We have always been huge advocates of shopping small, even before we had our own small business, but never more so than now, when many independents are struggling to survive. So, this Christmas, we're going to be shopping with some of our favourite indies and wanted to do a little round up in case you are looking for some inspiration, too. Of course, we are not asking you to spend money you may not have, but instead to think about channeling any you may be looking to spend in to smaller companies rather than the larger corporations where possible - we appreciate that times are hard for everybody right now.
So with no further ado, if you are in the market for some shopping, here are some of our favourites:
Decorations/Wrapping
Kinshipped
Specialising in sustainable paper goods that are not only planet-friendly but great to look at, Kinshipped offers the most beautiful range of recycled and/or recyclable wrapping paper, cards, planners and journals, all of which is plastic free and made with vegetable ink. You can shop some of their beautiful Christmas cards on our site, too!
Cadeaux Paperworks
Another beautiful brand that specialises in eco-friendly stationery and paper goods, we particularly love Cadeaux Paperworks' range of recyclable tape (remember - wrapping paper has to have any sellotape removed from it before recycling it and that's if it's even recyclable to start with!) and beautiful recycled ribbons. You can also find cards and gift tags on the site, which is well worth checking out.
Roscoe Rules
Roscoe Rules was set up by a mum on maternity leave and specialises in wooden signs and accessories, including cake toppers and plaques, for every occasion - from Christmas to Easter, the first day at school, new babies, birthdays and everything in-between.
For the Home
Ukiyoga
Run by the ever so lovely Rebecca, Ukiyoga specialises in essential oil based home fragrance in the form of candles and diffusers. Rebecca is inspired by moments in nature and the resulting products make for beautiful gifts - the peace and quiet gift box is definitely a favourite of ours.
Shrig Shop
Shrig Shop is the outlet for artist David Shrigley and long-term gallerist and friend Nicolai Wallner to sell David's work, alongside other limited edition pieces, to the masses in the form of prints, postcards, books and more. David has exhibited across the world and in 2020 was awarded an OBE for Services to Visual Arts. His work is modern, unique and honest and will make the perfect gift for any art lover.
Sketchy Muma
If you're on Instagram, you've probably seen Anna Lewis’ (aka Sketchy Muma's) work being shared - Anna's sketches are so relatable that they easily go viral on the platform. One of her prints would make a perfect Christmas gift and she also has a book of the same name, which I've found a great gift for a new mum.
Bath House
Created by five friends, Bath House specialises in natural, vegan and sustainable fragrance and skincare. The scents are beautiful and the packaging is all metal and refillable, to reduce waste. They also have a range of beautiful gift sets, for perfect presents.
wxy.
wxy. offers hand poured products with no animal derived materials or parabens. The home fragrance range, which includes candles, diffusers, incense cones and much more, is made from recyclable materials where possible and without plastic. Great scents and a great ethos - the perfect gift.
interlude
A fellow mother and daughter owned brand, interlude offers beautiful hand poured, sculptural candles that are 100% cruelty-free. Alongside the beautiful sculptural designs, that come in shapes including swirls, arches, leaves and bodies, interlude also offers beautifully scented candles, jewellery and much more.
Clothing/jewellery
Maragold Designs
Based in London, via Boston, MA, where designer Julianna is originally from, Maragold Designs specialises in handcrafted leather and wool essentials, with a range including bags, purses, pouches and much more. Produced in Julianna's home studio, Maragold Design's pieces are made in small batches to reduce waste and promote conscious consumption, with every item being either hand or machine stitched by Julianna herself. The perfect gifts for the eco-conscious, slow fashion favouring fashionista.
Jessica Lewis
Another fellow Manchester brand, Jessica Lewis offers made to order clothing, which is timeless, minimal and ethical, fighting against the fast fashion movement and encouraging clothing that will last and be loved through the years.
nomore-studios.co.uk/collections/my-rail
Laura Lee Jewellery
Having loved jewellery since she was a child, Laura Lee set up her brand to encourage wearers to tell their own story via precious mementos. Shoppers can layer and combine precious metals and gemstones with signature antique coins and custom engravings in their own way, for a final look that really reflects them. The jewellery range includes personalised pieces and wedding jewels, too.
