When it comes to buying Christmas presents on the high street, I nearly always have that fear of "what if they already have this?" Chances are they've already seen it anyway while shopping themselves. Our high streets are filled up with the same shops up and down the Uk and all around the world. They're the frontline of money making machines who turn out thousands of the same item. Now don't get me wrong, I love shopping on the high street but when it comes to presents, independent shops are amazing. So if you've still got shopping to do or fancy something for yourself think about going independent. Not only can you find things you and your loved ones have never seen before but you can find work from some of the most talented people out there, people who put time and effort into every piece they sell. This year some of my favourite gifts I've bought are from independent shops, I'm so excited for my friends and family to open their gifts and see something they've never seen before.
With my very limited digital collage skills, I have put together my own personal guide for girls featuring some of my favourite independent sellers and items.
The perfect Christmas dress can be found at There's Only One Amy Laws. All handmade with beautiful hand printed designs, these dresses stand out in a subtle and elegant way.
Last Christmas postage date is 19th December and made to measure orders must be made by the 12th December.
Bondi Forest is the creation of Lee May Foster-Wilson who makes magical creations like no other I've seen. On the website you can find all sorts of amazing handmade items from jewellery, clothing and scarves to prints and cards.
I've been a fan of Little Pip Designs for a long time now and I love the little birdies that Sarah makes out of scraps of fabric in her studio in Devon. The last uk postage date for Little Pip Designs is the 17th December.
Hand Painted Cats In Stockings Broochs £10 (here)
British illustrator Emma Carlisle makes amazing hand painted wooden brooches, necklaces, greetings cards and much more. I fell in love with the faces on Emma's little characters when I found her on Instagram earlier this year. There's just something so cheeky but innocent about them that I love. As well as Christmas brooches Emma has created lovely Christmas cards too.
Last christmas postage date for the Uk is the 17th December.
Christmas Cracker £10 (here), Liberace Heart Clips £15 each (here), Rococo Crown in Berry £40 (here), Gold Elbie Crown £35 (here)
For all hair accessory lovers I give you Crown and Glory. Based in Cornwall, the very clever and always inventive Sophie never fails to amaze me with her new creations. For a few months I have been signed up to the Glitterati Club - a monthly subscription to C&G. Over those few months I've built up a good collection of pretty crowns and glittery accessories. Sophie has something for every budget and style. The Christmas Crackers are a fantastic surprise!
Last uk postage date for Crown and Glory is the 15th of December.
You're My Favourite Keyring £9 (here), Christmas Tree Brooch £7 (here), Banner Necklaces £15 (here), DIY Kitties Garland Kit £4 (here)
Many an hour I've spent looking at all be pretty things that Zoe has made for her shop Ladybirdlikes. Here are a few of my favourite things available at the moment. The postie delivered a lovely parcel from Ladybirdlikes only yesterday morning with presents for friends and this DIY kitties garland for me!
Pizza is my Boyfriend £19 (here)
Based in Stockton-on-Tees Thimble & Bobbin is the creation of Lauren Crawford. Every time I see a new creation I want to get the old hoop and threads out! Sadly all the Christmas hoops have been sold but there's still lots of unique creations in the shop like this quirky design which is currently on sale.
Last Uk postage date is 19th December.
Key To My City Necklace £48 (here), Cat Silhouette Necklace £40 (here), London City Skyline Necklace £58 (here)
To decide what to buy from Mona Mara is never easy! I remember taking ages to decide if I wanted a cat necklace or the London city skyline necklace. Oh decisions! In the end I went for the London city skyline being one of my favourite cities. I'm so happy with my necklace and now have my eye on the key necklaces. A great thing about Mona Mara is that they have a sale full of slight seconds for a lot less than the completely perfect ones.
Last Uk delivery date for Christmas is the 19th December for free delivery or the 23rd for next day delivery.
I hope you enjoyed my independent gift guide, it's really got me into the Christmas spirit.
Emma Xx
Aww so many adorable little things, what a great post!
ReplyDeleteMaeve // Thrift O'Clock
Thank you so much!
DeleteEmma Xx
Everything you pick out is guaranteed to be cute! Everything here is cute cute cute! I love the dresses!
ReplyDeleteHayley | www.hayleyeszti.com
Oh thank you Hayley! I never knew just how girly I am until I started blogging! Yes, those dresses are so perfect, I wish I had one. Maybe for next year.
DeleteEmma Xx
So many lovely things Emma! I have bought most my things from small businesses this year :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Ali! Oh well done you! It's so lovely to support small businesses over some of the greedy big guys!
DeleteEmma Xx