Go independent with your Christmas shopping
It’s no secret that we’ve all changed the way we shop this year, with lockdown forcing traditional bricks and mortar shops to close their doors, while online shopping has taken prominence. We’re also putting our money where our mouth is, and choosing to buy unique items from independent brands a heartfelt ethos. If you want to show your support for the smaller brands this year, here’s our pick of the best to buy your Christmas gifts from.
KCHossack Pottery
This pottery and tableware brand will make a pretty and trendy gift for anyone in your life who is houseproud or who throws regular dinner parties. KCHossack Pottery has a distinct style of plates and bowls with scalloped edges in pastel colours that look almost too good to eat from! If anyone else’s mum used to bring out the ‘best plates’ when guests were over – these are definitely those kind of plates, as they have a real special touch to them. All of the pieces are hand built from founder, Karin Hossack’s studio in London, and made with the finest quality of clay and are dishwasher safe, too. Although don’t blame us if you end up kitting out your whole kitchen with her collection, instead of gifting someone with them!
Max Made Me Do It
For gorgeous prints that well and truly pop off a page – check out Max Made Me Do It, who sell cards, gifts, homewares and prints. The cute name is a reference to when founder, Carol Maxwell, was on maternity leave with her son, Max, and found herself compelled to draw his toys and baby gifts. After playing with illustrations she found herself with a range of greeting cards – and the rest is history. She takes inspiration for her illustrations from her children, family life and nature, and each piece has a real one-of-a-kind look to it. We’d recommend checking out her alternative Christmas cards!
Meringue Girls
Christmas is a time for indulgence and The Meringue Girls have all your sweet and edible gifting needs covered – if you can resist giving them away that is! You’ll be spoilt for choice over their selection of baked goods – whether it’s kits to make your own meringues or gift boxes stuffed full of decadent chocolate treats. The Meringue Girls have girl power at the heart of their brand, and that’s the kind of ethos we can get on board with!
Cult Of Youth
There’s always something quite special about receiving jewellery as a gift, and Cult of Youth’s pieces are to be treasured – all designed with a meaning behind them. Silversmith and designer, Kelly Seymour, who founded the brand back during London Fashion Week in 2011, hand makes everything from her Hackney warehouse and all items have a slight gothic and rock’n’roll edge to them. A piece from her range would make the perfect present for the special female in your life, whether that’s your best friend, sister, wife or girlfriend.
Oh Squirrel
Stationery and homeware that’s, in their own words, “feel good, personable, down to earth with a twist of ‘fancy’ without being w*nky” – and that’s the kind of gift we’d all love! Everything about the brand, founded by Katie Wagstaff, has a personal touch to it – she stiches on her own sewing machine and the beautiful, script style font you see on some items is her own handwriting – goals! From cards to wall prints, all pieces are fun and playful, and Katie’s sense of humour really comes through. This is a perfect one-stop shop when you’re looking for something a bit different.