Whilst the big boys of retail certainly deliver the bargains, there is nothing better than supporting small businesses at any time of year and choosing quality over quantity, so I have selected my top 10 goodies from the little(r) guys who are sure to bring smiles on special occasions.

There are squillions of independent boutiques, online stores and artisan creators crying out for our pound. People like you and me who are juggling families and busy lives with producing beautiful, original creations that evoke oodles more happiness than a Primark haul.

Often up to their armchairs in postal tubes and a kitchen table littered with crafts, they have honed their talents and harnessed their skills into a bustling little business in their corner of the web and the only way they can continue to burst forth and bloom is with our support.

Shun the big guns where you can and buy local or buy unique, because creativity makes the world go round and we can all play our part.

Not On The High Street championed these sellers in years gone by, but now that very marketplace has become one of the very retail giants it bucked against. With the explosion of Etsy, any talented man and his dog can build their own empire and we are lapping up the lustre of bespoke.

I hope you like my picks, there are a million more out there, you just have to look that teeny bit harder.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.

A recent discovery, Proper Post have a plethora of cheeky gifts and some ‘sensible’ ones too. Make them smile by giving the gift of writing that keep on giving….

 

 

2.

If art is your thing, look no further than Soo-UK for an inspirational piece for any gifting occasion.

 

3.

If it’s the littles you are buying for, Wonder and Rah will fit the bill, with a rainbow of options for the kids.

 

 

4.

A little piece of personalised goes a long way and JSCharmJewellery hit the right note with their range of pretty and charming makes, available on their Etsy store here 

 

 

5.

It’s all about oragami at the moment for interiors, and who better but Oragamiest to fulfill your decorative desires?

 

 

6.

Rockbox is a brilliant concept in perfectly curated gifting like a Goddess. Post a touch of class through their letterbox and see their eyes shine!

 

7.

For festive decor, Nutmeg is the creative genius behind ideas that stick! All year round interiors and gifts, Nutmeg is the spice of life!

 

 

8.

Southwood Stores has it all when it comes to interior Scandanavian chic, not to mention their own range of empowering supersoft sweaters and attire.

 

Stocking amazing indie brands and championing strength in the sisterhood, this Maven sells success.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.

Prints279’s innovative foil photography make me go weak at the knees as I had, until discovering this gem, almost exhausted the framed photo gift avenue. Now I have an entirely fresh take on it – one that hides the blemishes and immortalises our favourite moments in a rainbow choice of colours. Love love love!

 

10.

Last but not least, for all us cake lovers, I’ve discovered the cake delivery of our dreams! From super cute mini Christmas puds to a variety box of delights delivered direct to your door, look no further than Blackberry Cottage Fayre, who are my new go-to sweet treat store!

Do you buy from independents? Do you like to support small businesses or are you one yourself?