Best gift ideas from small businesses in 2023

Support independent brands this Christmas

s we bid farewell to summer, we start planning for the cooler months ahead. That means one thing and one thing only - Christmas shopping.

Some dread the lengthy process of sifting through stores to find a gift that will suit each and every member of the family. But that doesn’t have to be the case.

Christmas shopping is an opportunity to pause and consider where to put your money. A mass online order may be the most time-efficient, but curating a collection of thoughtful gifts is far more fulfilling and shows that you truly care.

As we collectively move towards a more sustainable approach to shopping, we need to look to small businesses for cherishable gifts. Emerging, local labels focus on the artisan as opposed to the fast shopping approach - a win for the environment and any lucky recipient.

Shopping ‘smaller’ is by no means restrictive. Fashion, homeware and even tech are all available to peruse courtesy of blossoming UK-based brands. Instead of heading to ASOS, Boots or John Lewis by default for that makeup pouch or candle, have a search as to where you can source a hand-crafted alternative nearby.

Not only are you helping smaller brands stay afloat, but you’ll also be able to gift your loved one with a unique item that can be kept forever. Plus in today’s trickle-down, copycat culture, any limited-edition commodity is sure to spark present-induced envy.

Knowing where to start is always the biggest hurdle. If you have the time for a quick trot down Portobello Market or Brick Lane, then it’s easy to check out the independent stalls for fashion finds and quirky interior furnishings.

If you struggle to set aside time to do so, or simply want to avoid the Saturday morning mayhem that floods down said streets, then online shopping is your friend.

Independent retail platforms such as Etsy and Not On The High Street are great places to begin. Be sure not to bypass big names such as Selfridges, Fenwick and END as all three champion young product designers that stock intriguing gift options.

Spanning party-ready accessories to suave menswear, cute kitchen staples and so much more, here’s how to source perfect presents from small names this Christmas…

Shop now

If you don’t know Sheep Inc. - get to know. Through the creation of natural, 100 per cent traceable and biodegradable merino wool knitwear, the brand has curated a collection that champions climate positivity.

The Sheep Inc. supply chain even ensures that more carbon is removed from the atmosphere than the production process contributes, in addition to producing easy-wear, luxurious pieces to last the years.

Plus, when you purchase a Sheep Inc. garment, you can find details of the very sheep who provided the wool for that item.

Shine, shimmy and sparkle the night away with Stone & Mason’s Olive Disco Ricky bag. The perfectly sized evening bag features a dazzling rhinestone front panel and contrasting vegan leather, making for a lean green glitter machine of an accessory. Zipped internal pockets and an additional crossbody strap provide extra practicality, while the accompanying Disco Ricky kit has everything you could need to get you through the morning.

Eddie Redmayne, Ryan Reynolds and Michael B. Jordan are fans, so naturally so are we. London-based brand Duke + Dexter has a plethora of contemporary loafer designs to choose from, yet these Snake Loafers caught our eye. Featuring a unique serpent print and crafted from handmade Italian leather, they are the ultimate gift for style-conscious loved ones.

Thanks to Gen-Z’s backing, quirky candles have taken on a whole new cachet. These playful 3D candles by Anna + Nina are a fabulous stocking filler for those in need of some inspired homeware.

Sometimes all you need is a slouch tee. BAM is a pioneer of bamboo clothing and has a plethora of pieces to elevate your ethical wardrobe. The Origin Air T-shirt is an affordable purchase that can be worn in and out of the bedroom. The jersey garment can be teamed with both jeans and borrowed boyfriend pyjama bottoms for a laid-back look.

The most charming doorstops we ever did see, Graham & Green’s Famous Faces Doorstops offer an instant interior update with their celebrity status. Choose from David Bowie, Freddie Mercury, Frida Kahlo and more. Ideal for all ages from students to seniors, the pieces promise joyful stocking fillers for all the family to enjoy.

Upgrade your updo with a striking, pigment-pop clip. Tort’s It-girl piece comes in striking candy colours and pearlized resin.

Baa Baby’s Newborn Bundle is the sweetest gift for the newest member of the family. It contains a bassinet crafted from 100 per cent New Zealand merino sheepskin that helps balance temperature during sleep, in addition to a Flatout Baby Bear. The latter is crafted from Australian sheepskin which provides the softest touch for newborns.

The Seletti x TOILETPAPER collaboration makes washing your hands more fun than ever. Seletti’s tongue-in-cheek prints are for the bold, so opt for the brand’s playful hand wash for something a little more understated. Perfect for the art aficionados of the family.

Add a pop of colour to your kitchenware with a striped dessert plate. A dinner party must, punchy plates immediately heighten your tableware game with some funk and flair. This lilac option is suitable for summer garden parties and autumnal soirees alike.

When it comes to knitwear, Cinta is our first port of call. The small brand stocks the most covetable cardigans, jumpers, tops and dresses to see you through the year. The Aida knit has been a hit among celebrities. Well-known fans of the brand include Emma Roberts and Mia Regan.

Toast to the celebration at hand with extra special glassware. We don’t tend to treat ourselves to fancy tumblers, flutes and coupes, so a glass gift is bound to go down well. This delightfully camp Prawn Cocktail Coupe is the ultimate conversation starter while armed with a tipple or two.

Animal lovers, we’ve got you covered. There’s always one family member whose entire personality is (and rightly so) their dog, so treat them to the most adorable dog sweater around. Available in all sizes for an inclusive canine fit, this Sixties daisy print piece will ensure their pooch is the most pampered in town.

Shop smartly and support local brands at the same time by adding Roop’s Baby Furoshiki bag to your online wish list. The made-to-order design is crafted from traditional Japanese wrapping cloth which was originally used to transport clothes, gifts and other goods. The scrunchie-style knot design will put a sartorial spring in your step.

A pair of chunky hoops is essential when curating a forever jewellery archive. Tada & Toy’s 18-carat gold-plated brass hoops are peppered with white topaz for an extra dose of dazzle. We wear ours daily, but they can also be saved up for swanky evening soirees.

Aesthete’s metal candle holder will appease any hard-to-buy-for family member. Crafted by hand using traditional methods, the curved design will suit both traditional and contemporary homes.

Emily Carter is a British designer who specialises in hand-illustrated silk scarves. The Key & Butterfly neckerchief showcases stunning scientific drawings and flora and fauna detailing with a timeless cornflower blue colour scheme. Simply tie it around your neck to upgrade your everyday look.

As summer draws to a close, we begin to reminisce about the warmer, sun-soaked days. François Simon’s Provence Glory is a nostalgic coffee-table book that transports the reader to the lavender fields of Valensole and back.

Take Texas home with Generazione Zordan’s incredible cowboy boot vase. Produced entirely by hand, the uber-unique clay ceramic will liven up any minimalist interior in a heartbeat. This isn’t one to miss. Trust us, it’s not our first rodeo.