Escape's Good Gift Guide 2024

This Christmas, let your gifts tell a story — one of caring for our planet, supporting our communities, and a whole load of thoughtfulness for each other. Whether it's something handmade with love, like baked treats or a beautiful wreath, or a simple card promising an experience like a Christmas picnic or a day together in the warmer months, the best gifts are often those that create lasting memories.

Where possible, buy locally to support independent makers and shop owners in your area. If you're based in the UK, check out Holly & Co, a treasure trove of gifts created by talented small businesses, where each purchase celebrates craftsmanship and makes a positive impact.

Finally, consider wrapping your presents with reusable materials to avoid single-use paper — beautiful fabric (even a chic scarf) or just a pretty bow to add charm. If you do use wrapping paper, fold it carefully to save for next year — it’s a small gesture that adds up year after year!

In case you're in need of some inspiration for your gifts, we've curated a list of thoughtful gift ideas to spark your imagination. From wellbeing and self-care treats, to gifts for active adventurers, or the hungry foodies, there’s something for everyone. Dive in and discover how to make your gifting both meaningful and memorable!

Pampering gifts that focus on relaxation and a spot of luxury:

• UpCircle Beauty - You’ve heard of the circular economy? UpCircle Beauty are pioneering "circular skincare", having already repurposed 400 tonnes of coffee grounds, as well as by-products from the argan, tea, juice, date, olive and wood industries. This cruelty free, socially-conscious, vegan, plastic-free and dermatologist-approved brand offers everything you need for a pamper sesh!
• St. Eval - St. Eval can help create a calming and homely space. These Cornish-made candles are sustainably made and feature beautiful scents, making them a great gift for someone eco-minded who also likes to get cosy.
• Yard + Parish - Celebrate Black-owned brands with Yard + Parish’s curated selection products, each inspired by African beauty rituals and eco island living. Each item champions sustainability and culture, from black-owned skincare, to products like loose leaf teas, aromatherapy and candles, jewellery and homeware.  
• Piglet in Bed - Love a cozy night in? Who doesn’t! Piglet in Bed’s soft, sustainable linen bedding and loungewear bring you that luxurious comfort - with a strong commitment to eco-friendliness on the side A perfect gift for anyone who treasures rest and relaxation.
• Goodrays - Help someone relax naturally with Goodrays’ premium CBD products. These drinks and drops combine wellness and sustainability, making them an ideal gift for those looking to de-stress and feel good.
• Papier - For the friend or family member who likes to write, keep diaries or journal their dreams and future plans. Papier’s beautifully crafted journals and stationery are customisable, meaning you can adjust elements like colours, photo cover and text.

For the outdoorsy or sporty people in your life, try these active-themed gifts:

• Bike Club - Know a growing cyclist? Bike Club offers a subscription service that grows with children, swapping bikes as they grow. This is a sustainable, hassle-free way to keep the younger generation active and on the move!
• Keep Cup - Know a coffee lover on the go? Gift them a stylish Keep Cup, made from recycled and repurposed materials, so they can both avoid single-use cups and look good out and about! From camping mugs to water bottles, cold cups to insulated travel migs, they’ve got you covered!  
• Hotpod Yoga - Looking for an immersive workout? Hotpod Yoga offers heated classes that combine relaxation and fitness… all in an inflatable pod. It’s a unique experience for those who want to stretch, sweat, and unwind.
• Tropic Feel - For the adventurer in your life! Tropic Feel’s versatile, sustainably made clothing is designed for travel and outdoor sports, whether that be in the form of an expandable backpack, waterproof sneakers or windproof jackets, among others. Their items offer a mix of durability, style and eco-consciousness.
• Waterhaul - Clean up the oceans in style with Waterhaul’s sunglasses (and optical glasses, too). Made from recycled ocean plastic and lost fishing gear, such as nets, their final products combine eco innovation and UV protection. They’re also repurposing the fisheries term 'waterhaul', meaning an empty catch.

From delicious bites to culinary experiences, have a taste test of these ideas to give to the foodies in your life:

• Love Cocoa - Give chocolate that gives back! Love Cocoa plants a tree for every bar sold, bringing you delicious and climate-positive choccies. This is an indulgent way to both support reforestation… and satisfy a sweet tooth.
• Nemi Teas - Fancy a cuppa with a cause? Nemi Teas create ethical and organic tea blends, all while creating job opportunities for refugees. Their beautifully presented boxes are packaged sustainably, and their tea bags are biodegradable too.
• Ooni Pizza Ovens - Know a pizza aficionado? (everyone?!) Ooni Pizza Ovens bring restaurant-quality and wood-fired pizzas to your backyard, or any outdoor space for that matter. With a focus on sustainability, it’s a perfect gift for foodies who love cooking and entertaining.
• Pentire Drinks - Elevate your next toast! Pentire’s non-alcoholic botanical drinks capture the spirit of outdoor adventure, offering a refreshing and eco-friendly alternative for those who appreciate mindful drinking.
• Sea Change - Love wine… and the ocean? Sea Change combines conservation efforts with making great wine, by donating proceeds to marine charities. This is a thoughtful gift for wine lovers who want to protect our seas with every sip.
• Brewgooder - Raise your glass to clean water - Brewgooder’s craft beers fund water projects in Malawi, making it a perfect gift for beer lovers who want to enjoy a drink while supporting a good cause.
• On The Table - Looking for some delectable delights? On The Table curates gift boxes filled with artisan foods and treats. Ideal for the foodies in your life who search for unique flavours and love supporting small and sustainable producers.

If you know someone who is always up for trying new things and expanding their horizons, why not give them the gift of a new experience!

• Migrateful - Get ready to explore new cuisines guided by local experts - all without needing your passport. Migrateful’s cooking classes are taught by migrant chefs and offer a chance to learn authentic recipes while supporting employment and cultural exchange.
• NaTakallam - Perfect for language and travel lovers! NaTakallam’s language lessons connect learners with refugee instructors, offering cultural immersion and income support. Check out their language selection, from French and Spanish, to Arabic and Russian, and more!
• Wings and Radicles - Interested in beekeeping? Wings and Radicles offer you inclusive workshops that teach sustainable beekeeping practices. This is a hands-on experience for nature lovers who are passionate about biodiversity and environmental stewardship.
• Canopy & Stars - Know someone who loves glamping? Canopy & Stars offers eco-friendly stays in unique accommodation such as treehouses and cabins. Perfect for those seeking nature-filled adventure and relaxation in the new year.
• Much Better Adventures - Gift your loved one eco-friendly travel! Much Better Adventures offers curated trips that prioritise sustainability, from mountain treks to coastal getaways. This is ideal for the adventurers in your life who want to explore while giving back to the planet.

We hope you've been inspired by our good gift guide this year and find the perfect gift for your loved ones. We wish you all a wonderful festive season!