There’s no denying that this year has taken a huge hit on pretty much every business you can name. The UK coronavirus lockdown forced every shop other than your local supermarket to put down it’s shutters for 3 months straight. And with the second lockdown here in England, shops have had to shut once again, just after getting back on their feet.
It’s a tough time for everybody, but shopping small, local and independent business is more important now than ever. Not only are you able to help an independent business owner, but shopping small also often means more sustainable and better quality too.
With this in mind, this year I wanted to put together a number of gift guides focussed just on shopping small this Christmas, starting with homeware.
Small business Homeware Christmas gift guide:
I loved putting together this list – with a mix of businesses I’ve used before, to new discoveries, above is a collection of some of the best homeware gifts you could get this Christmas.
1, La Vie Est Rose Ltd – Jessica runs La Vie Est Rose, an independent business selling dried flowers. They sell gorgeous everlasting bouquets, wreaths as well as a make-your-own wreath kit for those a bit more hands-on.
2. 1 of Seven – Braid owns 1 of Seven – a gorgeous candle brand. As well as classic candles, you’ll also find the woman’s body candle called ‘She’ and these unique Bubble Cube candles as well.
3. Marcie lllustration – Marcie sells hand-crafted illustrated goodies which are just TOO cute. Her bookmarks are ideal for any bookworms in your life, but she also sells stickers and cards too.
4. Neon Kactus – Neon Cactus are a small business with a simple brand mission: to create a better tomorrow. They create reusable products for an on-the-go lifestyle that will decrease the need for plastic production. Sustainable and stylish? Sign me up. Their coffee cups and water bottles are the perfect practical gift.
5. Elm Rd – Elm Rd believes that self-care should be part of your daily routine. And lighting a candle, listening to the crackling sound of its wooden wick and savouring the aromas is just the way to do this. As well as candles and a fun candle-making kit, they also sell natural oil reed diffusers – Happiness sounds right up my street!
6. Ruth Ashwell Print – owned by Suffolk-local Ruth, Ruth Ashwell print sells fun and unique prints ideal for any room in your home.
7. Ohh so Rosie – Rosie is a babe I’ve followed on Instagram quite some time now and she’s super talented at calligraphy. She makes these super cute personalised baubles – ideal for a loved one. She also sells adorable pom-pom garlands, glass baubles and place cards perfect for a wedding on her shop too.
8. Brendon Blake Designs – Brendon is not only a great designer offering logo design, business cards and more, but he’s recently started offering personalised mugs. Any design, in time for Christmas AND cheaper than Vista Print.
9. Kimberley Rose Studio – Kimberley’s shop was one I discovered when browsing Etsy recently. She’s an illustrator based in East Sussex and created the most city gorgeous prints. I’m super tempted to pick up a New York City and Amsterdam print – two of our favourite places ever – for mine and Jamie’s new home.
10. in the nude .co – I am obsessed with the in the nude .co candles. These handmade natural soy candles are the perfect addition to any shelf. Plus for every purchase, a donation is made to charity too.
11. Flourish and Grace – Zoë, a florist specialist owns Flourish and Grace, selling gorgeous Christmas wreaths for your front door. I love the simple look of the Foliage Wreath, but Zoë also sells a traditional and modern wreath too, as well as a make your own for those looking for something a bit more interactive!
12. Oh So Kel – award-winning homeware blogger Kel has taken her decor into her own shoppable collection with plenty of home accessories to pick from.
13. Knicki Knox – KnickiKnox is an interior brand run by Fashion & Marketing graduation Nicole and sells everything from cushions, wall art as well as these adorable everyday pouches too.
14. Eclectic Ocean – Eclectic Ocean is a local Suffolk brand owned by Be. She works with graduates and sells the loveliest sustainable, vegan and biodegradable phone cases. I’ve got the booby print case on my phone right now and adore it!
There are SO many small businesses out there – these are just a few I pondered across on this occasion. I really recommend browsing online stores like Etsy to see what hidden gems you can find.
Will you be buying small this Christmas?
Lucy x
