Ethical Christmas Gifts for Kids

Yes today is Black Friday, and last year it was reported that we spent a whopping £1.4 billion in the UK. So, this year I’d like to try and persuade you to choose to buy ethical Christmas gifts, and particularly ethical Christmas gifts for kids.

Now I know it’s November, but the quicker we get presents sorted, the more fun we can have in December. Plus if we start early we stand a chance of having time to think about “whom” we are giving our money to. Supporting local businesses, independent makers and those brands who pay a fair wage, are all great ways of using our money. Also, in theory an early start should stop those last minute splurges on that unnamed Internet giant.

I appreciate that finding ethical Christmas gifts for kids can be a challenge. So, I’ve pulled together some pieces that I know my children will love: you’ll notice that Daisy’s collection of gifts is remarkably bigger than Laurie’s but that’s because of her age and personality. She knows exactly what she wants! Anyway, enough babbling from me, here’s a list of some of the best ethical and sustainable brands to look at:

Loopster

I always love giving my kids clothes at Christmas. But you don’t always need to buy new clothes for them. Some of Daisy’s favourite garments are hand me downs.  As children get older finding good quality second hand clothing can be a challenge. Particularly as the children’s market is flooded with cheap clothing that isn’t good enough to pass down. But that’s where Loopster comes in. It’s an online nearly new kids boutique. They sell high quality clothes for children aged 0-8 for a fraction of the original price. Expect brands such as Ralph Lauren, John Lewis, Petit Bateau and Levis. For Laurie I’ve got a Christmas shirt and jeans (both from M&S) and also a lovely check shirt from Jacadi. Daisy has a Ralph Lauren cardi and brightly coloured Oilily skirt. Plus you can also sell your good quality unwanted children’s clothing to them, but more about that another time.

Where to buy? Loopster.co.uk

Get 10% off with code n4loopy10

Etsy UK

Etsy UK has always been my go to place for personalised presents. And I know Daisy is just going to love the white little leather purse from Suede & co. Handmade in London from local materials, it can be personalised with your child’s name on. Grizzli Bear make fab personalised pouches, you can see one here with ‘Evie’s bits and bobs” written on it. Designer and maker Jenny is happy for you to take creative control. I’ve currently got her working on a pouch with “Daisy’s pens” written on it.

Unsurprisingly, Etsy UK isn’t just about personalisation. There are many other gorgeous handmade items, so I’ve selected a few highlights. The enamel mugs are from Smaltum, penguin cards from birds in hats and these fab cacti and flamingos patches from Paper Cutts design. Daisy won’t wear jeans so I’m hoping if she can customise her own pair with these iron on transfers, we might change her mind.

Where to buy?: Etsy.com/uk (or click on individual links for specific shops/product)

Faraway Gang

It is set to be a very cold winter so real wool jumpers are essential. I love these unisex 100% merino ones from The Faraway Gang. Designed and made here in UK they are soft, cosy and not remotely itchy. They’ve both been wear tested by Daisy & Laurie and have received their seal of approval. To read more about the Faraway Gang please click here.

Where to buy? thefarawaygang.com

Currently 25% off in their Black Friday Sale, ends Monday 26th November at 11.59pm (GMT)

At all other times Get 10% off with code N4MUMMY10

Little Green Radicals

I think Christmas is the only time of year I ever buy pyjamas and I know Daisy will approve of these autumn forest ones from Little Green Radicals. Designed for children aged 0-8 Little Green Radicals specialise in fun, brightly coloured printed clothing that are made from 100% organic cotton in Fair Trade factories.

Where to buy?: littlegreenradicals.co.uk

Green People

Christmas stockings are the perfect excuse to stock up on essentials. But I like the useful presents to be a bit of a treat and Green People’s Organic Babies range is great. The Lavender hair & body wash smells amazing and is a welcome change to soap. The chamomile nappy cream works and smells much nicer than alternatives. And both my kids love Green People’s toothpastes as they come in slightly different flavours. As you know we are huge Green People fans here for their commitment to producing organic skincare products fairly and with transparency.

Where to buy? greenpeople.co.uk

Black Friday 3 for2, use code UNLOCK342 ends Monday 26th November at 11.59pm (GMT)

Nailmatic

The number 1 reason I love this kids nail varnish is that is comes off with soap and water! As a parent who’s had her bathroom suite covered in purple non-removable nail varnish, you’ll appreciate why I only ever buy Daisy Nailmatic nail varnish. But that’s not the only reason. All of their nail varnish is made within 200km of Paris, the jar is glass and the external packaging is plastic free. The only plastic part of it is the lid. Also, it’s free from phthalates, formaldehyde, toluene and fragrance. Look out for it at your local toyshop or you can buy it from NOTHS.com

Where to buy?: NOTHS.com

Tootsa Mcginty

Daisy’s hat and snood are from Tootsa Mcginty a children’s brand that creates durable, colourful, unisex clothing that children want to wear! They produce their clothing ethically in China and small family run factories in Portugal.

Where to buy?:tootsa.com

40% off in Black Friday Sale, end Tuesday 27th November

Dalit

I know it might seem nuts adding a Christmas candle to a child’s Christmas list. But Daisy loves having a relaxing bath with a candle, on her own with no little brother to bother her. The candle is from Dalit Goods Co which is part of the charity Life Association. Their mission is to build and manage schools and children’s homes in India. Every purchase of a candle goes towards supporting this work.

Where to buy?: dalit.co.uk

Aurelia

What parent doesn’t want their child to sleep well at night? I couldn’t resist putting in this Sleep Time Pillow Mist from Little Aurelia. Made in England using the purist BioOrganic, ethically sourced ingredients, it contains chamomile, geranium, lavender and angelica to help our little ones sleep. I know it’s just the kind of pampering Daisy will love.

Where to buy?: aureliaskincare.com/littleaurelia

Your Local Toy Shop

Last, but not least, I want to encourage you to visit your local toyshop. Whilst I won’t be able to vouch for where everything is made, there is real value in investing in your local community and keeping small businesses alive. I have two local toy shops in Crouch End, Niddle Noddle & Soup Dragon. And I have found them to contain really high quality toys that I know my children will love.

So, I guess all I’d love to encourage you to do this Christmas is to really think about where you are buying. Also, to remember that choosing to buy ethical Christmas gifts for your kids can really make a difference to people’s lives.

For other ideas of brands to look out, feel free to check out last year’s post on sustainable and ethical stocking fillers for kids. 

Happy Shopping! xxx

This is a sponsored post, but all opinions are as always my own. 

Also, this post contains affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission if you buy something. Just think of it as a cup of (pink) tea from you to me 🙂