Ethical, charity, small business or alternative gifts thread

[NoSquirrels]

I remember there was a great ‘alternative gifts’ thread last year where I discovered a lot of different things, and I wonder if anyone wants to share their hidden gems or great ideas here?

I’ve decided I’m shopping local or only buying something if it’s a good cause.

I discovered this website Green Tulip yesterday, which has loads of lovely things.

I’ve also bought some artwork in a charity auction for my local hospice - not linking as it’s over, and anyway you all should look up your own local hospice!

I absolutely love Arthouse Unlimited - they do such beautifully packaged things and support neurodiverse artists.

Hoxton Street Monster Supplies sells fun stuff that supports a literary project in East London. Last year I ‘bought’ several words for my hard to buy for people with a sense of humour.

On a similar literary theme, I also love The Poetry Pharmacy for little stocking filler gifts of ‘happy pills’.

Tell me your good stuff!

Thanks @NoSquirrels

I had success twinning my family's toilets last year, an idea I found on a previous mumsnet thread

www.toilettwinning.org/

Ooh, that’s a good one @clearsommespace - brilliant. (Also as I was starting to think no one else was interested!)

Another one (on a literary theme) that I discovered today was the Amnesty Kids Book Club subscription.

I bought these lovely Suspicious Crewmates from this Etsy store Nerdy Tortoises which is based in the UK, makes and designs all their own stuff (no outsourcing or importing) and offers handmade 100% vegan crochet gifts (not my store before anyone asks... I can't crochet to save my life): www.etsy.com/uk/shop/NerdyTortoises?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=1284861903
I bought the yellow, blue and red Suspicious Crewmates (I think they're from a video game but I just liked the look of them), they came quickly and are well made and baby-safe with no plastic eyes etc. The eleven-month-old is very happy with them as pram toys.

I also bought from Tring bookstore recently, called Our Bookshop, which aside from being a local independent business, organises and supports a literary festival. tringbookfestival.co.uk/ourbookshop/shop/
I bought the Room on the Broom touch and feel board book which again the 11mo was very happy with.

Great thread, and yes I remember the previous one too.

I don't have anything off the top of my head in terms of online shops at the moment but am looking at vouchers for a local beach cafe, local arts centre and local restaurants. However, I do have some concerns over businesses going into administration so will be buying late and buying cautiously if/when I buy them.

Apart from that, OH and I are very keen on second hand, and he in particular has interests which support that, which I appreciate not everyone does.

Leighdraws.Etsy.co.uk does magical letters from Father Christmas, full of little illustrations and charming. We are on our third year!

Jollie socks - For every pair bought, a pair is given to a Shelter.
Tender Leaf toys - they use reclaimed trees from rubber trees that no longer produce rubber, and for every reclaimed tree they use, they plant a new one.
Good Candles donates a percentage of profits to charity. Your choice of candle determines which charity. Seven Seventeen also donates profits sevenseventeen.co.uk/pages/charity

Charity Sweets subscription box
Frontline coffee

Who gives a crap loo roll

Bit of shitty Christmas present 😝

www.socialsupermarket.org/

lots of good ideas here, thanks :)

fruitytipples.co.uk/

Fruit flavoured liqueurs made by a small business near Holmfirth. They sell cocktail kits which make a great pressie.

www.louisewade.com
Small business designer maker based in Stoke Newington in London. She makes everything herself. Her workshop also has a shop.

I forgot to say what she makes! Lovely elegant edgy gold and silver jewellery. Also has very cool men's ranges.

Ha! No it's great! Lasts ages and comes in a nice wrapper.

These look amazing

I've bought some stuff from upcircle for the teens stocking. Reusable make up wipes.

@WhyOY They are! I bought a couple last year and have just bought the Mistletoe Martini kit for a friend. Got free delivery too

The marine conservation society do some fantastic clothes. I got DD a seahorse t-shirt and a Manta-ray hoodie.

Ooh, thanks for joining in, everyone - there are some excellent things to explore here!

Great idea. UNICEF market has some amazing bits inc jewellery market.unicef.org.uk//

Some little Etsy gifts that I think are great

Bee-saving key ring and bee-friendly seeds
Cornish glass worry angels
Cute Lindt-holder reindeer

The ‘celebrate’ box is in such pretty paper. If we hadn’t already just got a delivery of the regular stuff, I’d definitely order this!
Pretty!

In fact, could be a contender for my most awkward relatives…

Beautiful crochet gifts here - they really are stunning!

www.etsy.com/shop/crochetcabinetshop