Islington Impact Gift Guide 2023
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 therapeutic classes. Why not browse and purchase some of the artist’s work at their exhibition Identity which runs from 23rd November to 9th December!
BEAM crowdfunds for and supports homeless individuals to get into work and build their lives and independence. Why not give the gift of helping another gift cards
Upper Street Bookshop's Blind Book Date: This holiday season, gift the magic of mystery to the literature lover in your life. Let the written words surprise and delight – it's the perfect present for those who savor the thrill of the unknown.
Season Cook School in Islington offers an intimate culinary experience—ideal for your loved ones who savor the joy of cooking.
Myriam Rees offers a range of holistic services including Shiatsu, Holistic Massage, Pregnancy Massage and Aromatherapy Massage. Treat yourself or surprise a love one with a blissful experience, booking one of her services here.
Bespoke Acupuncture provides personalised acupuncture sessions designed to address your unique health needs. They have gift vouchers available here, making it the perfect present for those seeking balance and vitality.
Caroline Rose offers personalised nutrition consultations to help you achieve your wellness goals. Start your journey with a complimentary consultation, where you can explore personalised options and discover the potential for a better you.
Embrace Meditation by Juliana Lottman - offers diverse meditation tools, including Primordial Sound Meditation which guides individuals toward healing & increased productivity. You can join meditation circles for peer support, or experience child-focused mindfulness all with a certified instructor.
Reggae Robics - offers pop-up classes in Central & North London, festivals across the UK, and private, corporate & bespoke events. Book one of their unique dance-focused fitness classes here for a fun and engaging activity.
Food & Drink
Hammerton Brewery is Islington’s very own craft brewery. Take a look at their very wide flavor 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.
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, sells 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 jeweler in Angel who sources ethical materials and gives 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 its own pop-up in Angel - check out their sustainable gifts and products.
Pretty Shiny Shop - Discover curated collections of UK-designed, eco-friendly, and fair trade jewellery, greeting cards, and more. From affordable sterling silver to unique creations, they embrace small businesses, ensuring there's a little something for everyone.
FlusterMakes, creates unique limited edition espresso and shot cups, made to order just for you.
Other tips for the festive period.
Hit the charity shops for festive outfits - Crisis and Mary’s Living Giving shops 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;
Social Enterprise UK’s directory here
The School for Social Entrepreneur’s Good Gift-Buying Guide
Social Supermarket’s Christmas hamper offering.
Tommy & Lottie’s Gifts that Do Good