Shopping small gives me such a warm feeling. I love gifting special presents.
For me, that means not only buying something unique, that isn't run of the mill and can be found on most shelves in big name retailers, but it also means buying from and helping small businesses like mine.
It truly feels amazing to help others thrive.
So it's no surprise that I'm not a big fan of Black Friday.
I much prefer to celebrate Colour Friday by 'Holly&Co' and Indie Friday by 'Just a Card' campaigns and buy handmade where possible (click the pink text to find out more).
I know some people don't believe handmade to be accessible to everyone. That assumption is accurate at times. I agree, it can be pretty tricky buying handmade on a budget. But I have a vast knowledge on this topic and if you need it, I'm happy to help with recommendations. And I don't mean with jewellery either! Although I may throw the odd piece in there at the end 😜
Now when I first started thinking about this I went a little crazy and pretty much started my first novel with way too many suggestions that it actually wasn't helpful! So I've reined myself in and here's 10 gift ideas, all from small businesses and all for £25 and under!
1. If you need a gift for the embroidery lover in your life the 'Stitch School' is where you should head! For £25 the A-Z Embroidery Sampler could just fit the bill! As I include embroidery in my silver, textile jewellery, I bought one of these during lockdown and I thoroughly enjoyed the process. It's also the gift that keeps giving, because once it's finished, framing the embellished sampler and hanging it on the wall is a must🧵
2. Oooh my gosh 'Potter and Hare' essential aromatherapy shower streamers smell AMAZING! I've gifted them in the past and they went down an absolute treat. You can buy a single one in a tin for £6.95, or a box of 4 for £12.95. I buy a mixed box of 4 and pick my own choosing from streamers to Boost your energy, help you sleep, help with anxiety... There's also ones designed to help with migraines, menopause and hangovers 🧘
3. For the chocolate lovers out there, both young and old. From ready to eat chocolate Lego (£8) and game controllers (£15), to making your own chocolate pizza (£12.50) and chocolate truffle making kits (£25), 'Oli the choc master chocolatier' has the chocolate lovers on your list covered 🍫
4. For the keen foodie in your life, with a love of curry, 'Spice Trove' is an absolute must! From Coconut Dahl and Onion Tadka to Kashmiri Lamb Rogan Josh, their artisan curry kits (£6.50) all come in a beautiful, up-cycled sari bag + 100% eco packaging 😋♻️ Or for a bit more you could buy the curry night hamper for £16.99. I've gifted these on a few occasion. Mr SCJ has been a recipient too so I've also been able to enjoy it!
5. Encourage your kids / grandkids / nieces / nephews to put down their tablets, or switch off YouTube and engage in some imaginative play instead. Eco-conscious fizzy potion kits by 'Youth and Wild' are bound to cause a stir of excitement. Mini kits start at £13.99, or go for a premium festive kit for £23.99!
6. Another company suggestion for children is 'Cotton Twist'.
"We're committed to using sustainable materials and eco-friendly packaging, ensuring our kits and gifts leave a positive mark on the environment."
From little stocking fillers, to watercolour pencil tins and for £11.95 there's MAKE YOUR OWN GLIDER CRAFT KIT ACTIVITY BOX 🛩
7. A great way to add atmospheric light at any time of year, but especially in winter, is by candle. For just £25 (I think they look like they cost more!) 'A Northern Light' certainly covers candles with the most beautiful illustrations - I'm lucky enough to have The Street lampshade but there's lots of other illustrations to choose from🕯
8. For those who like an alcoholic beverage, I can highly recommend 'Lyme Bay Winery' (Rhubarb Mead is my fav, but I'm a big fan of a lot of their products - fruit cider, English wine... You get the gist! 🍷
I also highly recommend Salford Rum and Forest Gin. Salford Rum's experience is a little more than £25 unfortunately, but they sell 3 minitures for £15.95. Forest Gin have both gin and whiskey tours for £25.
Cosy, warm colourful socks inspired by patterned tiles and made from the finest soft cotton - what's not to love! I'm a big fan of 'Katie Victoria Knitwear', perfect for men and women 🙌 For £17 make someones feet happy with these Denim Wave Socks.
10. And last but not least, there's always a pair of studs by a jeweller you may have heard of 😜😜 I have a selection of studs ranging from £20-£25. My bestseller French Knit Textured Hoop Studs, made from 100% recycled silver glisten as the pattern catches the light. Other studs in this price bracket include French knit Textured Arc Studs and Tiny Dressmaking Pinhead Studs. Both made from off cuts from either my mini hoops, or from chain from my French knit and crochet chain pieces making them super eco-friendly!
I hope my Christmas Gift Guide has inspired you, and given you some ideas for thoughtful, handmade gifts that not only bring warmth, but gifts that also help our planet and ease over consumption.
I still have a few gifts to buy, so if you fancy sharing some of your top small business present go to's, I'd love to hear from you 😊
*Prices were accurate at time of publish.
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