gifts

20 November 2023

Budget Conscious Ethical Christmas Gift Ideas for Under £12
Please note - Prices & product info correct at time of publication/Not Sponsored/No affiliate links

Shopping List of Gift Ideas for a smaller budget

Bare Kind Bamboo Socks - 10% of profits on every pair are donated to one of 25+ global animal saving charities (£9.95)

Battle Green Lip Balm & Soap Slice Letterbox Gift (£10.95)

Chalke Valley Soaps Love, Peace & Joy Botanical Soap Gift Box (£12.50)

Chococo 5% from every sale of vegan Oat M!lk Turtles is donated to Ocean Giants Programme and Tuandua the Vegan Orangutan supports SOS (Sumatran Orangutan Society) to plant trees in Sumatra

Pure Thoughts Soy Wax Melts Festive Spice/Bergamot & Lemon/Lavender & Rose (£10)

Sow Many Seeds Wildflower Seed Reindeer Poo (£5.50) 

The Little Peace Company Bath Salts 75g sachet (£5.90) and Room & Pillow Mists (£12) various scent options are available in both products

The Silicone Straw Co Single Reusable Straw & Tin (£6.95)

Vent for Change recycled notebooks and sustainable stationery 

12 March 2022

Gift Ideas for Mother's Day
(from press releases/not sponsored/chosen by the editor)

Beam Mother's Day large luxury gift set and Mother's Day soap & dish gift set
Two gift options available - the Luxury gift set includes two full sized soaps, an eco cotton and bamboo fluffy wash cloth and a beautiful hand tied posy of dried flowers, tied with natural jute twine. Alternatively the other gift box includes a hand thrown stoneware soap dish by a local potter and a full sized soap.

This pampering gift set includes Cranberry Facial Grains which leaves skin super soft, a mask applicator, mixing bowl and Bamboo & Cotton face cloth. The mixing bowl also doubles up as a lovely keepsake, the perfect size to pop earrings and rings onto. This set comes in a signature kraft gift box with pink recycled tissue paper.

An independent roastery based in Rutland who hand-roast speciality coffees and source premium loose leaf teas. Their quirky named teas are ethically sourced, vegan and contain whole leaves. A climate positive company who make a special effort to source sustainable, fully traceable loose leaves. One idea you might like to consider for Mother's Day is the Best Selling Tea Lovers gift set.

Perfect for anyone with a busy life or stressful job, who dreams of sleep or just some restful calm, comes ready to give in a recyclable card box. Set includes - Probiotic Multi-Mineral Repair Mask 30ml, Sleepy Pillow Mist 100ml, Relax Hydrating Peptide Serum 15ml

Everyone’s hands need a little TLC right now and Mums are no exception. Odylique’s new Hand Spa Set is guaranteed to soothe, gently exfoliate and moisturise the most sensitive, cracked, hard-working or dry hands. It includes Coconut Candy Scrub (20g) and Lemon Butter Hand Smoothie, packaged into a white pillow box with a pink ribbon. Use my code SUGARPUFFISH for a 20% discount off any orders (affiliate link)

Violet Bee - personalised T-Shirts from a sustainable fashion brand
Being a mom can be a tiring full-time job, but it is also one of the most rewarding things to be. Nothing makes her prouder to see (and show!) what her little bundle of joy has grown into. Get her children’s drawings printed on Violet Bee’s recycled and sustainable T-shirts that she can wear with pride and keep forever.

Sarah x

27 November 2021

5 hand care duo sets suitable for any gifting occasion
(I have previously been gifted items from BAO & Nourish)

Surely I can't be the only one who secretly loves a luxurious hand care set to adorn the bathroom or kitchen sink. It makes a mundane daily task a little more special and can add a finishing touch to a stylish bathroom. Perfect for treating yourself and guests in your home. I believe hand wash and hand lotion can make the perfect gift so let me share with you some personal picks which you may wish to check out for yourself.

The Brightening Hand Cream nourishes sensitive, cracked, and dry hands with shea butter, baobab oil and vitamin e. The matching hand wash has an SLS free formulation which is kinder to skin, never leaving it feeling stripped or dry. Products are scented with Sweet Orange and Geranium

This set contains SOS Skin Shield+ which kills 99.99% germs, Fragrance Free Organic Vegan Soap Bar, Hand Wash and Hand and Body Cream. Beauty Kitchen states "this kit will not only have your hands and face squeaky clean but beautifully moisturised as well"
Lucky Cloud Soothing Hand Care Duo
This set contains a soap bar and balm ideal for reducing plastic waste. The soap contains shea butter, sunflower seed oil and castor oil for a luxurious feel and gives a rich, creamy lather. Pair it with the super soothing balm which contains oat oil to help itchy and dry skin.

Zesty lemon, ho leaf essential oils and black pepper leave your skin smelling fresh with a naturally antibacterial formulation. Nourish don't include sulphates, parabens, phthalates, mineral oils, retinyl palmitate, coal tar, hydroquinone, triclosan, triclocarban or formaldehyde in their ingredients, making products better for your skin and the environment. Follow up with the matching scented hand lotion to help keep skin feeling nourished with added shea butter.

