Good Evening!
Here’s the second installment of my Small Indie Gift Guide.
On Sunday, I shared 20 small indie businesses and gift ideas, as recommended by a whole host of Instagrammers and bloggers, big and small.
And tonight, rather than just share my own favourite small indie businesses, most of whom *have* at some point over the past couple of years supported me and sent me a gift…
I thought it would be more interesting to ask them where *they* shop: what their favourite small indies are.
Are you ready?
Got your cuppa…?
Let’s get stuck in.
1. Disko Kids
Helen, from Disko Kids for those of you who don’t know – is a T-shirt/sweatshirt brand (with some fun art/prints too) which was set up by Helen in 2016.
Most of the clothing is made from 80 – 100% Organic cotton with fun slogans which are screen printed locally to Helen, in the UK.
A percentage of sales from each item goes to charity: anything from Winston’s Wish through to Alzhiemer’s Research.
Helen’s small indie recommendation is: The Colour Chronicles
Helen says: “I’ve discovered many great small businesses making gorgeous products over the last year but The Book of You (£20) for documenting a child’s life with them from 0 – 12 is my favourite.
I’ve bought both my girls one
We’ve had lots of fun reminiscing whilst filling out the last year and previous years.
A great present for any young members of the family or new baby ”
I popped across to have a look at the book and it’s such a lovely idea!
Most people have a ‘Baby’s First Year’ memory book but then that’s it… all over after 12 months.
This book not only allows you to carry on noting down the milestones throughout their childhood…
…but as the kids get older, it’s an opportunity for them to contribute into their own story as well.
I’m very taken with the whole idea and even though my boys are aged 11 and 7, I’m very tempted to buy them one each so we can spend some time hanging out together reminiscing before it gets too late and we start to forget the funny little things.
A £1 donation from each book goes to the NCT (National Childbirth Trust).
If you’ve followed my blog for a while now, you will know all about my Genevieve Sweeney Sock obsession!
For those who don’t know… I was lucky enough to receive a GS sock subscription as a Christmas present last year which means I’ve received a lovely pair, new pair of socks in the post each month: it has been the best present EVER.
I was in need of socks anyway – an item which is very easy to get to #30wears, don’t you think?
That these are sourced and made ethically, sustainably – in Britain – and are, frankly, rather exquisite – whether woolly, tweedy, or sparkly… was an extra win!
Do take a look at the GS accessories for sustainable gifts, which include these Knitted Mule Slippers (£85)
Anyways… I digress:
GS’s first choice of small indie recommendation was Five Dot Botanics… but as this was already featured in my Gift Guide Part 1, her second recommendation was:
Kate G William: an embroidery designer and artist, based in Hertfordshire who, with her own impressive collection of sequins, threads and fabrics, was always looking for ways to be more sustainable.
From finding a sequin supplier that uses recycled PET for the manufacturing process to natural wool felt… these little decorations are what caught Genevieve’s eye:
Genevieve says ” I am buying some decorations for my aunts this year … I haven’t received them yet but so many family Xmas memories come to me with the Advocaat bottle (Everlasting decoration £28)
I’m getting one aunt a Gin one (£25) and the other aunt a Processo one:
I’m also getting the Advocaat and spritz for myself – Advocaat reminds me of christmases with my grandparents with such an old school cocktail (I would add all the glacé cherries) and Spritz (£30) reminds me of my favourite after work drink when I lived in Italy!”
I’m totally with GS on the Advocaat bottle decoration!
And given I’m not big on wearing sequins… this little bit of sparkle hanging in my Christmas tree is the perfect bit of bling!
Mustard Vintage is *the* most beautifully curated mid-century furniture and home accessories shops I have come across.
To say I’d like to rip out the fitting shelving in my own home, just to make way for some of the pieces, is an understatement!
I’ve always been a fan of the ‘mid-mod’ era, and where possible, I always try and squeeze a piece of furniture, or simple vintage accessory into my home, injecting character.
This Small Vintage Planter is a beaut! And good value at £15.
I bought my husband a beautiful, vintage desk from these guys for his 40th… he works from home and the desk is perfect and much loved by both Le Husband et moi!
Simon & Gemma’s small indie recommendation is St Eval Candle Company
They say “One of my favourite small indie businesses is the St Eval Candle Company.
Not only do I love the quality of their products, but their company values resonate highly with me too – focusing on both people and our planet.
The farm where St Eval are based uses renewable energy and is close to being carbon neutral, and they are also committed to supporting their local community and charities.
I’ve just stocked up on their Christmas candle collection – and can highly recommend the Figgy Pudding (£11), it smells divine and makes a perfect Christmas gift!”
