After my boyfriend and I started our own small business this year (www.wearenovaco.co.uk - cheeky lil plug hello) we decided to only buy each other Christmas presents from other small businesses (you really realise how much people's support actually means when you have your own).
I've decided to extend this idea to all of my Christmas shopping. It's always important to support small, but after a turbulent year for all of us not only could independents do with a boost, but you're more likely to find much more unique and personal gifts to give your loved ones a much needed boost too.
The below are a mixture of companies I've used and recommendations I asked for on Instagram. I've categorised them for ease and also included things like budget, as well as a little about each business.
C L O T H I N G
Back By Sundown
Sells: Beautiful handmade one-off dresses, tops and accessories made from either vintage, remnants or dead-stock fabric.
Price range: From £12 for a headscarf to £285 for a premium linen dress (plus plenty in between).
Buy for: Someone special to you who loves fashion and cares about the story behind their clothes (hint hint Matthew I would love a dress). The price point of these means they're definitely a treat (although if you're on a budget and still want to support them the headscarfs are a more budget-friendly way to do that).
Website/socials: backbysundown.com @back.by.sundown
Georgia Rose
Sells: Button covers to help bring new life into old shirts and blouses by adding a touch of vintage-style luxury.
Price range: £36 for a set of 6 or £6 per cover if you want to mix and match.
Buy for: A friend who loves to upcycle/craft/jazz up their wardrobe. I think it's a genius idea and such at simple and sustainable way of transforming clothes!
Website/socials: georgiarose.co.uk @georgiarose.london
Smiling and Waving
Sells: Tees, beanies, hoodies, rucksacks, sweatshirts and merch, all to raise money for equipment for founder Alastair who has Angelman Syndrome, plus similar fundraisers.
Price range: £0.50-£25
Buy for: Anyone! (Everyone appreciates something that raises money for a good cause don't they?). The low price options would make excellent stocking fillers too.
Website/socials: smilingandwaving.bigcartel.com/ @smiling_and_waving
J E W E L L E R Y
Saint Kojo
Sells: Two collections of gold plated jewellery; rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets and anklets.
Price range: £15-£45
Buy for: Anyone who loves to add a bit of luxury to their outfit; the affordability of these pieces mean they'd make an excellent gift for a friend!
Website/socials: saintkojo.com @saint_kojo
Sweet Tilda
Sells: Handmade statement clay earrings.
Price range: £5-£15.50
Buy for: The statement jewellery lover in your life.
Website/socials: etsy.com/uk/shop/SweetTildaDesigns @sweettildadesigns
Basil and Lu
Sells: Colourful resin costume jewellery and some Christmas decorations.
Price range: £5-£12
Buy for: Your most colourful fun-loving friend.
Website/socials: etsy.com/shop/basilandlu/ @basilandlu
H O M E W A R E
The Yorkshire Candle Company
Sells: Candles, room mists, wax melts.
Price range: £5.95-£12
Buy for: The friend whose home always smells delightful (although I suppose you could always use it as a hint for the friend whose home doesn't...)
Website/socials: theyorkshirecandleco.co.uk @theyorkshirecandleco
Peck and Plum London
Sells: Handcrafted trays, pots, coasters made out of the eco-friendly composite jesmonite.
Price range: £5-£27
Buy for: Someone making the most of the stamp duty holiday who has just bought their own home!
Website/socials: peckandplumlondon.com @peckandplum_london
Afton By Palm
Sells: Handmade clay jewellery and trinket dishes, line drawing prints, cards and jewellery.
Price range: £2-£19
Buy for: Your modern minimalist loving friend.
Website/socials: aftonbypalm.co.uk @aftonbypalm
Comments
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment on my blog, I read them all so remember to tick 'Notify' if you want to see my reply!