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
  • Cocorina Star Sign Constellation Print
    Cocorina Star Sign Constellation Print
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  • Evolve Beauty Organic Skincare Bestsellers Giftset
    Evolve Beauty Organic Skincare Bestsellers Giftset
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  • Form Circle Earrings Blush
    Form Circle Earrings Blush
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  • Sejal Ceramics Black Vase
    Sejal Ceramics Black Vase
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  • Rockwell & Wilde Fabulous Sweatshirt
    Rockwell & Wilde Fabulous Sweatshirt
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  • Ian Snow Cotton Tufted Throw with Pompoms
    Ian Snow Cotton Tufted Throw with Pompoms
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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
  • Bamboo Bamboo Divider Toddler Suction Plate
    Bamboo Bamboo Divider Toddler Suction Plate
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  • Bloom Boutique Personalised Birthstone Bracelet
    Bloom Boutique Personalised Birthstone Bracelet
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  • Kutuu Bear Family Keyring
    Kutuu Bear Family Keyring
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  • The Bee Garden
    The Bee Garden Co. Peaceful Thoughts Beeswax Candle
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  • Of Cabbages & Kings Guide to Whisky Tea Towel
    Of Cabbages & Kings A Guide to Whisky Tea Towel
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  • Queen Bee Beeswax Food Wraps
    Queen Bee Beeswax Food Wraps
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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
  • Isobel Woodcock Bear Illustration Pocket Mirror
    Isobel Woodcock Bear Illustration Pocket Mirror
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  • Copper & Solder Grey Concrete Letters
    Copper & Solder Grey Concrete Letters
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  • Juliet Reeves Designs Saw It Got It Grandparent Coaster
    Juliet Reeves Designs Saw It Got It Grandparent Coaster
    SHOP NOW
  • The Marshmallow Lady, Prosecco and Rose Marshmallows
    The Marshmallow Lady, Prosecco and Rose Marshmallows
    SHOP NOW
  • Young Double Kids Alphabet T-Shirt
    Young Double Kids Alphabet T-Shirt
    SHOP NOW
  • Molly & Izzie Handmade Wish Bracelet for Teachers
    Molly & Izzie Handmade Wish Bracelet for Teachers
    SHOP NOW
 
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 😉