Sustainable Christmas Shopping
Christmas is such a wonderful time of year but unfortunately it can often be perceived as an extremely expensive holiday. We have been shopping sustainably for Christmas for a few years now and below are some of our favourite go-to options when sourcing presents for our loved ones.
Secondhand
We’ve talked about this a lot in past blogs so if you’re not new here this being our first suggestion won’t be a surprise to you. I have listed below our favourite places to try and what we get from where.
Charity Shops
I like to look in charity shops for ideas or things I haven’t thought of. When you use some of the other options below you need to have a rough idea of what you are looking for but charity shops are great ways to find things you didn’t know about that your children may love. I have previously bought Mickey Mouse books from charity shops, as well as flashcards and chunky plastic toy animals that I wouldn’t have paid for first-hand.
Facebook Marketplace
This is my favourite place to look if you want something specific to collect locally. I look here mostly for children’s toys and clothes bundles.
Vinted
This is where I go if I cannot find a specific toy on Facebook Marketplace or if I want a specific item and colour of clothing in the right size.
This is also where I came to get our matching family Christmas pyjamas and so did Summer.
World of Books
This website is amazing. I have never not found the book I was looking for on here (plus a few extras!).
This is where I come when I want to get a book that the children have particularly loved when we borrowed it from the library.
The books are all secondhand and are sent out in 100% recycled packaging.
Postage across the UK is also free which is a massive bonus.
Small Businesses
Bee’s Bakes
If you are looking for some special occasion Christmas biscuits I really couldn’t recommend this company enough. Becky is the sweetest lady and makes the most beautiful biscuits.
We have used her for birthdays for the last year and my children have absolutely adored her biscuits. Friends haven’t been able to tell they are vegan as they are so yummy.
You get beautiful and delicious biscuits when you shop with this company, as well as the best customer service I have ever received.
Pop&Bloom
This is the cutest little company that makes lollypops and as you can see they are amazing!
They can make them in two different sizes, either round or heart-shaped and can do most colours and add things like glitter.
You order them via their Instagram account and Clare is very helpful at getting you what you want.
Our Boy Jack
I found this cute little company on Instagram and they have the sweetest clothes and bits for children. Initially set up for boys it’s really branched out and I believe is perfect for either girls or boys – who needs gender conformity in 2021, right?
I love them because they are good quality, minimal and neutral clothes without logos or pictures on them. I know for some that’s what they want but I absolutely love these simple, classic styles. So far I have only got these two cute hats from them as we haven’t needed anything else but soon Brother Bear will be needing a few jumpers and I am so excited to order them from here!
Bear and Rose
I absolutely love everything in this shop and have to keep reminding myself about my minimalist intentions whenever I look at their site.
It gives me all the Scandi feels.
So far I have gotten these cute little tokens that I use with the children to help them feel brave when we are doing a new experience or if they are spending the day with someone that isn’t me.
I also got the little moon token for Summer as I think it’s a wonderful, portable reminder, that all things pass eventually.
As someone who suffers from anxiety, I know that having physical reminders that things will change, or that someone is thinking of you, can help me greatly. Here’s hoping they help my family too!
Letters from Afar
There are no words to describe the beauty of this company.
It’s a monthly subscription letter that gets posted to you (or your children) and every month it’s written by Isabell who is visiting a different location around the world.
The artwork on the letter is beyond stunning and the letter itself is full of fun facts about the location and place she is visiting.
It’s such a creative and visual way to learn about our world!
Bees Knees Journal
I got this journal back in the spring and I thought about it a lot before getting it as I had tried many things for my anxiety in the past and none of them worked and this journal is on the pricier end of things (for me personally).
However, my wonderful husband pushed me to get it and I’m so glad he did! It’s such a beautiful and visual book.
I’m a really visual person so this works so much better for me than a big, daunting blank page. It’s also quick to fill in and prompts you to note down the facts which helps centre and ground me in what actually happened that day as well as helping me to pick out the good bits. I really recommend it if you are looking to help a friend (or yourself!) with anxiety.
Eco Shops
Unboxed Kent
If you live in the Canterbury area then I really recommend this shop if you are looking for not just bulk food items (including zero waste sweets and chocolates) but also bath and shower options. I love to get cute little zero waste bath and shower supplies to make little hampers for family members. They also do great kitchen options and the cutest Buba+Boo nappies.
My Little Eco Shop
This sweet little shop is Devon-based but don’t panic if you are not local, their website is great too. They also do a great range of kitchen, bathroom and haircare products.
Peace With The Wild
This shop does EVERYTHING. If you need to replace something and are looking for a sustainable version then the chances are you will find it here. The website is split into different sections like Kitchen, Bathroom, Skincare, Haircare, etc so it is super easy to use.
Make it yourself
Never underestimate the power of a homemade gift. I have made a few things for the children over the years and though they are far from perfect they love them so much and it just melts my heart. Last year I knitted them both scarves and for Little Bear’s birthday I made her a wand.
This year I am working on a fishing game for them made out of felt. Each of the little sea creatures and fish will have a metal hook in it with the stuffing and then the rod is a long piece of Dowling with a magnet in the end. Keep your fingers crossed I finish in time!
Please do share your favourite eco shops and small businesses with us in the comments or over on Instagram at @foxandlockes. We are always on the lookout for more!
Livvy and Summer
