Big Issue North launches new Christmas socks, cards and wrapping paper with Stanley Chow

It's that time of year, again! That's Christmas 365 is thrilled to be able to share this news with our readers.

Big Issue North has once again partnered with celebrated Manchester artist Stanley Chow and sock specialists Stand4Socks to create a limited-edition series of cosy, festive socks, plus matching Christmas cards and wrapping paper, with a charitable twist.

These limited-edition designs give customers the chance to give the gift of compassion this Christmas by supporting those in need across the north of England. 

Every purchase directly contributes to Big Issue North’s mission, empowering people experiencing poverty to earn an income, gain stability, and transform their lives.

Big Issue North vendors are self-employed and buy magazines from regional offices in Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and Sheffield for £2 each, then sell them on established pitches in towns and cities across the north for £4, keeping the £2 that they make from every sale. 

Selling The Big Issue also gives vendors motivation and helps to boost their self-esteem.

As well as selling the magazine, vendors are given advice by staff on how to get help with anything from developing their skills or accessing English language courses, to getting housing, financial or health advice, which can help them to achieve their goals and improve their lives for good.

Big Issue North vendors are making a commitment to earn an income. By working, not begging. 75% of vendors in the north have never begged, and all the 19% of vendors who had committed crime prior to selling the magazine say that they have offended less, including stopping entirely, since they have been selling.

Big Issue North Trust is a registered charity (charity number 1056041), which raises funds to provide a range of support for vendors, including support accessing services, help getting ID, home furnishing packages and projects such as breakfast clubs. 

During COVID-19, it also provided vendors with financial aid while they were unable to work, as well as funding PPE and contactless payment devices, and the photo ID required to use it. As well as improving the safety of our vendors and customers, this has increased earnings as the UK moves towards becoming a cashless society.

This year’s collection includes two new exclusive designs by Stanley Chow. Stanley’s iconic illustrations have earned him acclaim worldwide, with projects spanning from collaborations with The White Stripes to covers for The New York Times. This exclusive sock series embodies Stanley’s signature style, featuring a graphic, minimalist pixel design and a penguin design.

“I got the chance to design the pair of socks I’ve always wanted to wear and selling them will help raise money for a charity that I wholeheartedly support,” said Stanley Chow. “What’s not to like about that?!”

Priced at £12.99 per pair or £29.99 for three pairs of socks, £6 for 10 Christmas cards or five sheets of wrapping paper, or £10 for cards and wrapping paper, 100% of profits from each sale go directly to Big Issue North. This means that every purchase supports people in the North West, Yorkshire and the Humber who are working by selling The Big Issue, providing them with the opportunity to earn income, develop skills, and gain independence.

Stand4Socks, a Manchester-based company, is known for their high-quality, personalised socks. Their ethos is centred on giving back; for each pair of charity socks sold, Stand4Socks donates a durable, antibacterial pair of socks to someone experiencing homelessness. Since their inception, Stand4Socks have donated over 150,000 socks, ensuring that comfort and warmth reach those who need it most.

Purchase socks: Big Issue North x Stand4 Socks Collaboration

https://www.stand4socks.com/pages/big-issue-north-x-stand4-socks-collaboration

Purchase cards and wrapping paper: Big Issue North online shop

https://shop.bigissuenorth.com

Socks Subscription – Quirky and Colourful Socks Delivered Monthly for Christmas Gifting all Year Round

When it comes to Christmas gifting, finding something thoughtful yet unique can be a challenge. 

Enter the world of socks subscriptions – the perfect blend of practicality and fun! Gone are the days when socks were considered a dull gift. 

Today, they’re a canvas for creativity, with quirky patterns, vibrant colours, and unique designs that brighten any outfit. 

A socks subscription is a gift that keeps on giving, month after month, delivering joy and style straight to your loved ones' doors.

Why Choose a Socks Subscription?

Uniqueness and Variety: Each month brings a new surprise. From funky patterns like flamingos and tacos to festive motifs and abstract art, there’s a pair for every mood and occasion. It’s a delightful way to inject personality into an everyday essential.

Thoughtful and Personal: A socks subscription shows you’ve thought about the recipient’s tastes and preferences. Many services allow you to tailor the subscription to match their style – bold and bright, classic and understated, or themed collections.

Sustainable and Ethical Options: Many subscription services now prioritise sustainable materials and ethical practices. Think organic cotton, bamboo fibres, and fair trade manufacturing. It’s a gift that’s kind to the planet and stylish to boot.

Perfect for All Ages: Whether you’re gifting a fashion-forward teen, a sock-loving friend, or a family member who appreciates comfort, there’s a subscription to suit everyone.

How It Works

Most socks subscription services are incredibly easy to set up:

Choose a Subscription Plan: Decide on the duration – three months, six months, or even a year. Some services offer flexible options to fit your budget.