St Eval also have a small Black Friday selection including this too-beautiful-to-burn (although I would… light it I mean!) Embers Dipped Golden Candle– reduced to £12.40
TAE Boutique is Journalist Alex’s “0ne-stop shop for beautiful fashion, gifts and accessories”
These Leopard Print Cashmere wrist warmers currently reduced to £42 are one of the boutique’s biggest sellers, and it’s easy to see why:
I’m not mad crazy on too much leopard print on *me* but this sort of ‘leo touch’… well *this much* even I can handle.
Alex is also wearing the matching Snood in this pic.
Both wrist warmers and snoods are available in plenty of other colour-ways.
Alex’s small indie recommendation is: Mazzouk
Alex says: “Mazzouk is my favourite for great, unique kids’ presents and homeware.
Mazz has sourced some incredible products from across the world and I’ve already ordered some personalised onesies (£32) and name lights from her for my godchildren”
Of course I had to check this indie out for myself, as I’d not heard of them before… and these Moroccan Leather Pouffe’s (£95)….
Available in a variety of colours, would bring a bit of boho chic to any boudoir!
Kelly finishes all the jewellery by hand in her studio in Guildford.
These Roman Coin Necklaces (from £55) from the latest collection would look great worn v-necks and equally as fabulous for layering, worn over a polo neck.
Gorgeous!
Kelly’s small indie recommendation is Somerville Scarfs
A modern day classic!
This Cashmere Knit Scarf (£120) looks deliciously soft.
Kelly says, in a nutshell of the scarf “it’s my absolute favourite!”
So… you can’t say fairer than that!
Do take a look at the full range of scarves – a variety of prices, prints and colours.
Foundland is run by Arthur and Sarah, who run an online shop full of all the “hard-to-find, the new releases, the limited editions, the stuff which no-one else has. We pride ourselves on selling exclusive products, and we stock only goodies which we have and we want in our own lives. From traditional Japanese brooms to brassy Italian stationery to wooden spoons hand-carved in an English forest, we’ve found it and now you can find it here too”
This Japanese Work Jacket (£75) is a case in point!
For starters, it’s made of Tencel – in other words, wood pulp, which is sustainable.
It’s in the style of a traditional Japanese chore jacket – a unisex work shirt with three quarter length sleeves, kimono collar and deep, double lined pockets.
An alternative to an apron for work around the house and garden, it’s designed to be robust, practical and comfortable.
Isn’t it fab?
From Brooches to Waffle Cotton Boxers; ceramics to the most beautiful notebooks… Foundland has a brilliant range of unique gifts.
Sarah’s small indie recommendation is Malako Skincare:
Sarah says “Small batch toiletries made by Kanchalika, using natural ingredients.
She explores the benefits of Western and Thai therapeutic plants, and the body balm is super creamy, good to fight against the winter.
She’s won lots of ethical awards and is cruelty free.”
Unfortunately the body butter balm looks to be sold out, however the Skin to Soul Essentials Kit (£64) which includes the balm, would make an incredible gift!
And look totally incredible in your bathroom too!
Gayle’s design studio is run from her home, and borne of her love of interiors, design and styling.
This Magnifigue Print (£14) is one of Gayle’s big sellers.
I love the bold typographical print designs, available as wall art, planners and cards:
Understated and stylish – these Let it Snow cards are £10 for a pack of 9.
The problem being, I’d probably want to put them up around my own home rather than sending to anyone!
Gayle’s small indie recommendation is Chambers and Beau
Gayle says “Its impossible to pick one brand!!!
Let’s go for Chambers and Beau because I have the Watch Over Me necklace (from £65) and absolutely love it!”
I have to agree, from personal experience… C&B do indeed make the most beautiful and easy to wear necklaces!
A couple of summers back, I was lucky enough to be sent one of the Statement cuff’s as a gift and after buying them as gifts for most of my family and friends last Christmas… I had to include this fabulous small indie and ask for their recommendation of a fellow small business.
The cuffs are available in a variety of colours as well as gold or silver hardware.
They really do ‘zhuzh’ up any outfit to perfection!
Karen’s small indie recommendation is Roo’s Beach
Roo’s Beach is a
This Keepcup (£12) is a sustainable option, in such lovely, fun colours!
Or what about this sunshine yellow LF Markey(£50) shopper:
There’s a heck of a lot of good stuff to choose from!
Karen says “The shop is about 5mins from our Cornwall house & is an Aladdin’s cave of ultra cool, stylish gifts that I would love to receive.”
Go take a peek!
9. Karina Mansfield (no relation to Gayle!)
Karina is one of those small indies I stumbled up via Instagram and absolutely adore her illustrations.
She’s not only super creative and talented, she’s one hell of a #womensupportingwomen champion.
From bespoke portraits (people and pets) to wedding illustrations…
… through to illustrations of your home.
