AD – this blog post features press samples – all views are my own
When you shop small at Christmas, not only are you getting a top quality, not-on-the-high-street product, but you are also helping a small biz owner to put dinner on the table on December 25.
Equally, when you spend your pennies at an independent retailer, more of the money circulates back into the local economy.
I’ve put together a little gift guide featuring businesses in Staffordshire – some I shop at regularly, and others I’m still pining at over Instagram (secretly hoping someone will buy it for me!)
Sparrowhawk Vintage
Hands down my favourite vintage store, stocking a huge range of funky fashion finds, homewear and gifts. There is something for every, but you’ll be spoilt for choice for the spooky witches, yoga-lovers, crystal collectors and eco-warriors.
My top three picks:
A rare piece of vintage fashion that not one single other person will find under the tree
A quirky mug filled with festive fragrance – cinnamon incense sticks or ginger essential oil
A hamper of goodies, like handmade chokers, sterling silver earrings, candles and crystals
You will find some truly unique and unusual gifts at Sparrowhawk. Whilst they don’t have an online site, you can message Rhi on Instagram to order!
Ivy and Ginger
I am obsessed with statement earrings and love to jazz up an outfit with them. Ivy and Ginger create beautiful hand painted pairs, which means each set is different. I have a pair of the leopard print dangle earrings, which I wear with almost everything!
There are so many unique shapes, sizes and patterns that you won’t find anywhere else. You can go subtle and square, or bold and bright – but these abstract beauties will be sure to catch a complement or two.
My top three picks:
Large Size Yellow and Pink Hand Painted Wooden Handmade Stud Earrings – £3.50
Leopard Print Red And Yellow Circle And Hexagon Wooden Dangle Earrings Stud Hand painted – £5.50
Pink Floral Print Wooden Dangle Earrings Stud Hand painted – £5.50
These can be bought from their Etsy page, and include a £1.50 delivery charge, so make an awesome stocking filler or to fill that ‘something missing’.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3pKwAyn4jP/
Charms and Chains
This little store was formerly in the city centre, but took the plunge and went online only last year. It’s changed a lot over the years, from selling fashion and jewellery, to heading more towards homewear and personalised gifts.
I’ve always shopped here for those extra special touches, like a personalised acrylic heart for my aunty’s new-born baby, and tiny personalised bracelets for my friends at graduation.
Rox stocks some super cute pieces that would be difficult not to keep for yourself. Most recently, she’s started to put together little boxes filled with goodies. If anyone’s stuck for what to buy me – I’ll take a tea and biscuits box please.
My top three picks:
Christmas I Only Do Mornings on December 25th Deluxe Tea & Biscuits Gift Box – £13.00
Eco Friendly Gift Box with String Shopper Bag – £15.00
Mini Leopard Print Planter – £5.00
Check out their online site to buy your goodies – or their Instagram to see cute pics of Winston the pug.
Brimstone
Brimstone hats are made for city people. They’re for the gig-goers, whiskey-drinkers and leather-wearers. They’re stylish and a little androgynous, with a bit of a Bowie vibe going on.
They’re certainly on the more luxe end of the Christmas gift spectrum, but worth every penny. If you know someone who doesn’t leave the house without a hat on their head, then a Brimstone gift will be very special.
The hand finished felt hats are like nothing else on the market, and will be sure to put a smile on someone’s face on December 25.
My top three picks:
Sophie has some really exciting creations in the pipeline, and Brimstone is certainly a brand to watch out for in the future.
Castle in the Stars
Leanne is the gal of all trades, and took her graphic design skills and turned them into nail artistry. Some of you may have already heard me rave about this talented artist in my posts about my nails. That’s right, Castle in the Stars is owned by the same boss babe at Bear Paws.
I picked up my first print at an Eat The Disco event – one full of cute handdrawn plants. Each time I get my nails done I love to have a nosey at the range of prints, stationery and gifts. I particularly love the Self Love Club mugs and Christmas baubles.
There are some very Instagrammable bits that I think would look awesome in flatlays!
My top three picks
A5 Weekly Planner desk pad – £6.50
Sassy Since Birth tee – £20.00
Prints start at £2.50, and you can even get some of them personalsed! Get your orders in quick though!
Scruffy Little Herbert
Remember that Body Posi mug I posted about a few months ago? Well that’s not the only awesome thing that Esme creates.
Being from THE Potteries, there’s something about buying great quality ceramics that I love.
From oatcakes to potbanks – there’s a little bit of Staffordshire in each creation. There are even some cute little Christmas decorations starting for £4 that make gorgeous stocking fillers.
My top three picks
Body Positive Willow Mug – £15.00
Oatcake Division tshirt – £15.00
F**K Diet Culture pocket mirror – £4.50
If you’re a Stokie, you’ll definitely find something for your fellow oatcake lover or plate turner.
Indigo Storm Illustrations
Storm recently sent me some amazing quality prints from her newly launched business – Indigo Storm.
She very kindly gifted me three A6 prints, an A5 and and A4. There are currently 10 designs on her Etsy page, but if you see a print you love on the ‘gram then you can still order!
I absolutely love the Leopard Print Lightening Bolt print, and mine is in red and pink – the same colours as my office. Indigo Storm is still in its infancy, and I can’t wait to see the business grow and create more beautiful designs.
My top three picks
Leopard Lightening Bolt – £8.00
She’s Electric Lightening Bolt – £8.00
Rhubarb and Custard initial print – £8.00
These designs are right up my street and I can already envisage Storm’s future work – she’s definitely one to watch in 2020.
Realm Designs
I followed this quirky crochet brand long before I even realised they were from Staffordshire! I love their vibrant colour choices, fun and imaginative designs and dedication to sustainability.
I’m yet to own a pair of their pretty earrings but certainly had my eye on a few. There are even a few cool pieces over on their Depop.
Each new creation is super cute and perfect for that festival lover in your life – maybe I’ll treat myself to a pair for Tramlines in the summer.
My top three picks
Classic custom colour crocheted flower earrings – £8.00
Pink and red crocheted mittens – £22.00
Feeling festive? Why not pick up a pair of Christmas pudding or bauble earrings!
Niyama Wellness
The lovely ladies at Niyama create their own beauiful Yoga balms for a whole host of different things. They also stock products from like-minded independents who compliment their brand.
I recently tried out their Saucha Beauty Box, which you can read about here.
I adore the products in the box, and have even picked the Aster and Bay Cleansing Oil that comes in it as one of my top three picks!
My top three picks
Aster and Bay Cleansing Oil – £28.00
Happi Empire Affirmation Creator Action Pad – £8.00
Niyama Wellness Heart Healing Kit – £15.00
These are ideal for the people in your life who love mindfullness or yoga!
https://www.instagram.com/p/B1BVWJRh-Zg/
These are some absolutely gorgeous gift ideas! I love that hat, it is stunning.
Hope you have a fantastic Christmas girl xx
http://hannahsplace.me.uk/