Ethical Gift Guide: Our Top Eleven UK Ethical Gifts to Give This Christmas

Ethical gifts are a great way to give back to society as they not only support a social cause but they also have a unique story. Socially-conscious gifts also add a special feel-good factor to the gift-giving experience and have a personal touch. Ethical gifts are great for employees, clients, neighbours, friends, family, and colleagues. We have made it easy for you to pick your favourite and have counted down our top 11 favourite ethical gifts to give this Christmas - you should be able to find something for everyone here!

11. Arthouse Unlimited

The beautiful packaging has been designed by a collective of artists, living with complex epilepsy and learning disabilities; all of whom require varying levels of support. The artists work alongside mentors to design the artwork used for the packaging of Arthouse Unlimited’s products. The philosophy of the organisation is that feeling truly respected improves health and well-being. 100% of sales revenue sustains the enterprise, enabling them to expand and evolve.

Visit at: Arthouse Unlimited

10. Island Bakery

These socially-conscious cookies from Island Bakery are made in a factory powered entirely by local sources of renewable energy. Electricity for the building is generated by a hydroelectric turbine on the Tobermory river, and a wind turbine on the hill above the bakery. Local woodchip from Mull’s abundant timber plantations heat the ovens, giving off a gentle heat that gives the biscuits a slow and perfect bake. On top of this, the biscuits are organic and every ingredient is fully traceable back to the source.

Visit at: Island Bakery

9. Dash Water

Dash Water aims to naturally hydrate the nation and reduce food waste in a fun, sustainable way. They flavour their water with wonky fruits and vegetables that would otherwise go to waste. Alex and Jack, the founders, are from farming backgrounds and have seen first-hand just how much produce is wasted. This led them to create a drink that does not have artificial sweeteners or sugars and has zero calories. 

Visit at: Dash Water

 8. Café Direct

Café Direct supports farmers in coffee growing regions and has so far given back over £6 million to coffee farmers. On top of the premiums they pay for their crops, Café Direct invests up to 50% of their profits into the cocoa-growing communities they buy from. Café Direct is best known for their coffee but their hot chocolate is also delicious!

Visit at: Café Direct

7. Divine Chocolate

Probably one of the better known ethical brands. Divine Chocolate is co-owned by the 85,000 farmer members of Kuapa Kokoo, the cooperative in Ghana that supplies the cocoa for each Divine bar. As owners, they get a share in the profits, a say in the company, and a voice in the global marketplace. For this festive season, they have a Christmas Milk Chocolate with Gingerbread bar.

Visit at: Divine Chocolate

6. Tea People

The perfect gift for tea lovers - Tea People make speciality tea with flavours ranging from Liquorice Mint Toffee to Golden Pear Fruit Leaf Tea. Tea People give back 50% of their profits to the educational development of girls in tea-growing regions. They have a focus on the secondary school sector so that young people can climb up the social ladder with higher education.

Visit at: Tea People

5. Aduna

This energy bar contains baobab, one of the most nutrient-dense fruits. Aduna sources baobab using its own supply chain in Upper East Ghana. They run in partnership with a local NGO that directly works with woman Baobab farmers to harvest and collect their fruits. This helps over 850 women run their own business and increase their income. Aduna is not only using one of the most nutrient-dense fruits but they are also helping over 850 women who are benefiting from increased income flows.

Visit at: Aduna

 4. Dalit Candles

Dalit Candles are made using the skills of the Dalit people in India. The Dalit people have been referred to as ‘untouchables’ and have been positioned at the bottom of India's society for 3000 years. The Dalits make the clay pots which house the candles. All the proceeds raised from the sale of the candles go towards the education, healthcare and food for the Dalit children.

Visit at: Dalit Candles

3. Chocolate and Love

Chocolate and Love has won multiple Great Taste awards. The foil around their chocolate bars are made from recycled wood pulp, not oil, and is fully biodegradable. The foil can be placed in the compost and it will dissolve in a couple of months. On top of this, Chocolate and Love is involved with tree planting projects and has planted over 27000 trees to date.

2. The Justice Brand

The Justice Brand make beautiful reusable Justice bags, which help cut down on single-use plastic waste. They also pour their profits into preventing sex trafficking and helping sex trafficking victims.

Visit at: The Justice Brand

 1. Elvis and Kresse

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