Christmas gifts with benefits AND a National Art Pass giveaway
Maker’s Atelier pattern
Most of us, including our nearest and dearest, don’t need any more stuff. This year we’ve welcomed Greta Thunberg, managed Second-Hand September and are cutting down on consumption. I’ve virtually stopped giving Christmas presents to friends; these days, I tend to just buy small gifts for their children (if this is news to anyone, I’m thinking about the planet, alright!). But it’s not all Bah-Humbug at That’s Not My Age Mansions, I love to send Christmas cards and take a small gift of food, drink, a plant or a bunch of flowers when visiting friends over the festive period. Locally purchased if possible or from the new Lidl down the road. In my latest podcast Caryn Franklin talks about how #notbuyingnew means she’s more creative with her clothes – and the same philosophy can apply to Christmas gifts. Having a Considerate Christmas means different things to different people. And of course, it does feel good to send gifts, ‘Tis the season to spread joy and goodwill after all. From supporting charitable initiatives and social enterprises, to gaining new experiences and shopping locally, here are a few suggestions of gifts with benefits:
Care about your community
The Soap Co. is a beauty brand that is committed to doing things differently. Eighty percent of its workforce are blind, disabled or otherwise disadvantaged. The company uses natural botanicals and pure essentials oils and all items are paraben and cruelty-free. I’ve sniffed a couple of the body washes and fragrances; the black poppy & wild fig, geranium & rhubarb, wild nettle & sage, are lovely. The Soap Co. is also available at John Lewis
If you’ve listened to my Patrick Grant podcast you’ll have heard all about Community Clothing; the Blackburn-based social enterprise and design co-operative that makes good quality basics for men and women. The garments are made in the UK, sewn in Blackburn, printed in Blackpool (hooray!), woven in Leicester and knitted in Hawick.
Merchant & Mills jumpsuit
Gift a new skill
Switch off the smart phone and spend time learning a new skill. For makers, Wool and the Gang sell designed and assembled knitting and crochet kits for all levels, from simple blankets and scarves, to more advanced sweaters, gloves and cardies. The Maker’s Atelier and Merchant and Mills both sell brilliant dress-making patterns; I have my eye on the Thelma jumpsuit and the Big Easy top, does anyone have a spare sewing machine? Both brands also arrange sewing retreats and classes, check out their websites for details.
The website Obby is on a mission to get everyone to rethink learning, to step away from their screens and go and do something creative instead. Connecting users to over 2500 courses, classes and workshops in London, with everything from salsa to Spanish, pottery to piano playing. Find out more about Obby gift cards HERE. As the website says, ‘Give the gift of learning.’
Go on a culture trip (with a National Art Pass)
The Art Fund is a charity supporting UK museums and galleries and encouraging more people to see art. Call me predictable but for the third year running I’m buying Mr That’s Not My Age a National Art Pass (well, a joint pass, gift-to-self included). This brilliant pass gives free entry to over 240 museums, galleries and historic houses across the UK, as well as 50% off entry to major exhibitions. After a few culture trips, the Art Card pays for itself. AND the good news is: Art Fund has very kindly offered two passes to giveaway to TNMA readers. To win please email [email protected] with the subject line ‘Win an Art Pass’ by Tuesday 17 December; we’ll notify the winners and National Art Pass will send out to you, as soon as possible (UK only I’m afraid).
Eat, drink and be merry
Yep, your favourite tipple can help others, too. With their ‘drink beer, give water’ initiative Brewgooder Brewery donate 100% of their profits to projects bringing clean water to African communities. And Ignition Brewery, a not-for-profit in my local South London, employs and trains people with learning disabilities. Every time you pick up a pint or choose a bottle to take home you’ll be helping the cause.
If gin is the drink of choice, award-winning Edinburgh Gin is produced and bottled in small batches in the West End of, er, Edinburgh. And the distillery tour is ranked in the top 20 visitor attractions on Trip Advisor (advance booking is essential). While sustainable label Ramsbury Estate gin is sourced in Wiltshire. Waste water is filtered through a ‘wildlife-friendly’ system and the estate’s livestock are fed on the spent wheat.
You might have already spotted these bright chocolate bars on the shelves, not only are Tony’s Choco-lonely bars delicious, but the brand is on a mission to end slavery on cocoa farms. Another fair trade favourite is Divine, who believe in the power of chocolate to improve the lives and opportunities of small-scale farmers.
Share more, waste less. If you’ve been given too many tins of Quality Street or M&S Shortbread sign up to Olio – a food waste app that helps you swap unwanted food with your neighbours.
And finally, do you know Trouva? This website is the place to find all the best, independent, bricks and mortar retailers in one place online.
For other, more traditional gifts, I’ve put together a small, Christmas edit HERE.
Discussion (19 Comments)
Mrs Tonia says:
Some really thoughtful and well considered gift ideas here. I could see myself enjoying a sewing retreat if I can get someone in my family to gift that to me. We tend to exchange experience type gifts which are really appreciated. And food gifts, especially things I’ve made. Tomorrow we are having a family get-together and I’m providing a batch of homemade cranberry sauce and my brown rice, almond and herb stuffing. And a pointsettia from a local nursery which grows them.
Alyson you put me on to the Art Fund card and I was given one which I’ve used this past year. I’ve also asked for other museum membership cards as gifts, a means of supporting the institution as well as being able to visit the exhibitions without paying every time.
So many things like Fairtrade chocolates and decorations and cards are available to buy from charity shops to benefit all concerned.
