Conscious gifting this Christmas
Posted on November 23 2021
We say this every year, “where has the year gone?!” But seriously, where on earth has this year gone? It feels like 100 years ago and also yesterday that we were only allowed to leave the house for essentials and chasing that six pack we know is under there somewhere.
But if there’s anything this virus cannot destroy, it’s Christmas and the joy of gift giving.
What is conscious gifting? And why is it important this Christmas?
There’s nothing better than seeing someone’s face light up after opening your gift. However, reportedly many hundreds of millions of pounds are spent each year on gifts the recipient doesn’t want.
More than ever, Brits are conscious of the environmental impact of unwanted gifts and are eager to reduce waste and give back to society.
That’s why it is so important to choose wisely, choose quality over quantity, and to consider a conscious, eco-friendly Christmas gift this year.
ARDDUN STORES Top 10 conscious gift ideas...
Whether you are struggling for ideas or are on the hunt for something that won’t contribute to the piling mount of unwanted Christmas presents, these gift ideas will allow you to properly consider your purchases, and will hopefully provide your lucky friends, family, or partner with a special and meaningful gift.
Price: £70
These beauties are hand-made by Lola in Paris using stamping and modelling techniques.
Each one is unique in its own way and can be used for a multitude of purposes.
Use it to impress dinner guests, homemade guacamole, or even for your jewellery.
Arddun stores are proudly her only U.K stockists, making this a super unique gift that celebrates craftsmanship, design, limited production, and quality.
Maison Bengal - Large Jute Poresh Hold-All - Lime Green / Brown Stripe
Price: £70
This extra-large jute bag is socially conscious gifting at its finest. Maison Bengal is a fair trade, ethical company that creates beautiful, hand-made bags and homeware accessories.
The company provides work with marginalised Bangladeshi communities, employing and training over 5000 women, allowing them to work in their home environment and support their families and communities.
The Large Jute Poresh Hold All is unisex and can be used as an overnight bag, beach bag, or living room storage/decoration.
Olivia Morris At Home – Daphne Bow Slipper - Crimson
Price: £245
Luxurious cotton velvet and a brushed leather sole make these Olivia Morris Daphne Bow Slippers a true Christmas miracle.
Olivia’s snazzy home slippers are all hand-made in Spain in small, limited-edition production runs, to reduce waste and ensure the wearer receives a special and unique creation.
The slippers are a bit of a Christmas showstopper. No need to continue shopping for small nick-knacks, reduce the waste and buy something that advocates for staying at home and watch T.V, in style.
Gunes Deniz - Cumulus Bracelet Lilac Thread
Price: £175
If you’re after a conscious accessories gift, we’ve got you.
Gunes Deniz is a Turkish brand that creates gorgeous jewellery, hand-made by master craftsmen in the Grand Bazaar - Istanbul.
Quality materials and family heritage are just the tip of the iceberg with this beautifully crafted Cumulus Bracelet. It features 18ct gold plated 925 sterling silver with Australian Mother-of-pearl handcrafted inlay.
Worn alone or stacked with others, this is the type of jewellery they won’t want to take off and will become a part of their daily attire.
Arokiyam - Clove & Frankincense Candle
Price: £45
This Clove & Frankincense candle ticks all the eco-friendly Christmas gift criteria off the list.
Not only does it smell heavenly, but it is made using 100% natural and vegan ingredients. The wax is poured into handmade recycled glass and the labels are 100% biodegradable.
In addition, every candle sold donates 1% to tree planting initiatives.
If you’re buying this as a gift, make sure you live in the same household, so you can enjoy it as well!
Austin Austin- Bergamot & Juniper Shampoo and Conditioner
Price: £14 per bottle
Created by a farther/daughter duo, the ‘Bergamot & Juniper Shampoo and Conditioner has Arddun’s eco-friendly gifts tick of approval.
It’s made from natural, organic and vegan ingredients and contains absolutely no nasty chemicals. It will leave your hair soft, clean and smelling amazing! It also pretties up your bathroom décor with their 100% recycled packaging.
Reborn In Colour – Down Blanket
Price: £280
REBORN IN COLOUR has built their foundation in sustainability with a strong belief in craftsmanship that ensure their products have a long life.
Using 100% organic GOTS certified cotton, Oeko-Tex-Standard 100 for dying and Re:Down, they ensure a high quality product whilst also maintaining respect for people and the planet.
Their Down blankets are made from 100% recycled down from Re:Down 70% recycled down, 30% recycled feathers and they come in a bag that can be used again and again when you go shopping or as a laundry bag.
It’s the gift that keeps on giving, keeping you warm it’ll be used so many years to come.
AYU - Amber, Blue Chamomile & Sandalwood Body Oil
Price: £45
Ayu’s comforting and soothing blend of chamomile and sandalwood helps to balance the energies, offering support during times of stress and anxiety. I’m going to go ahead and say we all need a little bit of this in our life.
Each bottle of AYU body oil is hand blended in Australia and contains globally sources, plant based, cruelty free ingredients.
The scent is unisex and perfect for those friends who are interested in traditional systems of healing and meditation.
Price: £55
These gorgeous pieces are hand blown by Neal Drobnis in Rhode Island, USA.
Neal creates beautiful, unique hand-blown glassware and the Face Vessel has become a cult item, sold out worldwide.
Which mean these lovely pieces make for the perfect gift. Completely unique and individual – no two pieces are the same. Lovely, functional and completely eccentric handmade pieces of art.
Maya Njie - Nordic Cedar Eau De Parfum 50ml
Price: £90
The Nordic Cedar Eau De Parfum delivers fresh notes of cardamom and earthy tones of patchouli and cedar woods. Maya’s Swedish and West African roots have helped develop a curated range of high quality, artisanal, unisex perfumes.
The blends are mixed in small fresh batches, filtered and bottled individually by hand in her London studio.
The packaging incorporates dreamy colour ways that have been extracted from her personal family photographs, and better yet, once you've finished the bottle it can be mailed back to the studio for a re-fill service, making it an extra special eco-friendly gift.