Just drop Karina a line, her prices are very reasonable… although be warned… it’s a very busy period for her in the run up to Christmas, but she’ll do her utmost to fit your request in!
She also has a variety of off the shelf Prints available to buy, priced £20 per print.
Karina’s small Indie Recommendation is Eka Scents:
Karina says “quite simply because the candles look and smell divine and Katie (the owner) is lovely”
Who doesn’t love Peonies and Lilies?!
10. Azuni
{Do excuse my shocking lipstick application… it was the end of the working day, ok?!}
This Totem Barrel necklace (£45) was recently gifted to me – rather, I was asked to choose a piece and this beautiful detailed, delicate Aztec stripe Totem barrel necklace was what I chose.
Just look at those tiny, delicate, Japanese Miyuki beads!
Although Azuni didn’t get back to me in time with their recommendation, I wanted to include them in this gift guide not just because I’m smitten with their jewellery…
… but I’m also taken with their ethos:
Azuni is a small, family-run business: the designs are inspired by the founder and designer, Ashley Marshall’s South American travels and each sale results in a charitable donation made to Pueblo a Pueblo.
If I didn’t have such tiny matchstick wrists, I probably would have gone for one of these Nacona Wide Bangles (£56)
Definitely worth a browse this weekend if you’re Christmas shopping.
I’ve loved finding out where my favourite small indies shop for their gifts.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this second instalment of my gift guide.
When I published Part 1 of my guide on Sunday, I felt it was already pretty long with recommendations from 20 Instagrammers / Bloggers.
So I stopped at 20, as it was a good round number.
However… you get 3 #Beanybonus recommendations this evening, as recommended by another three of my Instagram buddies!
Bonus 1: Amy @little.black.cabin
Amy has a fabulous interiors account on Instagram – with great advice and inspiration a plenty.
Amy’s small indie recommendation is Madog Millenery:
I spy Amy’s Madog Fedora (£85) in this fab shot from her @little.black.cabin insta account!
IF you’re a hat girl like me… and Amy… why not take a look?
Bonus#2 Maia @maiatomasi
I came across gorgeous Maia’s account as I spotted her in a fabulous trench coat.
As you do.
You get chatting…
And that was that.
Maia’s small indie recommendation was one I was hoping to see crop up – it’s Wear Kindred:
This Fabulous (by name, and design) sweatshirt (£40) is new in, and 85% organic cotton & 15% recycled polyester.
Wear Kindred hold a special place in my heart… they were the very small indie to send me a gift and support me in my instagram /blogging journey.
Maia says “my Indie brand would have to be Wearkindred.
The crush for this lovely small brand continued when I met Hayley.
The loveliest person, and she asked me if I wanted to do a photo shoot for her next campaign which of course I did.
I love the quality, and the ethos – I have seen where she works and prints and worked with her so all this is very close to my heart.
Nothing like putting a face and sentiment on a brand.
I own many sweatshirts ,many tee shirts and now prints!
Love the name too!”
I’ve featured Wear Kindred before as well… and agree with Maia on this recommendation, 100%.
And finally…
Bonus#3: Aiste @my.never.ending.home
Aiste has a beautiful home.
She’s got a simple, achievable style – yet so many of us overthink and complicate things…
Aiste doesn’t overcomplicate… and remains true to her pure, gentle, natural style.
She loves a good floral, leafy forage (not a euphemism!) to create a whole heap of loveliness for her home.
Asite’s small indie recommendation is Virgo and Co
Now this might just be the smallest of the small indie’s featured on here… in that it is a very new, fledgling business.
On a mission to luxury home textiles which are kind to our planet… they’ve launched so far with cushions, but there’s more to come.
The Sage Green Cushion (£55) here works so perfectly with the Cream Quilted Cushion (£55).
Though the range is small, it’s perfectly curated and I look forward to seeing more from this sustainable little small indie.
And THAT… really is it for this year’s gift guiding from me!
Really hope its helped /given you some ideas.
It’s Black Friday tomorrow… and although I absolutely detest the consumerism aspect of this weekend, there’s no doubt there are bargains to be had.
As an Ambassador for Together Band, I’ve been asked to support Goal #12: Responsible Consumerism and Production
To that end, I have a points you might want to consider before clicking ‘buy’ this weekend:
- Think *need* not *greed* – only buy things you actually really need, don’t be greedy!
- It’s not a bargain if you’re buying on credit and having to pay interest later
- Think Small Biz… why load the pockets of the big guns even more?
- Think USEFUL: edibles, toiletries and experiences… these are my go-to requests nowadays instead of asking for more #stuff
- STOP yourself from being impulsive… if the money is burning a hole in your pocket, maybe donate to charity instead?
Together Band has 17 GOALS… a good place to start perhaps?
Thanks for reading,
Bx