Seasons’ Greetings to all readers of That’s Not My Age.Jean Shaw says:
For sewing, another London-based company is Paper Theory–in particular, her LB Pullover and Zadie Jumpsuit patterns are all over Instagram. I’m about to sew my 3rd LB Pullover–easy, stylish, comfortable.
Susan says:
Great suggestions. The top picture is gorgeous. Do you know which pattern from The Makers Atelier it is? I can’t seem to find one on their website that corresponds , particularly the lush sleeved over jacket. Thanks and Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Thank you, Susan – I couldn’t find the pattern either. Let me ask Frances the founder….
Thank you so much. I’m an avid sewist in Australia, making almost all my own clothes. I gasped when I saw the top pic as I’m a fan of voluminous sleeves. Silly question but how do I access the magazine ???
I just found the magazine on your website ! Off to order it and some other treats. Have previously made the asymmetric dress with the elastic !
Great post. We always try to buy small ethical or edible gifts in out family and this year have pledged to try and make when we are able. The Art pass is something I’ve been eyeing up for a while so great giveaway too! Enjoy the season! x
Anna K. says:
I’m all for sustainability, cutting airmiles and needless consumption; but I have been wondering about the fate of textile and other workers, who slave, often in appalling working conditions, to produce the throwaway stuff we are now avoiding. What will happen to them if their jobs go, pitiful as the are?
I support an organisation called KIVA (www.kiva.org) which makes loans to poor people who need a hand to start a self-supporting business, such as the African women who have started a co-operative growing and selling vegetables; or a woman who was given a loan to buy an extra sewing machine for her business.
Non-repayments are very rare. Poor people don’t renege on their debts. It brings tears to my eyes when I see ‘You have a repayment!’ in my inbox (often of only $1 or $2). I then re-lend this to another worker, and so my original $100 loan goes round and round, helping more and more people lift themselves out of poverty. You could start a KIVA account as a gift to someone who has reached Peak Stuff – it’s a great feeling to help people help themselves.
Susan says:
Alyson & Susan,
I think I may be able to help you both with this. The top is a free pattern which comes with the Autumn 19 edition of the Maker’s Atelier Magazine, together with instructions for making the sheer wrap. I’ve found the magazine itself to have some wonderful ideas and it is beautifully produced.
What a brilliant post. So many good ideas. I had never heard of Olio – like freecycle for food! The Art Pass is also a fabulous gift. Giving really thoughtful presents takes effort which is what makes them so special. I always got my kids to buy secondhand gifts because it was both sustainable and fun. They knew they could afford whatever they thought looked most suitable and at the same time, they knew they were supporting a good cause. Win-win. I also LOVE homemade gifts of any kind. This year, I made little quince paste and medlar curd parcels, wrapped in brown paper and festive ribbon to give to unsuspecting friends! Last year, I made damson chutney. For the family, I have homemade rhubarb gin. Next time I’ll be sure to use Brewgooder Brewery’s gin. Their ‘drink beer, give water’ campaign is brilliant.
SLF says:
Great post! I totally agree. I have to keep reminding myself when buying gifts for my family that one well thought out gift is enough. My daughter even told me she is wrapping up hand me down toys as gifts for her two-year old and suggested that I do the same with hand me down children’s books. It’s not that we can’t afford new but there is already an over abundance of what already is available!
Rach with an E says:
As a family we’ve agreed to buy each other at least one charity shop gift for the Christmas table (instead of crackers) and to shop more sustainably and thoughtfully. I am pleased with what I’ve bought people so far, and in today’s rootle around the charity shops, bagged myself a Max Mara teddy bear coat for £8. I’ve also made drawstring bags out of old clothes instead of using wrapping paper or gift bags; they can be re-used for years to come. I must add the National Art Pass to my very short wishlist!
I’m excited to discover a new ethical chocolate manufacturer. I wasn’t aware of the slavery in cocoa bean farming. I am now so thank you for educating me. I’ve ordered a selection of Tony’s to sample, I’m sure we’ll enjoy them all. They certainly have an eye catching look.
Happy Christmas to all.Fran says:
I haven’t jumped on the consumer bandwagon for the previous 5 years at Christmas. Instead I choose to spend quality time with family & friends as the alternative. As I age I can see through the over commercialism especially at this time of year. It is very liberating.
Sara says:
Having spent some twenty years making all my own clothes (only excepting lingerie) and really enjoying it, there are now so few, if any, local to me places selling good quality fabric and buying online is not good enough. One has to feel the fabric, hold it, drape it and then do a bit of scrunching it up. Not possible with a swatch! Additionally, since I retired, my wardrobe is very different, much more relaxed and casual. Of all clothes, these are the most difficult to make; I can tailor a jacket, fit trousers to within an inch of their life, but make jeans? I don’t think so! A parka? Likewise. With great sadness, my old interest and skill is no more. However, not being at work does mean I require fewer clothes, so I am doing my bit, if not exactly how I wanted.
Interestingly, although I enjoyed making from scratch, I disliked altering something already made, so no satisfaction form that end.
Frances 
Sheree 
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This festive season I have tried to buy gifts for my nearest and dearest which are either local, sustainable, ethical or whose proceeds go towards a charity or good cause. Living in Cornwall we have a great local food and craft/makers scene so presents this year have been relatively easy. Harder though was for a friends children (age 2 and 4) for whom I tried to buy a present that wasn’t plastic, disposable or particularly gender specific (eg- trains or unicorns) – this was a lot more difficult than I thought it would be but managed it with some beautifully written and illustrated books by a local children’s author.