Designed in collaboration with Australian artist Anna Cole, you can cleanse and moisturise your hands, while indulging in an enhanced Sukin Signature scent of of Mandarin, Tangerine, Lavender and Vanillin

Sarah x

13 November 2021

12 Christmas Gift Ideas including sustainable stocking fillers and secret Santa gifts
(Unpaid/previously gifted items included/from Press Release or my own research)

Butterwhips Christmas Gift Set (Purple)
A duo of balms to help you relax and unwind. Warmly Relaxing is aromatic with bergamot and lavender to relax the body and Planted Feet contains peppermint and black spruce to ease tired feet and soften skin.

3 x Caroboo bars packaged in a bright cracker cardboard case. A treat for all but especially those with dietary requirements as these carob bars are gluten free, dairy free and vegan.

A luxury brand with results driven skincare using ethically sourced and organic ingredients. The recyclable Miron glass packaging looks beautiful but also protects the integrity of the ingredients. The range consists of two facial oils, an eye elixir, powder-to-foam cleanser and a facial steam. I personally can recommend the Soothe Facial Elixir as I've tested it for myself, it has been formulated for dry, sensitive and inflamed skin.

A new conditioner bar to complement the fragrance free shampoo bar, The Sensitive One. It can be purchased full size, as part of a gift set (with the shampoo bar) or discovery size (30g - great for a stocking filler). Kind2 bars are vegan, plastic free, palm free, UK made and they plant a tree with every order.

Nourish have launched a beautiful new collection of gift sets. I have choosen to mention The Antioxidant Duo caught. This set contains Antioxidant Multi-Tasking Super Balm a cleanser, mask and intensive moisturiser and Antioxidant Peptide Mist, a make-up primer, hydrating skin protector and night-time soothing skin repair boost. Products are presented in a reusable fair trade organic cotton bag from Freeset.

As a skincare enthusiast with sensitivity to perfumes I'm often told I'm tricky to buy for, well not any more, it seems people forget that Fragrance Free is always an alternative option. This Body Care gift contains Fragrance Free Body Butter and 2 x 65g Oatmeal Handcrafted Soap slices

An adorable stocking filler and plastic free alternative to Kinder Surprise. Each box contains organic chocolate (which is vegan, dairy, nut and gluten free) plus a 3D puzzle and fun facts card to play with, learn with and collect. You can also purchase their chocolate separately if buying for older children and adults. I'm happy to recommend as I had a free sample at a Vegan Fair, the 'milk' chocolate is delicious and creamy.

A range of gift sets are available from Pure Thoughts. I've picked out the Peaceful Moments Gift Box which comprises of a Peace Meditation Candle, Lavender & Lemon Natural Handmade Soap and Lavender & Sweet Orange Mineral Bath Soak. This set offers a calming blend of essential oils to help soothe a tired mind and body.

The range includes Bamboo Cutlery Set, Bamboo Straw Set and Bamboo Toothbrush. The cutlery and straw sets come with cotton carry pouches available in 8 designs. A total of 20p from every purchase is donated to 100 Tons of Plastic, a charity aiming to remove plastic waste from shores and seas while raising awareness about plastic pollution globally. Bamboo products are BPA-Free, sustainable, biodegradable, recyclable and compostable. A perfect gift for anyone interested in living a sustainable lifestyle.

Formulated with gentle hydrosols rather than essential oils which makes Seilich more suitable for sensitive skin. Over 80% of the ingredients are grown in their wildflower meadow in Scotland, in addition to having Wildlife Friendly Certification. Several gift options are available and I've selected the Treatment Set containing three products which work together - a meadow face mask, meadow face oil and a seasonal hydrosol.

A present that fits through the letterbox is ideal for long distance gifting. The Self Care set contains Bath Salts in a kraft pouch enough for 2-3 baths, lip butter, fragrant wax melts, a Pukka tea bag and Green and Black Dark Chocolate

A discovery I made this year was the Bright Spark Enzyme Oil and it made a long lasting impression. It's a lightweight facial serum to help soothe and balance skin. A brilliant element to Wildefruit formulations is they use upcycled ingredients. This oil includes papaya, strawberry and blackcurrant seeds from jam and juice production that would otherwise go to waste.

Sarah x

19 September 2021

NEW LAUNCH Nourish London Limited Edition Celebrating 10 Years of Green Beauty Collection
(Gifted/Unpaid)

This Autumn, Nourish London are celebrating their 10th birthday and are marking the occasion with a New Limited Edition - Celebrating 10 Years of Green Beauty Collection. Looking back through my archives I can see I was blogging about Nourish London in 2012 so I wasn't far behind their initial launch when I discovered them. Of course things did change for me over the years with further allergy tests so I had to stop using their products. I want you to know that I do buy for other people and just because I can't use something it doesn't stop me being able to recognised a good natural brand for others.

Nourish was founded by Dr Pauline Hill, a renowned organic skincare expert with over 30 years expertise. This British brand are offering scientifically developed, certified organic, vegan and cruelty free skincare. Forty eight of their products are now registered with the Vegan Trademark. Formulations are created using ingredients from nature that are kind to the planet and skin. Whatever your skin type might be, Nourish is likely to have a product to suit your needs. Nourish use essential oils so check ingredients labels for fragrance allergens if you need to avoid specific ones.