Pick the Style: Select a style or theme that suits the recipient. Some providers even offer ‘mystery boxes’ for an extra element of surprise.

Add a Personal Touch: Many subscriptions allow you to include a personalised message for the recipient, making the gift even more special.

Sit Back and Relax: Once you’ve placed your order, the socks will be delivered monthly, bringing joy to their doorstep.

Top Socks Subscription Services to Consider

Here are some standout options for quirky and colourful socks subscriptions:

https://www.standoutsocks.co.uk

https://www.sockgeeks.co.uk

https://www.allsubscriptionboxes.co.uk/category/box/clothes/sock/

https://www.happysocks.com/uk/gifts

https://www.myoddballs.com

https://www.sockmonthly.co.uk/6-month-bamboo-sock-subscription

https://www.swolepanda.com

Why It Makes the Perfect Christmas Gift

The festive season is all about spreading joy, and a socks subscription does just that. It’s a gift that stands out under the Christmas tree and continues to deliver smiles long after the holiday season is over. With their practical appeal and quirky charm, these monthly deliveries make a thoughtful present that feels like a small celebration each time they arrive.

So, if you’re looking for a unique and cheerful gift this Christmas, consider a socks subscription. It’s a fun way to show you care, one quirky pair at a time!

Men's Fusion Repreve Double Layer Walking Sock. The ideal Christmas gift for the walkers in your life

Recently That's Christmas published a blogpost about enjoying Christmas hikes or walks as part of the many ways you can celebrate Christmas and welcome in the New Year.

However, if you take walking seriously to any degree you really do need to get yourself the proper clothing, or to gift the proper clothing to the ramblers in your life.

These are, in our opinion, absolutely perfect!

Men's Fusion Repreve Double Layer Walking Sock

Regular price £18.50

VAT included. P&P calculated at checkout.

The Fusion Repreve Double Layer Walking Sock combines the 1000 Mile double layer with additional padding for extra comfort. Made from recycled materials the two layers reduce friction, mitigating the risk of blisters. (Ouch! Anything that mitigates against blisters is 100% OK in our opinion!)

The mid-calf length 1000 Mile Fusion Walk Sock breaks the mould with innovative design and material technology to provide a sock that offers everything that the walker could want or need.

https://www.1000mile.co.uk/products/fusion-repreve-double-layer-sock?variant=42173950591234

And here's the link to our blogpost on walking and rambling at Christmastime 

https://thatschristmas.blogspot.com/2024/11/countryside-rambles-for-festive-season.html

Big Issue North x Stanley Chow x Stand4Socks: Limited-Edition Socks for Christmas

Big Issue North is again partnering with celebrated Manchester artist Stanley Chow and sock specialists Stand4Socks to bring you a limited-edition series of cozy, festive socks with a charitable twist. Which will make ideal and iconic stocking fillers (no pun intended) for this Christmas.

These limited-edition designs will recipients warm and stylish whilst also supporting those in need across the north of England. 

Every pair you buy directly contributes to Big Issue North’s mission, which is empowering people who are  experiencing poverty to earn an income, gain stability, and transform their lives.

This year’s collection includes two new exclusive designs by Stanley Chow. Stanley’s iconic illustrations have earned him acclaim worldwide, with projects spanning from collaborations with The White Stripes to covers for The New York Times. 

This exclusive sock series embodies Stanley’s signature style, featuring a graphic, minimalist pixel design and a Christmas Elf design. His unmistakable style makes each pair of a piece of wearable art.

“I got the chance to design the pair of socks I’ve always wanted to wear and selling them will help raise money for a charity that I wholeheartedly support,” said Stanley Chow. “What’s not to like about that?!”

Priced at £12.99 per pair or £29.99 for all three designs, 100% of profits from each sale go directly to Big Issue North. 

As a result, every purchase supports people in the North West, Yorkshire and the Humber who are working by selling the Big Issue magazine, providing them with the opportunity to earn income, develop skills, and gain independence.

Stand4Socks, which is a Manchester-based company, is fsmed for their high-quality, personalised socks. 

Their ethos is centred on giving back; for each pair of charity socks sold, Stand4Socks donates a durable, antibacterial pair of socks to someone experiencing homelessness. 

Since their inception, Stand4Socks have donated over 150,000 socks, ensuring comfort and warmth reach those who need it the most.

So, when you choose a pair of Big Issue North’s socks, you’re not only helping Big Issue North vendors, but also helping someone who is homeless to keep warm this winter.

Their limited-edition Stanley Chow designs are only available for a short period of time. Shop now, support your Big Issue North vendor, and help people experiencing homelessness this Christmas: Big Issue North x Stand4 Socks Collaboration.

https://www.bigissuenorth.com