CHRISTMAS SHOPPING ALL WRAPPED UP!

Its time!
Its here!
And we have been waiting ALL year – we deserve a bit of sparkle and magic in our lives wouldn’t you agree??

Now I, like many others, am making an even bigger and more conscious effort to ‘shop small’ this Christmas – but also shopping early.

Instead of holding out for those Black Friday mega deals, and seeking out last minute delivery, I’ve been compiling a list over the last few months, and ‘favouriting’ bits on Etsy.
I won’t drone on and state the obvious of why ‘shopping small’ this year is even more important than usual – it has been difficult for businesses big and small! But I would like to take a min to stress the ‘early’ part:
Delivery times will be longer, to cope with the online shopping demands, and shopping early will help the small business owners who you are supporting with spreading out their costs, amongst other massive benefits for them!
When you’re making those purchases (and generating those happy dances!), it is likely that your items are being made to order, especially with personalised gifts – so getting organised and getting in there in advance means you’re way less likely to miss out!
It is also helping out our brilliant creatives by letting their Decembers feel a little more manageable, and enjoyable as a result!

I must mention though, that while it is fan-bloody-tastic that ‘shopping small’ has has so much mention and attention so far this year, but it is also so super super important to remember: it is a privilege to do so and this pressure isn’t all good.
You can often hear me banging on about the time and money which goes into these items, and justifying the prices of hand made goods – but it must also be noted that this creates an issue of accessibility. So please, shop small if you can.

Faye, maker behind jewellery brand Kosmic Sun, raised some really good points this month:

“The shop small rhetoric whist lovely, is for me and I suspect many others pretty unfeasible this festive season. The reality is that the majority of people in my gift giving circle will receive small, handmade, token presents, if they receive anything at all.”

She is ALL for supporting small, but says:
“But, if that’s not a position you inhabit. Then don’t friggin worry!! Yes there may be businesses you wish you could monetarily support, who’s creations you’d love to gift… I have a boat load of them! If that’s not possible right now, give ’em a like, a share, save, comment on their posts, recommend them to someone. There are loads of ways you can support small businesses that don’t involve moola.”

“I don’t for a second think that any indie biz owners would want you piling another layer of guilt on yourself because you bought a gift from Asda instead of Etsy!!”

(Read the whole post here.)
Incredibly wise words, and so right about the guilt! There is NO way on Earth I have enough friends to be able to buy gifts from all the makers I’ve constantly got my eye on…!
Psst *spoiler alert* – keep those eyes peeled for a Q&A with Faye coming very very soooon…

Also, Jess over at Fat Pom Poms wrote a similar post on Instagram:

“Shop small if you can, but don’t for one second feel shame if you can’t do it. We have enough shame put on us for other things in life.”

“However, If you do still want to support small businesses but can’t afford to, saving posts [on Insta] (tapping the little bookmark icon in the bottom right of the image) is a massive help to businesses, comments to show you like something and sharing to your stories or telling other friends are just as helpful.”

(Look here to read more, & while you’re there, take a min to peek at Jess’ beautiful work!!)

So if you are in a position to do so, please please get started early this year – you’ll be doing everyone (including yourself – I’m looking at you postal delays!) a big ol’ favour!!

And that is enough serious talk – to help you on that mission, I’ve compiled a small (very small – have you seen how much talent is out there?!) list of gifting ideas to get you started!

So let’s start with those little ones…

FOR THE KIDS

Fred & Noah – Brill husband and wife team making super fun childrenswear
Shop: fredandnoah.com
Follow: @fredandnoah

Sparkle Child – Magical accessories and gifts
Shop: www.sparklechild.com
Follow: @sparklechildlondon

Eleanor Bowmer – super funky prints (and so much more)
Shop: www.eleanorbowmer.co.uk
Follow: @eleanorbowmer

Clarke’s Closet – handmade dolls celebrating diversity and inclusivity
Shop: www.clarkescloset.co.uk
Follow: @clarkescloset

Little Lucciola – doll’s house accessories have never been cooler!
Shop: www.etsy.com/uk/shop/LittleLucciola
Follow: @little_lucciola

 

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES TO MAKE THEM SQUEAL

Emma Warren – Fabby embroidered clothing and accessories!
Shop: www.emmawarrendesign.co.uk
Follow: @emmawarrendesign

RockCake – enchanting little jewellery pieces
Shop: www.etsy.com/uk/shop/RockCakes
Follow: @rockcakes

By Hannah Walker – statement accessories to diiiiie for
Shop: byhannahwalker.com
Follow: @byhannahwalker

KITS FOR GETTING THEIR CRAFT ON

Kate Blandford – cross stitch kits with sass!
Shop: www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Katejblandford
Follow: @kateblandford
Look familiar?? Read our interview with Kate here!

Tilly & The Buttons – sewing patterns for all abilities
Shop: shop.tillyandthebuttons.com
Follow: @tillybuttons

Stitching Me Softly – crochet kits and more!
Shop: stitchingmesoftly.co.uk
Follow: @stitching_me_softly
Remember our chat with Emma? Have a peek!

Cotton Clara – marvellous modern embroidery kits
Shop: cottonclara.com
Follow: @cotton_clara

Jessie’s Art Shed – kits and inspo for all ages!
Shop: www.etsy.com/uk/shop/JessiesArtShed
Follow: @jessiesartshed
These guys featured on the blog just last week, have a read here!

SMELLIES

The Botanical Candle Co. – beautiful hand poured soy candles
Shop: www.thebotanicalcandleco.co.uk
Follow: @thebotanicalcandleco

Farm Soap Co. – botanical soaps and natural skincare that’s easy on the eyes
Shop: farmsoapco.com
Follow: @farmsoapco

Litwicks London – candles to give the receiver the giggles!
Shop: litwicks.co.uk
Follow: @litwickcandles

The Sustainable Way – natural, vegan & plastic free soaps
Shop: www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TheSustainableWay
Follow: @the.sustainable.way

Willowood UK – Eco-friendly, zero waste goods
Shop: www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Willowooduk
Follow: @willowood.uk

FOR THEIR HOME

Zara Ceramics – beautiful hand made ceramics from Ireland
Shop: www.zaraceramics.com
Follow: @zaraceramics

Vinegar & Brown Paper – etched glass with personality!
Shop: vinegarandbrownpaper.co.uk
Follow: @mendyourhead

Never Perfect Studio – handmade decorations to adorn their home
Shop: neverperfectstudio.com
Follow: @neverperfectstudio

Bombay Duck – jolly homewares to make you smile!
Shop: www.bombayduck.com
Follow: @bombayducklondon

Oh Squirrel – lovely motivational messages and sensational handwriting for their walls
Shop: ohsquirrel.co.uk
Follow: @oh_squirrel

£5 & UNDER

Crochet Rainbow
The cutest pastel babies by StaceyRose Crochet
Shop here!

The Happy Newspaper
A subscription to The Happy Newspaper is sure to pop a permanent smile on their face!
Shop here!

Knitted Lightening Bolt
Fun little knitted wire wall décor by Edie & Archie
Shop here!

Friendship Bracelets
Fully customisable beaded bracelets from Confetti!
Shop here!

Mini Wall Art
Positivity print by Ditsy Cow (& lots of other designs available too!).
Shop here!

So there you have it – I hope you’ve found some good gifting ideas, and don’t forget this lovely lot are about all year round so give them a follow and show them the love!

Stay tuned for a Christmassy cards, wrap & decorations round up, coming your way super soon!

SO, it is time to sleigh that gifting game…
Good luck and most importantly – ENJOY IT.

Janey