Charities are suffering this Christmas as we all have less and less disposable income. We’ve put together some gorgeous gifts to add to your wishlist this year, with the added advantage that each one will benefit a charity so you’ll be giving twice over. Here’s what we’ve found.
Bee embroidery kit, Paraffle
Bee embroidery kit, Paraffle
This pretty little kit includes a step-by-step photo guide of each stitch used, organic and ethically produced fabric and high quality DMC threads, all packaged in a gift box. ideal for beginners, it includes a pack of bee friendly wildflower seeds and a bee charm from the Scottish Beekeepers’ Association. For every kit sold, Paraffle donates £10 to the Scottish Beekeepers’ Association charity Kits cost £22.99 and are available from Paraffle.
2. Hand poured votive candle, Amnesty International
Hand poured votive candle, Amnesty International
This hand poured scented 70g candle is made from natural soy wax, a renewable resource that’s toxin-free and burns longer than normal wax. With a wonderful Mediterranean fig and olive fragrance to fill your home this candle makes a great gift and costs £5.95 from Amnesty International.
3. Diamond design ochre throw, Sue Ryder
Diamond design ochre throw, Sue Ryder
This woven throw has a stylish diamond and stripe design with knotted tassels and measures approximately 120cm x 150cm. It has the softness of wool but is in fact made from the equivalent of 57 100% recycled plastic bottles. Available in ochre or navy, it costs £14.99 from Sue Ryder.
4. Hexagon insect habitat, National Trust
Hexagon insect habitat, National Trust
This insect house is beautifully designed and will offer shelter to a variety of insects that can be beneficial to your garden, for example solitary bees (a non-stinging species) like to use the holes to lay their eggs in. Simply place the house in a sheltered spot, preferably between vegetation, or hang on a nail no higher than two metres from the ground. £14.99, available from The National Trust.
5. Mountain breeze room diffuser, SPANA
Mountain breeze room diffuser, SPANA
This elegant reed diffuser is fragrant the scent of mountain breezes. It will freshen your room with its clean aroma for up to 12 weeks. The diffuser is vegan and free from GMOs and palm oil. £14, available from SPANA who help support and improve the lives of working animals worldwide.
6. ZSL collections, Sophie Allport
ZSL collections, Sophie Allport
By purchasing anything from Sophie Allport’s ZSL collections, you are directly helping support the Zoological Society of London’s vital conservation work. Five per cent of net sales, with a minimum donation of £40,000, will be donated to the international charity. The range includes Cheetah, Zebra, Giraffe and Elephant ranges, including this Zebra cushion which costs £57.
7. Virtual donation gift, Seven Yays
Virtual donation gift, Seven Yays
This is a donation gift, ideal for making in someone else’s name. It supports, The Trussell Trust, helping stop UK hunger. For every purchase of £7, Seven Yays will match it so that The Trussell Trust receive £14 – money that goes directly to helping relive hunger in the UK.
8. ‘Hope’ decoration or magnet, Handmade Retro Jewellery
‘Hope’ decoration or magnet, Handmade Retro Jewellery
This little house shaped decoration is made of polymer clay, with the phrase ‘hope’ stamped by hand using mini individual letters, and detail hand painted using acrylic paint to finish. Featuring the Ukrainian flag colours of blue and yellow, with a heart, sunshine and sunflowers, the official flower of the country. Available as a fridge magnet or hanging decoration, 50% of the £8 purchase price goes to the British Red Cross Ukraine appeal. Available from Handmade Retro Jewellery via Folksy.
9. Rumble storm tea towel, Arthouse Unlimited
Rumble storm tea towel, Arthouse Unlimited
This 100% organic cotton tea towel was designed and made by an inspirational collective that supports the needs of those living with neuro-diverse and physical support needs. Featuring a collaboration of artists Stephen Thomson and Jack Churchyard showcasing illustrated artwork that celebrates the drama of a thunderstorm with black, white and orange accents, it costs £17 from Rockett St George.
10. ‘Choose Love’ bedlinen from The Secret Linen Store
‘Choose Love’ bedlinen from The Secret Linen Store
100% of the proceeds from this exclusive collection (above and main image) will go directly to the charity Choose Love, which works to provide refugees and displaced people with everything from lifesaving search and rescue boats to food and legal advice. The bed linen collection has been designed using the best-selling Daisy print bed linen and the Choose Love colour palette. There are also two cushion covers to complement the range featuring the Choose Love logo. Prices start at £16 from The Secret Linen Store.
Main image shows the Choose Love collection from the Secret Linen Store.
