For some reason, I always feel guilt at this time of year about not blogging here more! I can’t believe April was the last time I wrote something. Shameful. I really do want to be here more next year, but I’m pretty sure I say this every December and then things get busy!
Anyway, I wanted to pop in to share a selection of independent stores I have been spending my pennies with this year. I would say about 85-90% of the presents I buy at Christmas are from small businesses. If they aren’t, it’s generally because it’s not the kind of thing you can source through a small brand or someone has asked for something specific. My daughter asked for a trampoline this year for example!
Bear in mind, that I am mainly shopping for a six year old and for other small people belonging to our family and friends, so there are quite a few shops below that are aimed at children, but there are some lovely lifestyle stores to check out for adult gifts, too.
I’ve shared a few of the things I’ve purchased, but not all just in case any of the recipients are nosying around here! Happy independent shopping!
SQUID INK CO
I bought my daughter one of these gorgeous weaving kits from Squid Ink Co. Although I’ll admit, it may be partly for myself too! I think it’s something we’ll both enjoy. As well as these kits, Squid Ink Co sell some gorgeous concrete plant pots and candle holders and lovely plywood flower presses, too.
COTTON TWIST
My little lady loves anything crafty and Cotton Twist have some gorgeous plastic free craft kits and art supplies that can even be customised with the child’s name and a message. I think they are really reasonably priced and there are lots of options, from keyring making kits for £2.65 through to large bead kits for making lots of bracelets for their friends for £16.95.
QUARTERS HOME
For this one I’m sharing a pic not of what I purchased, but what I really want for myself! :) Quarters Home is a newly launched online shop which I’m a little bit in love with. I discovered them when owner Eleanor approached me about stocking 91 Magazine (which you’ll now find on their website). It’s a carefully curated collection of simply lovely things, and given half the chance, I’d buy one of everything.
CHERRYADE
Cherryade in Poundbury is one of those physical stores that I am desperate to visit. Perhaps I’ll suggest a Dorset camping trip next summer just so I can make a detour there! They have just recently launched their online store which has made me SO happy. My only problem with doing my Christmas shopping here, is that (again!) I just wanted everything for myself!
BERYLUNE
I’m pretty sure I buy a few things from Berylune every Christmas (and throughout the year!) as they’ve got such a vast range of beautiful goodies, so you can sort out people of all ages in one go. They offer amazing ‘build your own’ treat boxes - meaning you can set your own budget and also select the items you know the recipient will love. I also usually grab a few little stocking fillers, too.
THE DEN KIT CO
What kid doesn’t like making a den and / or making potions?! This website offers really lovely little kits for these and other outdoor activities. Prices ranges from £7.50 for the mini kits and up to £60 for the bigger den kits.
BOHEMIA DESIGN
Ok, I’ll admit, the ratio of my purchases from here turned out to be 2:1 - two for me, one for someone else! But hey, you can never have enough storage baskets and I feel like I’m constantly striving for more organisation in our house. My ‘someone else’ purchase was this sweet little picnic basket for my sweet little girl.
MOLLY MEG
Molly Meg is another of my go-to stores for children’s gifts, with such a wide range to choose from, featuring lots of gorgeous brands such as Nobodinoz, Olli Ella, and Rose in April. They have a great selection of the Little People Big Dreams books. I ordered one of those, along with some lovely little stocking fillers.
ATTIRECARE
So, I’m not sure whether you think it is weird to gift someone cleaning products, but I for one, know a person who spends an incredible amount of time cleaning their shoes, so a kit from Attirecare feels like something they will appreciate it. They also stock a lovely pillow mist spray and garment care products that I also think would make nice gifts. At the moment, they are including a free hand sanitiser with every order - something I think we’ll all still be using for a few more months yet…!
EVA AND ROSE
This was actually a ‘new-to-me’ online shop that I discovered when googling for something specific; the little panda pictured above to be exact. They have one of the biggest collections of Maileg products I’ve seen, which I think are loved by kids and parents alike. They’ve also got a great selection of dressing up items which are always a win.
There you have it. I shop with many more independent shops and makers throughout the year, but these are just a few I’ve shopped with in the past few weeks for gifts and stocking fillers. I would much rather give a smaller amount of gifts but that are a little bit more special - quality not quantity folks!
I’d love to hear which indie shops you’ve been supporting this year so do leave a comment below so I can check them out!
Merry Indie Christmas one and all! xxx