Gifts that do good?

[spudsuliked]

I've tried the last few years to lean more towards ethical/ more environmentally friendly gifts but have found them all a bit dull to give to be honest.. not everybody is excited to get a certificate for a toilet in a far away village as much as it feels good! So I was wondering if we could gather ideas for 'decent' (sorry!) gifts that also do some good.. such as a charity donation included or similar? Anything for children would get bonus points for me! So far I've pre ordered my brother a copy of 'Knead Peace' cook book which looks really lovely and donates money from each sale to the DEC, anyone got any other ideas?!

If you prefer to give donations then you should but in your name not a merry Xmas niece I’ve giving your £20 Waterstones vouchers to Save the Children.

id rather the person say I’m not giving gifts and do their money what they want

I think I actually agree with this, it's not really a gift if it's me getting a warm fuzzy feeling and somebody else getting the benefit. I suppose that's why I'm wondering about a middle ground? Presents that are lovely to receive but also add some good to the world as well.. obviously it takes thought so as not to gift tat and still have the same issue.. I suppose that's why I thought bringing together these sort of gifts would be useful? For example the cook book I mentioned looks great quality and features chefs he's already a fan of and the money raising side is an added bonus. Fair enough if it's not your thing though

Jo Malone does charity candles www.jomalone.co.uk/home/candles/charity-candles and Seven Seventeen donates some profits to good causes sevenseventeen.co.uk/pages/charity There’s also Good Candles good-candles.com/collections/good-candles

Jollie’s Socks donate a pair of socks for every pair bought jolliesocks.com/charities/

Fahlo Bracelets are amazing and make great presents for tweens and teens myfahlo.com/en-gb

WWF have a limited edition range for supporting endangered tigers shop.wwf.org.uk/collections/limited-tiger-protector-tiger-who-came-to-tea

Brilliant thank you! That's exactly what I was looking for, things that you'd actually want to receive.

If you have a local wildlife rescue or similar see if they have anything. I get calendars made up for the centre I volunteer at as they raise much needed funds for us over winter

Most charities do a range of gift ideas now - great ormond street, rnli etc am sure you could find a charity you would like to support that has nice gifts🙂

Madlug is a bag company that donates a free bag to Foster children for everyone it sells.

Oh these are all great ideas thank you! Love the idea of providing bags for foster children

One or two other ideas- I've not tried all of them but have them on my list since seeing them in a thread last year.

Beco soap employs people with disabilities and helps employees move on to better jobs.

Harry Specters chocolates does similar for people with autism.

Camphill Village Trusts- hampers, cheeses, toys from sheltered communities for those with disabilities

Arthouse Unlimited (similar to above, gifts, artwork)

Iris Hantverk traditional Swedish handmade brushes and homewares made by visually impaired craft people

Migrateful offers cooking lessons in a variety of cuisines taught by refugees

I was going to mention Harry Specter chocolates. They are lovely. Lots charities - like vintage railways or museums rely heavily on their commercial arms.

Not another bunch of Flowers is also worth a look plus most of the major charities have a commerical arm.

Animal sponsorship. WWF do them but I'm sure there are others. The price you pay to buy it helps protect endangered species, but you get a pack with a cuddly toy and periodic updates so it's a nice gift too. I got this for some kids last year and they have enjoyed learning about the animals.

A tree to plant? Or seeds/flowers. Nice gift and good for the environment.

Another way of doing this is instead of a gift that does good, try for one that at least does no harm. Bamboo cotton clothing. Food/drink - consumable and in recyclable packaging. Experience gifts such as cinema vouchers, restaurant vouchers, etc.

Forgot to add Dalit Goods for candles, spices and soaps handmade by Dalit people (so called "untouchables") in Uttar Pradesh.

I find social enterprises or charities to buy things from, or small producers. We have a charity locally that provides supported work, they make great things, I shop there quite often.