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?!

Just concentrate on buying less I'd say. Forget adult presents for one. Tell every adult you normally exchange gifts with that you aren't doing it anymore. Two, forget xmas eve boxes. I am not judging you but come on OP, new xmas pjs and a mug for every family member each year, that is the very definition of useless environmentally harmful tat made by slaves.

Watching with interest (I think the problem you’ll have is finding an ethically produced gift that tweenies in particular will actually be glad to receive)

@Davros Thanks for that website - some brilliant stuff on there. Going to get the stocking filler collection for sure. Great idea.

I Am looking a Christmas present for my 4 year old that is child friendly, any ideas ?

Lego may be plastic but it's not tat, or disposable, or made by slave labour, and there's loads of great Harry Potter kits.

I doubt you really need new mugs every year. When we moved house we took about 40 mug to the charity shop, they had been clogging up cupboards-and the majority were never used. We kept a dozen for everyday use and a few which are used during outdoor work, for window cleaner etc.
When I helped a friend clear her kitchen prior to moving, we unearthed around 80 mugs.

Im slightly skeptical about the lego as it is so small x

Experiences are nice, dd bought me a luxury pedicure which was a lovely treat for example

Some items which were a huge hit with DS, who always had a great imagination;
An old wooden box with a lock and key. We found one in a junk/antique place . It formed the basis for so many games,-as well a great place to stash chocolate coins and treasure maps.
A cardboard box full of pieces of string/cord/rope, even chain. These can be bought by the metre in B&Q etc. Best present ever, according to DS! I miss those days.

And he was very into the Narnia stories; the box featured in many Narnia related games. A wooden sword and a cloak made from a strip of red velvet went down very well too.

@buckeejit That is so lovely to hear! I used to run workshops for kids, and one of the best ones was the peg dolls - kids had a fabulous time making them, we'd do Christmas ones (so Santa, angels, elves etc), but also they would make their own family, they loved it. I used wool for hair and felt-tipped pens (faster than paints) for details & clothes, and even the really little ones could do it.
My own two still have a box of ones they made over the years!

Its harder for older DC, but for big plastic toys I always try to buy my DC second hand ones (apart from lego, too scared of missing pieces).

Secondhand is a good way to buy ethical gifts. Especially when you're buying for your own children. Books, board games, clothes, toys etc. I know they may have originally come from China but good to give the items another life.

Secondhand is best really.
Places like conscious craft online have ethical craft supplies and toys.
Lots of books are printed in China these days and I don't know how to get around that if you want a specific book.
Pyjamas, the ethical ones at places like babipur are lovely but expensive. I tend to buy in sales or secondhand.

shop.camphillvillagetrust.org.uk/pages/toys
These are probably most suitable for younger children, some of these same wooden toys have been in our family for 30years.

Try companies like this one for gift ideas. There are some books in here for kids to encourage outdoor activities:-

www.dolilthings.org/giftsandpartytime

Lego and Playmobil get mostly produced in Europe.

[quote SylvanasWindrunner]@Davros Thanks for that website - some brilliant stuff on there. Going to get the stocking filler collection for sure. Great idea.[/quote]
I'm very pleased to spread the word and do a sneaky bump!