It’s that time of the year for so many of us; the endless Black Friday emails and debates about the right time to put up a Christmas tree. December, of course. It’s also the season for giving and at the Growth Impact Fund, we love an ethical and sustainable approach to celebration.

This year, we’ve supported so many amazing social purpose organisations through investments and grant funding. Not only are these entrepreneurs delivering exceptional quality goods and services, but they’re doing it for social good. So, if you’re looking for some gift ideas this festive season, here’s our recommendation for businesses to support.

The Black Farmer Farmshop

The Black Farmer is our most recent investment through the Fund, founded by Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones and nestled in the heart of Brixton Village. Among the many ways that the shop supports its community, they sell goods created by under-supported founders — and have some amazing stuff. From flowers to clothing and delicious Christmas treats; there’s something for everyone. The last orders are on the 17th of December for deliveries on the 20th. Head to their website!

Harry Specters

Harry Specters is a Christmas staple for the GIF team. If you’re after anything from stocking fillers to luxury advent calendars, they’ll have you covered. In addition to being our solution to Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, the business supports neurodiverse people through employment. So, if you fancy satisfying your sweet tooth with ethical, artisanal Christmas-themed chocolates, they’re your people.

Lovewell

Buy a candle to help rebuild a woman’s life. LoveWell is a female-led, social enterprise and their range of beauty products are handmade by women who have experienced barriers to employment. If you long for some winter pampering, they’ll have something for you. From corporate hampers to reed diffusers and an amazing range of candles, by supporting LoveWell you’ll also be supporting one of the many women they empower year-round.

Area Noir

Do you have a blank wall desperately in need of some colour? Area Noir is an Audio and Visual, collab Studios in East London — they’re currently opening a space! In addition to the cool stuff they do, Area Noir sells fine art prints by black and brown artists from around the globe. Get your hands on one of their limited edition prints.

The Big Issue

Really don’t need stuff? Give the gift of a good story by supporting the Big Issue. Although not strictly a GIF investment, the Fund has been jointly created by UnLtd and Big Issue Invest so they deserve a mention. The Big Issue, as most of us know, was founded in 1991 to provide society’s most vulnerable people with the means to earn a legitimate income by selling a magazine. This Christmas, 3.8 million people across the UK face extreme poverty, so their work is more vital than ever.

Gift your loved ones a three-month subscription to the magazine for £9.99 this Black Friday or consider buying a Vendor Support Kit which includes a warm food voucher and clothing for £35.

This festive season let’s be more mindful of our consumption by supporting businesses that create positive change. Whether it’s delicious treats from Harry Specters, impactful gifts from The Big Issue, LoveWell or Area Noir, or the best turkey we’ve ever had from our friends at The Black Farmer, each purchase helps create a more equitable society for us all.