Our Independent Christmas Gift Guide
As an independent business ourselves, we are passionate about making the most of the small business that are out there, especially around Christmas time. There are some really lovely shops online at the moment which I have discovered through Instagram, so, to get you into the festive spirit and help with the dreaded Christmas shopping I've asked Emily who's working with us at the moment to tell you a bit about some of our favourites in her first blog on here.
Mama DesignsInitially launched when founder Keira had her little baby boy, Mama Designs began with an innovative design for a breastfeeding scarf to make breastfeeding easier for self-conscious mums. 8 years on, and Mama Designs is a firm favourite of ours specialising in really gorgeous nursery accessories and baby products - we especially love her cosy cellular blankets. From breastfeeding scarves to sleeping bags, all Keira's products are carefully tested in the UK and are perfect for any busy mum this Christmas!
// SHOP // INSTAGRAM // BLOG //
Retro Kids
You can never really go wrong with toys for Christmas, and the nostalgic feel we get when we see Retro Kids' selection is priceless. Owner Joanne channels her her love of all things retro into this vibrant and striking shop - items are hand-picked from loads of talented and independent artists, and she is proud to promote and sell quality products which are different to the usual children's TV characters and stand the test of time. From ace toys to home furnishings, we really love the kitsch style over at Retro Kids, and we can't wait to add to our collection this Christmas.
Velveteen Babies
Launched in 2014, Velveteen Babies specialises in unique garlands and mobiles which are perfect for any trendy babies' rooms. Founder, and busy mum-of-three, Coral is passionate about kids interiors and it really shows in her beautiful pieces. We absolutely love the whole range, but the new superhero garland is too cute not to have on your Christmas list!
// SHOP // INSTAGRAM // BLOG //
Wonder and Rah
If it's art you're after this Christmas, look no further than one of our favourite print designers over at Wonder and Rah. With fun and contemporary designs, mum-of-two Natalie uses her passion to create vibrant prints which are perfect for children's nurseries and bedrooms, but also appeal to the grown-up - we adore our 'Rainbow Rains' print!
Ingrid Petrie Design
Sticking to the art, we really love Ingrid Petrie Designs' modern and stylish prints. The quirky lettering and and animals are perfect for any kid's room, but there's also a great selection of striking quotes and bold imagery for the rest of your home decor, making it the perfect place for any pressies this Christmas!
Fable Heart
A bit of glitter is essential around Christmas time, and when the sparkles are as beautiful as Fable Heart's glitter crowns it's easy to get into the festive spirit. Specialising in original dress up designs, founder Claire is passionate about keeping the magic alive for her two little girls and for her customers. Her glitter crowns, wands and wings are the perfect dress up for any little ones, and with Christmas stockings and a gorgeous selection of party ware also available, it's impossible not to feel the magic of Christmas.
Made By Skoo
We believe playtime is all about being as creative and fun as possible, and it is with that in mind that Susannah Koo first began designing her range of beautiful, practical and playful products. Based in a sleepy village in the heart of Yorkshire, Made By Skoo specialise in cushions, headdresses and kids' kitchenware designed to ignite your children's imagination. We are certain these make beautiful gifts and are sure to be popping them on our Christmas List this year!
Last but most certainly not least, La La Loves Decor is one of our absolute favourites for quirky and unique decor for children's interiors. Inspired by Scandinavian decor, minimalist design, and her own two little girls, owner Kelly works from her home studio in Brighton creating gorgeous products all with recyclable materials. The gold accents across the range make these the perfect gifts for Christmas - and there's even a Christmas range, so there's no excuse not to!
So there we have a few of our favourite independent shops which we think deserve a lot of love this Christmas. We'll also be looking at these lovely small businesses in their own blog posts in the next few months, so it's worth keeping up-to-date with us so you're the first to know what we're loving. Be sure to follow the shops mentioned on Instagram for all the inspiration you need, and we'd love to know which are your go-to independent shops too - let us know if there's any more we should be checking out!
Remember to shop small this Christmas!
Love,
Emily x
