We’ve all been there, the last-minute rush, the pile of generic gifts that don’t quite feel special. This year, what if your Christmas gifting could be slower, more thoughtful and meaningful?
Independent and crafty businesses pour love, time and skill into what they make. When you buy from them, you’re not only giving something unique to your pals, you’re also supporting creativity, sustainability and community.
So, with that in mind, I've gathered together some of my favourite independent gift ideas for this Christmas:
Things to wear
Beautiful and sustainably made clothing and accessories to bring joy to your every day.
💍My silver jewellery is designed to help you feel like a badass. Wearing something that resonates with you can be so empowering!
💜Wooden Jewellery - Ready to feel like a ray of sunshine? These hand painted statement earrings are made from wood, making them deliciously lightweight and comfortable to wear.
🦓Ducky Zebra Clothing - Soft, sustainable kids' clothes - in FABULOUS prints!
✨All The Discos - Jewellery and sparkly capes - what more can I say.
👚Osei Duro - I have been loving these pieces for so long, and hope to own one myself one day!
Homeware
Colourful, textured homeware to brighten up a wall or journaling corner. Independent artists often make pieces in small runs – perfect for gifting something rare.
🎨My Art Prints - Each print captures the vibrant colours and textures of the original textile art, perfect for adding a pop of personality to any space.
👩🎨 Original Fabric Art - Celebrate individuality with my completely unique fabric sketches. These textile artworks are created using recycled fabric, as well as fabric I have painted myself.
🖼️Ludovica Perosin - I am a massive fan of Ludo and have got multiple prints from her! So much character and humour.
☕Phyllosceramics - adorable mugs with happy faces!
🧺La Basketry - woven trays, bowls and fans. Also does DIY kits!
Stationary
Notebooks, journals, planners – practical and beautiful, supporting creativity long after the festive season.
📕My Notebooks - I always feel a sense of relief when I put my thoughts to paper. These journals are decorated with my textile artwork to help remind you to be a little kinder to yourself.
📚Circle Planner - I love using these diaries! They come in beautiful colours and have so many sections to help plan your time, reflect, and even colour in. 📚
🖋️The Phive - Storywriters Book - Beautifully created books and cards for both illustration and writing designed to boost vocabulary, story structure, description, enthusiasm and confidence at home.
🐈The Stationer - Old school stickers - oh my goodness, these are PURE NOSTALGIA for me! Some of them I even recognise from swapping stickers in the playground
🍄Molly Palmrock - Okay so clearly I love stickers. These are made by my good friend Molly, an artist who playfully celebrates queerness and nature. Check out the prints too - some of these are co-created with mushrooms!
Creative Kits & Experiences
Instead of more “stuff”, why not give the gift of making? Craft kits, art workshops, or local experiences can spark joy and connection.
🧶Craft Workshops - Choose your craft, pick a date and I’ll come to your event and host a calming and mindful art experience for your guests.
💫Astral Tides Crochet is such a mindful and soothing activity! Learn to create these space-themed tapestries with Charlie.
🌿Sally-Anne Stewart - lino workshops in Oxfordshire - Join Sally for learning and exploring lino printing in Oxfordshire.
🧘T(ART) Productions: Queer Life Drawing and Yoga. Join these gorgeously lovely humans for life drawing and yoga. Check the website for upcoming sessions around Oxfordshire.
🪡Jayne Emerson - I am part of Jayne’s No Rules Textiles Society and I just love her approach to creativity (because it’s very similar to mine!). Jayne has online courses to explore water soluble fabric, needle felting, patchwork and gel printing, all through a ‘no rules’ lens!
This year, let’s swap the fast and forgettable for the slow and meaningful. Supporting independents means your gifts will carry more than just festive cheer. They’ll carry stories, consideration, and connection.
Happy mindful gifting xx