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Ethical gifts to order from the comfort of your sofa

From jewellery and bags to statement heels and winter wardrobe essentials, these unique gifts are not only super stylish – they're thoughtful, too, says Lizzie Rivera

Lizzie Rivera
Sunday 04 December 2016 18:39 GMT
(Shutterstock)

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The best Christmas gifts are thoughtful and original. A token - no matter how big or small - that shows the person receiving it that they're special and you've been thinking of them. Each present in this list is unique, expertly crafted by hand or in small batches by up-and-coming or established designers that you won't find on your average high street. And the best bit? You can order these truly unique gifts from the comfort of your sofa. . . And the even better bit? Each brand behind each product is committed to be being truly ethical and sustainable - offering good working conditions and paying fair wages to their employees and making sure the materials they use are not destroying the earth. And you can't get more thoughtful than that. . .

1. Origins triangular pendant

There's more than meets the eye with this delicate rose gold and coloured enamel necklace. The geometric structure symbolises the jeweller's interconnections with mining communities and a transparent supply chain - proving that ethical jewellery can be stylish, too.

£74, Cred Jewellery, Buy it now

2. Multi-way shawl

A favourite piece from the AW16 collection, this versatile shawl is perfect for this season’s layering trend. Plus, it's made from 100% organic cotton by Rajlakshmi Cotton Mills based Delhi, India, which seeks to combine high quality tailoring with a fair deal for farmers and workers.

£65, People Tree, Buy it now

3. Avocado on black clutch

These gorgeously fun clutch bags blend a love for traditional Mexican art and craft with an inherently London style - and are handmade in conjunction with skilled Mexican artisans.

£85.00 (small); £114.00 (large), Tea & Tequila, Buy it now

4. Daisy Knight's feather wrap ring

Daisy Knights is a British jewellery designer with a loyal celeb following including Alexa Chung, Cara Delevingne and Rihanna. This adjustable wrap ring evolved from her signature feather design. 100 per cent brass with a gold tone finish, it's hand cut from brass sheet and crafted in Kenya.

£25,  Made, Buy it now

5. Tiger not entertainer shoes

These tiger slippers are not only super cool, they are handmade in Spain using a vegan suede upper with detailed gold embroidery and recycled PU leather lining, so are cruelty-free. Ten per cent of sales goes to World Animal Protection UK and its campaign #Wildlife. Not Entertainers. It aims to put an end to the use of wild animals in entertainment.

£130, Beyond Skin, Buy it now

6. Gena coat by D:Efect

This coat is guaranteed to brighten up the dullest of days. Made from from virgin wool it's also super warm. "A fashion editor customer of ours wore this at Paris Fashion Week and was street style photographed within an inch of her life and stopped in the street by passers by who asked where the coat was from." It's made in a small scale production in Lithuania.

£360, Gather & See, Buy it now

7. Red Statement studs 

The geometric brass shapes in this collection are hand cut and polished, then colour is added using enamel paint. Handmade by Patty and Naty from the Hope Jewellery fair trade project in Lima, Peru - by working with Just Trade, these women are able to educate their children and secure a better future for their families.

£25, Just Trade, Buy it now

8. 'Monroe' lingerie set

Inspired by 'silver screen' glamour this bralet and knicker set features delicate pin-tucks and cheeky peep hole details. The lingerie is made from Italian stretch satin and handmade from start to finish in Brighton.

£79.00, Luva Huva, Buy it now

9. Sleek body by Woron

A new winter must-have that's both stylish and practical, these bodies are unbelievably soft against the skin and the fitted, streamlining effect of the design is flattering, too. It's made from Modal, a sustainable fibre from woodpulp, and comes in both black and grey.

£60, Gather & See, Buy it now

10. Spa gift set

Gorgeously scented, these premium bath products are made and beautifully wrapped in Cornwall. Choose from a range of products including  Pink Himalayan Salt Soak and Sweet Almond & Shea Sugar Scrub to create a bespoke luxury bath set. Free from palm oil and animal products (except beeswax). Plus 10 per cent of profits are donated to environmental and animal rescue charities.

From £24.50, Ethical.Market, Buy it now

11. Louise satin babydoll & knicker set

A LuvaHuva favourite updated with luxurious stretch satin and trimmed with taffeta bows. Very cute - and also very comfortable as the set is elasticated around the bust, straps, waistband and legs.

£62, Luva Huva, Buy it now

12. Sundried Activewear

Created by surfers and triathletes, this sportswear feels as good as it looks. So you can be sure of their ethics, every Sundried purchase comes with a unique code that allows buyers to learn about the product and its journey.

Breithorn Bra, £45; Ruinette Tight, £75, Sundried, Buy it now

13. Loren bracelet and ring

The large suspended ethical stones are designed to let light shine directly through the centre,  giving a beautiful hint of the geometric design beneath. The matching ring and bracelet feature ethically sourced smokey quartz stones from Arkansas, set into gold plated Fairtrade silver from Peru.

Bracelet, £139; Ring, £144, Cred Jewellery, Buy it now

14. Krishna scarf by a Peace Treaty

This huge blanket scarf is a love-forever-investment-piece. Made from the softest and warmest baby alpaca (a great ethical alternative to cashmere), each one is handwoven in Peru by a women's cooperative. The intricate woven colours and tassels make them truly unique.

£350, Gather & See, Buy it now

15. Seafolly Jacket

The traditional fisherman's mac has been given a feminine twist. A waterproof, windproof and breathable raincoat, with toggle and rope fastenings, deep pockets, a generous hood and the softest (organic) cotton jersey body and hood lining. Classic nautical styling for rainy days - available in a range of colours.

£89.95, Seasalt Cornwall, Buy it now

16. Nouveau bracelet

With intricate 3D leaf designs, this bracelet is delicate and versatile with a sense of timelessness. A beautiful piece that's made from Fairtrade silver mined in Peru.

£64, Cred Jewellery, Buy it now

17. Leah Weller boots

Made in collaboration with musician and model Leah Weller these fabulously vertiginous lace-up high boots rock an edgy look. They're handmade in a luxury vegan faux leather upper with a breathable 100% recycled faux leather lining. Plus, 10% from every sale goes to PETA UK. 

£250, Beyond Skin, Buy it now

18. Striped hat

This striped hand-knitted hat adds a playful, colourful finish to any winter outfit. It's also made from 100% wool at Kumbeshwar Technical School (KTS) based in Kathmandu, Nepal - originally set up to help the so-called ‘untouchable’ caste. 

£20, People Tree, Buy it now

19. Marisol necklace

The ideal gift for a craft lover, The Marisol collection is made from two strands of fine silver wire skillfully crocheted together. Handmade by Dina, Dorila and Beatriz of the Hope Jewellery Project in Peru.

£90, Just Trade, Buy it now

20. Organic denim apron

This utilitarian apron, crafted from organic denim, is perfect for the cool chef and has a handy front pocket for utensils and other kitchen paraphernalia. It's sewn at home by refugee women as part of an upskilling and confidence-building programme for the Refugee Council. 

£41, Aerende, Buy it now

21. Vii Cast Pendant

A sand-casted chevron pendant at the end of a delicate chain necklace, available in brass or silver-plated brass. Simple, yet stylish. Handmade in Kenya, each Made piece has a positive social impact.

£35, Made, Buy it now

To find more ethical fashion brands visit bicbim.com/fashion.

Lizzie is the author of London's ethical lifestyle hub, bicbim. Follow her on Twitter @LizzieRivs and @bicbim.

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