The thoughtful gift guide

*I'm not being paid to include any of these products. I have been sent some samples, although not all & this is my own gift guide of suggestions for Christmas

As we move into an age of less is more and are slowly reducing how much plastic we bring into the house, or if we are that it's recyclable as well as looking to gifts that serve a purpose or give back in some way, the way we shop is surely changing.

While Christmas is about fun, festivities and family and I do believe that a little bit of indulgence is never a bad thing and not to get too caught up with how ethical something is as I feel many of us are starting to feel the weight of guilt, I wanted to put together a small gift guide of easily accessible gifts that offer something back, are meaningful and thoughtful gifts and hopefully you will find it of some use. 

1. Shine Shampoo Bar

These make for the perfect stocking filler and not only are these shampoo bars good for the planet as they come in plastic-free packaging, are cruelty-free and last 4 times longer than liquid shampoo, they are also fantastic to use. I have used a few different kinds of shampoo bars over the last year and this is one of my favourites. 

2. I Can Cards

Another fantastic stocking filler are the I Can Cards, started by Amy Holland, a mum of two living in Cardiff who was looking for realistic daily positive affirmations. I have met Amy, who also runs Warrior Women Events in Cardiff and I know she has put her heart and soul into these packs which focus on meaningful subjects such as anxiety, self-love and body positivity. 

3. Reusaboo Reusable Cups

Despite owning more than a handful of reusable cups I know there are family members of mine who have yet to convert to the "carry your own coffee cup" ethos and these beautifully designed Reusaboo Cups are perfect. Made from Bamboo these cups are eco-friendly, watertight, heat resistant and food safe, plus they are pretty stylish too. 

4. Nomad: Designing a Home for Escape and Adventure

This has got to be one of my favourite coffee table books and is perfect for anyone who is interested or inspired by the idea of living off-grid, on the road or in a tiny home - this book has it all and so much more. With over 400 stunning photographs of 26 unconventional homes and the people who live in there, I find myself often paging through this. Great for the traveller or wanderlust at heart. 

5. Hand-Poured Candles from Maykher that give back

Maykher are an Ethically made and Sustainability focused independent company based in Cardiff which has grown from strength to strength in the past few years and best of all is they donate 10% of their end of year profits into the education of young girls and women in areas of the world they need it most. Fames for their classic Beanies and scarfs, their product range has expanded and they have just started doing hand-poured soy-wax candles made in the UK. They come in three gorgeous scents and are perfect for any home. 

6. Beautiful prints from The Underdog Print Shop

This online print shop really does offer some unique prints you won't find anywhere else and is a platform for up and coming artists to share and sell their work which means you can find that perfect piece of wall art while supporting small independent artists, win-win all round I say. Printed on high-quality giclee presses and supreme archival papers and I can vouch for this myself having ordered a few prints and being very impressed with the quality, these prints are ready to hang and are very long-lasting and make perfect presents for all ages from bringing more colour into kids bedrooms, brightening up your own hallway or as a gift to friends who are decorating their home, prints are a lovely way to give a unique and thoughtful gift. You can also get 15% off your order using the code LAURASIDESTREET to save you a little bit more while supporting upcoming artists.

7. The Wizards Vegan Chocolate 

The Wizards Magic Chocolate is fairly new to the market but is already creating a bit of a storm as it's vegan-friendly, high in fibre, gluten-free and has only 1% sugar, plus it comes in completely recyclable packaging which very few chocolates do. I can vouch for how nice these taste, especially the orange chocolate and mint chocolate bars.

8. Liberté, Egalité, Sororité T-Shirt from Black and Beech

These are on my wish list for Christmas as I love this feminist-inspired t-shirt based on the French Motto of Liberty, Equality and Sisterhood. Black and Beech t-shirts are ethically produced using 100% organic cotton and screen printed using water-based inks right here in the UK.  Black and Beech also support and donate to a variety of women's charities. 

9. Positive Wellbeing Zine for Mums

The Positive Wellbeing Zine is perfect for all mums from expecting/new mums to those dealing with crazy toddlers and is packed with practical advice, ways to look after yourself and supportive hints and tips on how to get through parenting in a positive way. What I love about the Zine is it's not trying to be perfect for promote an unrealistic why of parenting but instead offers a supportive and realistic platform and has some great articles in it. Isabella and Us, the designer behind the Zine also creates some beautiful pin badges and cards.

10. Holly Golightly Bath Bomb from Lush

Well, Lush has some amazing Christmas products in-store and their ethics are pretty good too with all their products being cruelty-free, hand made and naked packaging (free from plastic). I particularly love this bath bomb as for one it smells divine with scenes of orange and cinnamon and it has sprinkles inside the bath bomb for an extra touch while turning the water into shimmery winter-green.

11. Bedding

I am all about presents being really useful because that way they serve a purpose and things like bedding for close family members is a great gift idea - we all love relaxing in bed yet I know personally splashing out for bedding comes lower on my list when I have two kids to look after. You can get bedding for all kinds of tastes, I love bold arty prints but I know my mother would prefer something more in keeping with her Victorian home, such as a Grey Suede Divan Bed set, either way, there is something for everyone these days and plenty in organic cotton as well.

This is just a small list of ideas but I think there is something for everyone and they are all budget-friendly as well with nothing being over extravagant in price.