If you've never tried Nourish London Skincare then the new Celebrating 10 Years of Green Beauty collection may be a great way to get a feel for their products. For those who are already familiar with the brand it's a lovely gift or handy sized travel set. The collection is presented in an organic handmade toiletry bag from fair trade organisation Freeset and contains Nourish London’s Kale 3D Cleanse (30ml), Antioxidant Peptide Mist (15ml), Argan Anti-Ageing Peptide Serum (15ml), Argan Skin Renew Moisturiser (50ml) and Probiotic Multi-Mineral Repair Mask Sachets (2 x 5ml). These products are full of omega rich oils, antioxidants, essential vitamins and mineral to hydrate and rejuvenate your skin.

If you are interested in finding out more information about Nourish London please visit their website - nourishskinrange.com

Sarah x

1 June 2021

Father's Day Gift Ideas 2021
(not sponsored/researched and selected by Sugarpuffish)

I always struggle for Father's Day gifts so whilst searching the internet for my own ideas I've collated a little collection of presents. I hope you find this helpful.

Peace with the Wild - this site has a lovely collection of gift sets, they have everything covered  from sweet treats, gardening, skincare and more. I am sure you would find something for most budgets.

Sea Change Wine - this company keeps popping up on my Instagram so I'll give them a mention. Their message "We want to combine our love of great wine with our desire to do something to help protect our oceans." seems admirable and appealing.

Soap Daze - if you are looking for a zero waste option then what about a classic soap on a rope? lovely to see a modern twist on this old classic. Soap Daze also have gift set options.

Thought Clothing - ethical clothing is always an option from t-shirts, trousers to sock and undies. I particularly like their smaller gift sets including one containing a reusable PLA coffee cup and two pairs of bamboo organic cotton blend socks.

Tony's Chocolonely Chocolate - you'll be able to pick this one up at the supermarket or online. If you visit their website there is a feature to create your own wrapper which is something a little different. The Dark Almond Sea Salt and Extra Dark Chocolate 70% are suitable for vegans.

Wave Phone Cases - back in January I reviewed the Wave case I had purchased. It's still on my phone, holding up well and I like it so I can't think of any reason not to recommend as a gift.

Sarah x

14 March 2021

Firetree Rich Volcanic Chocolate dairy free, nut free and vegan
(gifted sample)

I grew up without decent chocolate, the free from alternative was carob and for a child it wasn't a pleasurable experience. Now the options for dairy free milk chocolates are plentiful however I often find dark chocolate features the dreaded "may contain milk" label. 

My taste buds have certainly changed over the years as sweet sugary white chocolate no longer appeals and I enjoy a richer cocoa taste. I was intrigued when Firetree approached me. The beautiful packaging is an immediate enticement but it also meets my dairy free and vegan requirements. I also felt the high cocoa percentages would certainly have the potential to challenge my taste buds and take me out of my comfort zone.
Firetree Rich Volcanic Chocolate dairy free, nut free and vegan
Putting allergies to one side, you may wonder what else makes Firetree unique. The cocoa is sourced from single estates on the islands of the southern Pacific and Oceania. This region is surrounded by a circle of 452 volcanos and known as the 'Ring of Fire'. As you may imagine the soil is fertile and mineral rich so the cocoa trees thrive in this environment and from this derives the wonderful name 'Firetree'. With the expertise of local farmers and craftsman, Firetree produces chocolate in a similar way to making fine wines as each estate has their own unique tasting cocoa beans. 

Sustainability - Instead of dealing with our farmers through agents, we go to them directly. By cutting out the middle man, the farmers get more for their hard work and quality. We pay a substantial premium above the market rate, giving our farmers the chance to provide for their families and commit to high agricultural standards that makes for great cocoa. There are a few reasons we like to pay this premium. Firstly because we believe that if you want a great tasting chocolate you have to be prepared to pay extra for top quality. Secondly, it means that the farmers can afford to maintain high ethical and sustainable standards, and still provide for their families. Finally, this allows us to mutually agree the bean quality.

 

Firetree Tasting Bar Gift Box
I received the new Firetree Tasting Bar Gift Box. This stunning package contains seven single estate 25g tasting bars, ranging from 69% to 100% cocoa. This gift set is an experience which needs to be savoured. Even without prompting I was appreciating the all important 'snap' of the bar, placing on the tongue and enjoying the full bodied flavour. As you open the individual sleeve packaging, it mentions the tasting notes of the bar. As I ate my chocolate I tried to appreciate suggested flavours, sometimes you will agree and other times you won't. 

The Tasting Bar set has allowed me to uncover the unique flavours of cocoa beans from Papua New Guniea, Solomon Islands, Madagscar, Vanuatu and Philippines. I've discovered I'm someone who favours 60-70% cocoa. The 80% has taken me out of my comfort zone with surprising results but 100% was a step too far as I can't handle the bitter taste. This is exactly what you'd want to gain from a tasting collection. 

