Ethical Last-Minute Christmas Shopping

Right about now is when I start going my Christmas shopping. Because somehow, right about now is when I look up and say something like “Oh, wow, it’s Christmas this week.” But I’ve been moving in different circles lately, and in these new circles it’s rather important that gifts are ethically sourced. Do you know someone similar? It might make all the difference to them if you use one of these outlets.

Of course we want to buy a gift that shows we care. Though as they say, it’s the thought that counts. It’s times like these when I like to reflect on the wisdom of an unassuming child in a taco ad: “Why not both?”

Incorporating the following methods in your last-minute buys might mean the world to someone, or at least allow for a bit of guilt-free consumerism in this unavoidably materialistic holiday.

Ethical Shopping Guide

This is a website dedicated to all things ethically sourced, from baby stuff, to clothes, to food. Maybe just stay away from electronics. It comes out once every three months, and instead of just reacting to what you might want to buy, it proactively offers ideas and makes you aware of the biggest current issues.

It has a Christmas shopping guide out, which you can read here, covering food, decorations, and gifts. There’s also an app on iOS and Android for you to check how ethical something is on the fly!

Check out its top 10 gift ideas here.

Op Shops

Nothing beats reusing something repurposed, and if you didn’t already know, you can find some great stuff here. Whether it’s goofy stuff like toys or costumes, or something a little antique-ish, without paying for something antique-ish. Thanks to an op shop, my home is now full of medieval goblets. I’m drinking coffee out of one. Because goblets.

If you’ve got a Fair Trade store nearby, or an Oxfam shop, or something similar, sames goes. You might even have a food or gift shop with an “Ethically Sourced” sign in the window. Show them some Christmas love.

Finders Keepers Markets

This one is actually done for the year, but I thought I’d include it just to flag it on your radar if it isn’t already. The Finders Keepers runs bi-annually to showcase emerging local artists. It’s an independent market with its own style, and likes to put on a bit of a show. There’s live music and a bar, so you can browse your local crafty types in a festival atmosphere. Check the website for upcoming dates, or follow it on Facebook/Twitter.

Blak Markets

Almost every month the Blak Markets runs in Sydney’s South, and in addition to showcasing Indigenous art, runs workshops on dancing, crafts, fishing, and history. These programs start at $90.

This one is down near where I used to live, and is limited to Sydney’s La Perouse, though it’d be great to hear about similar initiatives. The Blak Markets run the first Sunday of every month, bar January, and as such won’t be running again before Santa arrives. But it’ll be relevant long after the holiday period, so I’m putting it here anyway.

Anything we should have included? Mention it below!


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