Over the years I have enjoyed going out, investigating and writing blogs about the local shops for educational Christmas gifts for children. This year I wanted to focus on ethical Christmas gifts for children. I have spent some time looking around Cranleigh and Horsham to find sustainable, ethical, eco-conscious, low-plastic or plastic-free, low carbon mileage children’s gifts.
Here are my top picks for 2021:
West Stanton, Smithbrook Kilns
Originally a successful online business, a couple of years ago Hannah opened her shop in Smithbrook Kilns. Packed to the brim with thoughtfully chosen, beautiful toys for all ages, this is the perfect shop to come and spend some time picking out ethical Christmas gifts (she even has a few things for adults tucked away). My favourite ethical items for children were…
West Stanton Instagram is something to be desired, if you want continued inspiration for your Christmas shopping do check it out here.
Three Stories, Smithbrook Kilns
Located within The Surrey Wedding Company, is a lovely gift shop called Three Stories. Filled with little treasures for all ages from young to old, it stocks a few ethically sourced items. My favourite picks for an ethical children’s Christmas present are…
One Forty, Cranleigh Highstreet
I came across this fantastic book called “Bees: A lift-the-flap eco book”. It is made from plant-based inks, glues with minimal plastic content and recycled board. It is beautifully designed and it has a great message. It teaches children about why bees are so important and how we can save them.
Between The Lines, Cranleigh Highstreet
In this treasure trove of gifts for all ages, I found these delightful toys made by Huckleberry. They focus on making toys from materials that won’t damage the earth whilst connecting children to nature by encouraging discovery, exploration, creating and playing. I particularly liked the “Hear the Beat of Nature”. It is a Pinard Horn made from FSC Beachwood. The design is similar to a stethoscope so little ones can use it to hear the different sounds of the outdoors. I also thought the “Fishing Kit”, priced at a reasonable £8.75 was a fun kit for a child to start to learn how to fish.
For Earths Sake, Cranleigh Highstreet
Although Cranleigh’s only plastic-free shop may not be an obvious place to look for ethical Christmas gifts for children, it does stock the most beautiful cards by Looploop Designs. They are handmade cards, made from 100% recycled cotton and embedded with seeds that, once the Christmas season is over, can be planted to grow a patch of beautiful flowers! It’s good for us and it’s great for the bees too.
FairKind Child,26 Piries Place, Horsham
This independent shop has an amazing array of completely ethical children’s toys. They have many locally made gifts, that are good for keeping our carbon mileage lower this Christmas and some products that help give back to communities around the globe. Everything stocked here has been ethically made and sourced.
These little cars at £9.50 caught my eye. These beautifully designed wooden cars are made from sustainable wood, planet kind inks, biodegradable rubber and die-cast bases. They are the perfect alternative to all the little plastic cars children love to play with.
Pop Up Horsham, 7 West Street, Horsham
This shop is a fantastic scheme, supported by Horsham District Council, that has items from independent small businesses, individuals and local crafters. I found these adorable vintage wooden money boxes. I think these would make the most magical gift to unwrap on Christmas day.
It has been great fun scouting around Smithbrook Tuition’s local businesses for ethical Christmas gifts for children. I have listed my favourite finds from each store, but there are plenty more things with eco credentials in many of the shops I have featured. I only wish my own children were young enough to enjoy all these finds. Happy shopping! I hope that this Christmas gift guide will help you find some delightful presents for children this year, whilst supporting local and eco-conscious businesses at the same time.