my mindees & strange requests. It's actually really therapeutic & im not that artistic! Also the grimms or similar stacking rainbow is great.

After this it's the vintage fisher price that was mine as a child & also playmobil 123. My 8 year old still plays with all these things. Of course, a cardboard box is always still the best thing!

I try to compensate with the amount of stuff by adding consumables-they're pleased with favourite or exciting cereal, crisps, hot chocolate etc & toiletries. It all bulks it out.

Oh I forgot I'm ordering a personalised rap this year for teens in the family (www.christurnercomedy.com/about) not strictly ethical but less clutter and hopefully will be enjoyed!

What about charity donation gifts like Oxfam's 'give a goat' etc? In my experience children are happy to feel they have given something valuable to people in poorer countries. There are lots of different options.
I have also known families where they all agree to buy presents from charity shops, eg to value of £10.

onlineshop.oxfam.org.uk/category/oxfam-unwrapped?pscid=ps_ggl_Google+-+Oxfam+Unwrapped+-+Brand+-+2021_cards_phrase&crm_event_code=20REUWWS06&gclid=CjwKCAjw7--KBhAMEiwAxfpkWJVb1PfruLreGAK-cchEHMaIq6K81h7lOcRL3AOVCR40JzTfOXKYBBoCC1UQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
shop.wateraid.org/
support.wwf.org.uk/adopt-an-animal?utm_source=Google-Pure-Brand&utm_medium=PaidSearch-Brand&pc=AVB014001&gclsrc=aw.ds&ds_rl=1263317&gclid=CjwKCAjw7--KBhAMEiwAxfpkWJ-dgsaKQFjFqUxfzYnfPX3IXAuhcIUztqCQTdmmLyhhYiZ6gC_pRhoC6csQAvD_BwE

Myriad toys

I honestly believe second hand is the way to go. Donate, buy, donate back, buy more etc. or CEX or cash converters for tech. Its the only way I can sleep at night, knowing at least I'm not spending my money on brand new stuff from unethical, disgusting massive companies.

Boycott primark and amazon (difficult)

For craft kits… there is a charity in the south west that stops stuff going into landfill and cuts paper etc into amazing and appealing craft kits… try googling scrap store Bristol/Wiltshire

Buy second hand locally, it may not have been produced ethically originally but by buying second hand you are not using new resources, by buying from local charity shops you are helping a good cause

(And they do have an online shop with eco, craft and upcycled items)

For new things try traidcraft and if by chance you are near Cambridge try the shop at the university archeology museum, had ethical gifts, really interesting - not sure if they sell online

Jacques of London manufacture in this country. They do beautiful wooden board games and varied outdoor and indoor games.

Traidcraft, if it hasn't already been mentioned. Plus People Tree for ethical fashion.

And I put together small craft kits to make nature-inspired arts/crafts. I'm definitely in the UK 😉

I’ve bought from here with success before: muckyknees.com/

Sorry if repeating, not fully caught up.

I think it depends on what your ethics are.

Zero waste/ boycott China, Isreal etc/ support independent shops/ fewest product miles: plastic free

I have a fairly mix and match approach. Lots of second hand, but some probably Chinese made stuff but from independent shops I want to support (and some stuff that won't be ethical but it's on the list,) some homemade (if I have the time which is looking less and less likely this year), some locally made (WI Christmas fairs often have had knitted teddies and toys for a great price) Hopefully there'll be some craft fairs this year too. Good luck.

Good luck

Nearly half the toys purchased from third-party sellers on online marketplaces were dangerous, according to an investigation by an industry body that warns of a “wild west of safety”.

The research by the British Toy and Hobby Association (BTHA) identified toys that could choke, burn or even poison a child being sold on major sites including Amazon and eBay.

www.theguardian.com/money/2021/oct/05/nearly-half-toys-from-third-party-online-sellers-found-dangerous?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

A lot of the tat on Etsy is produced in china and a lot of sellers pretend they are in the eu etc...as i found out....managed to get a refund off etsy and then the crap item arrived....

Fair trade? Local craft shows?

I love Babipur but older range is probably trickier. My children have always had some of the wooden toys for Christmas (and See them as having been made by the elves. This sort of thing could possibly work for an older child www.babipur.co.uk/grimms-triangles-magnet-puzzle.html