ColieCo's Ethical Gift Guide - Christmas 2018
Television and the internet have once again been overrun with Black Friday promotions, discount furniture retailers are screaming about seemingly impossible discounts on leather sofas, and everywhere you look you see saliva-inducing, stomach acid churning luxury food ads.
This can mean only one thing... CHRISTMAS IS COMING!
We don't always like to go with the flow here at ColieCo, but there are some battles that cannot be fought head on. So rather than add to the historical catalogue of tired tirades railing against Throwaway Christmas™, we thought we'd try to do our small part to redirect the bandwagon and show you 20 ways that you can gift ethically this year by shopping with small, independently-run businesses.
When you spend your Christmas present budget, why not get creative, offer your lucky giftee something authentically unique, and help a conscientious enterprise pay a fair wage to a talented individual?
And you may have heard the line: "When you buy from a small business an actual person does a little happy dance!" As an indie seller, we can tell you that - trust us - it is absolutely true!
So here are some of our favourite ethical gift ideas this Christmas. All are 100% guaranteed to crack smiles and warm hearts on Christmas morning :-)
1. MAiK London socks
Ethically made in a family-run factory in France that has been producing hosiery for three generations. Thanks to their savoir-faire, MAiK are able to offer super high-quality socks made from yarn dyed using only eco-friendly pigments. Their yarn, spun in Italy and Portugal, produces soft and comfy garments. €17.
2. Eucca floral hair slides
Beautifully handmade with real flowers, dried and preserved to last months and months. €41.
3. Daisy Shayler-Webb keyrings
The funkiest colours in eye-catching designs, each one handmade in London. Check her Instagram feed for the latest designs. Price on request.
4. Goats & Totes ‘feminist’ pin
Pins are a great gift, and this one comes with a right-on message fully endorsed by ColieCo Lingerie! There are only 100 made for the first batch, and each backing card is numbered. €8.
5. ColieCo Lingerie CHERRY bralette (of course!)
Ethically handmade in Portugal, with your choice of 16 different bold and vibrant prints allowing you to choose which best suits your recipient! All fabrics are reclaimed from fast fashion offcuts otherwise destined for landfill. €33.
6. Indoor Survival Co Wooden Crescent Moon shelf
Great for displaying decor pieces, the colour is a custom blended warm brown, with a hint of red mahogany. The shelf can be used stand alone on a flat surface or hung on the wall. €36.
7. Wild Gypsy hand painted jackets
Spice up a vintage jacket with one of their unique paintings! Price on request.
8. William White ethical jewelry
If someone you love deserves an extra special treat this Christmas, look no further. A stunning natural Oregon sunstone set in satin finished 18K recycled yellow gold. Ooooooooh! €1,075.
9. La Mia Casa Nel Vento botanical perfume
This bright citrus and grapefruit scent contains no artificial ingredients - only natural botanical oils, resins, concretes and absolutes infused in a base of jojoba oil, all of biological origin. €63.
10. Carolina Zuniga art
Sensual, female-focused art pieces. The prints are a great stocking filler priced from only €7!
11. AmyPanda felt badges
These amazing hand-stitched badges are the perfect gift for the plant lover in your life. Pack of 3 for €12.
12. Lucy & Yak recycled plastic coat
These guys have gone from strength to strength this year, and have completely blown us away with this incredible coat. This pink colour would look amazing layered with any of their dungarees and our recycled plastic lingerie! €68.
13. Nikki McWilliams Frida Kahlo pin
She has biscuits in her hair. I repeat, biscuits in her hair. €9.
14. Lauren Aston Designs knit kits
Give the priceless gift of a new craft with one of Lauren's amazing knit kits. (Or buy something ready-made if your friend is one of those more likely to get themselves into a right royal knot...) From €25.
15. Glitter Punk Sisterhood pin
Another pin to add to their collection. This one is pink *and* empowering! For your sister from another mister (or otherwise). €9.50.
16. Rebecca Fenely art print
This lingerie print gives us at ColieCo all the feels. Know someone who is always picking up a new picture frame ready for the next cute print they find? This one is for them. €21.
17. Clara & Macy Silver Linings pin
Yet another pin. But hey, we love pins, OK? And look at it - it is too cute! €9.
18. Nicola Hanrahan pet portraits
You may recognise her style in the beautiful graphic featuring in our GOLDFINCH collection. Nicola is an amazingly talented watercolour artist focusing on wildlife and floral illustrations and pattern designs, and her pet portraits are the perfect gift for any kitty or puppy parent. Price on request.
19. Girl vs Cancer Christmas pudding t-shirt
Show your support for breast cancer awareness with this cheeky tee. 25% of revenue goes to four different cancer charities - very worthwhile. €32.
20. Sunshine for Breakfast Christmas cards
Don’t forget to pop cards in with your presents this year! A handwritten note goes a long way and can mean as much as any gift. Get yours from Etsy seller Jodie. Four cards for €10.
And one for good luck...
21. ColieCo Lingerie gift cards
Spoilt for choice and can't make up your mind what to choose? Or are you running out of time to pick up one of the gifts on our list? Don't panic - ColieCo is here to help!
Treat your BFF or significant other to the gift of choice with a ColieCo Lingerie gift card, redeemable against everything and anything in store - from bras and panties to playsuits, lingerie sets to swimwear, bodysuits to yogawear!
Happy shopping people, and enjoy the festivities to come!
Nicole x
