So you’ve left it pretty late to start your Christmas shopping huh? Don’t worry we’re not judging you. We’re here to help.
The Big Issue Shop brings together wonderful makers across the country whose products put people and planet first, boasting an effect that ripples across the world. It’s what we at The Big Issue Shop like to call a social echo – for every purchase made, a disadvantaged person benefits somewhere across the world.
We’ve picked just some of our makers here, but there are hundreds more gift ideas throughout The Big Issue Shop!
For the homebody
Based in Haringey, North London, Studio 306 collective is a creative project set up to aid recovery from mental health issues.
The studio empowers disadvantaged local individuals by offering a creative space to rediscover forgotten skills, develop new ones and boost their confidence within a working environment. Working across four disciplines; ceramics, jewellery, sewing craft and screen printed products, all profits from sales are reinvested in the collective.
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The Studio 306 ‘Fragile’ mug is perfect for when only a brew will do! Grab one for that frazzled friend who needs a cuppa to get them through.
For the eco-friendly friend
Make 2019 the year that there’s no excuse for single use! You’ve probably ditched your single-use plastic water bottle by now, you’re saying a big fat no to the straw (unless you need one, of course!), now it’s time to find an alternative vessel for that morning coffee.
2017 marked 30 years of the single-use “paper” cup, but with an estimated two trillion of them ending up in landfills, Ecoffee is here to get you on track.
Weighing in at just 135 grams, the Ecoffee cup is light, sturdy and best of all, biodegradable when you’re finished with it. Opt for a funky chevron print or a more contemporary take on a William Morris classic for true style points.
For the arty one
Our limited edition artist designed wrapping paper made it back to The Big Issue Shop for another year. Make the gifts for your arty friend extra special by wrapping it up in our paper. Or better still, grab one of our signed limited edition pieces for on their wall.
Back for a third year, the unique collection was designed in collaboration with our friends at the Jealous Gallery and Art Republic by renowned artists Pure Evil, Ben Eine, David Shrigley and Nick White.
Each signed piece is limited to just 250 copies, with profits helping us continue to give people on the margins a hand up.
For the jetsetter
Established in 2005 to save London’s decommissioned fire-hose, hoses that had become too damaged to repair and were going to landfill, Elvis & Kresse’s highly skilled craftspeople make beautifully designed bags and homeware from the reclaimed material. 50% of profits from the fire hose range go to The Fire Fighters Charity
This weekend bag is made from genuine decommissioned fire-hose and the lining is made from old auction banners that once advertised products for upcoming sales events. Previously deployed in active duty for up to 25 years, fighting fires around the UK, the hard-wearing hose is perfectly suited for your travels.
For the little ones
And don’t forget the littles ones in your life. Their stockings might be little but they still need filled! Bright, fun and unique, Mini Stitches is the little brand having a big impact. Designed and made by East London charity, Stitches in Time, the collection are made entirely by marginalised women, giving them an opportunity to learn how to sew, receive support and make friends.
The unisex SPLODGE print sweatshirt is made of organic cotton and is perfect for keeping kids cosy while still looking cool.
For the fussy friend
If you’re still stuck for a gift, why not opt for the gift of choice AND a social echo! Every single brand in The Big Issue Shop puts people and planet first, with a Big Issue Shop gift card, your lucky recipient will get to choose a gift of their own, all knowing that somewhere across the world someone is benefitting from that purchase.
When most people think about the Big Issue, they think of vendors selling the Big Issue magazines on the streets – and we are immensely proud of this. In 2022 alone, we worked with 10% more vendors and these vendors earned £3.76 million in collective income. There is much more to the work we do at the Big Issue Group, our mission is to create innovative solutions through enterprise to unlock opportunity for the 14million people in the UK living in poverty.
