The Best Ethical Irish Christmas Gifts for 2017

Shopping for Christmas gifts is no easy task. You search and search for the perfect gift that your friend/family/whomever will love, something meaningful that won’t just get thrown out in a few month’s time. Christmas season is when Irish retail sales reach their peak each year, with December sales averaging over €4 billion, the highest in all of Europe.

This year, why not try to buy something that makes a difference to people in developing countries, and makes you and the recipient feel good. By buying gifts with the Fairtrade label, you’re not only choosing a label that indicates quality, you’re also guaranteeing that the people behind that product also will have a better Christmas. If even 1% of all Irish retail sales went to Fairtrade products, a world of difference could be made to help people out of poverty.

Here are our top picks for ethical gifts to buy this holiday season:

Poinsettias

Red Poinsettia in a red pot

For the person with an enviable green thumb, bring them the perfect winter plant, Irish grown Fairtrade poinsettias are sold exclusively at ALDI.

Chocolate

8 bars of Marks and Spencers Fairtrade Chocolate

Chocolate has gotten a lot fancier in recent years, making it the perfect gift or the perfect addition to a gift! Marks and spencer have an amazing range of chocolates available in store, or support Irish artisanal chocolate producer Clonakilty Chocolate who has a special Christmas range. €4-€60

Wine

Bottle of Fairtrade Shiraz Wine by brand Six Hats

 

 

For the wine lover on your list, be sure to pick up a few bottles of Fairtrade wine, reds and whites available both at Marks and Spencer and at LIDL. €8-$15

Fair Fashion

An ethically sourced green Fairtrade cotton blanket that can be worn as a poncho

For the fashion forward person on your list find ethically sourced clothing, blankets, and baby clothes from Fair Threads, a new Irish online shop. €6-100

Blankets, Scarves, Sheets

Two Fairtrade organic cotton hemmingway throws on a chair outside

For anyone looking to cozy up their hygge home, get them these beautiful warm throws from White & Green who sell a range of luxurious textiles. €119-149

Classic Sweats, Hoodies and Tees

Man and woman wearing black Fairtrade cotton sweatshirts

Galway-based Prairie is a new Irish clothing line of Unisex basics that are very high quality and made with organic cotton. Orders currently placed via phone or email. €6-40

Gourmet foods and ingredients

Fairtrade olive oil from Traidcraft

For the cook or foodie among your friends, Traidcraft have a huge variety of products from specialty quinoas, nuts, spices and biscuits for the budding chef. €4-50

Spirits

FAIR drinks fairtrade sustainably sourced vodka, rum, gin, coffee and goji liqueur

Surely there’s a budding mixologist or cocktail extraordinaire who would love to add some high-quality alcohol and liqueurs that display beautifully on the home bar. FAIR drinks are available for purchase online or at Harvey Nichols. €18-50

Tea

Loose leaf teas from Suki organic Fairtrade tea

We all know that person who is always putting on the kettle. We haven’t found anywhere that sells a lifetime supply of tea, but there are a lot of delicious ethical teas out there. Here are links to just a few with prices from €3.50-130

Suki Teas (pro tip – this Northern Irish company offer a monthly tea subscription)

Numi Tea (sold in most major supermarkets in Ireland, all certified organic)

Coffee Subscription

Bewley's coffee project subscription box For the coffee lover, a 6 or 12 month subscription to Bewley’s Coffee Project will send them a bag of unique coffee each month straight to their door. €60-120

Beauty Products

 Fairtrade products from Boots Pharmacy

For the person who spends forever beautifying themselves, head over to Boots and check out their new range of Fairtrade beauty products they even have a few box sets on offer. €5-18

Footballs

Fairtrade Soccer Ball

For those eager to get out on the pitch Bala sport have a range of footballs and rugby balls that are high quality and reasonably priced. They even offer customized balls for the ultimate sports fan. €8-40.

Advent Calendar

Chocolate Christmas Advent Calendar from Divine

The classic Christmas treat, an advent calendar from Divine Chocolates with a different sweet treat for each day, available in most major supermarket chains. €5

Chocolate Santas and More

Fairtrade Chocolate Santa covered in santa themed foiled

Who doesn’t love getting a chocolate Santa in their stocking! LIDL have launched their Favorina Festive Favorites which has more than 20 chocolate-y treats.

Happy Christmas Shopping!

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