5 perfect Christmas presents from black-owned sustainable & ethical brands
‘Tis the season for gifting once again and 2020 is THE year to be mindful about what you are buying and where you are buying it from. It’s a year that has pushed us all to re-evaluate our values and habits, a nudge to put our efforts and our money towards doing good in all the ways we possibly can. So if you must buy gifts for friends and family, why not make it sustainable and ethical one? Even better, why not take it a step further by supporting small black-owned sustainable and ethical businesses. Sancho’s is an incredible black-owned sustainable and ethical independent shop based in Exeter, Devon and they have some perfect gifting pieces from black-owned brands too. I picked out a few of my favourites so if you intend on sending me a gift, feel free to select something from this fab list. Joking. Kind of.
1. The Liha Beauty Discovery Gift set
Liha is a gorgeous West African inspired beauty brand. So yes, you can expect that Shea Butter goodness! Founders Abi and Liha wanted to create products that represented them, a mixture of natural African roots and quintessential British attitude. Their Liha beauty gift bag is an absolute treat, a great way to discover and get the best of what the brand has to offer. It contains a bottle of Idan Oil (natural and cold-pressed coconut oil infused with Tuberose flower), a tub Shea butter ethically sourced from Ghana and a Queen Idia candle which is a coconut wax blend. It is a dream combo that makes for the perfect mindful gift.
Get it here: https://sanchosshop.com/products/liha-beauty-discovery-gift-set?variant=32930609135709
2. The Lela 3-way Hammered Brass Earrings
Yala Jewellery is an ethically made-in Kenya jewellery brand. They create award-winning jewellery made to last. Their beautiful 3-way hammered recycled brass pair of earrings is a great gift idea. Not only is it made to last but the piece is extremely versatile. You can wear it as simple circle studs or add a half-moon piece at the back or add the circle stud at the front...three looks in one. You can never get bored of them. A perfect gift for that easy-going, minimalist person in your life?
Get it here:
3. Zero Waste Bean-Shaped Pendant
Here is another great one from Yala Jewellery. I love this beautiful recycled brass pendant as it is also versatile and minimalist. With its bean-shaped pendant, it can be easily worn dressed up or dressed down. The chain is a 14k gold-filled, for that little extra sparkle.
Get it here:
4. The Charcoal or Mustard Exeter Hat
For him or her, it’s ready to match any outfit and it’s something anyone can wear year after year after year. After all, beanies are an Autumn/winter staple. These cable knit beanies are handcrafted for Sancho’s by a small group of volunteers from Age UK Exeter, a not-for-profit organisation to enable independence and provide support for the elderly. A lovely gift that is also doing good by giving back to the community? It’s a win-win!
Get it here:
5. The Green Amaru Scarf
There is power in a gift that has meaning behind it. Amaru, a shortening of Amarech, means “She blossomed” or “She became complete” - this is sure to give the owner of this beautiful scarf a confidence boost while they wear it! Made of handwoven Ethiopian cotton, the craftsmanship of the Ethiopian women who make these is breathtaking. It’s an almost three-hour process during which they hand-spin cotton through bamboo teeth loom. This scarf is a gift made with love that you can pass on to a loved one.
Get it here:
