You may or may not have noticed that we are quite inexplicably hurtling towards Christmas and if you are anything like me, the mere mention of December results in the onset of an involuntary twitch closely followed by a cold sweat! 🎄
However, fear not, this year I have a Christmas gifting plan to suit all tastes and every budget. As you may know, Britain has a long history of producing handmade goods; from Christmas pudding to exceptional shoes. The internet has reinvigorated this wonderful trade allowing sellers of all shapes and sizes to produce handmade goods with lower overheads and greater selling potential. There is something especially personal in receiving a handmade gift, so let me guide you as to some of my favourite sellers.
Perfect for the little ones - A Magical Letter
A Magical Letter provides a personalised letter from Father Christmas to the little ones (and the little ones at heart) in your life. A personalised letter is for boosting confidence, commending good behaviour or simply letting them know how special they are. Visit them at www.amagicalletter.com quick smart to be sure the elves have time to catch the morning post!
Perfect for those who want to do a little good - Leiho
Leiho is a socially conscious start-up seeking to "inspire solutions to problems faced all over the world today by recognising the basic necessities that disadvantaged individuals need". Leiho produces sustainable bamboo socks and every pair purchased sees the donation of a pair to a homeless charity - which to my mind is win-win. Visit www.leiho.co.uk
Perfect for the nature lover - Alice Stewart Jewellery
Alice Stewart is an independent jewellery designer creating stunning handmade original pieces inspired by the intricacies of nature which can be worn and treasured forever. With bespoke pieces made to order and collections entitled, "down to the woods" and "flora and fauna" you would be hard-pressed not to find something for the nature lover in your life. Prices from £45. www.alicestewartjewellery.com
Perfect for the Queen of Darkness - Amoreantos
If you are looking for something a little more Rock-Chic then look no further. Amoreantos specialises in designing sterling silver pendants created using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and cast using traditional methods in their Birmingham studio. Prices from £49.
Perfect for those who like a little cosiness - Roxiie's Treasures
We love to support young female entrepreneurs and the creator of Roxiie's Treasures certainly fits the brief! Created by Rachel Gilbertson at the tender age of 19, this family-run business produces a range handmade cushions celebrating everything Crosby Beach and Liverpool. Supporting and using small businesses and local suppliers wherever they can to manufacture and provide their handmade designs, Roxiie's Treasures is a local success story.
Perfect for the tea lover - Char Teas
There's nothing quite like settling down to a nice hot brew and Char Teas in Winchester seem to have every type of tea imaginable! They have brought ceremony back to tea drinking with a range of beautiful teapots and accessories, from gorgeous cast iron teapots to the cutest tea ball infusers.
Perfect for the eco-conscious beer drinkers - The Bottle Top
The Bottle Top is an independent shop filled with eco friendly alternatives, craft beer and local produce in Nottingham. It's the brain-child of our Small Business Editor, Alex Preston and sells all sorts of sustainable and planet-friendly items - mostly notably a delightful range of craft beer. Most of the cans and bottles have a funky and unique design to them, making them a lively stocking filler for any craft beer fans! You can take a look at their full range here: https://www.thebottletopnotts.co.uk/
Perfect for the stationery lover - Newton & The Apple
Who doesn't love a new pencil set? We're obsessed with Newton & The Apple (if you follow us on Instagram you've probably seen us mention them once or twice!). We love their quirky designs and especially love their pencils sets. Secret Santa = sorted!
If you are truly passionate about supporting British designers, movers, makers and shakers, then let the experts at www.handmadeinbritain.co.uk guide you. From sculptures, prints, textiles and so much more, you can explore producers of all manner of goods local to you. Head over now to save 15% on pre-Christmas purchases! Happy shopping!
Lifestyle Editor, Véronique Astwood
Véronique is a writer, reader and consummate wanderer. A virtual collector of the beautifully crafted – be it jewellery, shoes, hats or buildings! Her goal is to help you achieve the tangible and intangible lifestyle of you deserve.
She has been working as a freelance writer, blogger and ghostwriter for over ten years and has created her own blog. Website | Twitter
If you'd like to contact Véronique about writing a guest lifestyle blog for us, please email: hello@womenwd.co.uk
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