I am happy to recommend Firetree chocolate. I honestly believe this is a chocolate company that stands head and shoulders above others. This is chocolate which I have shared with my husband, who has no dietary needs and he hasn't said "you can tell this is free from". I would happily purchase Firetree and gift to friends and family (spoiler alert to my chocolate lovers you're getting this for your next birthday!).

Sarah x

28 February 2021

Mother's Day Gift Ideas
(includes gifted samples, paid promotion, affiliate link marked *)

For those of you who would like to celebrate Mother's Day (14th March 2021) then I have put together a little gift selection. As lockdown continues I am sure many of you, including myself are going to be reliant on postal deliveries. These gifts would be suitable for all occasions so it may also be worth bookmarking for future celebrations.

ethically handmade scarves which are all one-off, unique, luxury pieces, made with recycled, organic, ethical yarns where possible as well as ensuring a zero waste policy in the production of the scarves and a no plastic post service. The Not Your Mum Not Your Milk scarf is 100% Organic cotton and could easily appeal to vegans wishing to put across their message.

artisan, hand crafted chocolate that is suitable for almost everyone including vegans and multiple allergies. They work hard to ethically source all ingredients and use eco-friendly packaging. For Mother's Day there is the Limited Edition Pinks Gift Box, choose Dark Raspberry or Strawberry Blonde flavours (or one of each), it's gift wrapped and letterbox friendly delivery.

For those that enjoy a glass of wine how about Mother Rock! an organically farmed estate in Swartland South Africa and the wines are bottled without fining or filtering so suitable for vegans. Mother Rock do a lovely Grenache Noir with 96pts from Jamie Goode (London-based wine critic) and a skin-contact “orange wine” Chenin Blanc

I've introduced my family to award winning soaps from Lily & Rabbit and that's why I believe they would make lovely gifts. With so many of us trying to do our bit for the planet, a solid soap bar is ideal plastic free solution. The Bee Naked bar is formulated with local honey from Harrogate bees and organic Irish Oatmeal, it's an all natural exfoliator without fragrance and suitable for sensitive skin types.

The Super Choc Bundle is a great option. 8 bars of yummy, organic chocolate packed up into a letterbox sized box and you can include a personalised gift note. 

I don't hide the fact that I'm a big fan of Odylique skincare and they have lovely gifts set options so I recommend you browse their website. I can also offer a 20% off using the code SUGARPUFFISH (affiliate link/code)

I think Nourish London’s Relaxing Retreat Gift Set or Sleepy Pillow Mist are perfect for Mother's Day or any other occasion you have coming up.  Nourish products are award winning, organic, vegan and cruelty-free.

Melt 
The Melt Starter Kit is a fun activity you can do at home and a fabulously fruity way to make vegan and cruelty free wax melts. Choose from a range of fragrances including Blueberry, Coconut & Lemongrass, Cranberry, and Pomegranate & Hibiscus. Every kit contains a step-by-step guide and enough supplies to fill your home with scent for up to 180 hours. Use code SUGARPUFFISH when checking out before 15th March and get 10% off your order while stocks last.

A range of beautifully wrapped gifts which can be sent directly to loved ones. Silvan Skincare is suitable for Vegans, they offer stylish sustainable and recyclable gift wrapping with hand written notes plus free UK delivery. 

A beautiful collections of gift options choose between a cleansing balm, hand bam, luxury bath oils or candles, I'm sure you will find something to suit your budget to make Mother's Day extra special

Sarah x

1 December 2020

Winners announced in inaugural Free From Gift Awards
(products received for judging purposes) 

I sat down one weekend during lockdown to participate in a judging session for The Free From Gift Awards. This award was launched from the team behind the Free From Skincare Awards. It's always a pleasure to discover 'new to me' skincare brands and what better to way than with a gift set. The aim was to celebrate the best beauty gift sets, skincare trial packs and cosmetic stocking fillers from brands who manufacture products that are ‘free from’ some of the allergens, chemicals, additives and fragrances associated with skin sensitivities, allergies, and ethical, environmental and health concerns.

In our launch year we had no idea what to expect from our entrants, but the variety of gifts and sets was extraordinary,” said Awards director, Alex Gazzola. “Choosing a winner from all the entries — from pretty soap sets and magical oil duos, to eco-friendly pampering gifts and vegan make-up collections — was tough, but for the effect it had on our tester, as well as the admiration it inspired in our judges, No Secrets deserved the overall top prize!

No Secrets won Best Overall Free From Skincare Gift for their Home Spa, which contains a large jar of body jelly, two mini bath jellies, a soy wax votive candle, with matches, plus extra samples — all lovingly packaged in a classic white box and peach ribbon.

Gold, Silver and Bronze winners in all categories can be viewed at freefromskincareawards.co.uk. You'll probably spot some familiar names - Lyonsleaf, Kiss the Moon, Conscious Skincare, Jane Iredale and Lucky Cloud Skincare. I've also discovered The English Mineral Make Up Company, Seilich, Moksa, Londe Botanics, Millie's Organics and Opala Botanicals.

If you are stuck for Christmas Gift ideas then definitely check out the winners as I'm sure you will find inspiration for a range of budgets.

