Buy independent this Christmas and you’ll be supporting small businesses up and down the country.
I love the big high-street stores as much as the next girl, but they’re not where I look for beautiful and unusual Christmas presents. Instead, I like to delve into the world of small indies. Thanks to online shopping, it’s now easier than ever to discover these artisan businesses.
And, luckily for you, I’ve made it even easier by compiling this list of my favourites. Enjoy!
Soap Folk: for natural beauty treats
Treat someone to Soap Folk’s Winter Skin Collection, £30. It contains one of their gorgeous wrapped soaps, a jar of chamomile rescue balm and a bottle of beautifully scented safflower and rosehip bath oil. All their products are made in small batches in the beautiful Gloucestershire countryside. They’re are as kind to the environment as they are to your skin. No time to wrap? Luckily, this collection comes in a beautiful gift box which can go straight under the tree.
The Printed Peanut: for gorgeous paper goods
I discovered Louise Lockhart’s The Printed Peanut through Instagram. Her bright, retro designs are perfect for children and adults alike. I’ve bought her Paper Doll and the Playing with Food activity book for the children in my life – and her affordable art prints and postcards make perfect little gifts for family and friends. All Louise’s homewares are designed and made in the UK.
Paper Doll, £5.95 / Coffee Pot print, £10 /Playing With Food Activity Book, £12.95
Paper Dolls House, £10 – all by The Printed Peanut
Gourmet Brownie: For a sumptuous foodie treat
This family bakery, based in Ely, makes the most incredible brownies. Their Christmas Brownie Box, £28, is the perfect way to send someone some festive love! Each box contains eight delicious Christmas-inspired flavours. I can vouch for their deliciousness.
Jeff Josephine – for beautiful ceramics to treasure
This is an indie shop I return to again and again. Sophie Elm is an illustrator, surface pattern designer and ceramicist. Her shop is stocked with beautiful ceramics and delightful prints. Invest in one of her Christmas decorations for your tree – or find someone a gift that they’ll treasure for years to come.
Vegetable Garden print, £38 / Set of Garden Decorations, £30
Ceramic Decorations, £14 each / Radish Pot, £48 – all by Jeff Josephine
Melin Tregwynt: for the best Welsh blankets
This little woollen mill, deep in the heart of rural Pembrokeshire, makes the most beautiful and useful things. A welsh blanket is a family heirloom in the making – why not treat someone this Christmas? Or if your purse won’t stretch that far, they also do a lovely range of more affordable accessories like purses and cushions.
Knot Garden Throw, £149 / Vintage Rose wrist bag, £30
St David’s Flag throw, £149 / Knot Garden Purse, from £22 – all by Melin Tregwynt
There are so many wonderful small independent shops to discover this Christmas. I hope I’ve inspired you to visit some of them! I’d love to hear about your favourites too.
A big thank you to Soap Folk who sent me their Winter Skin kit as a gift.
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