Gift Guide - Small Businesses
When later months filled with cold nights and frosty morning start to roll around, it can be easy to push aside our Christmas gift lists until the last of the Christmas lights are being hung up. Life gets in the way and getting on top of Christmas shopping seems like the last thing on our list of priorities. But in lieu of this year’s rushed Amazon finds, let me introduce you to an often overlooked source of rich gift suggestions - small businesses.
Unlike the usual online giants we turn to when scrambling for gift ideas, small businesses provide a bountiful spring of ethical, handmade and unique presents worthy of your loved one. Not only that, but supporting small businesses (especially after the last few years we’ve had) will help owners and their families create a magical holiday season to remember too.
Are you ready to discover a few of my favourites? Let’s get shopping!
Sarah is an amazing and whimsical textile artist based in England. Her products include floral notecards, zipped pouches, original artwork, linen aprons, embroidered bookmarks, lavender bags and linen eye pillows filled with beautifully scented Yorkshire lavender - all of which make perfect gifts for a special friend or family member with a love of botanicals!
Nade Studio is a 100% sustainable studio based in Tennessee specialising in gorgeous natural dyes. With a product selection spanning apparel, home goods and art, you’re guaranteed to find a gift that is appreciated by your loved one and the planet.
With an array of handmade leather goods designed to last, Minu Studio is a go-to for practical, everyday gifts that will stand the test of time. I absolutely love their Emerald Green leather card wallet!
Socks may not be seen as the most glamorous gift, but they’ll be gratefully appreciated during those chilly winter nights curled up at home. For great stocking fillers, check out amazing small Irish business Kathryn Davey’s soft wool socks!
Chupi is an Irish Jewellery brand known for their colourful and unique ring designs. For those of you who are thinking about giving the gift of jewellery this Christmas - their Black Friday sale starts this weekend!
For the fashion lovers in your life, look no further than Landa. These Irish made bags are made from the softest high quality leather and come with an optional funky plexiglass chain!
I own a few Kindred pieces and can vouch for their amazing quality Irish linen. For the perfect Irish made gift worthy of a prime spot in any wardrobe, look no further.
Irish textile designer Caroline Duffy seamlessly splashes her trademark fun and vibrant botanical prints across scarves, stationary and artwork - making for the perfect gifts to make your special loved one smile.
For the seekers of a gift perfect for a skincare lover, let me introduce you to Mrs R’ganics. As Northern Ireland’s first truly organic & artisan skincare company, all of these products are exclusively 100% organic, raw, unrefined and ethically sourced.
As far as gift’s go, I’m yet to meet anyone who doesn’t appreciate a beautiful candle. Irish based candle brand The Bearded Candle Makers take scents inspired by locations around the lush land of Ireland. If you can’t gift the trip of seeing the Wild Atlantic Way or the Mourne Mountains, this is the next best thing (The Bog Myrtle is my personal favourite!)
These beautiful porcelain bowls are made from ceramics inspired by the rugged seascapes, waves, and rocks of Ireland. For the person that loves beautiful homewares, these ceramics will be a welcome addition to the table.
For the nature lover, look no further than gifting the unique gift of a Flower press handmade in Kerry, Ireland. Not only that, but 5% of sales will be donated to the amazing cause Trees on land!
Made with high quality soy wax, these handmade candles will become a hero on cozy winter nights. Make sure to check out their new range of festive scents!
Happy Shopping!
With love,
