7 ethical gift ideas for Christmas

We know what it’s like. The summer holidays were only 10 minutes ago, and you’re still mainlining the kids’ trick or treat haul, and suddenly, Christmas is on the way.

But worry not. The AromaTherapy Shed team are here to help. We’ve pulled together some of our favourite festive gift ideas to inspire you this Christmas. And they’re all from ethical, sustainable small businesses. Just like us.

1. GUILT-FREE CHOCOLATE

Proving that it is possible for a chocolate brand to be as good as it tastes, Seed & Bean has been recognised as the UK’s most ethical chocolate producer. Famed for their wild flavour combinations, (think Sweet Orange & Thyme or Lemon & Cardamom), every bar of their delicious, 100% organic chocolate is wrapped in fully compostable packaging. We think they look pretty gorgeous too. The perfect sustainable stocking filler.

2. Sustainable Skincare

We couldn’t pull together an ethical Christmas Gift Guide without mentioning our very own Gift Subscriptions. Every month throughout the year, your loved one will receive a fresh AromaTherapy Shed Hand & Body Wash and Lotion, inspired by the seasons. Each month’s blend is mixed by hand, using seasonal aromatherapy oils that complement the rhythms and demands of the changing year.

3. Ethical Elegance

For a truly special gift, choose one of FRANKS timeless dresses. The antithesis of fast fashion, this stunning sustainable range is made in England using up-cycled fabrics. The classic designs take inspiration from cherished eras gone by and are designed to be loved for years to come. The Patsy Maxi Wrap Dress has got our name on it.

4 Conscientious Candles

Who doesn’t love a gorgeous scented candle at Christmas? Evermore are a small, independent maker who have put sustainability at the heart of their brand. Inspired by “nature, the seas and the skies”, their luxurious, natural candles are poured in recycled jars, and are packaged in fully recyclable card. We are in love with Moon and its evocative scent of night roses.

5. A tree for life

For a gift that keeps on growing, why not choose to plant a tree for a loved one? Buy a Tree Certificate from Trees for Life, and they will plant a native sapling in the Scottish Highlands. Grown from locally collected seeds, your tree will be one of a number of indigenous species, including alder, aspen, birch, rowan or hazel. This living legacy will create a safe, natural environment for local wildlife and help to grow forests for the future.

6. Sweet Treats

There’s nothing we love more than watching the birds out of our window on a cold, frosty winter’s morning. That’s why we adore this sustainable Bird Feeder, from pioneering eco design company, ashortwalk. Each one is made from 10 recycled yogurt pots and comes with suet and seed so you can make your own Bird Cakes. The perfect rainy day activity for the kids.

7. Stylish Socks

Forget Christmas Stockings. This year, we’re all about Christmas socks. And you won’t find cooler, kinder sock purveyors than Stand 4 Socks. This sustainable start-up are committed to changing the world, one step at a time. Not only are their socks sustainably and ethically made, but they donate a pair of socks to the homeless for each pair they sell. You can even choose your socks by the cause you want to support.