Forget mass produced tat this year and instead deck the halls with made-with-love gifts from thoughtful independent creators. Supporting local businesses is important this festive season, we’ve put together a few treats which are guaranteed to add a splash of magic to their stockings. The following goodies can be wrapped with magic and delivered to you safely this Christmas.
Clever Ceramics
From who? KP Studio. We met Katie Preece in colourful Brighton. She brought a piece of calm everytime we popped in to pick up a little plant pot on our sunny lunch break.
For who? Pottery, print and conscious homeware lovers unite. You can choose candlesticks, mugs, in the form of ceramic sets made from British clay. The print collections (with the nicest of names) include Wild Oat, Dreaming of Tulips, Wanderlust. Each unique piece merges fuss-free minimalism with free-flowing pattern and tactile surfaces inspired by nature – a nod to her upbringing. She shares our ethos of “buy less, cherish more.” Sustainably and ethically made, there’s literally nothing not to love about them.
Cosy Candles
From who? Kindred Fires. We stumbled across Grace’s natural soy wax candles whilst searching for a unique, personalised gift that people could bring joy in the run up to Christmas. Crafted from natural soy wax in their Manchester workshop, Kindred Fires have a wide selection of gifts for any occasion.
For who? Candle lovers. Light it for an hour a day during December; whilst you snuggly up on the sofa and watch an episode of The Queens Gambit, or whilst you’re decorating your Christmas tree. Afterwards, you can cross off the number on the personalised label whilst the beautiful festive scent of Orange and Cinnamon fill your home. With a 25 hour burn time, this candle will last until Christmas day. We’ve added one in the basket for ourselves too. Yummy.
Whimsical Knits
From who? Wool Couture. There are some decorations that are seen as necessary for sprucing up your home for Christmas, and a wreath is one of them. We’re not into things that get chucked away after one use, so when we came across Claire’s knit kits we were very pleased. Wool Couture are keeping a modern tradition alive using modern twists and we’re here for it.
For who? Keen crafters. The boldest, and most fun wreath we ever did see: a giant Christmas pudding!? Someone who is cheeky, hands on and up for a challenge (it’s actually not that hard) will enjoy this. You can hang the pom poms on your door or on a wall. Not sure if we’d take it down in the new year…
Snuggly Sheep
From who? Another wooly treat for you, this time from Little Beau Sheep. Asides from coming up with possibly the sweetest brand name ever, Sarah went from being a mum with two children in a small flat using plastic tumble dryer balls to appearing on Countryfile with her clever little sheep. Inspired by her surroundings in the Dales, it only made sense to create these creatures who turn laundry into fun.
For who? Domestic goddess. Your clothes will be thanking you for this one too. You may have already heard about the softening power of lanolin (wool wax) but we hadn’t. It works wonders on skin and housework – whoever found this out we salute you. This is a really fab stocking filler that doubles up as useful. Tick. Tick.
Decadent Masks
From who? The wonderful Kate Keeling is behind House of Pandas, a fashion and interior house. She is obsessed with embroidery and now so are we. She is currently juggling her work, husband, two children and a tiny pooch in her life on the Essex coast. Keep doing what you’re doing Kate!
For who? This may be the first time ever a face mask has landed on a Christmas Gift Guide!? This is for anyone who likes frolicking around antique shops, popping to the bakery or walking their dog on a misty morning – these face masks also double us as face warmers. Couture meets high street fashion in House of Panda’s designs (we recommend checking the embroidered jackets out!) and we are in love. You can tell how much time and love has gone into painstakingly creating these beauties.
Personalised Cuties
From who? The Kings and Queens of personalised bits and bobs. Oakdene Designs have been established since 2012 and have been giving the gift of tree ornaments, match sticks, cards and just about anything you could think of, since. Would you believe that Ben started this brand after making high end chicken coops for his A-levels?! Crazy but we love it.
For who? If there’s a special someone who has a four legged furry friend then Oakdene Designs can cater for them. If there’s a loving family close to you, then you can create decorations for them. If you’re after something for the one person who is relentlessly hard to buy for – you’re guaranteed to find something for them too. Make a cuppa and browse their site…you’ll need a good amount of time to get through everything but it’s worth it!
Sumptuous Soaps
From who? We first met Wattle & Daub when Gemma was hosting a sketchbook club in the pretty village of Godalming in Surrey. We soon became obsessed with the ever changing store (and the whippet that was often featured within it) and we haven’t looked back since. The bricks & mortar display salvaged and carefully curated goods, as well as lots of nice smellies. Follow Gemma on Instagram for major home envy / interior inspo.
For who? Honestly, chuck one of these in every stocking to make it smell lovely and put a smile on everyones face. Even if they have sensitive skin you don’t have to worry – there are no artificial colourings, scents or preservatives in any of the bars. Essential oils and natural plant additives and clays are the only other ingredients you will find in scents such as Lavender, Patchouli & Orange, Eucalyptus Pine & Rosemary. They smell so good you could eat them…but don’t.
Pretty Practical
From who? Lisa Valentine Home. You’ll find beautiful, practical and useful things for every home. Everything is beautifully crafted to suit any home. You can read all about Lisa on our Journal dedicated to her here.
For who? Whether you’re the designated decor-buyer of the home, or needing some inspiration to get your home feeling as hygge as can be then definitely browse Lisa’s goodies. We are loving the Christmas garlands (pssst…the metal leaf garland can be kept up 365 days of the year!)
Lovely Wrapping
From who? Our amazing friends over at Old English Co. You can read all about them on our Journals here.
For who? Friends, family, lovers, children, pets, neighbours, teachers, the milkman etc. Any lucky gift recipient will be smiling before they’ve even opened it.
Shop independent. Share the love. By shopping small, you’ll be giving the gift of joy twice this year – not only will the recipient do a little jig of happiness, but the shop owner will too.
