The gifts that keep on giving
Spread some cheer and help a good cause this Christmas, writes DAISY FOX
CHARITIES work around the clock offering help to those in need and Christmas is the perfect time to give something back to the good causes that help us and our environment.
Plenty of charities have online shops packed with festive gifts so you’re bound to find something for the loved ones in your life. Here are just a few of our favourites…
DOGS TRUST The Rabble Treat Tin
A DOG is for life, not just for Christmas. The UK’s largest dog welfare charity encourages people to rehome a rescue dog or donate to help care for canines in need.
It says: “This friendly rabble will help store all your dog treats and toys. Plus with every purchase you’ll be helping to save the lives of thousands of stray and abandoned dogs. This colourful metal tin with lid
(165 x 110 x 200mm) will look pawfect on your kitchen shelf.”
■ £14.99, dogs trustgifts.com/ acatalog/Pet-Gifts
RNLI Welly Boot Christmas Stocking
THE RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea through lifeboat search and rescue, lifeguards, water safety education and flood rescue. Its crew members are known for their yellow wellies.
It says: “Line your fireplace with RNLI yellow welly stockings and you’ll be beside the hundreds of volunteer lifesavers on call this Christmas. This fun welly stocking (18 x 40cm) features a hook so mini crew members can hang it up on Christmas Eve.”
■ £15, shop.rnli.org/ pages/christmas
Help a good cause and buy a charity gift for your loved ones this Christmas
RSPB Re-usable Bottle
CONSERVATION charity The RSPB aims to inspire everyone to give nature a home and secure a healthy environment for wildlife.
It says: “We all know we need to reduce our plastic consumption. One of the easiest changes to make is to move from singleuse water bottles to a re-usable metal one.
“Exclusively designed for the RSPB, featuring beautiful artwork by Elizabeth Grant, these stainless steel 500ml bottles are ideal on the go.” ■ £24.99, shopping.rspb. org.uk/christmas/
MARIE CURIE Christmas Letterbox Gift
MARIE Curie provides care and support for people living with any terminal illness and their families.
It says: “An adorable Christmas gift of little festive treats to welcome in the season, delivered straight to your recipient’s letter box.”
Packed into in the decorative letterbox carton is: Gold Crown Iced Cake Slice with Marzipan Star; two Reindeer Biscuits 50g; two Red & White Candy Canes; The Dormen Dry Roasted Peanuts 50g; The Secret Truffletier Christmas Truffles 40g; Radfords Handmade West Country Christmas Pudding Fudge 113g.
■ £20, shop.mariecurie.org.uk/ christmas-hampers-and-treats
MARINE CONSERVATION SOCIETY Ocean Plastic Pendant Necklaces
THE Marine Conservation Society works to ensure our seas are healthy, pollution free and protected.
It says: “This beautiful jewellery collection is handmade from ocean plastic, picked up from the water and collected from Cornish beaches. These unique pendants are made from non-recyclable, processed ocean plastic which is then set in a plant based epoxy.”
■ £25, mcsuk.org/shop/
THE WILDLIFE TRUSTS Adopt an animal
THE Wildlife Trusts are made up of more than 800,000 members and 35,000 volunteers working together to make their local area wilder and make nature part of life for everyone.
It says: “Every Wildlife Trust is an independent charity. Money raised from our adoption schemes goes to helping local wildlife conservation work, such as managing nature reserves or creating habitats.” There’s a whole host of creatures available to adopt, from land animals such as badgers, dormice and beetles to marine creatures such as dolphins and seahorses and nocturnal species including owls and bats.
■ From £8, wildlifetrusts.org/adopt-animal
ALL ITEMS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY. PRICES CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRESS