Christmas gift-shopping can be stressful and expensive at the best of times. Throw in a global pandemic and everything becomes that bit more complicated. However, a positive by-product of the restrictions we are still living with is the shift to online shopping, including that by local shops.

One of these is We are not a shop, which sells donated items and gives all the money of each sale to charity. We are not a shop, as the name suggests, is not really a shop. It is a group of people who came together one day in 2016 and organised a two-day sale in aid of Save the Valletta Skyline Appeal. It was a success and was followed by yearly Christmas pop-up shops in Balluta, which became popular. We are not a shop continues to support the Save the Valletta Skyline Appeal, but now also supports St John Malta, whose volunteers are on the frontline assisting the community during this pandemic.

Covid and all the disruptions it has brought about have shone a light on what really matters, especially during Christmastime. At a time when most people's finances have been affected, We are not a shop gives its customers the opportunity to find thoughtful gifts while also contributing to charity. Whether it is fun stocking fillers for "children" of all ages, household items, toys, books, accessories or jewellery, you will find a selection of each and more on the website. But the most exciting part of it is perhaps the Collector's corner, a treasure trove of vintage, one-of-a-kind items, ranging from 1940s powder compacts to first edition books, some of which are signed, to 130-year-old ostrich fans. It is the ideal place to find a gift for that one person who already has everything or to simply stand out with a unique item that could never be bought from the high street.

"Since 2016, our spring into summer sales and Christmas pop-up shops have raised €33,529 for the SVS appeal," says Stephanie Laing, one of We are not a shop's founders.  "We are genuinely excited by the prospect of raising further funds for the two charities from the myriad eclectic items that can be found on the site. These items, including the one-offs listed under Collector's corner, have all been donated by private individuals as well as businesses in Malta and overseas.

"Christmas is a time for giving, perhaps even more this year than other years, and what could be better than gifting unique items while also donating to a cause that future generations will benefit from," she adds.

For more information, visit www.wearenotashop.com; email [email protected] or phone on + 356 2722 9169.