Ethical & green gifts
We've done some fairly extensive research into what eco-minded individuals want as treats this Christmas, but what do you give the green guy or girl who is already knee deep in energy-saving gadgets, vegan shoes and paraben-free face wash?
One idea that's bound to go down well (and you'll also still be able to get your hands on three days before Christmas, ahem) is films, books and other forms of entertainment based around the very subjects that have us going green in the first place: what I will clumsily refer to here as eco-entertainment. And this year, shop shelves have been brimming with it.
Follow the jump for a roundup.
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Ethical & green gifts
Ha ha ha. So you probably knew that Saturday 20th - tomorrow - is the last UK First Class posting date before Christmas.
Were you, like me, planning to do a rush job on your Christmas cards and fling them at a postbox sometime in the next 24 hours?
And did you, like me, not realise that today, 2,000 postal workers will close seven sorting offices as part of a postal strike?
Ha ha ha. Erm. Never mind! Our friends over at Dollymix have compiled a Top 5 charity ecard list!
So come with me over the jump and let's send our wishes of the season in a way that helps those less deserving than us, treats our planet with respect, and doesn't depend on the vagaries of the UK postal system....
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Kids stuff
This year has been a great one for ethically-minded parents, and it feels like not a day went by in 2008 when someone didn't alert me to a new toy, clothing label or washing product designed specially for children. There was the launch of Method's new kids range, a delicious-smelling selection that makes bathtime lots of fun, a menagerie of wonderful handmade soft toys including the lovable Bobby Dazzler range, and a real treat for young fashionistas with a clothing range from Bindi Irwin, daughter of the late crocodile hunter.
As the smaller, more sustainable toy companies flourished we saw the big giants flounder, as Mattel's 'biodegradable Barbie' failed to convince savvy parents that the stunt was anything more than greenwash. But what have we liked in the world of eco-friendly toys? Follow the jump for our favourites, all of which are small and affordable enough to go in stockings.
Follow the jump for stockist details
Related: Eco-friendly stocking fillers for her | Eco-friendly stocking fillers for him
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Ethical & green gifts
This wonderful concept didn't quite fit in any of our gift roundups, but I liked it so much I felt I just had to share. Inspired by 'nature's instinct to survive', it's a planting pot shaped like a miniature manhole. Available at Generate Design.
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If you've had cause to pop over there recently, you may have noticed that I've been diong a spot of writing for Shiny's wedding blog, Bridalwave. The site is very switched on to the fact that many couples are chosing to go green on their big day, and that's at least partly because its editor, Camilla Chafer, is very eco-minded herself. A former Hippyshopper contributor, Camilla has a good eye for the finer green and ethical things of this world, so I've invited her back today to share with us her Christmas wishlist.
Click on the image to see what Camilla's hoping to unwrap this Christmas...
Related: All I want for Christmas #4: Kate from Greenfinder | All I want for Christmas #3: Mrs. Green | All I want for Christmas #2: Sarah Woodhead | All I want for Christmas #1: Abi
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Today's plea for green gifts comes from Kate Haines of ethical shopping directory Greenfinder. Kate's let her inner hippy run free with her gift choices, from holistic silk slippers to bags of fresh lavender, she'll be in for some good karma in 2009!
Click on the image below to see Kate's pick of the best eco-friendly gifts
Related: All I want for Christmas #3: Mrs. Green | All I want for Christmas #2: Sarah Woodhead | All I want for Christmas #1: Abi
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When I asked Mrs. Green from My Zero Waste what she wanted for Christmas, I knew she'd pick out some seriously sustainable and guilt-free gifts, but she's got a real eye for style, too. (OK, so one of her choices was a heating system, but she managed to indulge her more frivilous side for at least the first six!)
There are plenty of ideas here that would make ideal presents for friends and family if you're aiming at an ethical Christmas, but for extra green points, check out Mrs. Greens tips on eco-friendly giftwrap.
Click the image below to check out what she selected.
Related: All I want for Christmas #1: Abi | All I want for Christmas #2: Sarah Woodhead
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