Last minute sustainable gift inspiration from Independent Oxford businesses

Posted December 20, 2018

The next few days are going to be awash with last minute present buying and if you’re anything like me, it brings me out in a bit of a a panic. In the past I’ve ended up buying the oddest things that the recipient is highly unlike to use adding to the mountains of waste that is produced over the Christmas period. However, that doesn’t have to be the case. Here at Indie Oxford we like to make sure we’re being as sustainable as possible so, what perfect last minute gifts are out there that won’t break the bank , damage the environment or lead to a puzzled looking present recipient?

Here’s our top five places…

1. Oxford Aromatics

Natural and organic products for body, face and home. Buy a selection of essential oils (they have over 40 different kinds!) and base products for them to make their own or shop from a range of gorgeous smelling soaps, lotions, candles and diffusers – many of which are under £20.

2. Oxford Alterations

Clothing is one of the most damaging manufacturing processes and so mending or altering clothes is a great away to save money and the environment. Getting an item of clothing altered may not be a surprise (that trip for a fitting may be a giveaway) so why not enable them to do it themselves? We’ve got a range of patterns and sewing tools in the Indie Oxford Market Place from £1.00 to £25.00.

3. Objects of Use

Focusing on high quality products made sustainably and designed to last is the beautiful presented Objects of Use. This is the ideal place for functional and beautiful items that they’ll be using Christmas after Christmas.

4. Headington Fairtrade

OK, so buying refills for household washing and cleaning products isn’t the most glamorous present but it sets the precedent for what Headington Fairtrade are doing – selling ethically traders and sustainably produced items that protect our planet. Pop along there for a whole range of gifts at various different prices.

5. Eagle Vintage

For fear of repeating ourselves, clothing is pretty damaging to mother nature. That’s why we love Eagle Vintage. Sarah and Jo have a fabulous shop in Jericho that stocks a whole range of vintage and retro items at lots of different price points from pretty silk scarfs to the warmest (and quirkiest!) of Christmas jumpers.

Indie Oxford Market Place

There is (of course!) our Indie Oxford Market Place in the Covered Market where you can get a whole range of gifts perfect for Christmas. Stop on by until 3pm on Christmas Eve!

We hope that helps with those last minute present purchases and as always, let us know what indie adventures you get up to with #IndieOxford on social.

Anna

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Anna Munday

I'm an Oxford girl through and through and an avid supported of indies and my beautiful city. Independent Oxford was born nearly four years ago and has been a whirlwind journey that just keeps getting more exciting! What started as a small project to tell more people about independent shops in Oxford and get people working together, has now grown into a wonderfully supportive community of passionate people who care strongly about providing a genuine, wholesome and enthusiastic shopping experience in Oxford. We hope you discover not only new shops and places to eat, but a welcoming community too!