A great charity shop for ethical gifts (Oxfam in general)

Member Name: sassypat456

Product:	Oxfam in general
Date:	23/10/09 (48 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheap, promotes recycling

Disadvantages: Overpriced online

I have always been a fan of Oxfam, not only for the used items available in all the shops, but also for the range of fair trade gifts they sell at Christmas.
The gift range is extensive and includes picnic rugs, phot frames, jewellery boxes and seasonal items such as nativity sets.
All the items are produced in third world countries supported by the charity, and are typically very ornate, hand made and reasonably priced.
Over the years Oxfam has grown in popularity and is very well marketed as a result. They have an online shop which sells a range of used and new items. I do find that the used items are slightly overpriced and certainly cost less when you rummage one of the charitys actual stores.
I wont knock them for that though and I always try to support them, especially at Christmas when I usually partake in their scheme to give a gift whereby you pay for a goat for a family in Africa, or schoolbooks for disadvantaged children.
There are a whole range of interesting gifts like this and they are perfect if you want to tailor make something for the person that has everything. It really makes you think about the meaning of Christmas and give something back.
Oxfam, like most charity shops, is largely staffed by an army of dedicated volunteers, and they are the people that allow charity shops to profit and do good work with disadvantaged people around the world.
They are currently running a scheme with Marks and Spencer, and are giving out M&S vouchers if you donate the chainstores clothes to your local Oxfam.

Summary: One of the best and most recognised charity shops