Four ways we can buy slave free gifts for Christmas

The Christmas catalogue from one of my favourite shops arrived in early November. Settling in with a cup of tea, I spent the next thirty minutes ogling cosy sweaters, boots, and accessories. Images of children opening presents, while parents in matching pyjamas looked on around a glittering tree, brought a smile to my nostalgic heart – until a gentle nudge of conviction made me take out my phone and research the company’s supply change. As feared, it was likely tainted with slave labour.

In his book Good News About Injustice: A Witness of Courage in a Hurting World, Gary Haugen, founder of International Justice Mission UK writes, “For even as we celebrate the coming of Christ into the world, in Scripture we are powerfully reminded of the kind of world into which he has come.”

READ MORE: Being fair is part of our calling as Christians

Most are familiar with horror of sex trafficking in modern-day slavery. What we may not know is the staggering number of everyday items made by forced labour. A recent article from Business and Human Rights Resource Centre, details the hefty amount of goods coming into the UK from China, including toys, t-shirts, and lawnmowers, allegedly being made by hundreds of thousands of Uyghurs, a persecuted religious group.

An article from Premier’s NexGen magazine Christmas Chocolate examines the use of slave labour in our chocolate companies and, in July, the UK Parliament’s Committee on Human Rights found current laws too lax in its report on  Forced Labor Compliance Obligations.

While we can’t change the prevalence of slavery in one season, we can unite in solidarity in the reason for the season.

While we can’t change the prevalence of slavery in one season, we can unite in solidarity in the reason for the season. With the joy of Christmas gift-giving right around the corner, prayerfully read over this list and consider just one change we could make in our gift buying this year that could help bring freedom around the world.

READ MORE: Are you caring for your neighbour?

1. Chocolate

Who doesn’t love chocolate at Christmas. Slave Free Chocolate offers a world-wide list of ethical chocolatiers. PLAYin CHOC’s adorable boxes come with a craftable toy, chocolate, and a fun fact sheet. The wreaths and reindeer from Luisa’s Vegan Chocolates are a work of art. For festive treat making, Chocolate Tree, has a lovely selection of bakers’ chocolates.

READ MORE: How chocolate is changing women’s lives

2. Socks

There is something about the gift of socks that exemplifies care; a desire for children of all ages to feel loved and secure wherever they may travel. Pairs has a beautiful selection made from natural fibres, including Alpaca “sustainably sourced from the Peruvian Highlands and hand-finished in a traditional British mill.”

3. Gifts for Artists

Meninadança, a UK based charity in Brazil founded by journalist, Matt Roper, translated “Girl Dance,” invites girls to their Pink Houses where they can find hope and healing through dance and art. Artwork, personally painted by the girls, and t-shirts, are available on their website. Each year, Matt walks the BR-116 where girls are regularly exploited, tying pink ribbons which can be sponsored for £16 per month.

4. Jewellery

Starfish Project UK took their motto from the parable of the starfish: Make a difference to “the one.” Their exquisite jewelry, for men and women, is handcrafted by survivors of human trafficking and proceeds go to help free, heal, and educate women.

In addition to buying from ethical sources, we can educate our favorite stores about possible slavery in their supply chains with resources like Ethical Consumer and Slavery Footprint.

Like individual candles whose lights shine brighter when joined, together we can use our purchasing power to stand for freedom as we proclaim Christ this Christmas, “The light that shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5

Christmas gifts and more are also available at Premier Marketplace.