Ethical Gift Guide | The Times
The Times | December 2013
Good gift guide: Christmas 2013
Brodgar Straw Back Chair, Lindsey Lang Ellipse Cushion, Fair Isle Fisherman’s Hat
The savvy shopper knows the best things also give a glow to the maker. When buying, plump for something handmade and crafted with care.
Homewares have the advantage of being useful as well as pretty, but there is no need to follow the herd into the mass-produced when there are unique, home-grown talents around such as Lindsey Lang. A rising star of the design world, Lang’s range of cookware, tea towels, tiles, coasters and cushions, above, go beyond the functional to be colourful, graphic works of art. lindseylang.co.uk
Much is proudly produced in the UK, but the new Arc Collection of cushions and rugs is hand-tufted by artisans in India, helping the fight against child labour and supporting weavers’ families. From £19 to £299. made.com/collection/arc-collection
One of the most respected names in the beauty business is Ila, famed in high-end spas across the world for quality ingredients “beyond organic”, produced in exemplary working conditions. Its Luxury Essentials Collection of hair and body products is a steal at £26, or a blissful spa treatment makes a heavenly gift. From £70. ila-spa.com
There is a huge range of gifts to be found at Dartington Hall in Devon. All the Dartington Trust’s shops go to supporting its uber-cool mix of sustainability, social justice and the arts. Pick up a hamper of festive treats, £40-£70, also available online. dartington.org
Looking for the wow factor? The New Craftsmen has a delectable online collection, from a Fair Isle fisherman’s hat (£90), to the Brodgar Straw Back Chair (£2,250). The maker, Kevin Gauld, grows oats in Orkney to create the back. thenewcraftsmen.myshopify.com