In a year in which we have grappled with the negative consequences of consumerism and its environmental impact, this year’s Wicked Leeks Christmas Gift Guide focuses on using our purchasing power in a positive way.
With the finances of most recently affected people, try teaming up with friends or family to purchase a gift or a larger experience, such as a one-day workshop to learn new skills, that will serve you for years to come.
Regardless of what you want to give, there are many more green options available now, so every pound you spend can support ethical business and sustainably manufactured products. Everything we consume, be it fashion, food or beauty, leaves an imprint on how it was made, so tread carefully this festive season and enjoy a green Christmas.
For winter hibernators
Sleepwear, slippers, yoga wear, wellness kits and more from an ethical retailer Sanchos they are welcome in the dead of winter. Everything is sourced sustainably and ethically and shipped in eco-friendly packaging, plus an excellent Christmas gift section that makes shopping easy.
Natural beeswax candles have a warm glow and subtle honey scent that is so cozy and relaxing. House rooms stocks hand-dipped candles traditionally made in Cumbria, along with a handpicked selection of other handcrafted household items to treasure.
Tarot is a gentle way to calmly connect with yourself during the quieter months. The unknown wild tarot is a beautifully drawn contemporary deck that explores the mysteries of the natural world and the animal kingdom.
Love a wall calendar that looks good and works well? Survival International’s “We, the people’s calendar“ has stunning photos and raises money to support vital campaigns for indigenous land rights. Landworkers’ Alliance calendar shows boldness and beauty Engravings showing food and agriculture made in harmony with nature and for the benefit of people.
For cunning people
Connect with the earth and do something beautiful in one of Native Hands Craft Courses. Held in an ancient forest in East Sussex, they teach everything from wild pottery to basket weaving.
Quilting is enjoying a renaissance and is the best super relaxing, low impact way to reuse fabric. Quinn’s House make elegant abstract quilts and offer online courses, plus workshops and retreats, suitable for beginners and experienced creators.
Rag rugs are another way to make new from old. Uneven lifeThe Getting Started Kit will get you started on this surprisingly addictive craft; they also make a Kit for kids Suitable for children from 7 to 12 years old.
Creating accessories from recycled leather or vegan material trimmings reduces waste and produces something that will last for years. Green Shoes’ artisan footwear company Walnut bag kit It is a satisfying brand that is great to give as a gift.
For fans of green beauty
UpCircle Make vegan skincare with ingredients including coffee grounds, chai spices, and date seeds. Innovative and luxurious, their products are made from food by-products that would otherwise go to waste.
For friends on a plastic-free mission, award-winning bamboo toothbrush company Truthbrush has a sleek, plastic-free design. starter set including a travel case. Established by two Devon-based working mothers, they can also send handwritten notes with any Christmas gift and use carefully selected materials like FSC certified bamboo and castor oil bristles.
Looking for eco-friendly grooming products for men that go beyond beard oil? Green mint has a wide selection of everything for a greener shave, body care or wellness regimen.
For organic makeup, take a look Organic glow – we love Axiology’s versatile brand of the moment Lip balms to eyelids; Available as a set of three nutritious, planet-friendly, plastic-free colored bars.
For a lovely, inexpensive sock filler, try Pipers Farm Tallow Soap, made with British rapeseed oil infused with tallow and comfrey and waste ingredients like beer, milk, and cider. All ingredients are sourced or collected from small artisan industries that are willing to give them their waste.
For food lovers
Loose leaf restorative teas are an easy way to enjoy high-quality beers with less packaging. The leaf that sings has starter kits with everything you need; alternatively, buy a vintage teapot plus a tea strainer, loose teas, and add some homemade cookies for a unique basket.
Vegan salty caramel brownies delivered to your doorstep? This seasonal treat is a real winner, very nice but not as naughty as you may think. NummyThe version is packed with healthy ingredients and contains no refined sugar, flour, or palm oil.
Field and found They craft linen clothing and Irish aprons in their out-of-network studio in Herefordshire. its Whistler Apron It is an attractive ink blue, with a classic barista cut with an extra wide coverage at the waist.
The urban collector is a wonderful guide to making amazing and tasty dishes from wild foods that you can find in the city, such as cherry butter cookies and nettle ravioli. See our best cookbooks for Christmas gifts feature for more excellent readings.
Bristol Food Union has launched a Christmas basket campaign ‘Buy one, give one’. By offering carefully selected baskets from Bristol’s best independent food producers, you can order one and add a donation to provide holiday supplies for a family in need.
Treat yourself to some great bread and send your loved one on a baking course with guest chef Andy Tyrrell in the beautiful surroundings of Riverford Field Kitchen.
For outdoor enthusiasts
Send beautiful trees for life Plant a Tree Gift Card and support for rebuilding the Scottish Highlands. For each one purchased, a native Caledonian forest trees will be planted. Or to combine amazing greens with a positive impact, refer a friend to Riverford Organic Vegetable Box Company and they will plant a nut tree on organic farmland in Devon.
Perfect as a sock filler or for Secret Santa, the Merry Christmas From nonprofit wildflower specialist Seedball contains three boxes of ready-to-spread seed balls that grow into bee-friendly flowers.
Equipment for outdoor activities and pioneers of fair trade Patagonia make everything from sustainably sourced fabrics in a way that benefits both workers and the planet. Its hard Ultralight Black Hole mini fanny pack it is perfect to carry the essentials on winter walks.
Finisterre are a B-Corp brand that creates practical and sustainable clothing that also offers a ‘Lived and Loved’ change and repair service. Great gift? Give the gift of a wool jacket or robe. Smaller expense? Shiny merino wool hats will beat the cold.
For the pleasure of easily cooking outdoors or cuppas, a Kelly Kettle it cannot be beat. They can boil water in 3-5 minutes using just a handful of fuel like sticks, pinecones, bark or dry grass, regardless of the weather.
For young
the I’m with Greta! 100% recycled shopper bag by Ellie Good spreads the #FridaysforFuture message and for every bag sold, 5p is donated to environmental charities. Pop a great read inside, like We have a dream, a powerful and positive book by young environmentalist Mya-Rose Craig.
TO natural earth paint kit of planet-friendly pigments is ideal for young artists to create, along with a recycled jumpsuit to encourage some lively painting while keeping clothes clean.
Young children love the feel and sturdiness of wooden toys. Kidly It has a wide range for all tastes, from railways to wooden tractors and everything in between.
Little green radicals Make comfortable snowsuits, jackets and more with winter woodland creature prints for babies and toddlers. Fairtrade and made to last, they use 100% organic cotton and they even have a return service for pre-loved clothing.
Do you prefer a handmade Christmas? Try some of our low-cost, easy edibles here.
Did you finish shopping? Read our guide to ethical gift wrapping for the complete package.