As Christmas approaches, it’s more important than ever to support small, creative businesses.
Shopping small in many cases provides a better customer experience over big chain counterparts—think more personalised service and unique products. But putting your money into independent businesses has benefits beyond your own experience. Small businesses survival ensures the livelihood of communities, the creation of meaningful jobs, the support of makers, and the preservation of traditional production methods. It helps to promote innovation and growth.
It’s easy to hit the bigger stores for your needs—they’re ubiquitous. However, to make this easy on you: I’ve compiled a list of a few of my favorite places to snag some really unique gift!
A Kind Mama Vegan Bakery
Eve is the wonder woman behind A Kind Mama Bakery. I used to work with Eve and have followed her journey to success since the very beginning and I couldn’t be more proud! Eve sends tasty Vegan friendly treats straight to your door from her home just outside of Manchester. You can get a range of products from Bourbon Brownies, Oreo Brownies, Baileys Brownies, Chococlate Chip Blondies, Peanut butter Brownies, Chocolate S’mores Brownies, Lotus Biscoff Brownies, Doughnuts, Cupcakes and Mixed Treat Boxes! If you can’t choose what to get, Eve also has Gift cards that you can buy. I have ordered many boxes, and I shall be ordering many more!
Order by December 14th to ensure delivery before Christmas!
My 1st Photos
My 1st Photos are a wonderful little team based in Guildford, Surrey that make Fabric photo books. You can add any text and photos you like to create your own personal story. The photos can be in colour or black and white. The photo albums measure approximately 14x14cm. They also have rounded corners and no hard parts (safe for little hands!). All of our photo albums are handmade by two lovely ladies, Sarah and Nadine. Molly loves her photo book and is forever flicking through it and pointing to each page. This would be the perfect gift for a new little family member.
Tulip & Moss
Fellow Blogger and artist Gee Gardner runs Tulip and Moss where she creates and sells the most wonderful pieces. My personal favourite are these constellation paintings. Gee can customize to your star sign, and even add other family members star signs too. In ours we have Liam’s Star sign, Molly’s and then Mine. They are truly unique, personal and incredibly beautiful. She is also a wiz at digital art, creating bespoke pictures and logos. You can check out her Instagram here and her blog here!
Hair Candy Boutique
I fell in love with Hair Candy Boutique a long time ago and was ecstatic for Molly to become a brand rep! Everything is handcrafted by Victoria at her home and she honestly makes the most exquisite bows. You can get them in different sizes, shapes, colours, fabrics and can get them on Clips or on headbands. There are so many to choose from to suite every style and are super affordable.
Tiny Human
Tiny Human is a company run by my friend Kirsty. Kirsty is a sewing Queen and has created an array of items that will suit everyone. There’s baby items such as Bibs, Burp cloths and red book covers, to hair bows, face wipes, flannels, cutlery holders, Ouch pouches, bunting, nappy pouches and so much more! The quality of each item is outstanding. We were kindly gifted a bib when Molly was born, and then I loved it so much I purchased more as well as bunting. I am planning on purchasing some larger ones in the new year as well as a few other bits. Head over to her Instagram to have a look at the vast range of products she offers.
If you’re looking to support small business’ this Christmas, Etsy is a website full of handcrafted and unique gifts that i am sure anyone would be thrilled to receive this festive season!
