Veggieextra!

The Vegetarian & Vegan Foundation's Julie Cook brings you great  finds, freebies and offers...

Wicker Wonderland

There's nothing quite like a hamper to evoke some Christmas spirit! Ripe Gifts offer an extensive range of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and kosher Christmas hampers and gift baskets. There's a choice of two vegan hampers this year - The 'V' Vegan Hamper (£67), and the small but perfectly formed, Vegan Christmas Cracker (£36). Both contain some fabulous foodie finds, including turkish delight crammed with pistachios & hazelnuts, and absolutely divine organic Booja Booja truffles. Visit www.ripegifts.co.uk or call 0845 226 9182 (calls charged at local rates) All prices include free next day delivery!

Chocolate Cheer

Chocolate bath goodies are the ideal, calorie-free, no-guilt pleasure for any chocolate lover! Raw Gaia have launched their latest luxurious gift set, Bath Time Heaven (£23.90) - 100% organic, vegan raw chocolate bliss! The set includes Chocolate Orange Bath Melt, Chocolate Face Pack, Rose Geranium Soap and four Raw Orange Chocolates - your cares will melt away..visit the online store at www.rawgaia.com or call 01273 311476 to order.

Moonshine

Vollmond Lager (5.2% £1.39 33cl) has been launched in the UK. Made using biodynamic methods - which means it's brewed only on the night of a full moon - Vollmond Lager is wholly organic, vegan, and we promise it won't turn you into a werewolf! Available from selected health stores.

Good to Glow

Did you know that 60% of what we put on our skin goes into our bodies? Organic Botanics high quality range of skin-care products consist of organically grown cool-pressed plant oils, herbal extracts, floral waters, aloe-vera, pure essential oils and other lush, natural, organic ingredients. All products are paraben-free, contain no GM ingredients, animal ingredients, petrolatum, alcohol, artificial colours, synthetic perfumes, propylene nor chemical UV filters and it shows. Having being lucky enough to sample most of their products, my verdict is that Organic Botanics are heavenly! Pay them a visit at www.organicbotanics.com or call 01273 573825 for mail order.

Purple Cobwebs

If you are stuck for a unique gift or card Purple Cobwebs provide high quality handcrafted gifts, jewellery and greeting cards. All items are lovingly created by hand in Essex and many gifts can be customised at no extra cost to make the recipient feel that extra bit special. Many of the jewellery items are either one offs or are made in very limited quantities. The best bit though is that for every item sold, a donation is made to our sister group Viva! Shop till your heart's content at www.purplecobwebs.co.uk

Tested on film stars - not on animals

Tara Smith is a respected hairstylist, in demand on both sides of the Atlantic working with many famous faces both on and off the film set, her work is regularly published in Elle, Harper's Bazaar and Vogue magazines. British-born Tara has developed a stunning new range of vegan shampoos, conditioners and styling products made in the UK with natural and organic earth-friendly ingredients and contain certified organic fragrances. It is one of the first professional standard haircare ranges to be produced free from harmful chemical additives; the products do not contain any parabens, SLES, PEGs, phthalates, glycols, artificial colourants, synthetic fragrances or animal derivatives. Such admirable eco-standards are not confined to the contents of the bottle either; the pumps are made with no metal so they're easy to recycle and the products' swing tags are made from handmade paper impregnated with wild seeds which can be planted to grow into flowers! The Base Coat Serum is miraculous! it's chock full of omega-rich borage oil and made my frizzy, fried locks feel and look super-silky smooth. Shampoos and conditioners are available for dry, straight, sensitive/baby or curly hair - prices are a purse-friendly £4.99 and under. Available from all Tesco stores.

A better blend

Afterglow Cosmetics is the latest mineral make-up brand to take the UK by storm. Available in dazzling, highly pigmented colours, containing natural and organic ingredients of the highest quality, the mineral formulation also includes antioxidants to protect and care for your skin. The complete range comprises of Mineral Foundation, Setting Powder, Glow Bronzer, Mineral Blush, Mineral Matte/Shimmer Eye Shadow and Lip Love Lipstick in a choice of great shades. Visit the website at www.afterglowcosmetics.co.uk or call 0845 325 9243. Prices start from £16.