Charities: Christmas catalogues

Xenia Gregoriadis picks her way through charities' Christmas catalogues

Shelter-national campaign for homeless people.

All profits from the Christmas catalogue sales go to Shelter, who last year helped around 100,000 homeless and badly housed people with support, advice and advocacy. The catalogue features a select range of gifts for all ages including Prices candles, puzzles, books, Shelter T-shirts and an excellent selection of kitchen and bathroom products, all with attractive contemporary designs and from under pounds 5.

Tel: 0171-505 2066

Exclusive Shelter Mugs:

Bone china Blue houses mug, pounds 8, set of 2, pounds 15; bone china Homes and Gardens mug, pounds 9, set of 2, pounds 16.50; Earthenware houses mug, pounds 6.50, set of 2, pounds 12, set of 4, pounds 22-all designed by Repeat Repeat. Key mug featuring the Shelter key logo pounds 3.50, set of 2, pounds 6.30.

Amnesty International

Gifts bought from the 1997 Winter catalogue contribute to Amnesty International's vital work campaigning on behalf of the victimised, the "disappeared" and those suffering injustice. Where possible items are from Fair Trade organisations and adhere to Fair Trade production standards. Ideal for fun, original and practical gifts from funky T-shirts to stylish patchwork throws.

Tel: (01276) 688261

Amnesty International shop, 11 Jeffrey Street, Edinburgh, Scotland. EH1 1DR

Tel: 0131-557 2957

Spices of Life Cookbook pounds 12.99:

With 176 pages and over 100 spicy recipes from Africa, Asia and Latin America for Western kitchens, together with food facts, information and a spice guide. Easy step by step cooking methods and 28 full-page colour photos.

Oxfam Fair Trade

Company

Oxfam have compiled an extensive and diverse collection of high quality and eco-friendly goods, made by producers in developing countries. Profits from the catalogue help raise the much needed funds for Oxfam's overseas work and make a positive impact on the livelihoods of workers who receive a fair price for their products, enabling them to work their way out of poverty towards self reliance. Fair trade food and exquisite handmade crafts show the talents and traditions of communities in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

Tel: 01865-313600

Retail outlets nationwide.

Noah's Ark Money Box pounds 10.99:

This colourful wooden money box is carved and painted with a different animal design on either side, with a money slot on the cabin roof and a sliding removable base. Made in Sri Lanka.

Actionaid

Actionaid is one of the UK's largest international aid agencies, working directly with over five million of the world's poorest people in 24 countries across Asia, Africa and Latin America, supporting their needs and rights. Allied with local organisations and community groups, Actionaid aims to create positive change in an appropriate and long lasting way. Their "gifts to go" catalogue offers a superb choice of world music, ethnic crafts and unusual gifts for the home and garden.

Tel: 01209-831 456 or 01209- 831 831

Busy Bee Booties, Strawberry Shoes

6-12 months, 18-24 months. pounds 12.95 per pair:

A novel and practical gift for new mothers and babies are these delightful baby shoes in the highest quality cotton mix sueded fabric.

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC)

The NSPCC is the UK's leading charity working to protect children from abuse. The society operates a 24 hour child protection helpline which provides counselling, information and advice to anyone concerned about a child at risk and is responsible for the organisation of over120 teams and projects throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland. This year's Christmas catalogue is packed with a variety of ornaments, clothes and household accessories, with excellent creative gift ideas for children. All profits from the catalogue are covenanted to the NSPCC.

Tel: 0171-825 2690

Happy Kids Yo-Yo pounds 3.60:

This solid wood, hand-painted yo-yo has different Happy Kids designs on each side and is well weighted, with a smooth action. Approx. diameter 6.5cm. Made in Sri Lanka The Happy Kids Product Range was designed especially to help benefit the NSPCC.