Last year I put together a creative gift guide and I had a lot of fun digitally window shopping, so I wanted to do it again. This year, I’m putting a small business twist on the list, because I really want to do my best to support makers where I can.
Without further ado, here are a few of my favourite maker run places to shop if you’re on the hunt for the perfect gift.
I’ve mentioned my love for Oh My Clumsy Heart’s minimal jewellery before, but I felt Sophie’s beautiful work deserved a spot on this list as well. If you’re looking to get someone a simple timeless piece, or there are a few people you want to gift the same thing to and know they will be universally happy this is a great place to start.
If you’re shopping for someone with likes a bit of a bolder accessory, Grimsby based Night Time Holiday do the best accent earrings. They have colours and patterns to match pretty much every outfit.
In last year’s list, I mentioned that one of the best gifts you can give is art, and I still think that’s the case. Print Club London sell lots of affordable beautiful screen prints from a wide range of incredible artists all made in London, so they have something to meet every taste. They also do gift certificates, so your giftee can pick their own piece if you’re not sure or they can even pop along to a workshop and print their own.
Run by brothers George and Raffy Greaves, Printed Goods is a collaborative creative project with the ambition to combine their practice as designers with their passion for high-quality lifestyle products. I want everything. If you know someone who’s just moved, or is a homebody, their homeware is particularly worth a look.
Fran Menses is one of my favourite illustrators and content makers out there – her YouTube is a dream. She makes some of the most wonderful illustrated stationery, so if you have a letter lover or Type-A organiser in your life give her Etsy a gander. Her planner is a true thing of delight, with illustrations throughout and some lovely check in activities.
If you want something truly unique this year, you can’t get more personal than a custom portrait. Last year, I got to draw some lovely faces as gifts and I can’t wait to do the same this year. My portraits are simple and modern, and shared with you as a digital file so you can have them printed on whatever you like! I offer couples and group portraits as well as individual illustrations so you can get everyone you love in. The deadline for Christmas order is the 15th so book your space soon to guarantee you get your in time to be put in a stocking!
Other honourable mentions (because this list could be miles long)
- Arthyan for floral wonders
- Laura Jayne Designs for music lovers
- Sian Shrimpton for some of the cutest illustrated stationery around
If you’re trying to shop small this year, I’ve also put together a list of the best independent maker made cards out there too.
Any purchase you make from a small business can really make someone’s day, so where you can these holidays shop small!
