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