Completely guilt-free Christmas shopping may feel an unattainable goal. However, there are a number of social enterprises and charitable initiatives here to change that. Some are working with communities that need support, others are donating a portion of their profits to certain endeavours. We've rounded up the very best to shop from this Christmas, whether you're looking for a gift for every woman in your life, or a gift for a home cook.
Ishkar is a social enterprise whose aim is to challenge ‘one-sided narratives of conflict-affected countries’. For the past four year, Ishkar have built up their brand, promoting and offering a platform to lesser known crafts and techniques in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Egypt, Lebanon and more. Ultimately, the company want to create new streams of income and economic opportunity for artisans who don't necessarily have access to overseas markets and global trade.
Founded in 2004 by Margarita Andrade and Goya Gallagher, two Ecuadorian friends, Malaika Linen focuses on using high quality Egyptian cotton to produce luxury bedding. Based in Cairo, the enterprise teaches hand embroidery to local women in their school Threads of Hope to offer them self sufficiency. Once qualified, the women can work from home on commissions for Malaika. That's not all though, as the company have expanded to include homewares and beautiful examples of Fayoum pottery too.
For 25 years rehabilitation charity and social enterprise Fine Cell Work has been ‘transforming the lives of prisoners’, teaching them high quality needlework in British prisons. Partnering with Sophie Ashby's shop, Sister, the pair have produced a beautiful range of homewares, where the proceeds from every sale will go to supporting the ongoing work of Fine Cell Work.
Following a similar thread to Malaika Linen, SEP is a Jordan based enterprise, where each and every product is hand stitched by artisans who happen to be refugees. Their aim is to provide economic stability, employment and infrastructure, in place of donations. As of January 2021, SEP had trained and worked with over 500 embroidery artists. Their latest collection is brim full of stylish linens.
West House Pottery is a not-for-profit enterprise centred around supporting local artists and ceramicists, alongside assisting those with learning disabilities to obtain tangible creative skills. The shop is packed full of lovely things like vases, egg cups, milk jugs and plates.
Every year the RNLI release a collection of charming Christmas cards where 100% of the profits go towards their lifesaving work. Last year, over 38,713 people received aid from the lifeboat charity, so every card bought is a direct contribution to that.
Artist Emily Monckton has designed 15 charming collage prints inspired by designers and fabrics that have influenced her work. Based in West London, the prints feature famous pieces from Pierre Frey fabrics to Salvesen Graham chairs and are available to buy on her website The Full Montage. Every piece would make a charming gift–the best part? 20% of profits from each print will go to Crisis at Christmas.
Everyone's favourite hotel and restaurant has an equally excellent shop that sells a charming range of foodie gifts. Our favourites are the Highland Hare Egg Cosies by The Deeside Knitwits which can be purchased in sets of two or four. The Deeside Knitwits are a Braemar-based creative knitting community who knit themed collections several times a year, raising both awareness and money for local charities.
Designed by Michael Nash for the River Café, this 100% cotton tote bag is printed in the restaurant's signature colours. All profits from the sales are to be donated to the Hammersmith and Fulham Foodbank.
Wildflower Illustrated are relaunching their much loved ‘Christmas Care Home Initiative’ for 2022. That means for every Christmas card order this year, they will include a complimentary card and postage label to send to a care home resident.
Partnering with Choose Love, a refugee charity, Secret Linen Store have released an exclusive set of bed linen and cushion covers ready for this winter. 100% of the proceeds will go towards the charity and support their work.
With a range of beautiful embroidered and crocheted blankets, sofa throws and cushions, Oshana cuts a very stylish figure. Everything on the site is handmade by Syrian refugee women and the pieces are inspired by traditional Middle Eastern design. 100% off profits are given back to the makers, who often rely on this work to support their families.
