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Ethical Shopping

Gifts for women from The Big Issue Shop always give something back

There’s still time to pick up a gorgeous gift for the woman in your life at The Big Issue Shop in time for Christmas delivery

Shopping for the woman in your life can be a fickle, difficult task. Three for two toiletries gift sets left abandoned at the back of the medicine cabinet/stuffed behind a pair of ski-ing boots at the back of a wardrobe somewhere. Whether you’re a woman yourself shopping for your mum, auntie, or a friend, ditch the unsentimental smellies and pick up something special – all with a social echo from The Big Issue Shop.

Although we said to ditch the smellies – we know they’re a fall back for many, but they don’t have to be faceless gift sets from your local high street cosmetic giant… CLARITY toiletries boast succulent scents and indulgent soaps, all with a social echo.

CLARITY is the country’s oldest surviving social enterprise; The Soap Co. is their Made in Britain brand. All products and packaging are made here in the UK with each purchase creating employment for its staff who are all blind, disabled or disadvantaged in some way. We’re sure you won’t be able to resist picking up one of their hand wash sets for yourself as well.

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, they say. But jewellery with a social echo will certainly reach their hearts.

Sweet Cavanagh jewellery is designed and created by women striving to achieve and maintain recovery from eating disorders and addictions. Just like the women who craft it, the statement pieces are bold and beautiful, and we’re in no doubt the wearer would love to boast the impact from each one of these fantastically unique pieces on another woman’s life.

The Radio Times (and obviously The Big Issue) is a sure-fire find in many homes at this time of year! But what happens to them afterwards? Jewellery from Quazi designs has been expertly and ethically crafted from recycled magazines. Their dazzling dangling earrings and bold (and heavily durable) rings are made in Swaziland, hand-crafted by artisans who all earn a living wage.

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Elvis and Kresse also make use of recycled material for their beautifully designed products. Established in 2005, they save London’s decommissioned firehoses (that would otherwise go to landfill) to create bags and homeware. 50% of profits from their fire hose range go to The Fire Fighters Charity.

If you’re not enamoured with the traditional toiletries (albeit with a social echo) or jewellery, ARTHOUSE Meath offer a platform for over 70 artists with complex epilepsy, learning and physical difficulties. Together with instructors they create artworks which are developed into soap bars, candles, and fine bone china mugs. Relax with a scented organic plant wax candle (free from animal or paraffin-derived ingredients) and warm up with a cuppa in their designer mugs.

Whatever you choose, ditch the high street and shop social when you’re buying gifts for her this Christmas. At The Big Issue Shop our doors are always open!

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Change a vendor's life this Christmas

This Christmas, 3.8 million people across the UK will be facing extreme poverty. Thousands of those struggling will turn to selling the Big Issue as a vital source of income - they need your support to earn and lift themselves out of poverty.

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