Sarah x

28 November 2020

Lamazuna Gentle Cleansing Duo Set and Eco Refillable Toothbrush
(gifted/unpaid)

This month my attention was drawn to Lamazuna, a french cosmetics brand available through Love Lula. Zero waste skincare is currently on trend and everyone is turning their attention to improving their packaging and overall waste materials. There were two items which caught my attention - Lamazuna Gentle Cleansing Duo Set and Lamazuna Eco Refillable Toothbrush

Lamazuna was founded in 2010 by entrepreneur Laetitia Van de Walle. The brand's mission is to make it easier for anyone looking to find a more eco friendly alternative to disposable plastic beauty products. Every product is vegan and cruelty free. They are made from either minerals or plants and all of the packaging is printed with vegetable inks and fully compostable or recyclable. I recommend looking further into this brand because on paper it all sounds very impressive. 
I fell under the spell of super cute packaging and this cleansing set would make an excellent Christmas Gift. Lamazuna Gentle Cleansing Duo Set contains a solid facial cleanser and five eco friendly cleansing wipes. The solid cleanser is the adorable yellow cloud shape that you see in my photos. It lathers up in your hands, the creamy suds feel pleasant on skin and easily rinsed away. The set is marketed towards 'normal' skin types and I would agree as it didn't suit my mature dry skin. The formulation contains parfum but does not use essential oils. I would suggest the set would be ideal for teens or minimalist skincare types. The cleansing wipes are soft and gentle. The instructions say that you add water and swipe away makeup. I admit I haven't put this to the test but the pads have a multi-purpose use and replace disposable versions. I am sure they would be very useful.
Lamazuna Eco Refillable Toothbrush
Lamazuna Eco Refillable Toothbrush
I haven't found my perfect bamboo toothbrush so this one seemed a good compromise. The handles is 'bioplastic' made from 70% castor derivatives and 30% plastic. The design allows you to replace the head and re-use the handle, you could say it's a concept similar to electric toothbrushes. Lamazuna are part of the Terra Cycle Zero Waste Box programme. Toothbrush heads returned to them will be sent for recycling and same goes for the handle (although they claim the handle will last you a lifetime). My thoughts on this item are the handle is very comfortable to hold and has a good weigh and grip compared to bamboo toothbrushes. I have found the head a little on the large size but that is probably easily resolved by selecting a smaller option next time. I will be interested to see how this holds up on a long term basis. The concept is only future proof if replacement brush heads are readily available to purchase.

If you wish to buy these Lamazuna products please visit their website. If you missed my reviews for last month then follow this link By Sarah London Hair Oil and Georganics Mouthwash

Sarah x

7 November 2020

Ethical Christmas Gift Ideas for 2020 featuring Natural Skincare, Jewellery, Toys and Vegan Chocolate
(includes PAID placement/gifted Ombar chocolate)

As we go into another lockdown I think many of us will be shopping Christmas presents online and I would encourage you to support local independent businesses. There are so many wonderful eco-friendly sellers out there that it becomes impossible to feature them all. I've put together a small selection of brands offering beautiful handcrafted gifts which I am sure many of you will love and cherish.

Beth the founder of Bao handcrafts natural skincare in Dorset. When visiting the website make sure you select the 'Christmas' tab to discover a beautiful collection of gift boxed products. I am sure you will find something to suit your budget. I can recommend the Brightening Hand Wash and Cream, this certainly has been a tough year on our hands so I sure this combination would be a winner for your loved ones.

This year the gift of hand sanitiser might be the perfect present for some. If you know of anyone experiencing eczema or they're prone to dry skin then Balmonds is brand I recommend. 

Delicious biscuits which are handmade in a variety of themes, available as selection sets, individual cookie cards, letterbox sets and suitable for Vegans

A beautifully curated website which supports artisans, they incorporate the principles of fair trade to create opportunities for economically disadvantaged producers. Harfi has a collection of unique handcrafted quality products which include jewellery, towels, accessories and homeware. Using the 'Gift' tab you can filter according to your budget. The Sylvia Ring and Earrings are eye catching, ethically handmade jewellery with azurite gemstones.

A lovely business based in Hampshire making handmade skincare to include soaps, lotions, soaks and gift sets. Love to b Skincare is now stocked in some of the South West’s finest spas, hotels and boutiques. 

Discover Nourish London’s natural, organic, vegan, ethically sourced and cruelty-free Seasonal Gift Sets powered by plant-based ingredients that are kind to the skin and our planet. The Antioxidant Duo Gift Set is a vegan and organic stocking filler to hydrate and replenish the skin. It contains Nourish London’s Antioxidant Multi-Tasking Super Balm (15ml) and Antioxidant Peptide Mist (15ml), encased in an organic and handmade toiletry bag from Freeset.

When you have allergies, it's no fun watching everyone tuck into the Quality Street so make sure you don't forget dietary needs this Christmas. Ombar chocolate is vegan and free from dairy, gluten, soya and refined sugar (not recommended for nut allergies). 

Seekology
An independent beauty and wellbeing with a wide selection of products. On the site click "trending" and select the Christmas Gift Sets option, here you will find curated gift sets. I'm a fan of Evolve Beauty and would select the Candlelight Glow Collection which contains Radiant Glow Mask and Serenity Candle. The Bowe Organics set contains their popular brow oil and our nourishing lip rescue balm.

