🎄 Why Shop Small Matters This Christmas

As the festive season ramps up, so does the temptation to click through big-name retailers and shopping platforms. But each Christmas, the difference you can make by choosing small and independent brands is real and meaningful. 

• When you buy from small businesses, rather than massive chains, you often get

• thoughtfully created, high quality products, many handcrafted, made in small batches, or bespoke.

• Your money stays closer to home helping real people, local makers, artisans and their families. That strengthens communities and keeps creative, independent businesses alive. 

• Gifting small brand items adds a personal, meaningful touch as there’s a story, a face behind the product, and often the ability to customise or choose something unique. 

We've put together a list of beautiful creators and brand owners, that we've met over the years and would love to recommend! 

👩 For Mums, Aunts, Sisters (or any woman who deserves something special)

Douvalls Argan Skincare Massage Candle - 

Cosy Buddha Wash bag - Cosy Buddha is an ethical lifestyle brand that celebrates the traditional craft techniques of hand block printing and hand knitting, producing exclusively in small batches. 

Dinky Deaks Necklace  - Dinky Deaks is Fun, easy to wear jewellery and accessories curated in a Hampshire studio by Georgie - mum of 2 boys, 2 ninja chickens and a silly cockapoo. Georgie created this collection based on what she loves. Pick and mix detachable charms, lots more and have some fun!

Zatchels handbag - Zatchels is a modern British accessories brand founded on years of experience as a traditional leather goods manufacturer that has handwriting which offers fun, colour and the latest fashion styling in equal measure.

Ana mai jewellery Earrings - Made by Ana, lover of all things jewellery and neon! influenced by her Spanish parents inheriting the Spanish love of accessories.  Made from high quality materials with sterling silver as Ana's metal of choice.

Styling out 50 Pop Up Fashion shops and stylist advice -  Personal stylist and denim expert Karen Jennings hosts Pop Ups and offers stylist advice with her experience as a senior stylist. Keep a look out for the next pop up. 

🧑 For Dads, Grandads or Hard to Buy For Men

Magnifiscent Diffuser - Waterless diffusers perfect for the home or car even, effortless aroma experiences, crafted with care to elevate your well-being. 

 The flying fox Embroidered Handkerchiefs  - (and more country mens gifts) The Flying Fox is a collection of country home accessories, design led interiors and artisan pieces. Discover a range of distinctive homewares, unique country inspired gifts, founded by Amanda Mason in 2010

Charlotte Berry Jewellery Signet Ring - beautifully created jewellery for Women and Men, including bespoke jewellery. Ethically sourced and sustainably hand crafted fine, heirloom jewellery to treasure forever. Charlotte Berry is an award-winning jeweller who has been lovingly designing and hand making jewellery for over 18 years using the highest quality materials and traditional techniques from her workshop in South Oxfordshire.

Organics.com gifts-for-him  Eco soy wax Candle / Soap Saver Set / Toilet Spray - Shop Gift For Him Curated by two lovely sisters at Organics.com, they bring you a space dedicated to natural, organic products and wellness. On a mission to create a space to put your mind, body and soul first - because your well-being deserves the best.

👶 For Kids / Families

Ducky Zebra Bedtime story Pyjama and book set - Fun sustainable clothes, free from stereotypes. Ducky Zebra allows all children, whatever their gender, to celebrate kindness and confidence through colourful, sustainable clothing.

Made by Mizzi felt decorations - 

Little Dreamer Care Set - The Little Dreamer Care Set including 50ml Argan oil and 50ml Children's sleep spray for the perfect bedtime relaxing ritual. 

Tommy and Lottie Backpack - Tommy and Lottie are a unisex, ethical and sustainable brand specialising in well made, organic cotton basics which include t shirts and sweatshirts, a babywear collection, back packs made from recycled plastic and wall prints all with a wildlife theme. 

🎨 Hard to Buy For or Creative Types 

Absolutely Hanging Artwork - Nicola combines natural creativity and understanding client briefings with a passion for art creating truly bespoke artwork for any space.

Create Your Happy Craft Kits - Laura & Liz, established Create Your Happy in early 2021, creating something they both wanted - a way of taking some time out for themselves to create pretty & practical things through craft.

Paw and Brush Personalised baubles - Holly paints beautiful pet portraits and baubles with personalisations that show your pets character. A lovely heartfelt gift for a pet lover. 

Douvalls Candle Making Kit - Douvall's at home candle set brings the excitement of candle making to your home, with high quality eco ingredients and beautiful packaging. Your candle kit will provide all ingredients, packaging and main equipment needed. Included will be your personalised label and essential oil scent chosen by you. 

🏠 For the Homebody and renovator 

Kristina Morar Pottery - Kristina creates handmade one of a kind pottery pieces, that are wonderful gifts to be used in the home, all microwave safe. Perfect for everyday use or for decorative display. 

Blue Boy Furniture Lampshades - Tracy, the furniture painter behind Blue Boy based in Buckinghamshire, has been painting furniture and crafting home decor items since her first house in the 90s! Inspired by secondhand furniture markets and auction houses.

Little Green House Tring (for plants, pots and plant care) - Mel is behind the Little Green House Tring, a purveyor of houseplants, pots and plant care. Including a plant styling service, you can also order direct on her Instagram via direct message. 

Another Stunning plant and pretty bits shop is Wild Rose - Rachel created a business that celebrates the wild and wonderful and embraces individuality. Wild Rose is all about reigniting intrigue and fascination with the world around us. Working with the seasons to source locally and British grown blooms. 

Douvalls Scents to Uplift Room spray set - Indulge in the ultimate gift for home lovers with our limited edition Scents to Uplift Gift Set. Elevate the ambiance of any space with Douvall's expertly hand-blended trio of home sprays, thoughtfully curated to transform your surroundings into a sanctuary of delightful scents.

Thomas Tyrrell Designs Homeware and interior design - The most beautifully curated homewares and interior design services. Thomas specialises in making spaces work - be they residential or commercial - using a mix of traditional & innovative design techniques. 

More Than Just Presents

This festive season — with all its hustle, sales, and pressure — think of gift-giving as more than just buying stuff. It’s a chance to support local, independent businesses. It’s a way to give gifts that matter, that tell a story. And — especially when times are tough — it’s a small act that can have huge significance for someone working passionately behind the scenes to create beautiful, meaningful items.

Any I have missed? Let me know any indie brands you recommend!