The ultimate guide to shopping handmade this Christmas

I’m so happy that there is a huge drive on shopping small this Christmas. As a small business owner, I think it’s so important to buy from other small businesses and support them in any way possible. I’ve always found they go the extra mile, especially at Christmas time, with gift wrapping and beautiful packaging to match their quality gift inside. 

This year, I’ve had the honour of working with some incredible small businesses as clients of mine and I’ve shopped with many of them too! To celebrate them, I’m sharing as many as I can in the ultimate guide to shopping handmade this Christmas!

For the natural beauty lovers

It’s something I’ve been interested in for quite some time and now only use brands who use quality ingredients and also tell you what they are! Most natural beauty products are sustainably sourced as well as have limited, environmentally-friendly packaging. Some are even zero waste, which is a huge bonus! Creating a hamper would be a great idea, gathering items from a few different places. Some of my favourites are Conchus body wash bars and Millie’s Organics’ pillow mist, perfect for friends and family who need to find some time for some home pampering!

For the new mums

Buying for mums-to-be and new mums can actually be a bit difficult. Many people buy gifts for the baby and forget about mum! That’s why Milestone Members have created a beautiful gift set, designed for mum and baby so they can both enjoy it. Give yourself a break for an hour or two for an at-home spa day. 
Another gift that I absolutely adore are Dailsay Design’s baby posters. You could get one framed for the new mum friend to hang in her baby’s bedroom and she can scratch off each milestone they reach. I’d have loved one of these when my children were born!

For the makers

When it comes to your crafty and business owner friends, get them something to do with what they love to do! From Popcorn & Crocodiles’ Adventures in Yarn planner to help them plan their day to ThreadKind Co’s Kind Word embroidered hoop to sit on their pinboard, a pretty office helps your work rate too! Small business owners love to buy from fellow small businesses so they’ll be thrilled with a handmade gift, such as a Jewellers Academy Apron to wear when they’re making. 
If your friend or family member has recently set up their own handmade business, how about getting them a photoshoot gift voucher from yours truly? I offer them so businesses can book in at any time and they can be used for any service too. Starting from £10, they’re a great way to support the creator in your life in their business journey!

For the organised friend

Anyone who knows me knows I love stationery and planners in particular. Any excuse to add to my collection! Christmas is the perfect time to add to it and all of these items are on my wishlist this year! A set of a daily and a weekly planner from Ruby Ashley will add a pop of colour to anyone’s desk or maybe a botanical-style weekly planner from Striped Flamingo is more up their street. Any of them will get you organised, keep you motivated and help you create a fabulous 2022.

For the kids

You can most definitely buy handmade for those little humans in your life without breaking the bank. One of my favourite shoots this year was Striped Flamingo’s kids’ collection. From robot aprons to dinosaur backpacks, you can choose the design that your kid will love the most (although it will probably change by the time Christmas gets here). Their range is so much fun, there is a style for any kid!

For the home

After spending so much time at home over the past two years, many of us are trying to make our homes as warm and cosy as we can as well as hosting guests to make up for lost time. The best way to make a home a sanctuary is through a beautiful candle. Calm Candles is a brand I’ve worked with this year and I loved their product range from the first time I saw it. My personal favourite is Calm By The Meadow, which is a gorgeous light floral scent, perfect for relaxation!

If you’re hosting Christmas this year, a beautiful table setting will always get tonnes of compliments. Lara May’s recycled leather placemats and coasters really add an air of sophistication to any dining table. The beautiful dove grey colour is perfect for a traditional Christmas table but can also be used all year round.

I had so much fun compiling this handmade gift guide, especially going through the images of the amazing clients I’ve worked with this year. Whilst this instalment of the ultimate guide to shopping handmade this Christmas is finished, stay tuned for a jewellery version coming very soon!