Christmas is a bit of a conundrum for the conscientious consumer – how to be ethical and generous at the same time? TFN has the answer: you can buy good gifts from charities or social enterprises.
Sophie Bell has uncovered a few gems to get you started.
CHAS letters (£1 each letter)
For something small but truly special, take a look at the magnetic CHAS alphabet, each letter of which has been individually designed by one of the children or young people that CHAS cares for. The children and families it cares for are central to everything that CHAS does so the alphabet is used to spell out real names to reflect those warm, caring relationships. With a personal story behind each of the 68 letter designs, you can assemble the names that are close to you as a meaningful stocking filler. CHAS hopes this brings as much joy and happiness as they have to the children that created them.
A pair of Stand 4 Socks (Pairs from £8.99)
Did you know that socks are the most requested item by homeless shelters? This is because socks are rarely donated as they tend to be worn through, unlike other items of clothing. Stand 4 Socks’ aims to change the world with socks. Through its one-for-one model of donating a specially designed pair to homeless people, they are doing just that with each customer purchase. Christmas wouldn’t be the same without buying dad a pair of socks, so it’s obvious that these are a perfect fit all round.
Madlug Backpacks (From £30)
Madlug, short for make a difference luggage, is a bag brand that is helping children in care carry their lives with dignity. With its buy one, give one approach, for every bag purchased another one will be given to a child in care. The Madlug bags are versatile for work, study or leisure which makes them an ideal gift for just about anybody. And for that impossible-to-buy-for friend who doesn’t want anything? Madlug operates a gift a bag service, so for £10 you can both feel good knowing your money has sent a bag straight to a child in care.
Glitter angel ornament (£35)
NSPCC Scotland will benefit from sales of a bespoke glass angel, created by Bridge of Allan glassware firm Angel’s Share. The angel’s unique design features a star, is filled with glitter and comes on an oak stave stand with a Highland tartan insert. Half the cost of each angel will go to the charity, supporting NSPCC Scotland’s Christmas Star appeal to bring light into every childhood. Funds raised from the glitter angels will support the work the charity carries out in communities across Scotland including Childline, the Speak out. Stay safe schools programme, and advice and support work with families. This stylish glitter angel will sit proudly on any granny’s mantelpiece, bringing joy as it looks down on the Christmas festivities and beyond.
Royal Air Force Association building set (£10)
The Royal Air Force Association (RAFA) provides welfare support to all RAF personnel and their families to ensure their service does not result in suffering, poverty or loneliness. Whether it’s an injured airman or woman fighting to get back on their feet, a young child missing their parent away on overseas operations, or a World War II veteran needing a shoulder to lean on, RAFA is there to help. Bring your own family together while supporting RAF generations with a new toy to play with on Christmas morning. Aviation enthusiasts young and old will love getting stuck into this Red Arrows bricks building set.
GoodWill Gin (£36.99)
GlenWyvis Distillery in the Highlands unites the people of Dingwall as the first ever 100% community-owned distillery. The distillery is powered by renewable energy and operates on shared values to create a true community spirit that’s good for the local people and for the planet. Its GoodWill Gin is a Highland craft gin made from nine premier botanicals, including exotic fruits and locally picked hawthorn berries. The carefully measured juniper content makes for a smooth taste experience while remaining full-bodied. Your fun-loving aunt will love this smooth tipple after a big turkey dinner, or any time really!
From Babies With Love muslin swaddle (£14.90)
Don’t forget the littlest members of the family in your quest to give back. Unfortunately, too many babies in the world have nobody to give them gifts, or anything else. From Babies With Love is making a difference by investing every penny of profit into orphaned and abandoned children around the world, so really you’re giving two gifts. With every one of its unique, ethically sourced baby gifts – from beautiful clothing to wooden toys – you make a difference too. Gift one of their signature Kisses organic muslin swaddles to help spread the love.
HOME decorative sign (£7.99)
The HOME light-up sign from Sue Ryder’s online shop is the perfect gift to brighten up cosy corners and mantelpieces. And you can feel warm and fuzzy inside too, knowing that all proceeds support Sue Ryder’s palliative, neurological and bereavement care. The HOME sign, or any of the Sue Ryder products, would make the perfect gift for any new home-owners in your life. Sue Ryder’s online shop offers a large selection of brand new and exclusively sourced products. With a whole range of homeware products on sale for under £20, the online shop is the perfect destination for meaningful gifts and Christmas accessories that won’t put you out of pocket.
Adopt an endangered animal (Packages from £40)
We all know animals are not just for Christmas, which is why the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) needs your help. From ribbits to roars, it homes a range of endangered animals. By adopting one you not only help to care for the animals at Edinburgh Zoo and the Highland Wildlife Park but also support RZSS’s conservation work across the globe. Annual adoption packages are available for a whole range of species so it’s easy to find one to suit the lucky recipient and what’s more exciting than planning a visit to see your chosen animal later on in the year?
Grace Chocolates (Box of six for £5 or 12 for £10)
Grace Chocolates are delicious and the TFN team can personally testify! With flavours like coffee and cardamom, and pineapple and coconut in white chocolate this is confectionery with a difference. The chocolates are handmade by inmates at Cornton Vale prison and now the social enterprise is celebrating its first birthday, it is also supporting the Making Positive Changes Programme, which is available to any woman who has experienced the Scottish criminal justice system and is keen to make positive steps towards finding a job. With the proceeds of your indulgent purchase supporting women’s rehabilitation, they’ll taste all the better.
