Welcome to part two of our gifting guide! Last time on the blog we delved into some of Dorset’s finest edible gifts, today we’re looking at some beautiful products that are all made with sustainability in mind. Here in Dorset we’re lucky to have a wealth of fantastic organisations who are all striving to do the very best for our planet and its people. Today more than ever it is possible to choose gifts that are sustainable, eco-friendly and ethically made and we have chosen some lovely products to share with you.
Dorset Corner – Handmade Soaps
Dorset Corner specialises in the most beautiful smelling soaps. Handmade in Dorset in small batches, the soaps are vegan and free from palm oil and SLS making them gentle and suitable even for sensitive skin. Their packaging and processes are waste free with zero plastic use and their packaging is either compostable or recyclable. We’re definitely putting their Coffee Cleansing bar on our Christmas list (and you don’t hear us talking about coffee very often). It’s made from locally sources ground coffee to make a gently exfoliating bar which they say is great for use after cooking or gardening.
Dandy Dog Company – Pooch Inspired Pressies
Dorset based Dandy Dog Company have created a beautiful range of sustainable products designed to last years. All their products are centered around your canine companions so whether you are choosing a gift for a friend who is crazy about their pets, or you simply want your own dog to have a pressie under the tree, check out their offering! We love their Purbeck Pebble Pottery Bowls, handmade by a local Dorset potter!
Old Green – Sustainable Homeware
Old Green offer quality homeware, handcrafted by local people here in Dorset. They use reclaimed materials that would otherwise go to waste and repurpose them, creating beautiful products designed to last. Their eco-friendly rapeseed wax and essential oil candles would make a pretty gift and we also love their cocktail tumblers made from repurposed bottles.
MCS Society – Gifts For Ocean Lovers
The Marine Conservation Society is our charity partner and they are working tirelessly to protect our oceans. We have worked with them this year on a local beach clean and to ensure the packaging of our sunshine blend has become fully recyclable. Their website is a fantastic place to read all about their valuable work and they also have their very own shop selling clothing, gifts and accessories. Not only do we love their ‘Save Our Oceans’ T shirt (in collaboration with sustainable clothing company Rapanui), they have a fantastic feature on their website which allows you to understand how their certified organic products are made.
Lush – Cruelty Free Cosmetics
If you have ever walked past a Lush store you may be familiar with their gorgeous smelling cosmetics, but did you know that the HQ of this now global brand is located in Poole, Dorset? The company started here back in 1995 and they make cruelty-free, handmade toiletries and were the inventors of the bath bomb! With 66% of their products being sold ‘naked’ with zero packaging and 90% of their everyday products being vegan (the remainder are all vegetarian) we think they are doing a pretty top job at proving that you don’t have to be small to be sustainable. You can read all about their values here. We absolutely love their shampoo bars which would make excellent stocking fillers, or to really treat someone, check out the ’Happily Ever After’ gift set.
Amy North – Unique Jewellery
Handmade just over the border in Hampshire, Amy North crafts the most beautiful pieces of jewellery. Using recycled sterling silver, ethically sourced gemstones and sea glass collected on the South Coast, Amy describes her pieces as enhancing the authentic and organic nature of each stone and being consciously crafted and sustainably made. We love this blue sea glass ring and she also has some lovely pewter seashell necklaces. Exquisite!
RNLI – Lifesaving Shopping
Here in Dorset we are spoilt for choice when it comes to beach trips and ocean exploration. We have 88 miles of coastline to enjoy and, like other coastal areas we are lucky enough to have the RNLI stationed around us, ready to help out if people get into trouble at sea. In fact, the RNLI’s college and training centre is based just down the road in Poole and it’s incredible to see all the vessels on their berths whenever we drive past. If you’re local you may want to pop in and peruse their shop, but otherwise check out their online store, where 100% of profits go towards supporting their life saving work. We love these coastal placemats made from sustainable cork which is harvested every nine years without felling trees. They’d make a lovely gift and you can get matching coasters.
South Coast Makers at Bobby’s, Bournemouth
South Coast Makers is Bournemouth’s independently run, curated market. They celebrate all things local, and whether you are looking for beautiful artwork, pretty jewellery, recycled homeware or tasty treats you will be spoilt for choice. This year, Bobby’s (located on the old Debenhams site in Bournemouth square) are hosting the South Coast Makers Market and have created a festive pop-up featuring 50 businesses. So, if you are local or fancy a day out in Dorset to do your Christmas shopping, this is the place to go! You’ll also find our full range of Dorset Tea so you can pick some up for stocking fillers, to make up a lovely hamper, or simply for yourself!
We hope you’ve enjoyed our guide! Please stay in touch with us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook where we’ll continue to recommend local products, stores, cafes and experiences that are perfect for the festive season!