Browsing: christmas

a high point?

To be praised by my thirteen year old son on my choice of Christmas presents was one of the high points of the festive season for me.

He, of course, has no concept of the hours of thought, planning and co-ordination that had gone into each item in his present collection. Neither would he have any idea of the agonising that went into getting the balance between extravagance and frugality, between waste and real pleasure.

I’m with him, though. I did do a good job. Rather than lots of small gifts for each of the five children, we favoured joint presents for us all from our relatives (thanks to you all for complying). This has meant that we are two weeks into January and no-one has said that they are bored and there are no unwanted toys lying broken on bedroom floors. Singstar, Buzz and Guitar Hero have saved the day.

Or have they? Imagine my horror when I

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It’s getting towards that time of year…with only four weekends left until Christmas the shops are rammed, and everyone around me seems to be at least halfway through their Christmas shopping whereas I have hardly even begun.

A rising onset of panic has prompted my quest for the ultimate Christmas gift – something that will give rise to the appropriate ‘ooohs’ and ‘ahhhs’ upon being opened, but something that is more than a disposable knickknack or curiosity. I’m looking for something that with ethics and a story but which won’t break the bank, and of course has that extra bit of wow factor.

It was with these thoughts in mind that I came across The Leaky Collection, a fabulous little range of jewellery with an interesting story, making it much more than what meets the eye. The collection features some really lovely wooden bracelets and necklaces which won’t fail to be a hit, but the real winner come in the form of the Zulu Grass strands - colourful and versatile jewellery which is ethical and ecologically sound to boot.

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A while ago I was given the task of developing our Christmas Gift Wrap. I instantly thought old fashioned brown paper and natural wrapping, Something nice on the eye, something that would look beautiful under the Christmas tree, Something that would scream out on Christmas morning ‘Open Me’. I just love those presents!

So I began my quest to find the perfect Ethical Gift Wrap….

After searching the internet for every combination and variation of ‘Ethical Gift Wrap’, I came across a beautiful recycled paper ribbon. Perfect! This was just what I was looking for. I immediately imagined the biggest bow, tied beautifully around my old fashioned natural brown paper, a classic look that I knew would never date.

But something was missing….and then the answer, to add the finishing touches to my beautiful, recycled, natural gift wrap, was the delicious Divine Fairtrade chocolate coin. That  extra little Christmas treat, that I knew would go down well with children and adults alike. Yummy!

So there I had it, my fabulous christmas gift wrap, looking so traditional with its big red hand tied Christmas bow. I think this is the perfect ethical choice for all our customers.

I hope that you all have a very Merry Christmas!