10 Thoughtful Gifting Ideas

August is without doubt my favourite month of the year. It is a month where summer is in full swing, the days are sunny and long (mostly) and birthday celebrations, including my own, fill the diary. Inspired by the generous presents I received for my 30th birthday and my own present planning for friends and family, I have curated a list of products and brands which help you to gift thoughtfully.

For me, thoughtful gifting means choosing items which are practical, responsibly sourced and help support small creators and businesses. Keeping reading for my top 10 picks including keepsakes, jewellery and eco-friendly products…

1. thortful, Worldwide shipping: Yes, Price point: under £5, offers include 4 cards for £10

I have been praised for my quirky card buying knack and highly recommend thortful’s impressive selection. thortful is an online marketplace for designers, illustrators and photographers to sell their unique cards and you can find unique designs for virtually every niche and occasion. Best still, you will help support independent creators  by purchasing their designs.

2. Bad Brownie Boxes, Worldwide shipping: UK only, Price point: 12 Bite Brownie Box from £12.50 plus delivery

Recent times have dramatically affected business for small and local food vendors who usually rely on pop-up venues and passing customers to earn a living. Fortunately some have been able to adapt through online ordering and bringing DIY kits or takeaway dishes to your door. In my case, I ordered a box of Bad Brownie Bites for a birthday get-together having first discovered them at a Christmas pop-up in London. Bad Brownies are an indulgent treat and you can pick from regular, vegan and gluten free options.

3. Peace with the Wild Eco Friendly Products, Worldwide shipping: Yes, Price point: assorted, prices starting from £4

Modest as they may seem, personal care products are extremely useful to receive and with more and more brands cottoning on to the demand for plastic free packaging and sustainable ingredients, you may even inspire the giftee to make some permanent switches themselves. Items can be as small as bamboo cotton buds and make up remover pads, reusable facemasks or solid shampoo bars or shower gels. A quick Google search will lead you to local sellers offering plastic free options but I came across a Peace with the Wild who stood out for their truly impressive mix of natural, eco-friendly and sustainable products with items ranging from make-up and personal care to kitchenware and household cleaning products.

4. Pure Thoughts Soy candles, Worldwide shipping: UK & Europe, Price point: assorted, prices starting from £4

The candle truly is the ultimate cosy gift and picking soy wax offers a healthier burn. I came across Pure Thoughts Soy Candles on Instagram and fell for their ‘mindfully created collection of natural aromatherapy products’. Soy candles are made from a blend of essential oils and can be burned to help enhance moments of meditation, mindfulness or yoga. Pure Thoughts also sell white sage smudge sticks and a selection of soaps and balms, all of which are naturally made.

5. Danica Gim Prints, Worldwide shipping: Yes, Price point: prints from €15

Another Instagram find, Danique of Danica Gim is an Amsterdam-based poet and artist who combines beautifully ethereal illustrations of women and nature with inspiring quotes to create a stunning range of prints. Her online store offers prints in assorted sizes, cards, stickers and tote bags, as well as some bespoke items at higher price points.

6. Lulu Moore Jewellery, Worldwide shipping: Yes, Price point: assorted, prices from £10+

8. LUME Flowers, Worldwide shipping: Yes, Price point: £25+

I am happiest receiving fresh flowers but dread when the time comes to throw them away. Queue my online search for dried flower bouquets which eventually led me to Lume Flowers who specialise in preserved natural flowers. You can order via etsy or directly on their website. The team were friendly and quick to answer questions and the beautiful Adam bouquet arrived perfectly packaged. This is a treat to open and a thoughtful keepsake gift which will look and smell great for a year – preserved flowers also have a smaller environmental footprint compared to fresh flowers making them a great sustainable gift.

9. Earl of East – virtual making workshop, Worldwide shipping: Yes, Price point: Candles from £20, Workshop: from £45

So there we have my 10 items to help you thoughtfully gift like a pro! I hope this post comes in useful and is something to bookmark and refer back to when you are next on the thoughtful gift-hunt!