I'm fairly sure that this is going to be my favourite of the Christmas shopping ideas I'm going to share with you. This list is special because when you buy one of these gifts, you'll not only be giving a gift to a loved-one, but you'll also be giving a gift to the environment, or an animal, or a human. These gifts are fantastic for those people in your life who seem to have everything, or who don't want anything for Christmas but you still want to get them something. I think I've found a pretty great selection for you to choose from. Enjoy!
1. Toms
I'm pretty sure everybody knows about Toms, and for very good reason. For every pair of Toms sold, a child in need will receive a new pair of shoes. Having worked in Cambodia, I've seen firsthand how children long for a decent pair of shoes but have to make do with flimsy, ill-fitting plastic sandals, or no shoes at all. There are so many styles and colours of Toms shoes to choose from, so you're sure to find the perfect pair to give as a gift.
2. Wicker Wings
This is a fairly new company, but it has a similar model to Toms, but instead of shoes, this company sells bags. When you buy one of their bags, they will give a child in need a bag of inspiration. A child will receive a drawstring bag that contains a book and a little note that you can write yourself! The book and the note will be in the child's language, and are designed to inspire children to read and pursue education. Wicker Wings' bags are absolutely adorable, and you're bound to have a friend who will absolutely love to receive one as a gift.
3. Jonas Umbrellas
When you buy one of Jonas Umbrella's limited edition umbrellas, you help to fund a clean water well at a school in South Sudan or Uganda. The current limited edition umbrella features a cute bicycle print on the inside. You're bound to have a friend or relative who both loves bicycles and needs a fantastic new umbrella!
4. Oxfam Unwrapped
Oxfam Unwrapped is a great gift for someone who has everything. On their behalf, you can buy anything from a goat to an emergency toilet, mosquito nets to manure, a duck to a bicycle, and all sorts of wonderful things in between! Your friend will receive a card that you can personalize, and will be thrilled to know that someone in need has benefitted.
5. WWF Species Adoption
The World Wildlife Fund runs a fantastic scheme whereby you can adopt an endangered species on behalf of a friend (or for yourself of course!). The cost of the adoption pack goes towards protecting your chosen species from extinction. There are loads of species to choose from, so you can choose your friend's favourite animal, and your friend will receive an adoption pack that includes a cuddly toy (I have the polar bear and I love him!), an adoption card, a photo, all in a cute gift bag that can be used as a tote. This is the perfect gift for the animal lovers in your life.
6. Stone + Cloth
By buying one of Stone + Cloth's seriously cool bags, you will help to fund a scholarship for a child to get an education. So many kids aren't able to attend school, so this a great way to help to change that, while giving a friend a really useful, durable gift.
7. 100 Good Deeds
Buy your friend a 100 Good Deeds bracelet, and you'll not only be buying a bracelet made by vulnerable women in countries such as Uganda and Rwanda, allowing these women to earn a living, but the proceeds will help to support more women and girls with more training. The bracelets are gorgeous and perfect for stacking, and there are loads of colours to choose from.
So, there's my list of favourites, but of course there are loads more to choose from. Feel free to message me
here if you need help for a particular friend. Will you be buying a gift that gives back this year?
Bemsy x
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