In September, I pledged that I would only do my Christmas shopping at independent shops, either in real life or online. Well, I’ve failed miserably. When Ethan requested all the Lego and Playmobil, I couldn’t look past Smyths September sale and also, Amazon anything. I’m actually ashamed of how many times the Amazon guy is at my house. My street is mainly older folk who don’t do online shopping so they must wonder why all the men in white vans keep rapping my door. But I have managed to do about 40% of my Christmas shopping at independent retailers. Which is not to be sniffed at I suppose. As always, when I start falling down the independent retailer rabbit hole, I want all of it for myself. So if any of my loved ones are reading… This also doubles as my Christmas wish list. Especially the marshmallows. And yes… There are marshmallows.
One quick note before I crack on though… Being small retailers, quite a few of these items are in limited stock between now and Christmas. So if you see something you really like, I’d suggest getting that order in. Only 11 more sleeps!!
Indie Gifts £30 and over
For skincare gifts, it amazes me just how many beautiful indie skincare brands there are, most of which are a natural and ethical answer to the mass-produced, chemical-based brands. I can only imagine how gorgeous this Evolve Beauty Organic Skincare Giftset smells!
When it comes to earrings, I usually stick with simple metals, but when faced with a super stylish shop assistant at a till point recently, her blush pink stud earrings and white shirt combo were so chic. In trying to recreate the look I found these Form Circle Earrings in Blush. (Ahem… Wishlist… Ahem).
If you have a hippie friend or one who, like me, is completely fascinated with star signs, then you need to buy them this Cocorina Star Sign Constellation Print. The gold foil on black card and beautifully ethereal illustration makes them look a lot less boho and a lot more luxe.
Speaking of hippies, the magical emporium of Ian Snow. While I love the colourful explosion on this site, the Cotton Tufted Throw with Pompoms is my Hygge/Scandi dream.
If you’re looking for a homeware gift made with love, the SejalCeramics Black Vase with Gold Heart is one of my favourite ceramic pieces. The full range of ceramics is beautiful, especially with that gorgeous little trademark gold heart.
And lastly, for this category, I adore this fun take on a French slogan sweatshirt by Rockwell & Wilde.
Indie Gifts £10 to £20
If you have a friend with a toddler and that toddler eats food, they will love you forever if you buy them the Bamboo Bamboo Divider Toddler Suction Plate. No more tantrum induced plate flipping 😏. And one upping a toddler like that is priceless.
It may seem a strange gift, but if you know someone who is actively trying to reduce their plastic use, these Queen Bee Beeswax Food Wraps are an amazing substitution for cling film and being almost 32 years old with two kids, this is the kind of thing I’m hoping for in my stocking (alongside those blush earrings of course).
Whisky is my tipple of choice, but I’ll admit to not knowing a hell of a lot about the stuff other than the names of a few fancy bottles. And since everyone loves a good novelty tea towel, this one from Of Cabbages & Kings is perfect for your favourite whisky aficionados (and blaggers like me).
This, in my opinion, is probably the cutest thing in this guide. Completely customisable, the Kutuu Bear Family Keyring is not only a bargain at £10, but is the sweetest sentimental gift for your very own Dada bear (or Mama bear for that matter).
Made using pure essential oils and local beeswax, The Bee Garden Co. are pretty much the purest candles you’re going to find. My favourite is named Peaceful Thoughts. I’m chilled out just typing that.
I have recently received the Bloom Boutique Personalised Birthstone Bracelet I ordered as a gift, and don’t be fooled by the £20 price tag, the quality is outstanding. The perfect personalised but still minimal piece.
Indie Gifts Under £10
I promised you marshmallows. And Prosecco and Rose Marshmallows nonetheless, from the world’s first marshmallow shop, based in Edinburgh.
I don’t know what it is about this bear illustration by Isobel Woodcock that makes me so happy, but this sweet little character is available on a pocket mirror for only £2.95.
These Copper & Solder Grey Concrete Letters are a budget-friendly £3.50 each and I’m considering a couple of them as bookends for Ethan’s room.
And at currently only £5 in their sale, the Young Double Kids Alphabet t-shirt is the ultimate cool-kid-with-trendy-parents gift.
I have just bought a couple of these Molly & Izzie Handmade Wish Bracelets for Ethan’s teachers to chuck in with their cards and chocolates. I love the sentiment of them.
And at 4 years old, my kid knows how to wrap his grandparents around his little finger, which is why I just had to get these Juliet Reeves Grandparent Coasters.
