What would you like for Christmas? I keep being asked this by my family and in truth I’ve thought about things for Daisy, Laurie, my husband and extended family, but when it comes to me my mind goes blank. In truth I’d just love a couple of really gorgeous presents, things I wouldn’t buy myself. Definitely quality over quantity. So in the spirit of ethical Christmas shopping and being mindful of where money is being spent, here are my suggestions for ethical gifts for mums for Christmas:
My Top Ethical Gifts For Mums This Christmas
A Pair of Warm Socks
Who doesn’t love a pair of big cosy socks? And, for ultimate cosiness, I always opt for socks with wool. These patterned ones from Thought are made from 45% sheep’s wool and are machine washable. I mean, who has time to hand wash socks?! Not only are these socks ethically made, in December, for every pair of socks sold, Thought are donating a pair to the British Red Cross. The donated socks will be sent to their Hackney Centre which supports refugees and asylum seekers across London. So this really would be an ethical gift for mums (plural)! If wool isn’t your thing, then Thought also sell really fun Christmas and other patterned bamboo socks starting at £5.95 a pair.
Where to buy? wearethought.com
Cost? £15 (for sheep’s wool socks)
A Journal
On the same vein, I have found that, when times have been tricky, keeping a journal is a great way to order my thoughts. If I’m feeling down, writing down one thing I’m thankful for each day is a great discipline. Alternatively, if I’m worried, writing those fears down often alleviates them. So a luxury notebook can be a really special gift. This beautiful journal is made from left over fabric from the production of Deborah Campbell Atelier’s clothing range. The fabric itself is made from recycled plastic bottles and I’ve written all about it before, so if you’d about how Deborah Campbell has turned waste into fashion please click here.
Where to buy? deborahcampbellatelier.com
Cost? £10
A Motivational Artwork
I’ve been really struck recently by how our attitude to life can change depending on what we fill our mind with. And a beautiful artwork with a message that is meaningful can be really uplifting. I am a Christian, so I’m going to be asking for a bible verse. Probably one that reminds me not to worry which I am so prone to doing. However, for now I’d like to show you this gorgeous print designed by Oh Squirrel from Etsy UK, ‘…..but what if it all goes right?’ It’s a great prompt to think positively.
Where to buy? Etsy.com
Cost? £8.95
Plastic Free Living
Christmas is a great time to ask for all those fab new plastic free alternatives for every day living. Think coffee cups, water bottles, tea containers etc etc. I bought this floral water bottle from Season Cook Shop in Crouch End and I haven’t totally decided whether to keep it from myself of give it to someone. It’s a stainless steel bottle that’s 100% BPA free, phthalates free and toxins free. But not only is owning a reusable bottle a great way to reduce single use plastic bottles, 24 bottles is also a carbon neutral company. They have grown an entire forest filled with cacao, orange, coffee, avocado and mango trees amongst others, to offset production of the bottles. Truly amazing.
Where to buy? seasoncookshop.co.uk (they deliver)
Cost? £16.99 (500ml)
Coconut Oil
I am a huge convert to using oil as part of my skin care regime. It’s inexpensive and effective, plus you know exactly what you’re putting on your skin. I use it as a facial cleanser. Each night I massage it into my face and then remove with a damp reusable face cloth. I also use it as an eye make-up remover and to moisturise dry patches of skin. Aqua Oleum is run by aromatherapy expert Julia Lawless and they have a great range of base carrier oils and essential oils.
Where to buy? aqua-oleum.co.uk
Cost? £3.69 (100ml)
A Warm Jumper
For school runs, park trips and being out in all-weather, mums need several good warm jumpers. This colour blocked one is from JAGGERY. Hand knitted in Auroville, South India, the production of these jumpers provides a livelihood for local artisans. Creating garments in an ethical and sustainable way is at the heart of all that Jaggery do. My knit is made from 65% wool and 35% organic cotton, so totally biodegradable. I love that my jumper arrived beautifully wrapped in an organic muslin, so not a scrap of plastic was used. And they also sell kids jumpers & cardigans too.
Where to buy? jaggerylondon.co.uk
Cost? £145
Beautiful Pyjamas
With a drawer full of oddly shaped pjs, a nice pair always makes an excellent ethical gift for a mum. My cami and shorts are from AmaElla, a beautiful online boutique making luxury ethical lingerie and nightwear. Designed in London and ethically produced in Portugal, this pyjama set is made from organic cotton, with velvet and lace trims. Though I’m not quite sure whether it’s really a present for me or for my husband!
Where to buy? amaella.com
Cost? £109 for the set, Knickers from £25, Bras from £59
Toiletries
I also love to open a couple of nice toiletries in my stocking, so I’ve picked a couple of unusual ones for you. This little woolly sheep, from Little Beau Sheep is actually a lanolin soap bar wrapped in wool coat. Use it to exfoliate and clean all at the same time. The hand lotion is from Soap Co. a social enterprise that employs people who are blind or otherwise disabled or disadvantaged. They sell really lovely soaps and lotions that are colour, paraben and cruelty free.
Sheep soap
Where to buy? Etsy Uk
Cost? £9.95
Hand lotion
Where to buy? thesoapco.org (currently sold out & they are in the process of making more, so link is to the organic version!)
Cost? £12
Jewellery
I am a complete jewellery freak and wear it all the time, I just love it. So instead of telling you about this one beautiful necklace, I’ve written an entire blog post that will be out in a couple of days time. All about sustainable jewellery brands, so watch this space!
So that’s it for this year’s ethical gifts for mums. Just remember Christmas is a great opportunity to introduce friends and family to all the independent businesses that are doing so much to care for people and our planet. So do encourage them to shop ethically this Christmas. And I hope you get lots of lovely presents and most importantly I hope you get a rest xxx
Really enjoyed this post and got some great ideas. Thanks Karen!
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Thanks Kate for saying so xx