It's officially December. That means one thing and one thing only - Christmas shopping.
Some dread the lengthy process of sifting through stores to find a gift that will suit each and every member of the family. But that doesn’t have to be the case.
Christmas shopping is an opportunity to pause and consider where to put your money. A mass online order may be the most time-efficient, but curating a collection of thoughtful gifts is far more fulfilling and shows that you truly care.
As we collectively move towards a more sustainable approach to shopping, we need to look to small businesses for cherishable gifts. Emerging, local labels focus on the artisan as opposed to the fast shopping approach - a win for the environment and any lucky recipient.
Shopping ‘smaller’ is by no means restrictive. Fashion, homeware and even tech are all available to peruse courtesy of blossoming UK-based brands. Instead of heading to ASOS, Boots or John Lewis by default for that makeup pouch or candle, have a search as to where you can source a hand-crafted alternative nearby.
Not only are you helping smaller brands stay afloat, but you’ll also be able to gift your loved one with a unique item that can be kept forever. Plus in today’s trickle-down, copycat culture, any limited-edition commodity is sure to spark present-induced envy.
Knowing where to start is always the biggest hurdle. If you have the time for a quick trot down Portobello Market or Brick Lane, then it’s easy to check out the independent stalls for fashion finds and quirky interior furnishings.
If you struggle to set aside time to do so, or simply want to avoid the Saturday morning mayhem that floods down said streets, then online shopping is your friend.
Independent retail platforms such as Etsy and Not On The High Street are great places to begin. Be sure not to bypass big names such as Selfridges, Fenwick and END as all three champion young product designers that stock intriguing gift options.
Spanning party-ready accessories to suave menswear, cute kitchen staples and so much more, here’s how to source perfect presents from small names this Christmas…
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Lavender Hill
Lavender Hill's Christmas Gifting guide is the creme of the festive crop, with everything from cocooning loungewear to cashmere accessories. There are also sustainable jewellery and, of course, lavender-scented candles and bath soaks available from its site.
Known for its eco-conscious fashion, and all made in Scotland, England, and Portugal, these are the type of heirloom pieces that make fantastic Christmas prezzies.
Buy now, Lavender Hill
Sheep Inc. The Crewneck Vest
If you don’t know Sheep Inc. - get to know. Through the creation of natural, 100 per cent traceable and biodegradable merino wool knitwear, the brand has curated a collection that champions climate positivity.
The Sheep Inc. supply chain even ensures that more carbon is removed from the atmosphere than the production process contributes, in addition to producing easy-wear, luxurious pieces to last the years.
Plus, when you purchase a Sheep Inc. garment, you can find details of the very sheep who provided the wool for that item.
Buy now £90.00, Sheep Inc.
Stone & Mason Olive Disco Ricky
Shine, shimmy and sparkle the night away with Stone & Mason’s Olive Disco Ricky bag. The perfectly sized evening bag features a dazzling rhinestone front panel and contrasting vegan leather, making for a lean green glitter machine of an accessory. Zipped internal pockets and an additional crossbody strap provide extra practicality, while the accompanying Disco Ricky kit has everything you could need to get you through the morning.
Buy now £275.00, Stone & Mason
Duke + Dexter Penny Snake Loafers
Eddie Redmayne, Ryan Reynolds and Michael B. Jordan are fans, so naturally so are we. London-based brand Duke + Dexter has a plethora of contemporary loafer designs to choose from, yet these Snake Loafers caught our eye. Featuring a unique serpent print and crafted from handmade Italian leather, they are the ultimate gift for style-conscious loved ones.
Buy now £220.00, Duke + Dexter
Anna + Nina 3D Wax Candles
Thanks to Gen-Z’s backing, quirky candles have taken on a whole new cachet. These playful 3D candles by Anna + Nina are a fabulous stocking filler for those in need of some inspired homeware.
Buy now £32.00, Selfridges
BAM Clothing Women’s Origin Air Bamboo T-Shirt
Sometimes all you need is a slouch tee. BAM is a pioneer of bamboo clothing and has a plethora of pieces to elevate your ethical wardrobe. The Origin Air T-shirt is an affordable purchase that can be worn in and out of the bedroom. The jersey garment can be teamed with both jeans and borrowed boyfriend pyjama bottoms for a laid-back look.
Buy now £19.00, BAM Clothing
Graham & Green Famous Faces Doorstop
The most charming doorstops we ever did see, Graham & Green’s Famous Faces Doorstops offer an instant interior update with their celebrity status. Choose from David Bowie, Freddie Mercury, Frida Kahlo and more. Ideal for all ages from students to seniors, the pieces promise joyful stocking fillers for all the family to enjoy.
