Unique, handmade, and created with real care. That’s the essence of what many small, independent shops can deliver where big retailers can’t match – and this gift guide is a celebration of that.
We know there’s thousands of worthy businesses out there but here’s just a small handpicked selection to give you some inspiration. Whether you’re looking for classic candles, beautiful hampers, sustainable skincare, or slow fashion, our gift guide has you covered.
Christmas gift guide – celebrating small businesses
Looking for a stocking filler or a treat for yourself?
At Simply Business we not only insure small businesses across the country, it’s our mission to celebrate independent shops, creative makers, and artists. That’s why we asked our staff to help pick a few of their favourite small shops to feature in this guide.
Coconut Palm – sustainable accessories
Coconut Palm was founded by Georgia with support from The King’s Trust. Her handmade pieces are unique, using brightly coloured upcycled fabrics from existing discarded clothing. It’s her mission to help reduce waste and celebrate her family’s sewing tradition and Caribbean heritage.
Her range of sustainable keyrings, pouches, and scrunchies could be excellent stocking fillers.
Mama Chen’s – chilli oil and dumplings
Mama Chen’s creates wonderful chilli oils and runs traditional Chinese dumpling classes, which could make great gifts for foodies.
Inspired by her Grandma Chen, Michelle started the business in 2021 and now offers workshops around London as well as event catering. You can also buy the chilli oils (traditionally made with shrimp) as well as vegan and gluten-free options in a range of spice levels.
Yendra Beauty – skincare for fitness fans
Yendra Beauty offers skincare products that protect and restore skin for people into regular sports and exercise, from swimming and running to cycling and going to the gym.
Paasha, founder and CEO, started the brand after struggling with chlorine-induced eczema as a result of her competitive swimming. Products are dermatologist-recognised and have been endorsed by elite athletes, including Team GB diver Kyle Kothari and British Bulgarian swimmer Kameliya Stoimenova.
Dark Sugars – handcrafted chocolates
Dark Sugars is a handcrafted chocolate business founded by Nyanga, an African woman who wanted to share the story of cocoa.
Her small business began in London’s Spitalfields Market and has now expanded to be available at several locations across the capital. She spent years researching cocoa on her family’s farm in Ghana and is now located in East London.
Truffles, florentines, hot chocolate plus gift boxes and gift cards are all available from its online shop.
Lush Designs – homeware and pets
Lush Designs is run by two female founders who studied painting and printmaking at Maidstone Art College – and a love of animals inspires their designs.
Their range of home decor, lighting, pet accessories, and kitchenware feature their original prints and designs. There’s even a jigsaw puzzle, which could make an excellent gift for a cosy Christmas.
MamGu Welshcakes – traditional handmade Welsh cakes
MamGu Welshcakes is a small business with an online shop as well as cosy cafés and a bakery you can visit in Pembrokeshire, Wales.
They offer beautifully packaged gifts including Welsh afternoon tea and Welsh cakes in every form, from gingerbread people to mince pies. You can also find vegan Welsh cakes and ones infused with Barti spiced rum.
Aquila Jewellery – handmade jewellery
Aquila Jewellery is an independent jewellery shop based in the heart of Brighton’s Lanes, and their products are unique and made to last.
They use recycled gold and silver to make mixed metal pieces in collaboration with silversmiths and goldsmiths in Thailand and Indonesia.
Celia Birchall – slow fashion
Celia Birchall is a slow fashion brand based in the Cotswolds. It specialises in menswear and womenswear designs as well as bridal commissions – and every piece is made to order or bespoke.
Using materials such as British wool and Irish linen, this maker is focused on creating sustainable fashion pieces that last.
Delhicious – beauty and skincare products
Founder Zara created Delhicious, a natural skincare business that started out in the kitchen at home, and is now stocked in several high street retailers.
Her products focus on Ayurvedic skincare and are dermatologically approved and clinically tested.
They started their business with young babies to care for and have faced setbacks including a recent robbery, but they’re focused on making a difference with beautiful products that represent their culture.
Whist – essential oil candles
Whist is an essential oil candle business founded by Kerry. She works with a UK potter to create ceramic refillable candles and wax melt warmers as well as handmade soy candles.
She decided to pursue her candle business full-time amidst the grief that came from losing her husband earlier this year, and has been open about the challenges. But she’s passionate about creating moments of calm with her scented candle range.
Slaouts Ceramics – handmade crafts
Handmade in Manchester, Slaouts Ceramics is run by a young entrepreneur who quit her brand and marketing job to become a full-time ceramic artist.
Founder Hannah Slaouti creates these beautiful pieces with an aim to “bridge the gap between handmade crafts and design-led interiors, offering tactile, sculptural pieces that bring depth and individuality to the home.”
Seed and Paper – handmade plantable stationery
Seed and Paper is a sustainable stationery business that creates 100 per cent compostable greetings cards and plantable seed paper.
Founded by Victoria, a retail merchandiser and amateur artist, and Rob a graphic designer, they’ve expanded from plantable cards to a full range of eco-friendly stationery. Their plantable wrapping paper, recycled ribbon, and paper tape could make a great choice to wrap up your gifts this year too.
Seka Candles – soy candles
Seka Candles is a handmade soy candle business with a focus on sustainability and wellness. Her candles include hand-poured aromatherapy candles and sculptural body candles.
Founder Noku created the brand in the midst of the Covid lockdown and her products have since been featured in Stylist magazine. The brand name ‘Seka’ translates to ‘laugh/smile’ from the Shona language in Zimbabwe.
Partner in Wine – insulated wine tumblers
Partner in Wine is a small business that was also born in lockdown when founder Lucy wanted to enjoy a cold glass of wine at a socially-distanced picnic.
Her insulated wine tumbler and wine bottle range was born and she now offers wine journals, picnic blankets, and even organises ‘wine walks’ for people in London to meet up.
Off the Cut Studios – handmade rugs
Based out of her parents’ spare room, Beth sells handmade rugs and wall art with plans to branch out into creating mini rug-making kits for home use.
Based in Greater Manchester, Off the Cut Studios also takes custom orders, from key rings to rugs. She was also one of the winners of the Simply Business Young Entrepreneur Fund.
Gift cards
Lots of businesses will offer gift cards too, so if you’re not sure what to get then a gift card can be a fantastic way to help support a small business.
Guides for small businesses
- ‘How I make £800 a year selling on Vinted’
- How to set up an online shop
- 10 of the young business owners to watch
- Small business funding and investment: how to grow your business
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