For mums, grandmas, aunts, sisters and friends…our pick of the best eco and ethical Christmas gifts for her.
Hygge gift set – £59 from Aerende, www.aerende.co.uk
It became one of the words of 2016, now you can spread a bit of Danish cosiness to the Scandi-lover in your life with this ‘hygge’ gift set. Featuring handmade cup and saucer for warming hot chocolates, a handmade organic cotton cushion to snuggle up to, and a (Danish essential) soy wax scented candle. All products are handmade by social enterprises and charities – the cup and saucer has been made by residents with learning disabilities at The Grange in Glocestershire; the cushion is handmade by refugees in Hertfordshire as part of a Refugee Council project; and the candle is made by staff with a range of additional needs at Beacons Creative in Wales. Browse the rest of the Aerende range for more brilliant handcrafted gifts from people facing a range of social challenges.
‘Samphire’ eau de toilette (100ml) – £60 from Laboratory Perfumes, www.laboratoryperfumes.com
This inventive British brand makes perfume the ‘old fashioned way’, taking inspiration from natural botanicals and using natural oils. We love this cool, fresh, coastal fragrance of verbena, juniper, lavender, citrus oils, basil and rosemary with base notes of oak moss and amber. Other fragrances in the range include Atlas, Amber, Gorse and Tonka – all unisex, they develop into something unique on every individual. All perfumes come in a stylish, minimalist cardboard tube. Matching scented candles are also available.
‘So Sleepy’ limited edition collection – £10 from Tropic Skin Care, www.tropicskincare.com
This brand new set from Tropic Skin Care is a perfect stocking filler. Including a travel-sized pillow mist and temple roll-on to help you nod off into a deep sleep. It smells gorgeous thanks to the essential oils rosewood, vanilla and lavender.
Artisan Sparkling Elderflower Wine Maker’s Kit – £40.99 from Yumbles, www.yumbles.com
This fun DIY kit includes everything you need to make your own sparkling elderflower wine (3 litres of it!). The ingredients are organic, vegetarian and gluten free, and the equipment is suitably ‘chemistry set’ fun and easy to use. Time for some bubbles!
Smoke & Musk travel candle – £16 from Museum of London shop, www.museumoflondonshop.co.uk
Handpoured in east London using eco-friendly soy wax, this scented candle smells like being in a cosy cabin in the woods. A bespoke blend of essential oils including green balsam fir, wood smoke and musky patchouli. This handy travel size makes a great stocking gift; it’s also available in a 3-wick 500ml size (for £50).
Butterfly Collection ‘Revive’ and ‘Indulge’ gift sets – £19.95 and £8.50 from Green People, www.greenpeople.co.uk
The new Butterfly Collection organic skincare and bodycare travel sets from Green People make good stocking fillers or tree presents. Beautifully packaged, a donation from each sale goes to Butterfly Conservation to help protect butterflies, moths and the environment. The ‘Revive’ body wash and lotion set is scented with uplifting lemongrass and ginger, while ‘Indulge’ is a special night-time facial treat.
‘Bird’ brass earrings – £15 from Danaqa, www.danaqa.com
We love these cute brass earrings from online boutique Danaqa. Handcrafted by a husband and wife team at their studio in Iran, these earrings also come in a variety of bird and tree designs – and at this price make lovely stocking fillers or tree presents. Browse more gift ideas on the Danaqa site – their homewares, jewellery and accessories are all ethically and fairly sourced, and support women-led businesses in developing countries.
Aphrodite facial oil (30ml) – £20 from MOA (Magic Organic Apothecary), www.moa.london
This organic and vegan-friendly super-luxe facial oil rejuvenates and rehydrates party-worn and stressed-out skin. The delicately scented balm is packed full of organic yarrow essential oil, rosehip and damask rose oil (organic ‘hero herb’ yarrow, which is native to British hedgerows, and has been used for centuries to heal, repair and leave skin naturally glowing). It smells delicious and is non-greasy – just apply overnight and wake up with a glowing complexion!
Foxhole Gin – £40 from Foxhole Spirits, www.foxholespirits.com
This is a first, a gin distilled from unused English wine grapes picked in Sussex vineyards. In a typical harvest around 30-40% of grape material is unused and has to be thrown away – so this gin helps reduce waste and encourage sustainability. Velvet-textured with floral coriander and orris flavours, and balanced with grapefruit and lemon zests, this gin has a long finish of subtle bitter orange notes. Grab one of the 960 first-batch limited edition bottles.
Puressential Gentle Heat Diffuser – £18.67 from Cocoon Center, www.cocooncenter.co.uk
Aromatheraphy the clean, safe way – with no candle or flame, this essential oil ceramic diffuser can be placed on any surface as heat is only located at the top. Available in navy or white.
Dr Organic Lavender Oil Moisturising Gel Socks – £15 from Holland & Barrett, www.hollandandbarrett.com
Socks for Christmas? Yes, but these are no ordinary socks… Pop these on and create silky smooth feet after just 20 minutes of pampering a day. The socks are infused with lavender oil with a balanced blend of moisturising jojoba oil, olive oil and vitamin E, and an organic cocktail of essential oils including jasmine, patchouli, bergamot, ylang-ylang, sandalwood, vetiver root, cedarwood and emerald cypress oils.
Avalon Organics Intense Defense skincare collection – RRP £34.99 from www.avalonorganics.com (for stockists)
Perfect for keeping winter skin in tip-top condition, this set includes organic Cleansing Gel with pure botanical cleansers, Renewal Cream to encourage collagen production, and Antioxidant Oil to reinforce the skin’s natural lipid barrier. Enriched with vitamin C, lemon and white tea it’s got plenty of zing, and an attractive make-up bag to boot.
Coconut Collection beauty range – from £1.75 by Urtekram, www.urtekram.com (for stockists)
Coconut and Danish – not a yummy pastry but two of the trends of 2016, so what better gift than something from the new Coconut Collection by Danish organic beauty brand Urtekram? Featuring vegan and cruelty-free shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and body lotion, each product is infused with organic virgin coconut oil and organic coconut nectar from palm trees in the South Seas.
