The Black Friday frenzy started early this year. Whether or not you choose to join the scrum (and many of the discounts are admittedly tempting), this initiative from L’Occitane stands out with its message of giving back, rather than just grabbing more. For every one of these hand creams sold, the brand makes a donation to Hometree for tree planting in Ireland. The 20 per cent shea butter hand cream is perfect for winter – especially this winter, with all the hand-washing – and this year it has a unique Dublin-themed sleeve, too. The Provence in Dublin Hand Cream is available exclusively at L’Occitane Wicklow Street, Dublin 2, once stores reopen next week. Until then, head to ie.loccitane.com, where there’s 20 per cent off a wide range of beautiful gifts including the bestselling Almond Shower Oil, also available as an eco-refill. Tip: while you’re there pick up a Magic Key, too – it’s an ingeniously simple tool to help you squeeze out the max from every tube of cream or paste you use, reducing waste. Worth its weight in gold, this is the best €8 you’ll spend this week. I’ve spotted them for sale on other websites for four times the price.

L’Occitane’s Hometree initiative is a great way of spotlighting a fine charity. Ireland retains just one per cent of its original forest cover, according to Hometree, a charity based in Co Clare that supports conservation and restoration projects, as well as planting protected woodlands. We love the idea of buying trees for Christmas, instead of a load of wasted wrapping paper. Head to www.hometree.ie and have ten native trees planted on your behalf for €40, or even an entire forest …