5 easy ways to support small UK brands this Christmas
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It’s that time of year again, when Mariah Carey reminds us that Christmas is about love rather than presents under the tree and we’re *finally* allowed to watch Love Actually on repeat without feeling embarrassed.
That being said, Christmas shopping is one of the festive season’s most time-honoured traditions.
This year in particular, we’re thinking a little harder about the gifts we’re buying (we don’t know anyone who doesn’t deserve a treat) and where we’re buying them from.
With many independent businesses struggling due to the coronavirus, you can help support them by ‘shopping small’ - in other words, buying gifts from independent British brands – this Christmas.
How can you easily shop small brands, you ask?
We’ve pulled together five of our favourite online retailers who stock hundreds of independent sellers, which should hopefully inspire you to spend your money with those who’ll appreciate it most - while bagging beautiful gifts for your loved ones.
5 of the best places to shop small this Christmas
Etsy | Shop here
Etsy puts the spotlight on handmade or vintage items, including jewellery, bags, clothing, home décor, furniture, toys, art, craft supplies and tools. It is also a great place for nabbing personalised gifts.
Our top pick: Handmade Shea Butter Soap Gift Box - 5 Soaps | £10
Trouva | Shop here
By seeking out the best independent boutiques from stylish neighbourhoods across the world Trouva makes it easy for you to uncover just the right things for your home, wherever they may be hidden. Whether it's a circular wooden wall shelf for your books, a handmade brass pepper mill to help you dine in style, or a mustard velvet table lamp for your bedside cabinet.
Our top pick: Set of 4 Cake Plates by Yvonne Ellen | £40 from Trouva
Not On The High Street | Shop here
The home of personalised gifts and quirky presents to suit a wide variety of weird and wonderful tastes. Think humorous gift sets for stockings, or easy-to-post options for farther flung family members and lots of presents for children and hard-to-buy-for relatives.
Our top pick: Personalised 14 K Gold Filled Rainbow Necklace | £35
Amazon Handmade | Shop here
We’re all familiar with Amazon (and never more so than during a lockdown) but Amazon Handmade is something a little different.
Think jewellery and accessories, home and kitchen additions, and a gorgeous array of gift sets for grown-ups and children alike.
Plus, Prime members can still enjoy brilliant offers and speedy delivery - ideal if you’ve left things to the last minute.
Our top pick: Christmas Aromatherapy Gift Box | £25.95
Wolf & Badger | Shop here
Wolf & Badger are passionate about sourcing ethical, sustainable - and crucially, fashionable - brands and collecting them together in an easy-to-shop marketplace.
You’ll find all manner of home, beauty and fashion items here, ranging from budget buys to break-the-bank must-haves.