Islington Impact Gift Guide

Written By Better Space Team

We’re building a gift guide of products and services that are doing good in Islington and beyond, so we can feel good about buying and giving them, all year round. The below listings are having a positive social impact on local people and communities through their operations and sales. We’re consciously trying to reduce how much we consume, especially at this time of year, so we’re focusing on experiences, opportunities and recycling options!

Experiences

  • Migrateful is a cookery school which runs classes led by migrant chefs who are struggling to integrate and access employment, due to legal and linguistic barriers. Their mission is to empower and celebrate chefs on their journey to employment and independence. You can buy a range of gift vouchers for a friend, colleague or even a group or team to attend a class in person or online.

  • Artbox London is a social enterprise which helps young people with learning difficulties to produce their own art in creative, enterprising and theraputic classes. Why not browse and purchase some of the artist’s work at their exhibition One of a Kind which runs from 19th November to 3rd December!

  • BEAM crowdfunds for and supports homeless individuals to get into work and build their life and independence. Why not give the gift of helping another gift cards 

Food & Drink

  • The Arty Vegan Xmas Hamper – a zero waste treasure trove of delicious vegan cheeses and smoked ‘salmon’. £55 – buy yours online here.

  • Hammerton Brewery are Islington’s very own craft brewery. Take a look at their very wide flavour range here, including their alcohol free ZED!

  • Redemption Roasters coffee - a social enterprise which trains prisoners and prison leavers in coffee roasting and production. Buy their coffee beans or stocks of Nemi Teas in their Angel brand or online.

  • Pearl & Groove on Exmouth Market have just opened up and have a wonderful range of delicious and beautiful cakes with vegan and gluten free options, of course. Cheer your friends or colleagues up with one of these!

  • The Root CO found Will Englander (an Islington resident) is shaking up the world of Ginger Beer - check out his sustainably sourced drinks here, for sharing and enjoying as a punchy alcohol alternative with friends!

Ethically and Sustainably sourced local gifts

  • Leiho, sell quality bamboo socks and other accessories. For every pair purchased they give a pair to the homeless. Check out their designs here!

  • E C ONE Jewellers – Based on Exmouth market they are a certified B Corp jeweller and one of the first jewellers to use Fairtrade gold. They have a gift guide here for different budgets.

  • Posh Totty designs – Another jeweller in Angel who source ethical materials and give back to charities, they also donate part of each sale to planting trees. Charities include; Women for Women International, Brighton Women’s Centre and the Rockinghorse Children’s Charity.

  • Know the Origin has it’s own pop up in Angel - check out their sustainable gifts and products.

Other tips for the festive period.

  • Hit the charity shops for festive outfits - Crisis and Mary’s Living Giving shop are both on Upper Street and hold a host of seasonal delights.

  • Make your own reusable, scrap material Christmas crackers, that you can use year on year.

  • Wrap presents with brown paper and string - or even newspaper. Better yet - last year’s Christmas paper if you kept it!

There are plenty more social enterprises to browse for Christmas gifts - check out;

Better Space Team
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