I often talk about community, especially over on Instagram and absolutely love sharing other small businesses that I think you’ll like with you.

The wider creative small business community has really strong connections. and within that are smaller communities of like minded people who come together to support and learn from each other.

I’m part of a fabulous community run by Aime Cox, head of website design studio, Studio Cotton. and today I would love to share a few Christmas gift ideas from some of the other fabulous small businesses who are part of this community too.

Skudaboo

Bristol based Skudaboo, sells modern, eclectic and affordable art prints for your home, designed by Katie.

I totally love this print because well……….Tea actually is always a good idea! isn’t it? so a fantastic gift for avid tea drinkers such as myself. Sorry coffee drinkers!……. Just kidding, she does have coffee based prints too if that’s more your thing. Prints come in several sizes from a dainty A5 up to a whopping A1.

Katie from Skudaboo says “Art prints make lovely and thoughtful gifts as they can be so unique and personal. By choosing a print that resonates with the recipient's style, interests, or memories, you're really showing that you know them well and so it will definitely to bring a smile to their face!”

Website - skudaboo.co.uk

Instagram @skudaboo

Imogen Partridge

Imogen uses ink and watercolour to bring places and stories to life, in her beautiful watercolour illustrations. Capturing intricate details on these custom porcelain house portraits.

I love my house, I’m a real homebody, so the idea of having Imogen capture my Victorian cottage is very appealing and is something that would be passed down.

Imogen says “I have tried to create something that would make a lovely personal Christmas gift but also something that can be displayed all year round and treasured for years to come. I really wanted to avoid adding to the disposable nature of some Christmas presents and to create something that will really mean a lot to the recipient.”

Website - imogenpartridge.com

Instagram @imogen.partridge

Wild Rising Skincare

Wild Rising Skincare was born when a natural skincare obsessive grew frustrated by the offerings on the market and made the decision to start making her own products at home that she knew would meet her expectations.

This set is the perfect gift for those friends and family who have enviable manes or who hanker after taming their unruly barnet in to glossy head of hair.

Founder, Danielle says “Give a gift of natural beauty this Christmas and earn massive brownie points for doing so. All wrapped in our signature branded gift box – that’s another Christmas present ticked off the list.”

website wildrisingskincare.com

instagram @wild_rising

Rock and Realm

Rock + Realm is an ethical British High Vibe Lifestyle Shop offering spiritual wellness products to help you find that elusive sense of inner peace and a spiritual balance in your life.

I love this Energy cleanse ritual kit. It makes an ideal gift for someone with a regular yoga and meditation practice. It is sustainably sourced and if you choose the bespoke gift giving service it will come beautifully gift wrapped too.

owner Laura says “It’s tapping into ancient wisdom for our modern woes.

We are all connected: to nature, to each other, to the universe. Gently, and without barriers, Rock + Realm allows you to explore your connection, your spiritual self, your relationship with nature. “

website rockandrealm.com

instagram @rockandrealm

Rock Paper Swan

Illustrator Amy, creates beautiful things to encourage and connect people . Any project that’s about letting someone know they’re not alone is right up her street.

I love this key ring. it’s a brilliant gift for a friend and will serve as a constant reminder to ‘live life to the full’

Amy says “This cute wooden keyring celebrates ‘Life to the full’ with an overflowing cup (cappuccino or hot chocolate, what do you think?)"

Made from responsibly sourced plywood, it makes a sweet gift for a friend or a colourful reminder to brighten up your keys.

website rockpaperswan.com

instagram @rockpaperswan

The Glass Of Joy

The Glass of Joy, create lampwork glass treasures from their Yorkshire studio. Using heat, tools, gravity and a whole load of skill to make stunning glass objects and jewellery.

I’m smitten with these glass spiral hoop earrings. Minimal in design with a splash of colour. A great gift for stylish earring lovers.

Joy says “Glass can be very elegant and sophisticated. It can also be playful. making a perfect treat for you or a gift for someone special.”

website theglassofjoy.com

instagram @theglassofjoy

Eleanor Shadow

Leonor, a self taught fibre artist runs her woolly business from Edinburgh. A strong advocate of handcrafting for mental health, she took her knitting passion to the next level and started creating hand dyed yarn.

I love a good project bag to keep everything in order and I know i’m not alone. this is the perfect gift for crafty friends and family to keep their WIP’s organised. For an extra special gift, fill it with some of Leonor’s hand dyed yarn.

Leonor says “I want your knitting and crochet WIPs to have a safe home as you work on them. I want you to know you’re keeping your future socks or shawls in cute and stylish handmade project bags.”

website eleanorshadow.com

instagram @eleanor.shadow

Jess A Little Creative

Jess A Little Creative - Is based in Cheltenham where owner Jess, creates beautiful greeting cards that help spread love and kindness between people. She was named one of Work For Good 2022 Charity Champions for some of her charity greetings cards.

I’m all in for anything typography related so love these Christmas cards. you can buy bundles and get a mix of designs so that you can match the perfect card to the perfect person.

Jess says “It’s the most wonderful time of the year… to send your friends and family a beautiful Christmas card with a thoughtful handwritten message inside. Christmas is the perfect time to connect with the ones you love the most.

website jessalittlecreative.com

instagram @jessalittlecreative

Community over competition is a mantra to live by. Small businesses are the ones who bring the creativity to retail and strive to give shoppers a wonderful experience. We love to support and shout about each other and to encourage everyone to ditch the big chains to shop with small independent shops and businesses. So If you’ve pledged to shop with more indie brands this Christmas, first of all Thank you so much from the whole of the small biz community, and hopefully I’ve made your gift shopping a little easier this year by introducing you to 8 new small businesses who create gorgeous products with heart and soul

Michaela

- x -