Let it sew, let it sew, let it sew . . . do you see what I did there?

I know I'm not on my own in my almost scary love of Christmas.

Giving is one of my guilty pleasures, especially when my children were growing up and I was able to relive my childhood through them.

These days I really do try to think about what I'm giving. Our purchases don't just have an obvious cost, they often have other, far reaching and far more important costs.

It's important to consider the environmental and social impact of your purchase and the easiest way to do that is to buy from a company who you trust to have done the groundwork for you. They'll be sure that the gift you've given isn't made by a child, isn't damaging the planet we're holding in trust for that child and is actually going to enrich their life.

Even better! why not join our Winter, fireside, Kit Making Competition.

Use any of our Ethically produced Rag Doll or Bear Making Kits or Patterns to make something special this Christmas. Make sure to have the mulled wine, nibbles and festive cd's close to hand. Post updates on our Facebook page as you go along if you like.

Post a picture of your finished project to our Facebook page by 31st January and we'll send the two favourites, beginner and established maker, a free kit of their choice. Even better, every one who joins in will receive an exclusive discount voucher so you just can't lose.

Best of all. You've made something personal, filled with love and special enough to be a best friend for life. Those are the very, very best gifts to give.

You can find the event here.