Marian is the founder of Silvan Skincare, her ethos is to create gentle skincare that is natural and doesn't irritate or harm the environment. The product range includes balms, face oils, creams, lip balms and body oils. Depending on your budget, you could choose individual products or select the 'Gift' tab for skincare sets. As 2020 has been such a rough year for everyone I feel as if the Silvan Soothe Duo gift set could be a perfect gift as it includes a full size Face Oil and a Sleep Balm. 

Beautiful soaps that are handmade using traditional cold pressed methods, formulated without palm oil and using certified organic ingredients. Explore the website because the range includes individual bars, soap dishes, bundles and gift box sets. I'm sure there is something to suit most budgets and Vegan options are available.

If you are looking for fair trade toys and gifts for children then visit Weaving Hope. Toys are made by artisans in Sri Lanka, working within a guaranteed Member of the World Fair Trade Organisation. Products are made from cotton woven on traditional handlooms. The toys are vegan friendly, plastic free and coloured with non toxic dyes and compliant with safety regulations (CE mark). Check out the latest addition to the range which are cute food baskets, for a play kitchen.

Sarah x

1 November 2020

10 Vegan and Free From Advent Calendars for 2020
(no paid/sponsored advertising)

At the moment I think there is an advent calendar out there for most dietary needs. The selection this year is very exciting and so I put together this list. Please remember to check with the individual manufacturers to ensure their products meet with your individual requirements.

A flat packed advent tree for you to build, contains 4 x 48g bags of Wild Strawberry, Sour Watermelon, Tropical Mango and Blueberry Bliss sweets (at least 1 sweet per day)

24 gorgeous rice milk chocolate shapes including reindeer, santas, stars and Christmas trees. Chocolate is certified vegan, free from nuts, dairy, gluten and wheat

Cute festive figures made from 70% cocoa, vegan friendly however all chocolates are made in a factory that handles tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, milk and soya and therefore may contain traces.

Behind 24 festive doors are mini packs of Joe & Seph’s handmade popcorn in 8 unique, vegan flavours, including Joe & Seph’s popular Vegan Salted Caramel and Vegan Toffee Apple & Cinnamon

Dairy free and vegan, chose between 'milk' or white chocolate, the tray inside is made from recyclable material which can be recycled along with the rest of the packaging. The Moo Free factory sends 0% waste to landfill and the Moo Free Team includes several amazing people with autism. Available in supermarkets or online

They say Like No Udder! is as close to milk chocolate as possible, without ever going near a cow. High in cocoa, smooth and creamy, Vegan. May contain traces of milk, nuts and peanuts

24 chocolates made with new vegan Smoove Moove blend, dairy free but May contain traces of Peanuts and Tree Nuts. Also available is the 12 Days of Festive Indulgence with 12 miniature Mummy Meagz chocolate bars

Free from the top 14 allergens, including dairy, eggs and nuts, as well as artificial colouring and preservatives. 24 different chocolates in a range of mouthwatering innovative flavours inspired by the founder’s autistic son

Vegan and free from brand, 24 doors advent calendar with 12 salted caramel and 12 'milk' choc drops, available in supermarkets and online

Vegan advent calendars are available in four varieties: Plamil So free organic Milk chocolate alternative, Plamil So free organic White chocolate alternative, Plamil So free Smooth Salted Caramel, Plamil So free Smooth less than 4% sugars, made in factory which never uses dairy or gluten

Sarah x

3 September 2020

Free From Gift Awards New skincare awards for gift boxes and sets
(press release, not sponsored)

I have some exciting news to announce, readers and natural skincare brands should pay attention. We all love the buzz surrounding beauty awards and the team behind the Free From Skincare Awards have announced the launch of the Free From Gift Awards which will run from September to November.

25 August 2020

eview Nature's Kitchen Summer Skin Box, PoaPoa Soap Dish, Skinlove Shower Gel
(gifted)

It's a mix bunch this month so lets jump straight in and tell you about these 'new to me' products that I've been testing.

Nature's Kitchen Go Glow Summer Skin Box 
This gift set contains Summer Skin Cooling Spray and Summer Skin After Sun Lotion, both are fragrance free. Aloe Vera is the key ingredient to both products and I can say that during the recent heatwave the Cooling Spray was a delightful addition to warm days. The After Sun Lotion has a pleasant texture which feels hydrating on skin but doesn't feel sticky, an important factor for me in the high temperatures. The presentation box is a nice touch for gifting. It works well general sun exposure and if we ever get to go on Summer Holidays again I can see this as a nice addition for the beach or pool.

PoaPoa Coconut Soap Holder 
A soap dish upcycled from coconut shells and handmade by skilled artisans in Ghana. Poa Poa use coconut oil in their soaps so these dishes use up leftover shells after extraction of ingredients. A unique soap dish that serves it's purpose and gives back. It has draining slots in the base so you will find yourself having to wipe over your sink from day to day. Stylish and eco-friendly, what more could you ask for.