And that’s a wrap. Do tell us of your favourite indie shops and gifts this year. I promise I won’t tell anyone what you’ve bought them 😉
Absolutely love this! So great to see a collection of indies that I haven’t heard of before.
Love supporting small, no need to line the big wigs’ pockets!
Thanks for sharing 🙂
Oh I’m so glad you’ve found some gems Charlie ☺️
Love that Je m’appelle fabulous sweatshirt!! And those blush earrings… and i’m quite tempted to try the beeswax wrap. So all presents for me then!
The best and worst bit about doing these gift guides is wanting everything for myself too Kirsty 🙈
I try to support local business as much as poss around xmas i run a small business and know how important it is. Admittedly this year with a 5 week old baby we have barely shopped at all! Would like to quickly shout out to the following
– tartan blanket co (amazing baby blankets amongst other things)
– coco chocolate, the most amazing choc and best packaging
-pickerings gin , especially the liquer flavours
– karen mabon (amazing scarves)
– godiva boutique in edinburgh who stock Rowanjoy clothes- online too
– And Mary – quirky porcelain jewellery
Lots more that i cant think of just now!
Well I’m going to have to click around these… Especially taken by ‘amazing choc’. Also, I used to work with Rowan in Edinburgh many moons ago. She’s so lovely and very talented lady. And please come back if you think of more, love finding new small businesses to obsess over 😂
Oh small world, Rowan is a friend of mine, we have worked on styled shoots and weddings (im a florist) !
Another couple of brands-
Emma Neale for baby rompers- check out her instagram
Edinburgh skincare company- im using their baby i love you massage bar on my little man and he loves it
-Lucky cloud skincare
But yes mainly go and buy all the coco chocolate, rhubarb and ginger highly recommended!
All these are Scottish brands and most of whom i know through running my own business and thought it would be great to have a blog post sometime of brands from across the uk that other readers know of as so many sell online know and there must be so many amazing brands that i dont know about
Will definitely check all of these out! Small world indeed, if you see Rowan again tell her I was asking about her… Although she would probably remember me as Naomi Farrell (if at all), we’re talking 10 years ago!
I will do. We have both had our first babies within weeks of each other so are due a catch up soon to introduce them to each other!
LOVE indie shops (although also have more Amazon deliveries that I would care to admit to). However – for anyone with an Amex card please register for Shop Small – it ends on 16th December I think this year, but you get £5 back once you spend £10 or more in independent shops registered to the scheme. Even more of an incentive… For those in London, that includes the ever fabulous Paul A Young chocolates (seriously, the best in the world!), La Fromagerie, Rococo (I’m on a food theme, lunchtime!!) – there is a map on the website where you can check participating shops. Loving the beeswax wraps btw, already have some as stocking fillers for my family.
Sorry, posted before I had finished!! Long list coming:
– Loving Aerende for conscious gifts
– John Julian for kitchen things
– Plain Useful (btw the best customer service, Claire is soooo lovely and the products are brilliant)
– Conran Shop (not sure that really counts as it is rather large but I love it)
– Bear and Bear
– Merchant and Mills (btw just discovered their shop in Rye, it is wonderful)
– Bobby Rabbit for children’s things
– Skandium
– Smallprint Books for the most adorable childrens books
Not sure I know any of these Annie! Excited to check them all out.
I’m a small biz owner, and I’m really grateful to you for highlighting us little guys! We really do depend on your purchases, even if it’s just a card, jar of jam or pair of earrings. My hubs and I shopped locally for all our presents this year – easy to do as we dont have little ones to buy for. However, for those of you who need to buy the big toy for this year, how about finding a local toy shop to buy it from, instead of online at A….n.com?
Thanks to all of you who do support local businesses – we really appreciate it! Have a great Christmas xx
And Trouva of course!!!!
Definitely re local toy shops – discovered some at prices lower than Amazon as well, so always worth a look even if you are saving all the pennies as they are not necessarily more expensive…
I’ll definitely be trying to up my independent gift shopping from now on Denise, even for the big buys. Also… Why can’t The Sangha House be in Scotland?! I’d be there in a heartbeat!
Gah! It nearly was, Naomi! Hold on, and our plans for world domination will get to you as soon as we can 😂😂
So important to shop indy where poss. On a separate note, could you let me know the paint colours on your walls? Love them!
Gah! It nearly was, Naomi! Hold on, and our plans for world domination will get to you as soon as we can 😂😂