We’re all looking forward to Christmas as a welcome injection of joy and fun at the end of what has been an absolute stinker of a year… Which means that minds inevitably turn to Christmas pressies… and I’d love to combine this with supporting independent makers during these tough times by sharing some ace independent Christmas gifts!
Of course it’s always better to support independents rather than lining Jeff Bezos’ already massive pockets… But in this catastrophic year more than most, with so many small businesses having been hit disproportionately hard, I wanted to get together a little list of some ace independent makers, many of them local, with unique products who have some absolute belting goodies for Christmas pressies. Fill your Christmas boots and get a big hit of the feel-good factor too!
CHECK THESE OUT!
Camera Crew – just casually plugging my own thing here lol – amateur photography course so you can make some magic with your camera without getting tangled up in the tech
Underdog Print Shop – unique art prints from up and coming independent artists and designers
Saraband – independent publisher doing special Food Bank Book Bundles
Izzy Williamson – linocuts
Still Small Pottery – handmade pottery from Lancashire
Baba + Boo – planet-friendly baby boutique specialising in cloth nappies with unique designs
Knot & Twig – macramé wall hangings, plant hangers & wedding macramé
Ancoats Pop Up – DIY creative gift boxes
East End Press – colourful, sustainable homeware and stationery, including Christmas decorations
Catkin & Co – craft kits for nature-loving kids
Acorn + Pip – sustainable, organic, design-led clothes, toys and nursery products for little ones
Pin Head – enamel pins designed in Liverpool
Abby Sumner – bright risograph prints, stationery & gifts
The Happy Colour Shop – colourful stationery
Solu – scented, clean burning, soy-wax candles, melts and diffusers
Yuk Fun – independent, illustrative cards, clothes and accessories for people who like colour, animals and fun
Kelly Clarke – iconic cities available as framed prints and canvases, plus personalised prints designed using your favourite photographs sent straight from your phone
Frilly Industries – illustrative, statement, laser-cut jewellery, design, and other curiosities
Tay and Bear – original artwork, photography, prints and designs including handmade cyanotype prints
Beth Pegler – rope / textile jewellery
Bookishly – literary gifts for book lovers
Vida & Style – artisan Christmas decorations
Misshandled – colourful, marbled homeware and jewellery
Just Clayin’ – clay jewellery
Oxenden Soap House – natural, handmade traditional soaps made with 100% cruelty-free, vegan ingredients and certified Orangutan-friendly sustainable palm oil.
Millie Rothera – colourful prints and fabrics
Mockup Goods Co – Liverpool-based illustrator and designer
LOCAL IDEAS
Some other places local to yourself that are worth checking out for incredible gifts:
Local farmer / deli – see if your local farmer, deli or farm shop has anything tasty on offer – they often do amazing hampers or crates
Local book shop – support your own local bookshop by buying online via Bookshop.org. Our local ones in Chorlton and Urmston are ace.
Local classes / clubs – see if there are any local classes or clubs that your loved ones might enjoy – lots offer vouchers
Local pub / restaurant vouchers – we’ve all missed drinking and dining out so much, and owners of local pubs and restaurants have taken such an awful hit this year – let’s help them get back on their feet and give ourselves something ace to look forward to by getting vouchers for a tasty meal or some drinks!
COLLECTIONS / DIRECTORIES
For ultimate ease, these websites conveniently curate a large selection of independent suppliers all in one place:
Etsy – loads of handmade, vintage, custom and unique gifts
We Buy Small – gift guides full of independent suppliers
Brighton Unwrapped – loads of local makers from Brighton
Not On The High Street – loads of independent suppliers with a lot of personalised gifts too
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I really hope this is helpful to you and that you manage to discover some ace new stuff that you or your loved ones will be thrilled with!
Do you have any of your own independent suppliers you really rate? Please share them in the comments below, I’d love to see them!
Anna 🙂
✨ SOME FREE STUFF FOR YOU ✨
FREE PDF: 5 TIPS FOR TAKING GREAT PHOTOS OF YOUR KIDS
Some simple techniques to get better photos of your kids, no matter what camera you’re using – phone, DSLR, compact, anything 🙂
FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY E-BROCHURE
Download my family photography e-brochure if you’d like to find out how I could capture your own family’s magic & adventures! 🙂
OTHER ARTICLES
If you liked this article you might also like:
Against Perfection: A Manifesto
Finding Time To Connect With Your Kids
Get Better Results with your Camera Phone: 10 Top Tips
Best Age To Get Photos Taken Of Your Kids
Camping / Festivals With Kids: The Ultimate Checklist
40 School Holiday Ideas That Won’t Break The Bank
Is My Home Ready for a Photo Shoot?
Staying Sane as a Working Parent: 10 Top Tips
Mother’s Day: 20 Thoughtful Gifts That Cost Nothing
5 Reasons I Love Family Photography
I’d also love to chat to you on Instagram or Facebook if you’re on there – come and say hi!
Take care folks and enjoy those lovely families of yours!
Anna 🙂
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