Alternative charity gifts for Christmas

Christmas is a time of giving, and people are increasingly choosing gifts that make a difference for the world around us. An alternative approach is thoughtful and environmentally-friendly too - a charitable gift can reduce packaging and waste as well as benefiting others.

Our shop offers a huge variety of gifts with something for everyone, from sustainable products to virtual gifts. Show loved ones you care and help nature thrive with our top ideas for alternative charity gifts this Christmas.

Virtual gifts

Donations in lieu of presents are a popular choice and our virtual gifts are a great option.

Your donation has a positive impact for nature and comes complete with a personalised certificate to deliver instantly to your email address or direct to the recipient. Or if you prefer, you could have it posted – that way you can write the certificate yourself, and hand it over personally using the gift card and envelope enclosed. 

Our virtual instant gift options include:

Trees for bees

The plight of bees has received a lot of attention in recent years. While they love our gardens, they depend on woods and trees too. Just £10 will plant more trees for bees, providing homes and food for these essential pollinators.

Price: £10

Homes for wildlife

Woodpeckers, squirrels, stag beetles, dormice and many more species need trees. With your help we can plant more and create future homes for wildlife.

Price: £20

A breath of fresh air

By taking in CO₂ and releasing oxygen, trees clean our air and help to tackle climate change. Our a breath of fresh air gift could plant 25 square metres of new woodland, with the potential to lock up one tonne of carbon dioxide. 

Price: £25

Dedicate trees or an area of woodland

Give something extra special with a dedication. You can choose from woods all over the UK and even add a bench or marker post with a personalised plaque. What a unique, unforgettable gift!

Your donation will support our work standing up for the UK’s woods, trees and wildlife. To say thank you, we’ll send a special dedications pack with a personalised certificate, map and wood information sheet. We can send it to you or straight to the recipient.

This is a great last minute gift as certificates can be sent by email, so you can order right up to Christmas Eve. If you’d prefer the pack to be sent in the post, please allow at least five working days.

Price: starting from a recommended donation of £20

Green Christmas gift ideas

Our environmentally-friendly range has plenty of ideas to help you shop responsibly and make a difference. From palm oil free toiletries to cuddly toys made from recycled plastics, we've got everyone on your list covered.

Responsibly sourced and sustainably packaged gifts

Choose from our range of gifts with plastic-free packaging and eco-friendly ingredients. Our palm oil free soaps come in a rustic craft box and are vegan too. We've got tote bags, aprons and tea towels made from 100% organic cotton. We even sell umbrellas, bags and soft toys made from recycled plastic bottles.

Gifts with a long lifetime

Pick presents that your loved ones will value and that will last too, like reusable coffee cups and beeswax food wraps that will help save the planet with every use.

Gifts that benefit wildlife

Give a gift that friends and family can enjoy with the added bonus of helping the environment. Bring wildlife to their outdoor space with seedballs, feeders and habitats, or help fight climate change with trees and shrubs. All our trees are sourced and grown right here in the UK and Ireland too.