It’s that time of year again when I start working out what I am getting people for Christmas! Made more complicated with the current lock down rules of 2020. I hope that these tips are useful for any present situation, or time of year.

What is an “ethical present” is very much dependant on your values, and the values of the recipient. I went through a conscious process to inform my values that I found very helpful. You can read about it here.

Family present protocol

In our families we came to a mutual agreement that we would just get Christmas presents for the children under 18. This reduces cost, waste and brain capacity!

I know of other families who organise things so each person in the group gets one gift. The giver and recipient are drawn at random so you don’t always get the same person each year. This allows the gift to be more meaningful and well thought out.

Having expectations set well in advance can reduce awkwardness, waste and un-wanted gifts.

The list below is based on my own experiences, that I have found value from. It is not intended to be exhaustive, but will hopefully offer inspiration. I am not receiving anything in return from these organisations.

Charity

Treedom allows you to buy a tree for carbon offsetting via their online platform, and gift it to anyone by email or what’s app. Each tree has a unique geo-tag so cannot be “bought” twice. The platform sends you, and the recipient, updates at each stage; nursery, planting and growing.

A very small mango tree photo in a frame as if it is a Polaroid.

One of our Treedom trees

Ideally do a donation to a charity you know the person is interested in. Either something you know they have been involved with, or something connected to their interests and passions. For me this would be The Soil Association, or World Land Trust. Often you can “purchase” a symbolic item to make the gift more interesting.

Readable

Hive is an online book shop, not associated with Amazon in any way. The purchase also supports a local book shop of your choice. Collect your purchase from a shop, or get it delivered.

I find a local book shop is so much nicer for browsing books, and deciding on what would be the right book for the right person. Especially for children’s books.

Favourite fiction book this year; Identity Crisis by Ben Elton

Favourite non fiction book; The Vitamin Complex by Catherine Price

Most bought children’s book; Little Ruffle by Jodie Jackson

Quarterly magazine subscriptions can also be a great present if you know someone has a particular interest.

Most gifted magazine subscription; Positive News

The cover of a magazine. Above the cover the text "give hope this Christmas". Christmas tree cartoon and snowflakes around it. Advert for buying the magazine as a present.

Edible / Drinkable

Beer from a small producer local to where they live or where you live. Mr LDG loves Toast Beer. Making beer from waste bread.

English wine is a nice treat that supports a local industry, if you are in a wine area! We are currently enjoy wine from Tillingham, East Sussex. They also have rooms and a resturant. When such things are allowed again!

Support your local zero waste shop / farm shop and make up a jar, bag or hamper of goodies. I have a guide to finding your local one here.

The inside of of a shop with dispensers full of loose food for customers to serve themselves and make up a present hamper.

Get Loose, the shop I work and volunteer for

Experiences

I prefer to do experiences with the person I am buying for, but if geography does not allow then local independent Spa vouchers are my favourite option.

For children you won’t be able to see, ask if you can pay for a week or two of an extra curriculum class they do. I have bought my niece gymnastics classes this year.

Plants or seeds

Many more people started growing food in 2020. I have had lots of friends ask me for growing advice.

I love getting edible plants as presents. My in-laws got me two blackcurrant bushes last Christmas and my brother & sister-in-law have given Mr LGD a bay tree for his birthday.

A small blackcurrant bush with grass around it. A present.

One of my gifted blackcurrant bushes.

There are also baby vegetable plants and wild flower plugs online for delivery at the right time of year. Both giving an instant impact to a garden. Or give a whole vegetable patch!

This might be something to check with the recipient, to ensure they have space!

Time (yours)

This is my favourite option, making a plan to spend time with that person, or people. Booking in a visit to a show, exhibition, tea & cake, cocktails. Whatever is interesting and engaging to you both / all.

I especially enjoy this option with children. In recent years I have taken friends and relatives kids to; the theatre, a trampoline park, fair ground rides, mini golf, a story centre, go-karting and museums. Many museums have a kids trail or activity pack. Earlier this year I saw the British Museum in a whole new way with my cousins children aged 7 & 9. They love having a present a few months after their birthday’s.

Felt pieces in a range of colours representing mosaic pieces. On a purple background.

Roman mosaics from a children’s activity pack at the British Museum.

Usable

Swedish Stockings make tights and socks in a renewable energy powdered factory. They are made from pre and post consumer waste. Any brand of tights can be sent back for recycling.

Ethical pants! Good Vibrations available on Etsy use organic cotton and are made in Estonia. Sent in plastic free packaging. Fun and colourful designs. Men’s and women’s styles. In our opinion super comfy and wash well.

A pair of men's boxers in red. The pattern is cartoon lolly pops and ice creams of different sizes. On a yellow background. Present.

Over to you for more present inspiration…

What are your go to gifts that meet your values?

Share your favourites in the comments below.