Oliver Heath’s top eco-friendly Christmas presents

Image credit: Oliver Heath

For me, Christmas is about taking a little time out and spending it with my family and friends – if they can get a look in. While I love all the festivities over Christmas, as an eco designer I do find it hard to switch off as I’m always looking to keep my environmental impact low. Luckily there are some fantastic ways of doing this with the gifts that I plan to give, and with the Christmas decorations I’ll be using to make my home feel special.

Creating a lovely, warm festive feel in my house is essential and my little girls love it too. Maybe I’m  just dreaming but putting my feet up and relaxing in this Claude organic armchair would be bliss, if the girls let me sit down for a minute or two! Perhaps this super cute and retro style recycled paper nativity set, below, will keep them occupied for a while?

Image credit: Natural Collection

My home is filled with some wonderful natural materials so injecting a burst of colour at Christmas looks stunning. This Botanica cut felt rug does just that and sets up a vibrant colour scheme for the rest of the living room decorations – using these pink and red low LED energy fairy lights, Gisela Graham Christmas bunting and recycled fabric floral cushions.

Of course it wouldn’t be Christmas without a tree. And even though I do love having the real thing, it’s quite fun to have a look around at alternatives, such as this Christmas tree mobile from Flensted and the Christmas tree in a can. Although I may have to wait for next Christmas before it grows into anything really spectacular. Nice stocking filler though!

There are a lot of older boys in my family (me included!) so finding a good set of gadgets that doesn’t cost the earth (both financially and environmentally speaking) is always a winner for me. I love this solar powered digital radio from Roberts (especially as they’re ‘the’ radio makers of choice at our place), the HY mini turbine which fixes onto your bike is great fun, and the now classic Wattson energy meter is a must for the style conscious eco hero this Christmas.

Image credit: Ryan Frank @ mydeco boutique

So that leaves me and the domestic goddess in my life. Sensuous homes are always made warmer and more inviting with these wonderfully scented aromatherapy soy wax candles. And – fingers crossed! – this Christmas should give me a chance to sit on Ryan Frank’s funky Isabella chair, above, the present I’m really hoping Santa will bring me.

Happy Christmas everyone!