I’m a Calendar Girl!
November 2, 2018My 2019 goals
January 4, 2019There is a lot of talk on social media about shopping small this Christmas and giving gifts from independents.
Independents struggle at this time of year against the goliaths of the high street [although, let’s face it, they’re not doing that well either!] and in my honest opinion, it is the gifts that I have bought from market stalls and independent sellers that are probably most appreciated because they are something a little different to the norm.
I am going to try and buy my Christmas gifts from independent places this year – I save Christmas [and thinking about Christmas] until December so I am only just starting to do my gift shopping!
I want to thank the amazing people on instagram that contacted me after I asked for recommendations of small businesses to buy from. I have to be honest, I couldn’t use everyone because the lust list was getting too big! I hope it gives you some inspiration to look around and shop small this year [or next year if you are super organised and finished wrapping the presents before December arrived…]
So, without much further ado, here is the indie xmas shopping extravaganza!!!!
On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
A gift for the home!!!
Yep. That’s right. When buying for certain people [Kristian] if I have NO IDEA what to get him, then it’ll always be a home gift. 1] I know he loves interiors as much as I do, and 2] it’s a gift for me too ha!
There are so many small independent interiors businesses out there so I have picked my favourite three, who I have bought from previously or am eyeing certain things up as we speak!
Muck N Brass
I love everything about Muck N Brass…from their tongue in cheek Christmas decorations to their stunning wallpaper designs. I am steadily growing my collection of pieces from Zoe [who FYI is one of the coolest people I have met] – in fact, Letitia the lady garden is from Muck N Brass and eventually I will pair her up with a male mannequin who I will name George Bush. Fact.
Visit their online shop HERE or check out their instagram page.
Dowsing & Reynolds
If you want statement lighting or hardware then look no further than Dowsing & Reynolds. Another Northern based company with serious style points [and the couple behind it are super stylish too!]
I am currently eyeing up the pendant lights which would make a gorgeous present for a new home owner or someone who is currently redecorating. I know that Kristian is eyeing up the door handles for a wardrobe that we are currently upcycling.
Check them out via their website HERE or have a gander at their instagram page.
Rose & Grey
I came across these a while back and then discovered their showroom in Altrincham which is beautiful. Think industrial mixed with velvet plus a few quirky things thrown in and you have a good idea of what they can offer you.
I have a few pieces from their shop dotted around my home that visitors always comment on – the face vase always gets a comment!
Seriously consider them if you want to get something for that special someone who loves something a bit different – plus if you know anyone who loves plants but finds it difficult to keep them alive, then Rose & Grey have a brilliant faux plant collection on offer!
Visit their website HERE or look at their instagram page.
On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
A scrummy gift! [and possibly a plant]
When I had time [before I had more than one child] I used to love baking and making little tit-bits ha to give to people. Alas, I have the time nor the arse factor to do it this year so I will be checking out the professionals.
I have also lumped plant gifting in this section too because…well, I have!
Plucky Pickle
I love pickles. Give me a wally and I’m anyone’s!
Plucky Pickles bread and butter pickles are soooo good!
If you are based in the North West and you fancy a visit to Altrincham then have a stroll to their shack [where they also do lovely food] or visit their website HERE to find out where they are stocked or instagram page.
Love And Labour Wines
Booze is always welcomed as a present [unless you’re pregnant, tee-total or not drinking for religious reasons. Hmm. Maybe just know your friends!]
I was recommended this company who are based in Manchester city centre and specialise in unfiltered and unrefined wines.
You could buy bottles of the stuff to gift [or to glug] or get a gift voucher so the recipient can choose themselves.
Visit their website HERE.
Root Houseplants
I first heard of Root Houseplants when their products were being used on a pop up activity stall at a Parentfolk event that we went to [FYI if you haven’t been to one of these events before then you are missing out]
Based in Liverpool, the company specialises in house plants that are nurtured and cared for before being let into the wide world! For those people who are crap at looking after plants and instead of a jungle, parts of their house resemble a plant graveyard [this would be me], then they also send out handy tips.
Have a look at their instagram page or visit their website HERE.
On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
Mayfly Jewellery
This is another Altrincham Market find – god I love that place!
The jewellery that is sold here is beautiful! Inspired by nature, the items are unique and the materials used are ethically sourced. There is pre-made jewellery that you can buy or she offers a bespoke service.
Visit the website HERE which will take you through to their etsy shop.
Jack & Freda
I just love everything about this brand – the tassels, the hoops…
Check out the Marnie tassel earrings in khaki…dreamy!!!
Visit their website HERE and try not to go on a spending spree!
Sugar & Vice
If you like quirky laser cut jewellery then you are in for a treat.
Established in the UK in 2007, they grew in their niche and now regularly collaborate with other artists.
If you want to gift something fun then check out their website HERE.
On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
B O B the Brand
Ok, if you are considering buying any clothing this Christmas for you or your kids then you need to visit BOB.
I have two items from their collection and they are fab – wash beautifully and they are a really soft material.
There is something for everyone – personalised prints, constellation prints, initials – the world is your oyster!
Check out their online shop HERE and follow their instagram too!
Lanx
This is one for the guys. If you are stuck for present ideas for the man in your life then what about considering a pair of shoes?
These are not any kind of shoes either – apparently they are the most comfortable shoes that Kristian has ever owned…Lanx shoes has turned him into a shoe fanatic and he now owns three pairs & wants more! To be honest, they are beautiful shoes and the packaging/branding is quality. My favourite pair is the burgundy suede that I am yet to pursuade him to buy…
Check out their website HERE, if you are local then they have a stall at Altrincham Market and visit various other markets. Follow their instagram too [or Marv’s personal page] because there are some exciting developments coming next year!
