My Conscious Christmas List

My Conscious Christmas List

Many of my readers will know my love of supporting local independent business wherever I am in the world. Supporting your community and shopping in a mindful manner this Christmas could help eliminate countless bin bags of waste as well as put some of your hard earned pennies back into your local community. What’s more, shopping locally makes you feel good. I can’t tell you how many friendships I have formed over the years with business owners and workers. There is nothing better than giving something back to the people that keep our towns, villages and cities alive. They care, and so should we.

I have been compiling a little list of places and things to inspire you this Christmas time. If you aren’t a local, don’t worry. Most places have an online presence and will post out to you in time for the big day. Don’t dilly dally though as last posting dates are fast approaching!

Cabinet Jewellery

Cabinet , based in Devon design the most beautiful British made jewellery. Never a day goes by when I am not wearing a piece. I love the way the collection fits together so effortlessly. I am a bit of a layering fanatic when it comes to necklaces! You can never wear too many! With prices starting at £28.50 there is something for everybody. To find out more about Cabinet click here.

Cabinet also create handmade pouches in vintage silks. Each one different from the other. I am in love! Retailing at £48.00 I would adore one wrapped up under my Christmas tree!

Sanchos

I have to mention these cosy beanie hats from Sanchos. Made by hand by Age UK in Exeter and sold at Sanchos on Fore Street with all the profits going back to Age UK. With a number of different colours available they are a great gift for him or her. They retail at £32.00 and are 100% merino wool. To find out more about Sanchos click here.

Copperpot Originals

Who doesn’t love something sweet in their Christmas stocking? This delicious Christmas Pudding fudge from Copperpot tastes just like the real thing. Being a massive Christmas pud fan this will be my sweet treat of choice this Christmas. At only £4.50 for a 175g box it’s a perfect stocking filler for your loved one.

Steenbergs

A family-owned business selling spices, teas and coffees, home baking products, groceries etc. I have a constant supply of Steenbergs spices in my larder. I recently fell in love with their Christmas Tea. For those that know me well, tea is my lifeline. I am rarely without a cuppa in hand. This tea is organic and fair trade and full of Christmas flavours. Retail price £4.00 for 100g.

InExeter Gift Card

The perfect gift for the picky! Take the decision out of gifting and buy the InExeter gift card. A great way to support local independents and discover a huge choice of retailers from boutiques, artisan producers, lifestyle and homeware shops, jewellers, makers and crafters. The InExeter gift card can be used in over 70 of Exeter’s independent establishements. Each card can be loaded with a desired amount and used like a prepaid credit card. To purchase an InExeter gift card head on over to their website via the link here.

Edible Flowers From Maddocks Farm

My love of edible flowers goes way, way back. I have adorned many a cake, cookie and cocktail with the prettiest of petals. This is something a little bit different though. Halen Môn Salt mixed with organic edible flower petals. The prettiest adjournment for your salads, focaccia bread or margarita glass! At £6.00 per tin from Maddocks Farm Organics it’s the prettiest edible gift on the market. Perfect for someone who like me enjoys cooking and baking.

The Care Taker Sweatshirt

My friends Jemma and Polly have recently taken their business Crane & Kind to another level. Previously Crane, Bump & Baby, the next phase of their business comes in bricks and mortar. Their first shop has just opened in Sidmouth, Devon. Their shop specialises in high quality kiddies clothing, accessories, toys and books as well as their in-house designed clothing range. I have fallen for The Care Taker Sweatshirt big time. Beautifully illustrated with the magnificant Dodo and featuring the words of the great Sir David Attenborough “Are we happy to suppose that our grandchildren may never be able to see an elephant except in a picture book”. £5 from the sale of every adult sweatshirt will be donated to the World Land Trust (WLT).  The WLT is an international conservation charity that takes direct action to save rainforest and other wildlife habitats. By working with local partners across the world, WLT helps fund protected nature reserves to save threatened species. “The money that is given to the World Land Trust, in my estimation, has more effect on the wild world than almost anything I can think of”. Sir David Attenborough. Adult sweatshirts retail at £40.00

Rosie Harbottle

Rosie is such a talent in her field. She creates the most gorgeous illustrations from her studio in Devon. Taking inspiration from far off lands her artwork brings a little bit of sunshine into our worlds.

I hope that gives you a teeny bit of inspiration. Sometimes you just need to look outside the box a little to find that perfect precious gift. Have a fabulous Christmas everybody.

2 thoughts on “My Conscious Christmas List

  1. Good recommendations for local independents’ original products making thoughtful gifts. Still time to buy for Christmas!

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