There’s no better time to support small businesses than at Christmas. And Christmas is fast approaching, my friends! I say that optimistically, because *insert cliché about 2020 here* and I cannot wait for some Christmas cheer.
This Christmas is going to be extra special for me. If you’ve been following my stories on Instagram, you’ll know that I’ve just started renting my first flat all to myself! And you know what that means: I have a whole flat to decorate!
So now we get to the small business part. I’m currently in the process of de-Amazoning my blog and my home. Let’s be honest, Jeff Bezos does not need any more of our money. I’ve decided that my time and money are better spent supporting small and local businesses.
Here are some of my favourite small businesses that I’m supporting as I get into the Christmas spirit!
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links and, at no extra cost to you, I receive a small commission if you make a purchase via these links. For more information, visit my disclosure page.
Pictured above left (from top to bottom): Seasonal flower wreath by the Wallflower Fox; concrete snowflake tealight holder by Concrete Goods; gift tags by Colourshot Cards; candle by Home Jewels Co.; botanical bauble by Goldfinch Florals; rustic Christmas wrapping kit by Wrapped Kits.
They’re more sustainable. Small businesses are less likely than massive franchises to create surplus stock that will go to waste.
They’re more unique. Small businesses make less stock than large franchises, so the products are more unique, especially if they are customised or individually handmade.
They’re more eco-friendly. Shopping from a local small business reduces your carbon footprint because products are less likely to be flown across the globe.
They’re more ethical. Small business owners are likely to be charging what their staff’s time and materials are actually worth.
They’re somebody’s baby. Yes, it’s cheesy, but shopping from a small business means that you’re supporting somebody’s dream!
I love tactile designs and anything textured that I can touch. Afrotouch Design are perfect for this because their cards are made with printed, cut-out material. They have loads of Christmas designs, including a gorgeous, prancing reindeer!
Bonita Ivie Prints sell a big range of stationery and homeware, and they are one of my go-tos for cards. Lots of their prints are colourful and vibrant, but the Christmas selection is more minimalist and delicate, which I also love.
I recently discovered Chloe through Instagram, and I’m in love with her prints. I’ve bought a set, but I’m tempted to keep them to put on display! They’re that beautiful.
Another small business discovery through a friend on Instagram. Evie has an Etsy print shop, and she’s created a beautiful polar bear Christmas card. The navy and gold design gives me warm, Christmassy starry night vibes.
If it’s slogan cards that you’re after, Hood Greetings have a great selection. They have one card that reads “‘Tis the season to force awkward small talk with distant family”… Who else can relate? *grins nervously*
I buy a lot of my birthday cards from Kitsch Noir, so I’m really glad that they’re doing Christmas cards too! I am definitely that person that sends her friends Christmas cards with a unicorn on, and Kitsch Noir is helping me fulfil that dream.
I love making an effort to ensure that all my presents look pretty when wrapped. If you don’t happen to have a eucalyptus clipping to hand (which I definitely don’t), the Busy Butterfly sell reusable felt plant clippings to decorate your presents with.
As well as gorgeous cards, Colourshot make some really pretty gift tags. My favourites are the ones made from cut-out material. Each one is unique, and I’m a sucker for anything textured and tactile!
Another of my Etsy discoveries! Type by Alice is a print shop, and they have some amazing Christmas products. They do beautifully intricate gift tags in the shape of Christmas baubles to take gifting to the next level.
Wrapped Kits sell, well, wrapping kits, which is a pretty genius idea if you ask me. These kits contain brown paper, ribbon, hessian and little natural touches like pinecones and dried orange slices to fulfil all your rustic wrapping dreams.
There’s something about the minimalism of concrete décor that makes me so happy. How convenient then that I have a very talented friend who owns a small business making concrete homeware! And now she’s released a whole Christmas range too… gahhh my bank account…
Isn’t it magical how a lighting a candle can instantly change the atmosphere of a room? Home Jewels Co. have some gorgeous Christmas scents (hello, gingerbread) that I’m looking forward to lighting.
As a literature graduate, I’m always on the lookout for bookish products. Not only would Literary Lip Balms’ products make great gifts, but they also have a mistletoe- and holly-scented Christmas Carol candle that is perfect for this season.
The Wallflower Fox makes the most amazing flower wreaths! Although I don’t really have a front door that I can hang a wreath on, I want to buy one for inside my house. She’s also made some beautiful baubles this year as well.
I love to bring the outside in all year round, but it’s essential at Christmas! Alongside a little Christmas tree and a wreath, I’ll definitely be investing in a poinsettia for my flat over the Christmas period.
Glass Christmas decorations are so classy! They instantly make Christmas more sophisticated. Goldfinch Florals sells some of the most gorgeous, glass Christmas decorations I’ve ever seen.
This brand is a new discovery of mine. They have gorgeous, little Christmas gift sets available with baubles, candles and dried flowers. I love the daisy bauble in particular (for obvious reasons!).
For beautiful ceramic baubles, look no further than Seasonal Garlands. These pretty baubles are hand-decorated with different coloured ink, including Christmassy greens and reds and gold.
Stag and Bow are a craft store and another new discovery for me. I’ve fallen in love with their adorable, felt decorations! I’m definitely investing in some reindeers and a little Rudolph and maybe some robins too.
You’ve probably seen Berry and Brie all over Instagram because their aesthetic is stunning. They’re doing special Christmas grazing boxes that look incredible. I also appreciate that they share cheese-related tips, like wine or fruit pairings. Everything I know about cheese I learnt from them, and they do vegan options too!
I currently have a monthly vegan brownie box subscription from Madison Cakes. No word of a lie, the day it arrives is the best day of the month every month. They’re doing bespoke orders this Christmas, so hit them up for all your sweet needs!
I feel like people have come to appreciate their local stores more than ever this year. It’s not necessarily more expensive, and, in my experience, food from a small, local store is also more likely to be sustainably packaged. Win, win!
So that’s my 2020 round-up of small businesses that I have bought from or am hoping to buy from this year. I’m looking forward to enjoying this festive season smug in the knowledge that I’m doing a good deed by supporting small businesses.
Which other small businesses should I check out this Christmas? Let me know in the comments below!
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links and, at no extra cost to you, I receive a small commission if you make a purchase via these links. For more information, visit my disclosure page.
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