Our Christmas Gift Guide 2023

We know you’re probably already being inundated with Christmas gift guides from every brand under the sun. So, apologies in advance, as this is just that. But it does come with some feel-good factors already built in. As every gift on this list will not just be adored by those receiving them but will also directly benefit the incredible conservation work of David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF).

So, embrace the spirit of giving this Christmas and support DSWF as you fill your boots (and hopefully some stockings) with our gift guide.

The gift that really keeps on giving

Want to give a gift that isn’t just for Christmas?! Our adoptions are the perfect choice for anyone who wants to make a difference all year round. With eight iconic species to choose from and just as many incredible animal personalities to get to know, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Our adoptions are also incredibly flexible and sustainable. If you’re looking for great value, you can adopt one of our animal ambassadors from just £3 per month, and by choosing a downloadable digital pack you can be safe in the knowledge that they come with a zero-carbon footprint and 100% of the proceeds raised go directly to the conservation of your chosen species.

Alternatively, you can also opt to have a hand-knitted toy added to your adoption for just £5 per month (limited to UK delivery only). These toys are made by Little Ndaba – a group of Zambian women committed to connecting little people around the world with wildlife and supported and funded by DSWF. These toys are all made by hand and are the complete opposite of mass-produced, off-the-shelf products.

Each adoption pack also comes with:

• A high-quality photograph of your animal ambassador or sponsored ranger
• Fact and bio sheets full of unique insights and info 
• The latest copy of the best conservation magazine out there – Wildlife Matters!
• A pencil sketch print of your chosen species

Find out more here.

Gifts for Bibliophiles and Aesthetes

As a supporter of DSWF, there’s a good chance that you originally became involved because of our founder, the renowned wildlife artist and conservationist David Shepherd CBE. His art and work stirred the hearts and minds of millions around the world, and heralded numerous conservation movements, such as Tiger Time.

We have a wide selection of David’s incredible prints available from just £14. You can peruse the shop here.

David also led an incredible life that took him across Africa, starting out as a commissioned painter for the RAF. His larger-than-life personality, cracking wit, and deeply-rooted passions made him a gifted speaker – but also an engaging writer. DSWF holds an exclusive collection of David’s much-loved books, including those that are out of print and unavailable through mainstream retailers.

David Shepherd: The Man and His Paintings

This magnificent book includes full page reproductions of over 60 of David Shepherd’s paintings. The stories behind their creation, as well as David’s own words on his painting life complete this wonderful showcase of his work and world.

David Shepherd: An Artist in Conservation

This book contains many of David’s sketches and paintings inspired by the conservation work supported and funded by The Foundation. First published in 1992, it also captures some of the milestones in conservation achieved in our first decade.

David Shepherd: My Painting Life

From his earliest days as an art student under the watchful eye of artist Robin Goodwin, to lively, frank, thought-provoking and funny reflections on his experiences, this is one of David’s most personal books, and one to be a sure hit with any David Shepherd fan.

The Man Who Loves Giants: The Continuing Story of An Artist Among Elephants and Engines.

Perhaps David’s most well-known book, adopting one of the sayings most fondly applied to him – the man who loved giants. David was a giant in the conservation world, but he also harboured a love for steam engines. In fact, many in operation today owe their continued existence to David’s support. The same of course goes for his beloved elephants, who will always be a star species here at DSWF.

A Collector’s Dream

For the conservation-conscious collector, we have a selection of special edition Wedgewood plates featuring some of David Shepherd’s most celebrated artwork. Each is limited to a worldwide distribution of 25,000 and comes with a certificate of authenticity. You can view the range here.

Perfect Present-sized Original Artwork

We have a wonderful selection of miniature masterpieces, priced from just £40. Each of these pieces is an original artwork created just for DSWF by partner artists who were finalists in this year’s Wildlife Artist of the Year competition. From beautiful butterflies to feathered friends and mighty mammals, you’re bound to find a favourite amongst these stunning, small, yet perfectly formed pieces of unique artwork. And with them all roughly the size of a postcard and a tiny price to match, there’s even room to buy more than one!

Christmas Cards – In Stock!

We’re thrilled to be able to offer a brand new selection of Christmas cards featuring artwork by even more of our partner artists who made it through to the finals of this year’s Wildlife Artist of the Year. Although each image captures a perfectly wintery feel and vibe, they have been left blank so you can add your own personalised message – but also use them as greeting cards throughout the year. See here.

And for something really Christmassy, you can also pick up a pack of exclusive Christmas cards featuring artwork by Lindy Cullen. Launched to raise funds for our Big Give appeal, we will be able to offer these exclusively through the DSWF shop. Make sure you watch this space so you know when all our Christmas cards hit the shelves in the next few days, as once they’re gone – they’re gone!

So, we hope we’ve given you some festive-themed thoughts to add to your Christmas list this year. And remember, not only will you be bringing joy to those you give to but can also ‘joy to the world’ by enabling incredibly important conservation work to continue. Christmas and a clear conscience – the perfect present from DSWF!