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A burgundy present box wrapped with white ribbon sitting on a table
A burgundy present box wrapped with white ribbon sitting on a table

20 charity gifts that give back in 2026

Sarah Foxton

12 Oct, 2026 / 7 mins read time

In this guide to charity gifts, we’ll share 20 thoughtful second-hand and ethical gift ideas, along with unique pairings you may not have considered and inspiration for those tricky-to-buy-for loved ones.

We know that finding the right gift starts with a plan, so we’ve done the hard work for you.

Whether you’re browsing your local Oxfam shop or scrolling through the Oxfam Online Shop, keep this guide handy or save a screenshot for a gifting cheat sheet.

From birthdays to wedding presents and everything in between, whatever the occasion, we’ve got you covered. Giving a meaningful gift makes all the difference, and when you shop with Oxfam, you’re choosing gifts that get a second life and help create positive change around the world.

The ultimate cosy gift bundle

Image by Agzam from Pixabay

A bronze candlestick holder with a swirly design sits on a dark wood table. In the candlestick is a lit candle.

Nothing says connoisseur quite like vintage candlesticks, ethical candles, fairtrade socks and a gripping crime novel.

Finish it off by popping to your local Oxfam shop on the hunt for matches, and a pre-loved matchbox. The perfect bundle for a cosy night in.

Sentimental gifting

If you’re looking for a special occasion gift for a birthday or Christmas, why not give them a magazine or comic book from the year they were born?

Let your loved one take a trip down memory lane and pair it with a Mallow & Marsh treat, so they can indulge in the nostalgia.

For the cook

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Colourful ramen soup spoon and matching crockery

Treat the chef in your life to a curated kitchen bundle. Opt for Zaytoun products from the Sourced by Oxfam range. Afterall, nothing says “I love you” quite like high-quality, ethically sourced olive oil that supports Palestinian communities through fair trade.

Complete the bundle with a beautiful vintage salt cellar and some quirky crockery for a thoughtful gift they’ll reach for time and time again.

Give a gift that makes a lasting difference

Oxfam Unwrapped Illustration Card in a Frame

An Oxfam Unwrapped gift that helps provide access to clean water or access to food in an emergency creates a lasting impact.

A gift that keeps on giving. It’s the perfect present for someone who shares Oxfam’s values and believes in giving gifts that make a real difference.

With virtual gifting options, this is perfect for sending to a loved one who lives far away, or if you’re a little last minute.

For the aspiring crafter

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A selection of craft supplies including threads and scissors.

Know someone who’s keen to pick up a new hobby but isn’t sure where to start?

Give them everything they need to get going with a craft kit of your choosing; you could pick a candle-making kit, a crochet starter pack or another creative pastime.

We know that learning a new hobby can be stressful, so treat them to an ethical sweet treat to help them master their new skills.

For the fashion lover

Accessories are everything. Pair a pre-loved belt with a unique belt buckle that reminds you of them for a gift that is both practical, full of personality and works for anyone in the family.

A homemade gift with heart

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Butter in a clear glass butter dish on a table pictured next to a bread roll and a cup of coffee.

Create homemade flavoured butter by over-whipping double cream until it separates, squeezing out the excess liquid, seasoning to your giftee's taste and then chilling it.

When you’re ready to gift, pair it with a unique pre-loved ceramic butter dish. It’s a thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gift that’s sure to make the everyday special.

For the music lover

What better way to unwind after a long day than with a great soundtrack and a sweet treat?

Gifting doesn’t have to be complicated. Pick up their favourite artist’s album on vinyl and pair it with a delicious and ethical bar of Tony’s Chocolonely chocolate.

It’s a thoughtful pairing, and they’ll definitely thank you for it.

For a thoughtful keepsake

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An open wooden jewellery box on an antique black and gold table with a hand reaching for the jewellery inside the box.

A vintage jewellery or trinket box makes a beautiful gift on its own, but pair it with a set of cufflinks or a beautiful piece of jewellery for a meaningful gift they’ll treasure for years to come.

