I have been scanning the web for a selection of ethical presents and gift ideas for friends and loved ones this Christmas. It is tempting to only make donations that will help improve less privelidged communities and people’s quality of life. However, I think it is also important to purchase the output/ products made by the ethically driven cooperatives and organisations; this will surely help to secure longer term employment and economic prosperity for their workers.
I am delighted at the increasing choice of ethically minded organisations like Biome Lifestyle; as consumer demand increases, it means that ethical suppliers from around the world have a greater chance of ensuring their products are available for more people to browse and purchase. This in turn will improve the economic prospects for the workers and their communities.
In a play on the popular Christmas carol, “12 days of Christmas” find below a selection of my favourite Christmas gift ideas:
On the 12 days of Christmas my true love bought for me:
12 Computer training courses HIV orphans in the Congo
Computer training will help young people left orphaned by the impact of HIV in the Democratic Republic of Congo to learn new skills. During their four-week computer course, they will improve their future job prospects so that they can earn a living and put a roof over their head. Christian Aid partner, AMO-Congo has already seen the difference that computer training can make.
11 Water purification treatments 
People living in the Diossong area of Senegal have fetched water from traditional wells for centuries. But often the water they collect is dirty, and this causes illnesses like cholera and diarrhoea, especially amongst children. To combat this, ActionAid is helping communities learn how to use a purification solution and make the water safe to drink. Your gift could be used to train local women so they know the importance of clean water and understand how good hygiene can help prevent waterborne diseases. This way, children will stay healthy and be able to look forward to a healthier, happy life.
10exercise books sent to a school in Gambia
Most children in The Gambia are required to provide their own exercise books, as schools have insufficient funds to cover this. Poor families struggle to afford even these low cost items. This Ethical Gift consists of a pack of 10 good quality books, and provides a Gambian family with a vital component of their children’s education. The children of this family are each holding an exercise book.
9tropical soaps from a cooperative in Bali
This natural soap is formulated exclusively for Biome Lifestyle by a small cooperative in Bali, where the members of the cooperative benefit directly from every bar we sell. 15% of the manufacturing cost of each bar of soap has been shared amongst the workers and families of the Sensatia cooperative, to ensure workers are paid fairly and good working conditions are maintained.
8sewing machines for disadvatanged women in Tajikstan
Much more than a hobby, a sewing machine can provide a much-needed regular source of income for young Tajikistan women who would otherwise be destitute.
Young women like Manzura lost out on her education during the Tajik civil war. So when the men of her village left to find work in Russia Manzura, and girls like her were left to fend for themselves with few skills to help them.
Christian Aid partner Mehrengez, runs training courses including sewing that can help young women gain skills that can provide an income.
7beekeeping hats sent to Bolivian beekeepers
Native Bolivian bees don’t sting – they bite. 
Bolivian beekeepers can be attacked by biting bees that get into their hair. Special hats enable beekeepers to tend their hives, keeping them productive and generating a vital income for their families. Native Bolivian bees don’t sting – they bite. Bolivian beekeepers can be attacked by biting bees that get into their hair.
So special hats enable beekeepers to tend their hives, keeping them productive and generating a vital income for their families.
6fair trade raffia placemats from an African cooperative
These fabulous fair trade placemats are made by a community of women in South Africa, in a small town just outside the Eastern Cape. Each placemat has been handmade from start to finish by these passionate ladies who enjoy what they do and many been working together for ten years or more. The business was set up with the aim to help the community become self-sufficient. The workers are paid for every item completed under the belief that every piece deserves a price and every lady deserves to be paid for her time and handiwork.
5sacks of seeds sent to farmers
Sow the seed of self-sufficiency by filling these sacks with quality crops-to-be. Oxfam get them to local farmers with the need for seed. They can be stored in a seed bank for harder times or sown to grow crops to eat or sell.
4juggling clubs for kids in Guatemala
4 Sets of juggling clubs. In Guatemala, juggling clubs can play a vital part in helping young people overcome a violent past. At the Caja Ludica youth club, people like Marlon Pacheco have found the confidence to escape a life dominated by violent gangs and build a positive future. With the opportunity to take part in classes like circus skills, art and poetry, youngsters can escape the legacy of Guatemala’s 36-year civil war and spend time forming positive friendships.
3organic cotton roll up beds from an accredited manufacturer in Kerala
Made in Kerala, India, in a factory fully accredited to SA 8000; this guarantees that no child or forced labour is used, and that all workers have bargaining rights and fair wages. Handmade from high-quality hand woven organically grown cotton using natural colourfast dyes.
2fair trade oven gloves made on traditional handlooms
These fair trade oven gloves are made from 100% cotton. The cotton is woven on traditional handlooms, located along the beautiful Malabar Coast of India. The maker is fully accredited to SA8000, an international certification covering workers’ ages, rights, pay and conditions, so you can be sure that no one was exploited to get them to you.
And a carbon offset for delivery!
e sure your guests are kept toasty warm in the depths of winter.
And by the way, even if you own home doesn’t need any of these lovely things, they do make great Christmas gifts for someone near and dear to you!