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!

Kindle Holistic Therapies. We've got some lovely handmade windcharms for sale. Also if you're into journalling we've just released our first Relationship Journal.
kindleholistictherapies.com/shop Kindle Holistic Therapies

I've also found lots of small businesses on this Christmas market page too. They are raising money charity too. I've picked up lots of lovely stocking fillers. www.facebook.com/groups/ashleyspapyrusmarket/

Also if you search on Facebook or Instagram Hike those likes marketplace. They are a hub for small UK businesses advertising their services and products

Great thread idea!

I go with digital gifts if that's what could be useful or entertaining. Things like a slideshow program or an image editor for PC that don't require monthly payments and could be used for studies or family projects make really good gifts, but you need to know people would be interested.

Oh my goodness @Wookiee34 those are GLORIOUS 😍 Thank you for sharing!

Lovely thread @NoSquirrels - my favourite subject!

I love bookshop.org for supporting independent bookshops - you can choose your favourite one to support and prices are usually competitive :)

Indie stuff I've bought for Christmas so far this year - Wonder & Wren rompers, tickets for our local theatre, decorations from our local florist who has the most gorgeous display up and really unusual things, and lots from Tipsy Wight who I discovered last year and their wonky bottles went down a treat with everyone, so more people are getting them this year 😍

Keep an eye out in your area for any open studios or art trail events - we've just done ours last weekend and loads of local artists have some amazing things which make fab presents.

My own little businesses are also geared up for Christmas - Ink Drops stationery (subscription and shop) and TEMPRD chunky handmade chocolate :) (I hope they're ok to share too).

onlinechristmasfair.com is on at the
momemt and quite a few indepenents on there with various discounts

I know some people might think it's lame but we visit a local bird sanctuary and for the last few years I have adopted a bird each for several family members. They've been a real hit as a gift and a much needed source of income for the sanctuary as it has been effected badly by COVID and storms recently.

Buy Living Wage

Living wage Scotland do a gift guide to showcase some of the accredited employers, so at least you know their staff are being paid a fair wage.

Hello!
Totally on the same page on shopping local/ethical presents.
If you know someone who likes a good charity shop there’s now a charity shop gift card! You can check the website to see where accepts it :)
thecharityshopgiftcard.co.uk
Such a good thrifty gift! E voucher available too!

A list of 33 Gifts that are sustainable.

Lovely weaver who hand dyes a variety of weights of wool and natural wool blends and weaves them into gorgeous scarves, throws, dog collars etc, all excellent value: www.instagram.com/justwooltextiles/
He loves collaborating on designs and is a delight to work with.

I love everything by "Holly made this". She uses lots of reclaimed materials. Her stuff is lush www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Hollymadethis

Raindrops on Roses is a lovely gift shop with all proceeds going to Action Against Cancer.

raindropsonroses.org.uk/

www.carvlondon.com/shop gorgeous handmade leather bags and accessories made in Devon.

TalkingOfPlants on Instagram has some gorgeous garden themed gifts. Clothing, garden accessories, tableware etc.

I came across this website promoting makers in Perthshire, it has some nice, unusual gift ideas.
www.perthshire-artisans.scot

Link fail - Perthshire Artisans

This is a brilliant site - you can find something for everyone:

www.buysocialscotland.com/

This is a bit more than a stocking filler but really nice. Social enterprise who sell art prints by artists with disabilities. They give 50% of the profit to the artist.
art-rabble.org/

Thanks justguessing, i love this site!

Wonky Candles. A young disabled man (he describes himself as being ‘a bit wonky’) makes scented candles from home. They come in recycled glass jam jars and a variety of different scents. Someone on Mumsnet recommended them a couple of years ago and I’ve ordered them a few times. He donates some of the proceeds to charity

This just happens to be my local Cathedral but for those who love heritage /architecture then many other Cathedrals and churches do similar schemes.

www.worcestercathedral.co.uk/support-us/adopt-a-piece-of-history

After being a long-time lurker on the Christmas board, it's nice to finally be able to contribute something 😊

i like this website art-rabble.org

they help artists with disabilities