Christmas gift guide

Christmas shopping….do you love it or loathe it? I love having the time to browse shops in search of the ideal gift for someone special. Sadly, where I live there is a severe shortage of the lovely independent shops that I can while away a few hours in, instead my town centre is full of the standard high street stores, which do have their benefits but since starting my own business, I have come to realise the importance of shopping small and showing support for independents. So with a lack of choice on my doorstep, this year it’s been great to do much of my shopping online supporting small brands, and I thought that I would share some of the treasures I have found.

Cissy Wears - A new kind of concept store and a haven of beautiful design led products for the modern family.  I purchased a Bobo choses dress, harem pants and coffee scoop and bag closer.

Sewcial Circle – Part of the Mamahood, Katie is a one-woman band cycling around London teaching sewing, dressmaking and craft to the next generation.She also sells amazing loome tools which I bought for a certain little crafter.

MYcha tea- Matcha is strictly a Japanese tea. Kelly only imports single origin, organic Japanese matcha. No imitations. MYcha matcha contains no additives, fillers or artificial sweeteners that can be found in other high street matcha products. Super healthy, premium Japanese matcha green tea - it really is that simple. My husband is a huge fan of Matcha so this will be in his stocking! Kelly can also be found on the Mamahood.

South Hammam – sells premium quality 100% cotton Hammam towels which are lightweight, compact, super absorbent and quick drying.

They are made by a small family run business in Turkey, the yarn is OEKO-TEX certified, they are ethically made and

eco friendly, these towels are perfect for the beach, swimming, the gym, camping, festivals, water sports, surfing, yoga and more. I have bought a couple as gifts for lovers of travel.

 

Cotton Clara - Cotton Clara is the home of bright and colourful laser cut, embroidered products and DIY kits. Designed to bring colour, fun and a handcrafted touch to both grown up and children's spaces. Products range from simple DIY embroidery kits to laser cut cake toppers. I couldn’t resist one of her colourful pendants.

 

Mabli - Cotton Knee-High Socks, which take inspiration from the beautiful designs and patterns of Welsh Tapestry blankets.

Socks are Made in Wales, and their garments across Europe. They ensure that all the manufacturers and suppliers they work with have ethical working practices, and a use high quality materials and manufacturing processes.

The happy self journal - a daily journal for children aged 6 to 12, based on scientifically proven methods that promote happiness, develop healthy habits for life and nurture enquiring minds.

Beautifully illustrated and easy to use, with just a few minutes focus each day, children benefit by being encouraged to express gratitude, reflect on their emotions and think about their actions. I think my daughters will love this.

Be Lifestyle Boutique - This is an absolute gem of a shop, Babs sources the most beautiful sustainable and ethical gifts. From jewelery to scarves, candles to purses, it really is my absolute favourite shop. I regularly purchase gifts from here, most recently a stunning danish lamp for someone special. I also have my eye on a lovely handmade moroccon clutch bag!

 

I hope that this has given you some food for thought, I would love to know of any other smasfll brands or independent shops that you love so please do let me know. Oh, and before I go, I just want to share a couple of Christmas gift guides that I'm delighted to say Gooseberry Fool has been featured in! One is the ethical Christmas gift guide published in Luna Magazine, which has some great ideas for ethical and sustainable gifts. The other is Betty Magazine which has amazing gift ideas for everyone in the family, do go and check them out.

Thanks for reading and I hope that in this busy festive time you manage to find some time to have a moment of quiet and reflection.

Warmest wishes,

Rachel

xx