As Christmas Day approaches, the panic of last minute present buying is alive and well. Perhaps this year you have committed to buying gifts that do good as well as pleasing their recipient. If that’s the case, you should consider buying gifts from a social enterprise.
Social enterprises are business that generate profits through the sale of goods or services, but instead of the profits going to owners or shareholders the money is reinvested for a social purpose.
Amanda Johnston, of SocialEnterpriseNI says there are many reasons why social enterprises are becoming more common, but the main reason is simply that “a lot of people are increasingly more socially conscious now”.
“There’s been a lot said in the past year about stuff such as fast fashion, or big corporations not paying the correct amount of tax, which has now led to younger people being more socially aware, and in turn leading to a lot of bigger companies asking what their social purpose is,” she said.
“Social enterprises will follow a set of rules, which includes being good to your staff, being as environmentally friendly as you can and making profit but being good with that profit and using it for the wider community.”
A social enterprise will usually assign their social goal to one demographic, from victims of domestic violence, to children in the care system and people with severe learning disabilities.
Here’s a gift guide for people who like the sound of what social enterprises offer.
Storybox
Working with more than 30 local businesses, Storybox, a community interest company, creates pamper boxes with each purchase including a donation to PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland.
The founder of Storybox, Rachel Mcllgorm, said her company is “dedicated to celebrating others, fostering community and preserving the magic of connection”.
“To date, we’ve collaborated with over 40 businesses, including more than 10 social enterprises. So far, we’ve also donated £1,400 to PIPS and have an additional £500 ready to donate”.
Products available on their website include their Echoes of Home kit, which includes a travel flask, NearyNógs drinking chocolate, Irish whiskey caramel sauce and a Harland & Wolff handbound notebook for £37.99, all of which were made by local businesses.
Their final order for Christmas is December 19, but alternatively their shop at Portview Trade Centre remains open until December 23.
Madlug
Madlug is a bag brand that stands for ‘Make A Difference Luggage’. Founder Dave Linton worked in the care sector and knew that many children in care have to pack their belongings into a bin bag when they are moving between homes.
Madlug promises that for every bag bought, they will provide a travel bag to a child in care and, according to their website, they have provided over 100,000 children in need with a bag.
They offer a range of bags, including roll-top backpacks such as this one for £45, or you can simply donate a bag, without buying anything, for £10.
Final date for Christmas orders is December 19.
Women’sTec
Describing themselves as a “place of support and growth for women”, Women’sTec is a company that has a clear mission as Northern Ireland’s largest provider of training for women in non-traditional skills. They provide the platform to teach women and girls the skills to help them to pursue a career in which they may be underrepresented.
Women’sTec’s classes include a car mechanic’s course, wallpapering and fitting a bathroom, all of which run throughout the year. They give the option of gifting a class through vouchers.
Gift vouchers are digital online purchases.
Loaf Catering
A social enterprise that supports people with learning disabilities and autism, Loaf Catering has multiple locations throughout Ireland, including a café inside Belfast City Hall and another in a pottery studio in Crawfordsburn, Co Down.
Their online shop stocks hand-crafted mugs, including a set that comes with a coffee mug and their own specialty blend of coffee for £26.50. You could also secure a spot in a pottery class for a loved one who has always fancied a go on the wheel.
IkigaiEco
With the environment and sustainability at the heart of their business, IkigaiEco is dedicated to helping people reduce their carbon footprint by selling ethically sourced bamboo products.
Pradnya, the owner of IkigaiEco, created the business with the idea that, “every act counts, and there is power in small actions that build sustainable futures”.
“We take pride in supporting women-led communities in India and contribution to reforestation through our tree plantation initiatives.”
IkigaiEco’s products are on sale at St George’s Market in Belfast and include a bamboo-made speaker for £20 and bamboo-made water bottles for £21.
Final date for Christmas orders is December 20.
Worthy by Orchardville
This social enterprise benefits adults with learning disabilities and autism. The company helps up to 15 people a day “with the opportunity to train their service users and prepare them for employment”.
You can support Worthy by buying one of their scarves, costing £25.
Candle gift box from Acorn
By supporting Acorn, you are supporting their gifted community of workers who are young adults with additional needs.
With the help of 25 skilled candle makers with additional needs, Acorn promotes a positive sense of achievement, giving them pride and purpose.
Who wouldn’t love this gift box, costing £45.00.
Final date for Christmas orders is December 20.
Personalised Christmas baubles from Create Gifts
An award-winning social enterprise in Larne, Create Gifts has been helping those with disabilities, health conditions and background disadvantages by giving them trainee roles since 1998.
Jacqueline Reid of Create Gifts said “everything we do has to evolve around those we help”.
“Through us our trainees can get IT experience, help with the packing, and help make the gifts.”
The profits from Create Gifts go directly back to help those they aim to promote. Their website has lots of lovely gift ideas, including personalised Christmas baubles for £4.99.
Their final date for Christmas orders is December 19.
ResurgeClothing
Originating from East Belfast, ResurgeClothing is the sister brand of the Phoenix Education Centre, a community interest company that seeks to help people in their community with education and training opportunities. Emma from ResurgeClothing said that all “funding of the proceeds raised is reinvested back to the Phoenix Education Centre”.
“The funding we receive goes towards children who have had an educational disadvantage, through complex needs involving mental health and trauma.”
ResurgeClothing have only recently started as a brand and have limited funding, but they still offer a wide selection despite this, including their Rooted and Rising line of clothing, with T-shirts costing £24.99.
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