Alternative gift guide: #supportlocal

As our thoughts turn to Christmas, which is creeping up on us faster every day, and our shopping baskets are full with presents for the people we love, it’s at this time of year that I really believe in supporting local crafters.

As much as I still buy from high street shops, I also have a passion for supporting small businesses, especially in the run up to Christmas when many independent businesses are working hard to compete against the bigger names, and I like to buy as many presents as I can from independent shops, thus supporting the people behind the businesses.

So here’s a quick gift guide, featuring the best of the UK’s smaller businesses.  All images link through to the original products (and all photo credits obviously go to the designers)

For the maker:

‘Makers gonna make’ print, £7.50, Spell and Tell on Etsy

For the gardener:

Hanging crochet mini shelf, £24, Kelly Connor Designs on Etsy

For the beauty lover:

Parma violet bath bomb, £2.95, Soap and So UK

For the one who has it all:

Mother of pearl bowl, £15, Melissa Ceramics on Etsy

For the stationery addict:

Notepad, £3.50, Lost Marbles Co on Etsy

For the book lover:

Book bag, £6.99, Book Lovers Gifts on Etsy

For the coffee addict:

Twin Peaks ‘Damn fine coffee’ brooch, £8, Kate’s Little Store on Etsy

For the foodie:

Sweet treats subscription, £45, La Dinette Macarons on Etsy

Alternatively, you could make something for your loved ones this Christmas. In a few days time I’ll be launching a new feature, ‘The 12 DIYs of Christmas’ where I’ll be sharing some great recipes, fun things to do and easy makes in the run up to Christmas, so play along if you have the time, using #12DIYsofChristmas, so I can see what you’re making too!