Skinlove Invigorating Shower Gel Grapefruit, Lime & Ginger
A pleasant body wash that produces a soft creamy lather but for me it lacks the promise of an invigorating scent as I find the fragrance mild. I chose this shower gel because it doesn't list linalool in the ingredients (one of my allergies!). It doesn't feel drying or stripping of moisture, an important point for me having eczema prone skin. Performance is as you would expect from this type of product it's just the scent which has let me down.

If you missed last months reviews then hop across via this link - Green People Deodorant, Lavera Shampoo, Ooh Oils of Heaven Face Oil

Sarah x

7 June 2020

father's day gift ideas presents 2020
(not sponsored)

This year Father's Day falls on Sunday 21 June and its been a tough few months for us all. Some of us are probably going to have to social distance and send our gifts out in the mail. As I search for a present for my father it gave me the opportunity to collate a thoughtful gift list which you may also find useful. 

12 March 2020

Mothers Day Ethical Gift Guide 2020 Mothering Sunday
(this selection of products have been chosen by me, this is not sponsored/paid by brands featured)

When you are buying gifts for a loved one it's always nice to choose something unique and ethical. I enjoy supporting independent brands and introducing them to others. Each brand mentioned below has a wide selection of gift ideas so this is only a small selection I chose based on my own personal tastes. The products featured are suitable for any occasion not just Mother's Day so bookmark this post for any other special events you have coming up.

Bloom Remedies - set of trial sized Serenity favourites to instil moments of quiet calm into your day, and to help soothe your senses into slumber at night contains mini sleep mist, body oil and pulse point roll-on

Enjoy! - lots of chocolate options available, the box pictured above contains 8 delicious vegan caramel chocolates in three flavours - Salted Caramels, Vanilla Caramels and Orange Caramels - dairy free, soya free, gluten free, organic, raw cacao

Fushia collection of Fresh-Pressed® beauty oils that are 100% pure, cold pressed and unrefined, beautifully packaged in an organic cotton Fair Trade pouch

Laura Spring - Milkky print make up pouch, practical for all your essentials, Laura is committed to supporting ethical methods of production and works closely with all her suppliers

Odylique - Revitalise & Cleanse gift set allows you to chose one of Odylique's organic cleansers and a sample of our 3-in-1 Maca Mask

Pamoja Skincare - a new beauty brand offering fragrance free versions of their products which makes them ideal for people with sensitive skin and allergies to essential oils, also Vegan and free from Palm Oil

Pure Thoughts - in the Soap Lovers Kit you can select fours natural soap bars  to personalised the gift to your favourite aromas and the soap is presented in a reusable cotton bag

Thought Clothing - Hattie bamboo printed slipper socks, made from bamboo, organic cotton with a fluffy recycled polyester lining

Unnaaty - this site offers a curated mix of lifestyle and home decor products that pass at least one core value test of them being environmental friendly, contributing to your wellness or supporting vulnerable makers from the U.K. The Bamboo & Olive Blossom reed diffuser pictured above is available through this website

Sarah x

5 November 2019

Ethical, Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Christmas Gift Ideas
(This article has been put together by me, some brands mentioned have approached me for inclusion but I have not taken product or payment in exchange for placement)

This Christmas I think many of us will be searching for sustainable and eco-friendly gifts. People are mindful of reducing plastic and overall waste so I have put together some gift ideas. Last year we had the dreaded Secret Santa and Bah Humbug to me but I suspect that by New Year most of these gifts ends up at charity shops or in landfill. Last year I opted for a Charity Donation, my colleague was less than impressed but at least I felt good about it. To add a little element of humour I went with Oxfam's Pile of Poo Charity Gift Card

Gift experiences cut down on unwanted items and are a great way to sort out presents for the person who has it all. There are many options available but let me suggest cooking classes with Cookery School London. They are London's most sustainable cooking school and run over 30 different classes and courses from kitchens in Oxford Circus. I particularly liked that they offer a range of vegan friendly classes, including Vegan Winter, All Day Vegan, Vegan Feast of Indonesia and Ferments and Pickles. If veganism doesn't suit then there are a large range of alternatives available and I note this includes Gluten Free classes.

Green Tulip is on my radar at the moment with a wide choice of sustainable products. They have everything covered from home and garden accessories, beauty, kids, stationery and jewellery. Items that caught my attention are the Recycled Bird Cake Kit, Recycled Skateboard Silver Earrings and Oil Cloth Freya Purse. An alternative website recommendation is Wearth London and some suggestions for you would be the Collapsible Straw & Cutlery Combo Set, Christmas Cracker Face Mask Gift and Plastic-Free Shaving Kit

If you are really splurging on a loved one then Ziorva offers a beautiful collection of handcrafted jewellery. They use recycled gold which is sourced responsibly to ensure conflict free minerals, as well as producing in an ethical and environmentally manner. Helen Russell Creations is an adorable gifting site which I recommend visiting. For anyone who loves organisation and stationery I suggest the Flower Blob Weekly Planner. These pads are created using high quality recycled paper and environmentally friendly ink. Another lovely website to check out is Nectar & Bumble, you'll find a range of items available to suit every budget and 10% of profits are donated to the Bumblebee Conservation Trust. 

