With the cost of living crisis impacting families and businesses all over the country, Christmas 2023 is likely to be a challenging one for many. While the increased cost of living might discourage you from shopping independently, it’s more important than ever for us to make small changes and support independent businesses with a purpose.
All of the brands featured in this list not only make and sell exceptional products you’ll be thrilled to gift, but also have a greater purpose behind them, and a story to tell. All hold key values relating to ethical employment, sustainability and having a social impact, either through those they employ, or how they give back to communities from their profits.
We’re excited to share some of our favourite brands to help you shop consciously while still finding unique presents that your family, friends and colleagues will love.
1. Voice
Who else would top our list for sustainable gift ideas? We are proud that our jewellery is handmade from sustainably-sourced materials by expertly-trained artisans who are employed ethically, into creative, sustainable employment that allows them to raise above the poverty line and achieve their dreams.
This winter we have seen the arrival of our new rebranded look alongside our 14K Gold Plated upgrade and the introduction of our brand new collection Zori & Pearl. Our Pearl Hoops & Pearl Choker have been particularly popular already. We designed the collection to be layered and matched together, so adding our Zori Pendant or Pearl Pendant to the look is the perfect look for Christmas.
If you’re browsing for a gift for someone special, our all-time favourite Radiance drops which are now in 14K Gold are always a Christmas hit, and our new gold Rings have been reimagined from the original Sterling Silver to give even more variation to your Christmas gifting. We hope you find the perfect gift for everyone on your list!
2. Gngrbees
We are absolutely obsessed with the Terra shirt from our friends, gngr bees. This gorgeous, white linen shirt is made from OEKO-TEX ® certified un-dyed organic linen, which is recyclable and biodegradable.
The oversize design makes it the perfect layer to add to your outfits whatever the season, from layering over swimwear and activewear, to wearing over jeans and pairing with your Bravery studs in Paris… Yes, we love the Terra shirt so much that we took it to Paris with us, where we shot some photography for our exciting giveaway collaboration with gngr bees.
Sustainability is at the heart of gngr bees’ purpose. Their clothing - primarily activewear - is all made from materials that have been disposed of, reclaimed, upcycled. Each collection is finite and so once it’s gone, it’s gone!
This year they’ve also create BUNDLES for us all to enjoy. Go take a peek, we’re eyeing up the lounge & relax bundle, ready for a quiet and calm few weeks ahead we hope!
3. Yes Friends
An organic t-shirt for just £7.99? Yes Friends, you read that correctly. Yes Friends is an organic clothing designer and manufacturer that exists to make affordable ethical clothing the mainstream, and you can gift a timeless organic t-shirt in white, black, sage green or dusty pink for less than £10.
But as we’re looking for something more cosy for the winter months we’ve been eyeing up their organic heavyweight sweatshirt in Cream - We love a plain jumper to style our jewellery with and we think this one is the perfect look alongside our new Golden jewels when you’re looking for a more casual look! All made from organic, Fairtrade cotton and manufactured in a factory powered by wind and solar.
4. Sundies
Kind on you, Kind on the planet.
Disrupting the current model of the fast fashion industry and exclusively working with manufactures and companies sharing their values, Sundies uses organic, recycled and deadstock materials to produce the most beautiful and sustainable underwear and nightwear!
This winter we’re dreaming of the Sanibel Seagrass Green set of PJ’s. Made from incredibly soft organic cotton fabric this shirt and short set is comfort like no other and definitely what we ALL need for these cosy Christmas nights and slow wintery mornings!
5. SPINDLE BY SISTERS
We met Spindle Sisters a few months ago at a summer market. We love their mission and the gorgeous variation of ethical homewares that they sell. Their dedication to building relationships with craftsmen and women that they work with is brilliant and there’s a gift for everyone on your list through everything they offer.
I particularly like their Sitaara cushions which come in some absolutely gorgeous colours all handcrafted from plant based dyes. Take a look at the indian red mix!
They’ve also got some gorgeous notebooks and pouches which will make perfect stocking fillers! What do you think?
6. ONESTA
Onesta create timeless investment pieces you’ll love forever and the impact they’ve already made within their community in South Wales is outstanding!!
We recently partnered with Onesta for a special giveaway online with their Grey Winnie Jumper. I’d be lying if I didn’t say I wished I could have entered myself, BUT these luxurious ethically made winter warmers are worth every single penny!! Take a read of their impact and sustainability commitments.
7. Kwagala Co
Last but not least, our friends at Kwagala Co are celebrating their first Christmas in business and we’re loving their homeware designs. All handwoven by female artisans in Uganda, in neighbouring communities to us at Voice. We know firsthand that their mission is important and their impact is flourishing!
My personal favourite is the Monochrome Fruit Bowl which you can also get complementing coasters for!
We hope our ethical and sustainable winter gift guide has inspired you to shop consciously from brands with purpose this festive season. Happy shopping, and we hope you love the brands and products we’ve featured as much as we do! We wish you a very Merry Christmas from everyone at Voice!