It’s here – the final payday before FC makes his annual appearance and after this year it’s never been more important to shop small.
Black Friday - Cyber Monday will be tempting, and there will be some cracking offers available in some places, but we absolutely cannot forget that many small business just don’t have the margins to compete with the big discounts or the immediate shipping. And it’s because they are already awesome and provide a fantastic, beautifully personal shopping experience and their products are truly special and unique.
In a normal year this time of year is key for many. It can be make or break. And this isn’t a normal year.
So, this post is dedicated to sign-posting you towards some of the best that I know of.
It’s not exhaustive but there’s a range of online marketplaces, Bricks and Mortar shops that have got a brilliant online presence, to larger Independent brands and the small one-person bands that are the lifeblood of our creative industries and country’s economy. And don’t forget, it’s not all about product – many places will do vouchers for experiences, kits, courses – and they all make brilliant gifts as well.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE SHOP SMALL. SHOP CAREFULLY. SHOP WISELY. SHOP WITH A CONSCIENCE. AND YOU WILL NOT ONLY BE SUPPORTING A BUSINESS WHO NEEDS IT BUT WILL ALSO BE GETTING UNBEATABLE GIFTS.
ONLINE MARKETS
Crafty Fox - 5th December www.craftyfoxmarket.co.uk (they’re hoping to do an in-person one in London too, information on the website).
Fabulous Places Market – 5th & 6th December (with a ticketed preview on Friday 4th for a bargain £2.50!) www.fabulousplaces.co.uk
Urban Makers - Weekly markets in Spitalfields, plus seasonal events, an online marketplace and bricks & mortar shop too! www.urbanmakers.co.uk
Pedddle is working with a few places to publicise virtual markets so it’s worth a peek www.pedddle.com/markets
LOCAL BUSINESSES
So I can’t list all the ones local to you but have you found your local bookshop, coffee shop, beauticians, artists, ceramicists…..? I bet you’ve got some if you did a quick google! And I bet they do vouchers, or experience packages for a treat in the New Year.
AWESOME ONLINE SMALL BUSINESSES
The Print Lass - Beautiful prints www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ThePrintLass
RW Pattern – Gorgeous cards, Home accessories, Clothing and quite a bit more! https://www.rachelwatsonpattern.com/sign-and-stamp-cards
Emily Brooks – Prints, Stationery, Gifts https://emilybrooks.uk/
Happy Go Lucky – Fun and colourful illustrated paper based products and gifts https://www.wearehappygolucky.co.uk
The Pigeon’s Nest – Handmade Textile art to hang, wear or cuddle https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ThePigeonsNestUK
The Happy Blossoms – Artisan Florist and dried flower lifestyle shop www.thehappyblossoms.com
Dotty Black – Gifts for Cool Kids (and their cool parents) – www.etsy.com/uk/shop/dottyblack
The Fibre Fox – Hand dyed yarns, knitting notions and sewing accessories. www.thefibrefox.co.uk
Nurture and Cheer – Positive handwritten products to make people smile www.nurtureandcheer.com
The Happy News – Subscription newspaper and gifts to share positive news and wonderful people www.thehappynewspaper.com
Gartur Stitch Farm – Farm made goods, kits and courses for making more at home www.garturstitch.com
STATIONERY:
Pretty Post – Contemporary stationery heaven https://www.prettypost.co.uk/
Nikki’s Supply Store – Cute Stationery, planners and accessories www.nikkissupplystore.com
The Completist – Striking abstract artwork on stationery and gifts https://the-completist.com/
Also, don't forget about little 'ole me! Shop Holchester Designs
CLOTHING:
Mutha Hood – Home to the Strong Girls and the Brave Boys Clubs, with clothing and toys www.muthahoodgoods.com
Kemi Telford – Gorgeous patterned clothing made with workers standards and the environment in mind. I’ve got a skirt that I just adore and it’s quality is second to none. www.kemitelford.com
Hello Dodo – Colourful Pun-loving indie business producing ethical unisex clothing for adults and kids. www.hello-dodo.com
INDEPENDENT’S ONLINE
Berylune, Leamington Spa – Mixture of gifts, modern craft supplies and homewares. All of which are beautiful https://www.berylune.co.uk/
Pencil Me In, Elgin - Stationery (and stationery gifts) Shop dedicated to celebrating the best designers, illustrators and makers. https://pencilmeinshop.co.uk/
Handmade Design, Ashbourne (Derbyshire) - Handmade gifts designed and made by makers from all over the Midlands, with a few carefully selected gifts from across the UK too. https://handmadedesignashbourne.co.uk/
Babipur, Porthmadog – Ethical shopping for kids (and adults) with a great range of wooden toys, eco-living products and organic clothing. www.babipur.co.uk