For an extra-special touch, wrap it in a pre-loved silk scarf for a truly memorable unboxing experience.

For the book lover

Find their favourite genre or author pre-loved, and if you’re looking for something really special, keep an eye out for a first edition of their favourite book.

For an extra treat pair the book with an ethical bookmark, handmade by artisans in the Hajigang and support rural women in Bangladesh.

Abbie Newton / Oxfam

Incense sticks in a holder on a stack of books on a bathroom shelf.

For the wellness enthusiast

Invite moments of calm with ethical incense and a beautiful incense holder.

Complete the gift with a journal, meditation book or crystals for a thoughtful gift designed to help them relax and recharge.

For the coffee lover

Create a thoughtful coffee bundle with this ethically sourced coffee and a quirky mug or espresso cup and treat them to a moment of calm with every sip.

Better yet, you’ll be supporting Fairtrade and giving back to farming communities.

A small gift with a big impact

Abbie Newton / Oxfam

A broccoli smiley felt keyring pictured next to a wicker tray and car keys

Gift a Fair Trade Friend to someone special and give them a little reminder of you wherever they go.

Whether it’s a desk companion, a car accessory or a keyring, these charming characters are not only cute but meaningful.

Better still, each one is handcrafted by Hatale, a group of skilled artisans in Nepal, supporting traditional craftsmanship and providing sustainable employment for talented makers.

For the homebody

Nothing quite beats a new pair of Sourced by Oxfam pyjamas. Not only are these pyjamas beautiful and stylish, but buying items from Namaste directly supports female-led artisans in Jaipur.

Add some tasty biscuits and Fairtrade tea for the perfect cosy evening in.

For the games lover

Give the gift of quality time with a:

Knowing it’s already brought joy to others makes it all the more special.

Better yet, plan a date to play it together because sometimes the best gifts aren’t things; they’re the memories you make with them.

Give the gift of quality time with a pre-loved board game, deck of cards or video game. Knowing it’s already brought joy to others makes it all the more special.

Better yet, plan a date to play it together because sometimes the best gifts aren’t things; they’re the memories you make with them.

For the busy bee

For someone who's always on the go, a thoughtful gift can make everyday life a little easier. Gift a Sourced by Oxfam calendar or diary, Tara and Co hand cream, and a Sari card holder.

Complete the gift with a meaningful tote bag, and they’ll be all set for their busy lifestyle.

For the art lover

Choose a piece of art that reminds you of them, whether it reflects their interests or would look perfect in their home.

Then pair it with an ornate, pre-loved frame for a thoughtful gift that's ready to hang.

For the host

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A silver tray with matching antique looking silverware.

If you have someone in your life who loves to host, gift them a special bundle that will be used for many dinners to come. Vintage silverware is a truly fantastic gift on its own.

To make the gift even more special, add a pre-loved vase, a cookbook and School Yard sauces for that extra something.

As well as helping to improve difficult lives for Ghanaian children and their families, the profits from purchasing School Yard sauces supports other community-led projects in Ghana and Scotland.

For the self-care enthusiast

The Tara & Co range from Sourced by Oxfam makes a thoughtful gift. With calming rose and lavender scents, you're helping them enjoy moments of peace and relaxation.

Pair it with an ethical candle to create the perfect, relaxing self-care gift.

For the gardener

Start with the Sourced by Oxfam wildflower seeds, then add a gardening book, a decorative felt plant pot, a beautiful recycled birdhouse ball or handy garden tools. A lovely gift for any plant lover.

Gardening can take its toll on your hands, so gift the Tara and Co hand cream to look after your loved one.

We hope these ideas have inspired you to find gifts that are meaningful and memorable. Whether you choose unique, pre-loved finds, an ethically sourced product by Oxfam, or an Oxfam Unwrapped charity gift, every purchase helps support positive change around the world.

Happy gifting, and here’s to giving gifts that give twice.