Give a Christmas gift that does good

(Clockwise from top left) Shelter emergency chocolate; The Mix’s ‘Unity’ hoodie; RNLI mug; RSPCA sticky notes; Macmillan water bottles; WWF face mask.

Many of us are likely to continue working remotely this Winter, so have you put any home working essentials on your list for Santa?  As Christmas is about giving, it’s a good time to consider gifts that benefit charities at the same time.  Either to brighten up a loved one or colleague’s desk – or maybe just to treat yourself.

Here’s 10 ideas…

1. A cosy slogan hoodie – check out The Big Issue’s ‘Feminist’ design; Help Refugees’ ‘Choose Love’ motif; or the ‘Unity’ style from The Mix
2. A cheery mug to brighten your day, like this one emblazoned with wellies from the RNLI
3. How about some emergency chocolate from Shelter with that cup of tea?
4. And if you’re venturing out, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity sell this rather snazzy camouflage travel mug whilst Macmillan has a selection of water bottles in a range of funky colours
5. And (obvs) don’t forget to take your face mask – WWF panda anyone?
6. Get planning for a (hopefully) more exciting 2021, with Marie Curie’s bicycle-covered diary
7. Or enjoy a moment’s calm when you look at the enchanted wildlife art on this Oxfam calendar
8. Basically you can’t go wrong with stationery, like this pretty Peter Pan and Wendy notebook from Great Ormond Street Hospital charity
9. Or these cheeky ‘pawsome’ cat-themed sticky note stocking-fillers available from the RSPCA’s online shop
10. BUT if you’re looking to share a gift with more of a connection to the people or animals a charity helps, you can make a difference with Refuge’s £15 Children’s Christmas parcel (which sends toys to a child escaping domestic abuse); Save The Children’s birth kit to help a community midwife, also £15; or by funding a warm place for a dog to sleep at Battersea by giving £10.

And finally, is it too early for New Year’s resolutions? A monthly gift to a charity of your choice is both simple and life changing, especially for small charities. And with the UK’s 170,000 charities facing a £6.4bn loss in income in the second half of 2020, leaving one in 10 potentially facing bankruptcy, it’s needed now more than ever.

So as we roll into 2021 please think about setting up a regular donation now for a cause close to your heart.