With the highstreet shops out-of-bounds for now, I’ve been trying to support as many independent businesses as possible. Now’s the perfect time to plan for Christmas 2020, and I’ve got just what you need with my weekly Shop Small Gift Ideas blog posts!
Every Sunday for the next few weeks building up to Christmas, I’ll be sharing ‘5 Things’ on the blog. The topic? Ways YOU can support independent businesses with my ‘Shop Small’ gift ideas.
From stocking fillers and trinkets to main presents and show-stopping gifts, keep your eyes peeled for these posts every week! There will be 5 editions in total, with the final post on Sunday 20th December bearing lots of ‘last-minute’ ideas.
Why is it so important?
You’ve probably heard that phrase…
When you buy from a small business, you make an actual person do a happy dance.
Buying from local, new and growing brands, you’re helping them grow and build a sense of community. Let’s face it, you’re going to feel good! You’ll have helped feed someone’s dream, and probably even helped feed their family.
Not only will your decision to support small, independent businesses create more local jobs, you’ll also be helping to strengthen the local economy which we all know is so blooming important right now!
Many of these brands highlighted below are Essex-based businesses I discovered via Instagram.
It’s times like these that social media really is INVALUABLE.
I highly recommend you check out each of the shop small gift ideas below and follow the brands on their social channels, all pre-linked up and ready to go for you below…
Shop Small Gift Ideas
Edition 1
Let’s get started!
Personalised Statement Pieces
Olivia & Gray is a beautiful boutique offering personalised handbags, hats, purses and lots of other sleek, fashion accessories. Many of the collections can be embossed with the recipient’s initials; monogrammed with hand-stamped foil detailing. Olivia & Gray items are genuine Italian leather with a vegan leather option now available! My favourite item has always been the Saskia bag with interchangeable straps! Although I STILL can’t quite settle on which strap to go for… Spoilt for choice!
Check out Olivia & Gray here:
Instagram
Facebook
Website
Grow & Glow
The Copper Cacti is a brilliant business with a fantastic array of terrariums, green-fingered home decor & hand-crafted, macrame items too. There’s a mini greenhouse in particular which catches my eye… With a really festive feel to it with twinkling fairy lights! This illuminated terrarium of succulents, cacti and air plants is lovingly created by Chloë Draper, owner of The Copper Cacti, and would be a brilliant present idea for any plant-loving friend or relative in your life this year. I personally think there’s something really special about caring for and cultivating one of these miniature gardens – But you’ll know I love a terrarium by now!
Check out The Copper Cacti here:
Instagram
Facebook
Website
Platter Perfection
Toast & Thyme are known for their grazing platters and table-top snacking assortments. With boxes and boards stacked FULL with cheese, cured meat, crackers, nuts, and fruits, there are also vegetarian options, gluten-free, purely desserts & Christmas selections on offer – The latter complete with, of course, festive trimmings!
Each platter is different and unique, so it’s well-worth striking up a chat with Toast & Thyme, talking through a few platter ideas for your friends and family as surprise gifts in the build-up to Christmas. Lockdown doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate indoors within our bubbles and you certainly shouldn’t let it stop you doing the things you love! One of these Toast & Thyme platters paired with a bottle of fizz and maybe a Christmas movie would make the perfect parcel to deliver at your friends’ doorsteps.
Check out Toast & Thyme here:
Instagram
Facebook
Silken Details & Sparkle
Pink Cactus & Co is a brand I first discovered in one of the Pop Up Club events in Chelmsford maaany years ago. More recently, you can discover their wares along Bond Street – Definitely go along to the Pop Up Club after 2nd December when lockdown is lifted! Specialising in silken accessories and chic, contemporary jewellery, the brand delivers effortless ways of adding a dash of style to everyday outfits. Whether gifting for someone who LOVES all things bright, botanical and bold or more metallic, neutral statements, this brand is definitely one to check out. I’ve personally always had my eye on the malachite earrings…
Check out Pink Cactus & Co here:
Instagram
Facebook
Website
With Love, From Nature
Evergreen Soap is a family-run business, handmade in the UK. Just over in Leigh-on-sea actually, the brand’s iconic, pretty pastel soaps are produced in small batches. This fantastic brand produces 100% natural, vegan and palm-free soaps for your face, body and hands. What’s more, Evergreen Soap’s products are ‘naked’… Which means they’re either delivered without unnecessary packaging or wrapped in compostable, recyclable paper. This brand is SERIOUSLY good for both the environment and your skin, making for an Earth-friendly gift which uses only the highest quality, natural ingredients. I just know your friends & family will be VERY happy with their creations as gifts. There’s nothing better than knowing you’re funding a company who are super conscious of their environmental impact!
Check out Evergreen Soap here:
Instagram
Facebook
Website
I really hope you’ve enjoyed the first blog post full of shop small gift ideas!
If you’ve explored some of the brands and businesses mentioned above, do share this post with your friends (just don’t let on what you’re treating them to this Christmas!).
Don’t forget you can expect more shop small gift ideas next Sunday (29th November 2020) on gracefulblog.com – See you soon!
The pandemic won’t slow the success of small businesses so long as we support them!
If you’re an independent business owner, do drop me a message. I’d absolutely love to hear about you and your creations. See you next Sunday for Edition 2 of the Shop Small Gift Ideas series…
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