The Mix Six: Six fair trade Christmas gifts from York

Want to find some gifts that look good and make you feel good too? Alice Robson from Kigali Crafts rounds up the best ethical pressies in York

 
If you are stuck for original gifts this Christmas, York hosts some great fair trade shops.

As well as their usual collection of stunning accessories, jewellery and home ware, Shared Earth are hosting a variety of gifts for the winter season. From handmade cards to tree decorations, you kit the home out and share the joy.

Shared Earth

Shared Earth, which is found at Minster Gates in York and has an online shop here, aims to improve the livelihoods of disadvantaged people in developing countries, benefiting local community projects and keeping alive traditional kills that would otherwise be lost.

Rocking rucksack

Shared Earth’s range includes gifts for all ages. Make a great start to the year by sending your child of to school in one of their rucksacks. Made in Mahaguthi, Nepal, these fair trade bags are perfect for all occasions and come in a variety of designs, only £14.99.

Monster draw

This pencil case monster makes a perfect stocking filler and is a little something to pop into your child’s new rucksack: £4.98.

One: Responsibly Gorgeous

To kit yourself out for the party season, One: Responsibly Gorgeous is York’s only ethical fashion boutique, brings style and ethical fashion together. Whilst never compromising on style, they are committed to bringing fashion, jewellery and accessories that have been made with the environment and the people who make them in mind. Find the shop on Grape Lane.

Cosy cardi

Wrap up warm this winter in this Fairisle Shawl Cardi, £99. The chunky hand knitted lapels and raised collar ensure that you get the maximum warmth and cosiness.

Check this dress

Celebrate in style with the Anna Check Dress, £85, perfect with boots and woolly tights during the day and ideal to take you into the evening. The brushed cotton, hand woven dress has a wide scoop neckline and darted bust gives a lovely tailored fit.

Brilliant bangles

One also host a range of beautiful jewellery, perfect for a gift or to finish of your outfit! These colourful bangles by People Tree add a touch of glamour and are available in a variety of colours.

Hand made from half brass and half bone, or half brass and half wood, these bangles are sold separately at just £15.

Kigali Crafts

Kigali Crafts offer a wide variety of gifts this winter season, including their best selling elephant earrings, £3.99. These funky head-shaped elephant earrings are extremely unusual and would make a truly unique and exciting gift. They are silver plated to prevent allergies and give a beautiful finish. They are fairly traded through Kenya to support Jorova Crafts.



• To find out more about the story behind Kigali Crafts as well as up-to-date news and offers, visit their blog, like them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter
• By supporting Kigali Crafts then you are helping to support Rwandan genocide survivors. Kigali crafts help over 200 Rwandan families though fair trade