Ah, the festive season. Though things feel a little different this year, the desire to buy your loved ones the 'perfect gift' still remains. This year has been a struggle for a lot of people and I think special, unique gifts are a nice way of telling somebody they matter to you and that you love them.
This Christmas, it's not about fancy gifts, it's about thoughtful gifts. Thoughtful gifts from small or sustainable businesses that help fund real people's dreams and don't go towards making Jeff Bezos even richer... Ok, politics aside, but seriously, if you've seen that infographic doing the rounds on Instagram; "When you buy from a small business, an actual person does a happy dance", it's true. Your custom truly matters to independent businesses, so why not give them support right back by trying to shop small this Christmas.
God, I've been so excited to write this piece. It's gonna be hard to narrow it down, but here are my sustainable/small business gift suggestions for 2020.
For Your Bestie
Gemini Accessories Jewellery @geminiaccessories_
Dainty beaded jewellery complete with smiley faces, tiny pearls and little hearts. Such precious pieces and all handmade by Gemini owner, Hannah. They're fun and they're the perfect gift for your number 1 gal pal.
Alyx by Alyx Print @alyxbyalyx
Alyx is an artist who studied in my hometown of Norwich. She offers beautiful hand-drawn illustrations and art, from painted plates and lampshades through to prints. She also does commissions, so if there's a piece in mind that you want to see come to life - just ask!
Ellis Home Studio Candle @ellis.home.studios
So, I actually own some of these candles and the smell is divine. I've got a shell candle and one of the bubble candles in my living room and the scent hits you in the face as soon as you enter the room. Can 100% vouch for these being bloody lush. They also arrive in such cute packaging!
Kinfolks Clothing Collar @kinfolksclothing
Collars are everywhere at the moment and so they should be! Detachable ones can be added to any sweater or jumper you already own to make the outfit even cuter. Or, pop them on top of a long sleeve dress for a Christmas day look. They're a great present to help your bestie elevate any look.
Tacky Poncho Print @tackyponcho
I love giving people art as a gift and Tacky Poncho do some really unique prints. Self-described as "sustainable, funky, ethical art", artist Grace creates pieces around astrology, the female figure and florals. Giving somebody a print for their star sign always feels super personal too!
For Your Mum
Self Made Candle Co. @selfmadecandleco
Mums love candles. So do I, to be honest, they just make everything feel so cosy. Self made candle co offer vegan, cruelty-free hand-poured candles. They're made of soy wax and essential oils which gives them a really powerful, yet natural scent. No synthetic smells here. Oh, and the packaging is truly amazing - complete with a plantable seed label, which I think is so nice. If you don't fancy giving a candle, they also offer candle making kits, so you can encourage your mama to get crafty!
You're So Cursed Blouse @youresocursed
Handmade by Siobhan and her mum in Suffolk, these blouses are to die for. You'll need to order asap if you want one in time for Christmas, as each one is lovingly made to order. I can't promise you won't want to steal it off your mum, but I can promise it'll be one of the most special presents she receives this Christmas.
Jenny Hopps Pottery @jhopps.pottery
There's something really special about giving handmade gifts for Christmas, and Jenny's nesting bowls are no exception. I love their delicate appearance - each bowl is hand pinched to give a shell-like shape and has a slightly different glaze, making them completely unique. These dainty bowls could be used for storing trinkets or serving food. They're also dishwasher safe - so mums rejoice, you don't have to handwash them.
Artevinna Interior Homeware @atervinnainterior
A carefully curated selection of vintage homewares, sister-owned business Artevinna offers sustainable pottery, ceramics and interior pieces. The perfect accessory for your mum's dining table, sideboard or even in her bedroom - these pieces are neutral in colour, but eye-catching in design. Their Instagram is also so #aesthetic.
Curious Yak Scarf @thecuriousyak
Snuggly, cosy scarves are always a winner for presents. The Curious Yak works closely with artisan makers in Nepal to create ethically-made, unique scarves, gloves, blankets and more. They're a small, independent family run business and their pieces are so reasonably priced for the amount of love and attention to detail that goes into them.
For Your Sister
Dainty Daisy Shop Blouse @daintydaisy.shop
You can't go wrong with gingham, especially when it comes in so many colourways. Handmade gingham blouses get a massive YES from me. If I had a sister, I'd force her to wear matching ones of these with me on Christmas day. Courtney makes each piece in her shop to order, so there's no wastage and you know each piece is made with love.
