You may have seen the festive small business gift guide I put together for last year and I thought I'd do the same thing this year, because small businesses need our / your support more than ever - it's been another tough year! As before, this guide spotlights a few UK-based brands in particular, many of whom I've known for several years, others I have got to know more recently at events. But they all share similar values around their commitment to quality products, customer care (over profit!) and respecting the environment. They also happen to be owned by wonderful women! If you are able to support smaller businesses like these, please know that they'll appreciate your order way more than any big brand! I've included a variety of inspiration to help you find the most perfect, thoughtful gifts this season, at a range of price points.
Apothaka® - facial skincare and hand care with luxurious textures & scents
Of course, I can't miss this opportunity to plug my own products! For the festive season, my skincare and handcare sets are a great introduction to my range, with something for everyone (even those with sensitive skin!) - prices start at £27 for my metal facial roller (also available as a set with one of my face oils or moisturisers). The SOS recovery set (£40) pictured below features my bestselling nourishing hand cream with tube squeezer key and award-winning nail & cuticle oil - packaged together in a cotton drawstring bag (both items also available to purchase individually). If you're not sure what to pick, then feel free to contact me for help (hello@apothaka.com) or purchase a gift card in any denomination!
Buy here: Apothaka assorted skincare gift sets
Bahar - silk accessories
I got to know Bahareh through the Style Harmony pop up events that she runs to support small businesses. Bahar's silk accessories are inspired by the 3000 year art of Persian carpets and related arts. I have been coveting her silk scarves since the first event - they make any outfit look super classy, and there's a story behind each of her designs. I finally bought one at our most recent pop up and I'm so happy with it! Her beautiful scarves and pocket squares for men start at £45 and come in a few sizes.
Buy here: Bahar silk accessories
Hello Ruth - personalised photo gifts & cards
I've known Ruth for a few years now and have bought a few gifts for family. Ruth is constantly coming up with unique, beautiful gifts. I particularly love her personalised advent calendars (you may have missed the deadline for this but worth checking!), her handmade paper angel Christmas tree decoration and her tartan "Ralph Lauren-inspired" Christmas cards!
Buy here: Hello Ruth photo gifts and cards
Candalia London - home fragrance
I featured Candalia last year as I adore their reed diffusers which have an incredible scent throw and last for ages! I've had their Oud Bois de Santal reed diffuser for nearly a year now and it's still virtually full - you can tell the quality is on another level to mainstream reed diffusers! Candalia is a female-founded home fragrance brand dedicated to creating high-quality, luxury fragrances that infuse our homes with wellness and tranquillity.
For the perfect Christmas gift, step into the magic of the festive season with Candalia’s limited edition Christmas candle – Winter Wonder (£35).
Buy here: Candalia Winter Wonder bespoke candle
Rose & Wren - baby & kids handmade clothing
Rose & Wren is a baby and children's clothing company based in Nottingham and the founder, Emily also happens to be one of my lovely customers! Emily started making children's clothes for her daughters as they have sensitive skin that was irritated by high street clothes. Not to mention that as a fashion graduate she was/am frustrated by the pink for girls, blue for boys options and the damage that fast fashion is doing to the world. Emily carefully selects fabrics and colourful, quirky prints that are ethical, OEKO-TEX standard 100 or GOTS certified organic as well as supporting other small businesses. She features exclusive prints designed by both herself and other local designers.
Tinsel Town baby and children's handmade leggings would make the ideal gift this Christmas, using eco friendly fabrics to ensure the best quality for delicate skin. This print is colourful, Christmassy and above all comfortable. Prices start from £10 for newborn and sizes go all the way up to 6-7 years.
Katy Webster Homeware - fabric homeware / gifts
I've known Katy for a few years as she's a fellow Berkhamsted-based small business and I've bought a few of her lovely pieces over the years. Katy Webster Homeware is born from Katy's love of home interiors, desire to work creatively. She makes beautiful fabric homeware items including table runners, draught excluders, door stops, wheat bags and many more!
Last year I featured her padded Kindle sleeves which are still available. I also love her wheat bags and festive table runners - she has some gorgeous prints! And if you're looking for a practical but useful gift on a budget, I believe her soft, under-door wedges have been very popular!
Buy here: Katy Webster wheat bags
Simply Sacred Blends - Ayurvedic tea blends to support hormone health
I came across this brand at the recent Style Harmony pop up and had a lovely chat with owner, Shani, about her teas. Each blend is powered by herbs used in the ancient science of Ayurveda to balance hormones and enhance menstrual health. The carefully formulated blends support you in each stage of your menstrual journey, including those with PCOS, PMS, menopause, anxiety & more.
All herbs are whole leaf, picked from the roots of India, cut & sifted to ensure you receive the highest quality and the whole benefit of each herb. Prepared in special environments, our herbs are not farmed with any chemicals, and are blended in spaces free from common sensitivities to ensure proper care of the herbs.
Buy here: Simply Sacred ayurvedic tea blends
RA Gold Gallery - timeless solid gold jewellery with a modern twist
This is another brand I came across at the Style Harmony pop ups and I was wowed by their absolutely stunning and unique designs. Beautiful ear cuffs, rings and necklaces in solid 14K gold. These are certainly investment pieces, but I haven't seen anything else like them! They also offer some of their pieces as gold plated for more affordable options.
Buy here: RA Gold Gallery timeless solid gold jewellery
Yet again, spoilt for choice! Thank you for supporting small businesses like ours! Happy festive shopping!
Love,
Natasha xo