On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
Modern Little People
I am lucky enough to know Leonie and she is an absolute delight! Her shop is fabulous just like her!
She has curated various collections, from clothing to kids’ interiors but the toys that she has brought together from various independent designers are lovely. I love the luggy baskets and can see Rufus dragging one around the house with his Duplo in it ha!
She is also talented in the upcycling department – specifically the kids’ IKEA kitchen department…
Take a look at her website HERE and keep in touch with her via instagram.
On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
Nikki Hill Apothecary
If you are struggling to think of a present for your mum or partner then why not gift her something that she can use to look after herself?
Nikki specialises in natural solutions for women to destress and sort out their hormonal imbalances and nourish the body. I will definitely be looking at her products for my Mum! [spoiler alert…sorry Mum!]
Have a look around her website HERE.
LJ Natural Cheshire
If you are looking for natural, clean skincare then look no further!
High quality, organic ingredients are used with essential oils to create fabulous products. The company has also won numerous awards for various products, including their solutions for sensitive skin.
Check out the website HERE.
On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
Life enriching experiences!!!
Sorry if that comes across as a bit wanky but experiences are meant to enrich your life aren’t they?
Gifting experiences is lovely – someone can learn a new skill or have a lovely time doing something that they would not have ordinarily have done.
I’ve chosen two people who provide very different things, plus I know them personally and they are both wonderful and very talented!
Gemma Wade – You Say Tomato Cooking
Gemma teaches cookery classes and runs events and workshops across Cheshire. She runs it with the perspective of being a busy working woman with kids so the food is natural, cooked from scratch, easy and nutritious. She also offers some great freezing tips which I was very interested in!
Gemma offers meal plan subscriptions and gift cards that can be redeemed against one of her cooking experiences. I went along to one a couple of months ago and it was brilliant. I think I am quite a competent cook but I picked up loads of tips from her and I’m still wowing people with the recipes that she made.
Visit her website HERE for more information and follow her instagram page for inspiration too!
Clicked by Kate
Katie is a dear friend of mine and has just started her photography business, despite us all saying for years she should pursue it!
This woman is talented with the lens – take a look at her instagram if you do not believe me!
Katie is offering gift vouchers for recipients to redeem against a photography session. She recently held half hour slots at a Christmas tree farm in Cheshire for families to use as festive cards!
Contact her through her instagram page for more details.
On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
Little Folk Tales
An online and pop up shop around the North West specialising in the magic of books for little and big folk!
There are some amazing curated collections so you can browse according to what type of child you are looking for, plus they have Mama G’s bookclub. Mama G is a fabulous storyteller – Cecily met her at an event and was entranced by her jewellery!!!
Have a look at their collections HERE.
Hey Wow!
If you want a truly magical book for your kids then you need to see what Hey Wow can offer.
They personalise books so that your children are in them! Amazing!
The Fairytale Quest is something that both my kids would love reading!
On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
Quinn Candles
I swear that you will not be disappointed if you buy one of these candles!
I have two of her candles – one of them being my ‘bitch face’ candle haha and have bought gifts for others from here.
Shop HERE – she even does bespoke candles and Christmas themed ones!
Old Man & Magpie
If you want something natural and small batch then look no further!
I have a couple of their candles and they smell divine when burning away. My favourite is the Orange & Bergamot and they come in lovely brown glass jars, which I think looks fab.
Have a look at their website HERE.
On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
An art attack!!!
Art can be a fab thing to gift to someone, however I do think that it is like gifting perfume – only do it if you truly know the person’s likes and dislikes. Art is a very personal thing.
There are some fantastic artists that I have been introduced to through instagram – some will eventually feature on my gallery wall up the stairs!
Eleanor Bowmer
I love what Eleanor creates – full of colour and life, with a bit of leopard print thrown in.
I have bought quite a bit from her, including three framed prints that hang in the kids’ room. Her creations do not have an age limit on them IMO, plus the tote bags and make up bags she creates are fab too!
Check out her website HERE and follow her on instagram – her stories are hilarious plus she has a cute dog called Frank. I think I’m fan-girling way too much now!!!
On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
Mizz Knits
Wish for some giant knitting or have a knitting lover as a friend? What about gifting them the ultimate in home accessories this year…a chunky knitted throw?!
Look no further than Mizz Knits. Based in Yorkshire, she hand/arm knits with giant yarn that has been locally sourced to her.
Miriam is one of the craziest, loveliest people I have had the pleasure to meet. Shop her collection HERE or follow her on instagram for some woolly inspiration!
Room 356
I’ve been lusting after their stuff for a long time after spotting them on a stall in Altrincham Market.
The pink plant pots are beautiful and their lighting is stunning – in fact, I received a smoked glass dome pendant light for my birthday from Kristian…perfect present for an interior lover like me!
Have a look at their stuff on their website by clicking HERE.
Bee & Co
Based in Yorkshire, Kerry’s shop showcases some talented independent creators but also focuses on her upcycling skills. The soft furnishings, framed prints and upcycled furniture pieces are fab.
Check out what Kerry has to offer HERE.
On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
Candy Ward Ceramics
OMG! I am yet to buy anything from here but I have been stalking her for AGES!
Her designs are absolutely beautiful and all focusing on the female form.
I’m waiting to get my hands on the boob mug or the pinch mug but they are forever selling out!
Visit her website HERE or follow her on instagram.
The Boob Store
The woman behind this brand is a machine – she has two other companies creating amazing things [check out styledbynaomi.co.uk]
She sells boob mugs, tea towels [WANT], socks and even plant pots all boob related. Amazing.
Shop her collections HERE.
Thank you again for your recommendations!
Have a very happy Christmas!
x