This Christmas, instead of the typical gifts one might give, we're encouraging a selection that does double duty – gifting to your loved ones things that give back in some way to their maker, the environment, our collective future or to those less fortunate than us. This shortlist of items should appeal to most, regardless of age or gender, and each does a bit of extra good.
1. Chrissy Teigen's Orchard Jams
Created in collaboration with LA's beloved Flamingo Estate, the indomitable Chrissy Teigen helped craft these three unique jams using produce from their orchards. The flavours, Thai Chili/ Roasted Peanut/ Lemongrass, Heirloom Tomato/ Thai Chili/ Thai Basil and White Peach/ Passionfruit/ Lemongrass are both sweet and savoury and have myriad uses. The proceeds are donated in their entirety to Baby2Baby, an organisation providing essential goods to children in need.
2. Alighieri Il Leone Medallion Necklace
Award-winning jewellery line Alighieri has made many sustainable and ethical commitments, most recently donating 20% of all website sales to Refuge charity, in support of victims of domestic violence that have been further compromised during the lockdowns this year. This unisex necklace is part of The Lion Club collection. Crafted from an antique Venetian coin, it tells the story of Dante and a lion and is meant to be worn as a reminder to display courage.
3. Baba Tree Pakurigo Basket
Considered the most challenging to make, this detailed basket features a structured wave-like texture. The unique, individual baskets – no two are the same – is handmade in Ghana by the Baba Tree Basket Company. Exercising fair trade practices, every basket weaver receives a competitive wage and benefits and is able to make a living from their unique skill and craft. The maker personally signs each basket.
4. Cacao Crudo Chocolate
This gourmet chocolate is unlike any other on the market. Made from a delicate and endangered type of cacao called Criollo, it is carefully cultivated to preserve the species whilst creating a decadent and rich kind of chocolate. The first raw chocolate to be made in Italy, they have a unique range of flavours as well as chocolate-covered fruit.
5. Head In The Clouds Floral Installation
Brixton's Stems Wilder creates beautiful fresh and dried floral arrangements with an ecological sensibility. Working locally and seasonably and without plastics or extra waste, the ensuing creations are unlike anything you've seen before. This installation, in particular, shines much like an art piece on the wall – or as they suggest, in the bedroom above the headrest, beckoning sweet dreams.
6. Family Meal Volume I
In benefit of Future Chefs, a nonprofit that provides teens with opportunities, expectations and motivations within the culinary industry, this petite cookbook features recipes from the likes of Eric Ripert and Tom Colicchio. Fun and graphic, the delicious – and easy to follow – recipes are made all the better by the generous donation behind them.
7. Roma Boots
These brightly coloured, Chelsea boot-style wellies do more than keep your feet dry. One pair of boots is donated to a child in need for each pair sold – to date, they have given boots to children in 26 countries. Crafted from natural rubber, the boots are padded and comfortable, and completely waterproof.
8. OUI The People Rose Gold Sensitive Skin Razor
OUI The People founder Karen Young established her business based on the desire for a smooth shave, sans razor burn and ingrown hairs. The journey led her to a German factory that specialises in razor blades, and eventually the creation of this single-blade razor. Better for skin with fewer adverse reactions, the (beautiful) steel handle lasts years instead of weeks like its disposable plastic counterparts.
9. Haeckels Seaweed Bath
Made of seaweed that has been harvested by hand in Margate, this addition to the bath does wonders for the skin and features remarkable purification and anti-ageing properties to soothe and moisturise the skin. To bring the sustainability full circle, save the seaweed post-bath and use it to fertilise your plants. Or, let it dehydrate and use it again in another bath within three days. If you're in Margate, visit the Haeckels spa and shop to exchange a bag of rubbish collected from the beach for a product.
10. Tawulo African Sunset Towel
Lalibella boutique in Notting Hill donates all profits to a range of charitable projects in Ethiopia through the Give A Future nonprofit. Specialising in unique design items made across the continent, these towels are woven by hand in South Africa. The colourways reflect the African landscape; the stripe details reflect the pattern of traditional woollen Basotho Blankets. Generously sized in soft cotton, they're perfect for beach and bathroom alike.
11. Loyal Loot Log Bowl
Made of reclaimed wood that has fallen or been cut due to stormy weather, these beautiful bowls preserve the natural beauty and singular qualities of the trees whilst giving them a second life. The wood is refined by hand, then completed with a bright water-based lacquer that adds beauty and makes them functional.
12. Brother Vellies Treasure Vase
Reminiscent of a particularly fruitful shell collecting adventure at the beach, this handmade vase is made of stone and found objects. Created in collaboration between Brother Vellies and Memor, it celebrates the beauty of imperfection and less waste in a sculptural object. The ceramic interior means it is waterproof, and can fully function as an actual vase. No two are the same.
13. Hand-Felted Fair Trade Cactus
In addition to being made from biodegradable materials and natural dyes, purchasing this cactus provides fair-wage employment and excellent working conditions for a Nepalese artisan. Perfect as a toy or as decor, each product by Felt So Good is wholly plastic and pollution-free.
14. LARQ Water Bottle
The world's first self-cleaning water bottle uses a UV LED light to eliminate bacteria, in turn eliminating the need to buy bottled water – or cycle through temporary filters. Furthermore, they're donating 1% of each purchase to their charity partner Well Aware that builds sustainable water systems for communities in need around the world.
For more information or help shopping any of the above items, please contact your lifestyle manager.