Katie Belle
Set up by two friends, Katie Belle's range of necklaces, bracelets and earrings is classic yet modern - and the majority of it can be personalised, too, making for the perfect gift for almost every recipient and every occasion.
For children
Lucky and Gray
This gorgeous brand, based in Melbourne (Derbyshire), has an incredible range of kids' clothing and toys, alongside nursery/bedroom furniture, books and much more. If you're lucky enough to live nearby, definitely pop in to their new store, which looks like a treasure trove of goodies.
Paper and Wool
Paper and Wool offers the most beautiful handmade children's toys and accessories, including their iconic advent calendar (pictured). Their bedroom accessories, vests and greeting cards are also well worth checking out. In fact, I just made an order while writing this post - it was too hard to resist!
Ando Store
Ando has one of the coolest collections of children's clothes and accessories we have ever seen - and a 'mama + me' section, too, to make twinning easy. There is also a range of toys, eating essentials and nursery decorations, to make it a one-stop-shop.
Wolf Noodle
Wolf Noodle has hands down the best colourful and playful prints that would be perfect for playrooms and nurseries - plus, they're a fellow Manchester brand, which we always love. We particularly adore the Christmas collection, which is just beautiful.
Leo and the Duck
A brand that has only recently come on to our radar, thanks to some cleverly targeted Instagram ads, we're so glad we've found it! Leo and the Duck boasts beautiful capes, dresses, tutus and accessories for little ones, all pulled together by Founder and mum of two, Alice. My little girl is definitely going to find the Sparkle cape or Twilight dress under the Christmas tree this year!
The Little Cardi Shop
Born in the lockdowns of 2020, from a love of childrenswear, The Little Cardi Shop offers personalised knits for little ones - whether buying a knit directly from the brand or sending your own in. New drops are available on pre-determined dates, keep an eye on the brand's Instagram for the next one.
River Finley & Friends
Another beautiful children's clothing brand, River Finley & Friends was set up by mum Lauren, who, after the birth of her first child (River Finley), found a love for childrenswear but struggled to find pieces that were sustainable, simple and stylish, so she curated a collection of the pieces she did find - and what a collection it is!
the family store
A Manchester brand, created by two families, the family store hosts a random but considered collection of items for children, adults and the home, including toys, books, socks and much more. Well worth checking out for those people you're a bit stuck on - you're bound to find something they'll love.
Food and Drink
Tilly's Fudge
Tilly's Fudge is a family-run fellow Manchester business, specialising in homemade, smooth and creamy fudge in over 20 different flavours, including mince pie, Lotus Biscoff, raspberry and white chocolate and much, much more. The perfect gift for that person with a sweet tooth (or for yourself!)
amie
Created during the Covid-19 lockdowns, amie has taken Instagram by storm and is now the must have wine. Initially created to make the perfect rosé, the brand now offers white and red wines, too, all of which are produced in the Languedoc region of France and can be delivered directly to your door. Plus, £1 per order is donated to Charity Water.
Other
Rock on Ruby
Ideal for snapping up a personalised gift (just look at that embroidered handwriting!) or a cool slogan tee or accessory, Rock on Ruby is fun, imaginative and also based in Greater Manchester - what's not to love?
happy place
happy place is a sustainable jigsaw puzzle brand, with modern designs, each supporting independent artists. The puzzles are made in the UK and retail at under £20, making them the perfect gift!
Hope that round up has helped inspire some gift ideas for you - and don't forget us, too! Our vases, candles, textiles and kitchenware in particular make for great pressies - and our Christmas range is perfect if you're still looking for decorations. We also have a range of greeting cards (including Christmas designs) and our send a gift service, where we can send a beautifully wrapped present directly to the recipient with a hand written message or greeting card. Ok sales pitch over!
We'd love to hear any other small business suggestions you have - message us on Instagram (@casitahomeware) with your suggestions.
With love,
Jazmin & Rosa xx
