Being small, cheap and essentially pointless bits of fun, stocking fillers are top candidates for being wastefully and unethically made. But they don't have to be! Here are just a few of the best eco-friendly and fairtrade miniature items I've seen over the past few weeks of which eco-santa would wholeheartedly approve. They'll make great small presents for kids, or for your office secret santa.
An Onya Bag makes a great present as it's designed to be tiny, the name refers to the fact that it can be 'on ya' at all times. Available in loads of styles and colours, the plastic bag alternatives will suit kids and adults alike. They squish down into a little key ring sized pouch, so you'll never be caught without one. The original bag costs £6.50
Ecoutlet has a great selection of gifts up to £10. Browse this section for novelty recycled bottle openers, LED torches, fun bags and more. In their kids section there are fun mini lights, recycled lunch boxes and more.
Lush is my shop of choice for tiny gifts, and this year I'm happy to say the chain is greener than ever. Rumour even has it that the popcorn packaging they brought in last year is set to get even more earth-friendly as the company has plans to move its giant popcorn-making machine to a new location where it can run entirely on wind power! Choose from all the usual smellies, as well as Christmas bath bombs.
For creative kids, why not add in a pack of Forestry Commission certified coloured pencils? This set are available from Green Eyed Frog for just £2.75.
For little ones the Ecochums stay warm lamb is an unusual and heart-(and toe) warming gift. This and other toys in the range are are adapted from an ancient Swiss technique of using warmed cherry stones to comfort and soothe aches and pains and facilitate sleep, and work in much the same way but with the addition of a microwave. Inside each Ecochums Thermatherapy toy is a small cotton bag contain cherry stones which are recycled as a by-product of the Kirsch making process. The site says they are 'perfect for warming baby toes at the bottom of the pram'. Aww!
Strictly for bigger people, these Guatemalan fire sticks would make a highly unusual gift. Hand-made from the stump of Ocote tree, the eco-friendly sticks are 80% resin but dry to the touch, so make ideal natural fire lighters. One pack costs £2.50.
Expecting a hangover after Christmas? If so, the 'Oww! Healing herbal bath bag' will be a wise investment for the party animal in your life. They contain rosemary which eases muscular pain, sciatica and neuralgia, horsetail herb to ease rheumatism, meadowsweet (anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic) and oats - good for skin care. Scented with pure rosemary essential oil. £4.50 each.
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