You know me I can't skip on beauty gifts and many green brands are reducing packaging waste and using recyclable materials such as glass. If you hop across to a previous post you'll find suggestions for skincare brands with zero & low waste packaging. On trend at the moment are shampoo bars and there are many to choose from but I've selected Kind2. This is of particular interest because they offer a sensitive and fragrance free version within their range. Shampoo bars are a great way to help reduce plastic waste and ideal as stocking fillers. Odylique is always a firm favourite in my household and they have a range of gift sets. The Cleansing Bar Trio is ideal for those reducing waste and Glamorous Makeup Gift Set is lovely treat for any all makeup enthusiasts. Buying skincare for loved ones with sensitive skin can be tricky but fragrance free options can be a great solution. LouLouBelle is an aromatherapy skincare brand but they do offer a "Nude" range which is free from essential oils. The Bath & Body Oil sets would make a lovely gift.

Everyone loves sweet treats and a personal favourite is Raw Halo Chocolate. I love the Mylk & Vanilla but there are plenty of other flavour options. You can purchase direct from their website or at Waitrose. Raw Halo is vegan, dairy and gluten free and no may contains or factory warnings for milk (only a nut & peanut warning see website for info). Other firm favourites for dairy free and vegan chocolates include Booja Booja and Cocoa Libre.

I didn't realise for quite some time that wrapping paper is not always recyclable. I'm sure many of us assume it's just paper but glitter and coatings can be plastic. Laura Spring have Fabric Wraps inspired by the art of Japanese gift wrapping known as Furoshiki. These are screen printed in-house onto cotton squares of cloth that have been created by a social enterprise in India whose 'aim is to create sustainable livelihoods for rural women where employment opportunities are limited, to help helping them gain economic independence'. Also check out Laura Spring gift ideas, they also have lavender bags which they make from fabric off cuts. If you'd like to stick to the tradition of paper you can opt for brown paper or check out Re-Wrapped who specialise in environmentally friendly wrapping paper. The paper is recycled, unbleached and printed with vegetable based inks so you can recycle it after use.

I hope this has been helpful and good luck with your Christmas shopping.

Sarah x

12 March 2019

Natural, Organic and Vegan Mother's Day Gift Ideas(this article includes a PR sample marked *)

I'd like to be mindful that Mother's Day (31st March 2019) can be a difficult time for some and appreciate that I am fortunate to be able to indulge in this celebration. I have collated some gift ideas specific for Mother's Day but the brands mentioned of course offer gifts all year round for every occasion.

20 November 2018

christmas gift ideas at love lula
(Gifted) 

I hope that my Christmas Gift ideas are helpful. I enjoy putting them together and often I’m buying them for friends and family. I enjoy the gift of skincare. I love introducing people to natural products and helping them to discover new brands. If people are unsure or reluctant to take their first steps to Green Beauty you can assist in this for Christmas. Love Lula offer a range of products for all budgets and ethics so I decided to choose some gift options and share my ideas with you.

Benecos Winter Dream Gift Set & Men’s Gift Set (£10.95/£11.90)
If you caught my recent review of budget shower gels you’ll know that I’ve enjoyed trialing Benecos products. I think Benecos offer affordable prices for everyday essentials which are not only BDIH certified but also suitable for Vegans. There are a handful of gift set options organised by scent, each presented in a gift bag. The Winter Dream set contains Winter Dream Shower Gel, Winter Dream Body Lotion and Vanilla Lip Balm and the Men’s set contains 3 in 1 Body Wash and After Shave Balm 2 in 1

Ermana Mini Balms Gift Set (£24)
I’ve tried a couple of products from Ermana and enjoyed using them. This set is beautifully presented in a box with ribbon and contains Cleanse mini balm, Refresh balm and Comfort mini balm (each item is 15ml size). I have previously reviewed the cleanse balm and think this is a lovely way to introduce someone to multipurpose products.

Madara Smart Glow Vitalising Moisture Soap 300ml and Madara Smart Glow Multi-Layer Hand Cream 75ml (£9/£8)
Another one of my favourite brands and I regularly use their products. Madara recently re-vamped their hand creams but I’d been a big fan of their Protecting Hand Cream for quite some time. I thought the Smart Glow soap and hand cream could be gifted together as a set or individually. I like to think this as a useful and practical gift which would look lovely next to the bathroom or kitchen sink. Both products are suitable for Vegans.

Crazy Rumor Lip Balms (£3.99)
I’ve been a fan of Crazy Rumor for years in fact I first reviewed them back in 2013. The packaging looks different these days but they still have a fabulous range of flavours such as Hot Cocoa and Pina Colada. I think lip balms make the perfect stocking fillers and Crazy Rumor are suitable for Vegans.

Benecos Natural Nail Polish Sharp Rose (5ml £4.95 or 9ml £6.95)
Another great stocking filler idea and I like that Benecos have two size options. I picked up the 5ml and it’s the cutest size. You could create your own pamper manicure gift set by pairing a nail polish with Madara Infusion Vert Repairing Multi-Layer Hand Cream 75ml and a nail file.

If you would like to shop for these products or discover other gift items then head over to Love Lula

Sarah x

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