Delores Daywear Tracksuit @deloresdaywear
Nothing beats a matching tracksuit. Wear to work from home, wear to lounge about on Christmas day, and wear for that weird in-between period between Christmas and New Year when we're all in need of elasticated waists and comfort. Embroidered in either pastel pink or cherry red with empowering phrases or rap lyrics, Delores pieces are the ultimate gift for your sis.
Vintage Store Voucher
This one is hard to choose, so I thought I'd list a few of my fave vintage shops and let you pick from the list! Vouchers are a great choice if you want to let your sister pick something herself, while still keeping it special (and sustainable). My top picks:
Camilla Ashley Hat @camillaashleyuk
Winter means rain, so hats are a really cute and practical present idea. Save hair from getting messed up and look great while doing it. If they're waterproof like Camilla Ashley's are - even better! I really love the PVC hats and the autumnal colours they come in. They're handmade too, so you know you're doing your bit for the planet by shopping small.
Sophie Evans Bags @sophievansbags
Bring a little sparkle to Christmas day by gifting a Sophie Evans bag. Her 'Reworked' collection uses vintage clothing and repurposes it to make it into a brand new bag. 10% of all sales from every bag in the Reworked collection will go to a charity or organisation that is working towards reducing the enormous impact fast fashion has upon the environment. Literally, what. an. icon.
Stocking Fillers
The Morgan Mill Socks @themorganmill
Ah yes, the stocking filler that never gets old. Give it a 2020 reboot by ensuring it has cute fruits on and you're good to go. These ones are also from a sustainable gift company that stock lots of other lovely gift ideas, so make sure to check those out too.
Poppy Almond Bracelet @poppyalmonddesign
My best friend and I have one of these each, and they're such a cute little personalised present. Reminiscent of the kind of friendship jewellery you make as a kid, these bracelets are the ideal stocking filler for you or a pal!
Bloom by Grace Makeup Bag @bloombygraceuk
Perfect for holding your makeup, jewellery and other little bits in your bathroom or for trips! Not that any of us are going away any time soon, but they are really very cute so you kinda need one. Currently out of stock but Grace will be updating stock soon so keep an eye out!
Insecure Girls Club x Sigh Studio Stickers @theinsecuregirlsclub x @sighh.studio
Everybody loves feel good stickers. Pop them on your mirror, your phone case or your laptop and remind yourself every day why you're a brilliant, strong and powerful female. This collab is sure to make you feel all of those while reminding you we're all human and doubt ourselves sometimes.
Selon Shop Clip @selon.shop
I use my Selon clip literally every day. They're really handy for popping your hair up in a rush and always look great. They also help you avoid that truly dreadful *hairband wrist* situation us girls always find ourselves in. My fave is the Vienna in creme, which is the one I own!
For Yourself
Apres Sunday Tracksuit @apresssunday
Tracksuits are a necessity with the amount of time we're spending at home right now. Apres Sunday take tracksuits one step further, ensuring all their designs are sustainably made. Made from 100% organic cotton or recycled materials, it's not often you find a small business specialising in loungewear that's also not detrimental to the environment. Also - the colours, wow. I am living for the lilac set. This is a subtle hint family and friends - I want this for xmas please and thanks.
Chain of Jewels Cherry Signet @chainofjewels
I love things that are kinda kitsch, and this is no exception. Give me all the cherry jewellery, cherry print and cherry red stuff. This little gold signet is affordable and unique. Jewellery that has a bit of personality is the perfect present from you, to you.
Oh Lydia Underwear Set @ohlydia_intimates
Made in London, OhLydia combines sustainability, style and comfort. The underwear sets comprise of a tank top style bralette, and comfy undies. Available in pink, white, green, blue, black and purple there's a colour for everyone. Not only that, but the sizing goes up to XL, making it more inclusive than most independent lingerie businesses.
Gus Gus Studio Bag @gusgus_studio
Gus Gus bags are calling out to attend every Christmas get together with you. Whether it's just a small family affair, or a night out with the girls, these silky, pearly pouches of heaven are the perfect accessories to sass up your look. A must-buy this festive season.
Shop Jolie Jewellery @shopjolieuk
Even if you don't want to splurge on yourself this Christmas, you deserve a little something. A piece of beaded jewellery from Shop Jolie is the perfect not-too-indulgent treat. The Fleur hoops are subtle but playful and feminine and will add a pop of colour to your ears!
Hope you enjoyed that round-up of gifts and suggested prezzies from small businesses! Let me know if you end up getting anything from this list for your loved ones. I've rebooted this blog up solely for this (peep the 2014 posts... cringe). Hopefully, it's been insightful and shows you some new brands you haven't seen before. Happy conscious Christmas shopping!
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