Buy now £20.00, Graham & Green
Tort Joan Clip
Upgrade your updo with a striking, pigment-pop clip. Tort’s It-girl piece comes in dreamy pearlescent colours and shimmering resin.
Buy now £26.00, Tort
Seletti x TOILETPAPER Hand Wash
The Seletti x TOILETPAPER collaboration makes washing your hands more fun than ever. Seletti’s tongue-in-cheek prints are for the bold, so opt for the brand’s playful hand wash for something a little more understated. Perfect for the art aficionados of the family.
Buy now £21.00, Selfridges
Vaisselle Lila Dessert Plate
Add a pop of colour to your kitchenware with a striped dessert plate. A dinner party must, punchy plates immediately heighten your tableware game with some funk and flair. This lilac option is suitable for summer garden parties and autumnal soirees alike.
Buy now £35.00, Fenwick
Cinta The Label The Aida Knit
When it comes to knitwear, Cinta is our first port of call. The small brand stocks the most covetable cardigans, jumpers, tops and dresses to see you through the year. The Aida knit has been a hit among celebrities. Well-known fans of the brand include Emma Roberts and Mia Regan.
Buy now £120.00, Cinta The Label
Maison Balzac Prawn Cocktail Coupe
Toast to the celebration at hand with extra special glassware. We don’t tend to treat ourselves to fancy tumblers, flutes and coupes, so a glass gift is bound to go down well. This delightfully camp Prawn Cocktail Coupe is the ultimate conversation starter while armed with a tipple or two.
Buy now £79.00, END.
Little Beast The Good Vibes Slogan-embellished Knitted Dog Sweater
Animal lovers, we’ve got you covered. There’s always one family member whose entire personality is (and rightly so) their dog, so treat them to the most adorable dog sweater around. Available in all sizes for an inclusive canine fit, this Sixties daisy print piece will ensure their pooch is the most pampered in town.
Buy now £60.00, Selfridges
Roop Baby Furoshiki Bag
Shop smartly and support local brands at the same time by adding Roop’s Baby Furoshiki bag to your online wish list. The made-to-order design is crafted from traditional Japanese wrapping cloth which was originally used to transport clothes, gifts and other goods. The scrunchie-style knot design will put a sartorial spring in your step.
Buy now £30.00, Roop
Tada & Toy Celestial Hoops
A pair of chunky hoops is essential when curating a forever jewellery archive. Tada & Toy’s 18-carat gold-plated brass hoops are peppered with white topaz for an extra dose of dazzle. We wear ours daily, but they can also be saved up for swanky evening soirees.
Buy now £114.99, Tada & Toy
Generazione Zordan Red Texan Boots Vase
Take Texas home with Generazione Zordan’s incredible cowboy boot vase. Produced entirely by hand, the unique clay ceramic will liven up any minimalist interior in a heartbeat. This isn’t one to miss. Trust us, it’s not our first rodeo.
Buy now £257.00, Wolf & Badger
Collina Strada Yellow & Orange Tattoo Butterfly Earrings
Make a case for sustainable brands with Collina Strada’s quirky butterfly earrings. Featuring sunset tones of acid yellow and tangerine, the crystal-clad pieces adopt an edgy tattoo style that attracts the eye. The LA-based brand creates pieces from recycled fabric and deadstock materials, making it one to watch at Fashion Week.
Buy now £55.00, SSENSE
The Natural Gift Company Fern Gift Set
Small but mighty, this beautiful, scented gift set will elevate winter self-care evenings. The set includes a stoneware wax melt and oil burner in sea glass green, a six-pack of Folk vegetable wax melts in a fragrance of your choice, and a beautiful decorative matchbox to complete the set. A festive and fragrant Christmas awaits.
Buy now £38.00, Green Tulip
Medium Raku Pottery Vessel
Purchasing a handmade gift is always a brilliant idea: not only will your recipient get something unique, but you’ll support a small business too. However, when you buy a handcrafted vessel from Ukrainian ceramicist Yulia Makliuk, five per cent of your purchase goes to local war relief.
Buy now £94.24, Etsy
Suri Toothbrush
A toothbrush may seem like an unorthodox gift, but trust us on this one. Suri’s sustainable toothbrushes are a game changer. The quiet yet powerful brush uses recyclable plant-based heads and bristles. The slim aluminium body is designed to be taken apart and repaired, all while promising a dentist-approved clean. An incredibly useful gift for eco-warriors, Suri is not to be slept on.
Buy now £80.75, Suri
