Where possible we have tried to choose food and drink companies which focus on being ethical and/ or sustainable, and tried to choose as many as possible that will support small businesses. We would always encourage asking the recipient if there’s anything they would like, there’s no shame in it, it’s much better to get something they need or want and will be put to good use rather than something that’s shoved to the back of the cupboard. A sustainably bought item isn't sustainable if it's not used. On this gift guide we wouldn't want to encourage food waste. Quality over quantity choose items you know they will like, over an excessive hamper of foods they might like, that probably won't get used before its use by date.
1. Coffee Roasters
Horsham Coffee Roasters
£10 Based in Horsham, West Sussex. Striving to get as ethically sourced coffee as possible.
North Shore Coffee Roasters
£7.50+ Based in Leeds. North Star only buys coffee that is produced in line with tight environment, economic and social care policies and go the extra mile to support independent smallholders.
Truth Coffee
£15 Based in Cape Town, South Africa. Get coffee from one of the 'Worlds Best Coffee Shops', as voted by the telegraph for 2 years running!
2. Luxury ChocolateÂ
Ethically made luxury chocolate companies.
Yard Confectionary
£6 Based in London. Ethically sourced Jamaican cocoa chocolate company. They have some traditional flavours and a mix of unique and unusual flavours too. Once they are released they are often snapped up quick and sold out, so keep an eye out!
Tony's Chocolate
£3 Based in Amsterdam. Tony's commitment is to make chocolate 100% slave free, and to show the world chocolate can be made ethically. It also tastes great!
Divine Chocolate
£2+ Based in London. British supplier of fairtrade, palm oil free, ethical chocolate. They also do advent calendars!
3. Treats including Baked Goods
As a result of lockdown, there was a surge in celebration food delivery services, especially baked goods! Letterbox gifts also surged, the favourite being brownies. Some businesses saw a peak in demand and others saw it as an opportunity to start a new business and turn their hobby of baking into a money maker, there's lots to choose from just google your local area, here's a few we found. Check out yumbles for more ideas nation wide.
Becky's Brownies
£12+ Based in Brighton. Local drop off, nation wide delivery. Select which flavour you'd like or even choose a mixture.
Positive Bakes
£15+ Based in Leicester. Nation wide delivery. Cakes and brownies which are; vegan, gluten free, eggless, soya free, palm oil free and dairy free. The best cake selection box we found.
Cornish Fairings by Furniss
£2+ Based in Cornwall. Spiced biscuits, a taste of Cornwall.
Oink Sweets
£7 Based in Hampshire. Pick n mix sweet delivery. Try all the classic and become nostalgic.
4. Plastic Free, Ethical Tea
Good Tea, for a lot of Brits is one of the best things about being home, so treat them.
Tea pigs
£2 Based in London. Tea Pigs are working on being more ethical and sustainable, they provide plastic free tea bags or loose leaf tea and are part of the Rainforest Alliance. Choose from traditional everyday brew to pop corn flavoured tea or pick a Christmas brew.
Bird and Blend
£3+ Based in Brighton. Plastic free tea bags or loose leaf tea. Like Tea Pigs they do a lots of unusual flavours, including festive flavours, as well as the classics, their English breakfast is slightly different with a hint of vanilla. They also sell a very popular tea advent calendar.
Cup Smith Tea
£3+ Based in Surrey. Often found at local cafes, food markets and farm shops. Plastic free tea bags. They're also selling these cute Christmas themed tea, hot chocolate and coffee decorations.
5. Spicery: Spices from Around the World
£25+ Based in Bristol. Spicery inspired by the markets of Marrakesh. Find cookbooks with spices and recipes or a spice subscription with flavours from around the world. A great idea for world foodies.
6. Reusable Coffee Cup
There is an unbelievable amount of options for reusable coffee cups, here are some of our favouritesÂ
WillowoodUK
£9 Based in Lincoln. Made from Bamboo.
Collapsible Coffee Cup by Stojo
£10+ Based in USA, but sold by many independent stores in the UK, so keep an eye out when you're shopping locally. These coffee cups by Stojo are so handy, they can easily be popped in your bag or squeezed in if you're travelling. Stojo are seeking ways to use recycled plastic and silicone in the cups.
Circular and co
£12+ Based in Cornwall. Formerly called Rcup. They use single use plastic including coffee cups to make reusable coffee cups. Leak proof.
Chilly's
£20+ (500ml) Based in London. Durable, leak proof, 24 hours cold, 6 hours hot. Lots of different sizes and colour/ pattern options. Ideal for everyday use.  Lots of independent retailers stock these, so look out for them and maybe help your local high street.
Hydro Flask
£25+ Based in USA. Hydro flask are inspired by moving in nature and a need to refill. Durable, leak, proof 24 hours cold, 6 hours hot. Lots different sizes and colours. Ideal or being in the outdoors and everyday use, extremely robust! The carry loop comes in handy, you won't find that on many coffee cups.
7. Reusable Water Bottle
Chillys
£20+ Based in London. Reusable insulated water bottle, durable, leak proof, 24 hours cold, 6 hours hot, lots of different sizes. Ideal for everyday use. If you're after a patterned water bottle these should be your go to. Grab the karibener for an extra £3.
Hydroflask
£25+ Based in USA. Extremely durable, leak proof, 24 hours cold, 6 hours hot, lots different sizes ideal or being in the outdoors and everyday use. From experience, the wider mouth of the hydroflask makes it easier to keep clean when travelling.
8. Reusable Cutlery A Plastic Free Studio/ WillowoodUK
£3+ Available from most zero waste shops, try out A Plastic Free Studio based in Surrey or WillowoodUK based in Lincoln. Ideal for travellers who are often grabbing food on the go or campers, helping to reduce waste in turn.
Socks and Sandals