2020. We’re all over it.
Christmas is also going to be really tough for many families and businesses alike. One important thing we can do, where possible, is to buy local presents from local traders and small independents to help secure their future for 2021.
I have used my local traders to come up with a gorgeous gift guide and some will do nationwide delivery. But if you’re not local to the North then I urge you to use these ideas and seek out the independents near you offering the same ideas. I promise there will be loads and it will make Christmas just that little bit more special.
Smells Good
Scent can be one of the best things to gift as most people would never treat themselves to a luxury candle or bath salts.
I’m a Little Candle offers a lovely curated collection of candles or Cedar sell candle-making kits for a bit of DIY scent creating.
SW Botanicals have such a gorgeous collection of diffusers and botanical oils all handmade in Yorkshire.
And local Chorlton favourites Buddha Beauty sell gift vouchers so you can treat that special someone to a massage or facial, as well as selling vegan beauty products for the “at home” spa experience.
2. Tastes Good
You cannot go wrong with food gifts and there are some crackers here. Perhaps my only non northern supplier but someone I’ve followed for years - Honeywell biscuits send biscuit packages through the letterbox so are ideal to reach out to people you might not get to see this year.
All Day Cake sends cake in the post. Actual Cake. Delivered To Your Door. I don’t really have to say anymore. Apart from they are the most beautiful cakes you’ve ever seen.
The Cheese Hamlet in Didsbury ALWAYS has a queue outside but the gorgeous gift hampers are definitely worth queuing for if you have a lover of cheese in your life.
And for beer delivered to your doorstop within a couple of hours always choose Shindigger. They also do nationwide delivery - although you may have to wait a little longer - and I highly recommend getting a selection box as it makes a fab gift.
3. Wears Well
For the girl who loves getting her nails done - So West Didsbury is my favourite salon and you can buy gift vouchers galore to use anytime we’re allowed back in.
Nordic Muse has really lovely classic jewellery items as well as a perfectly curated interiors collection so you won’t go wrong with something from here.
Tattoo lover in your life? They’ll thank you forever for booking them into the best tattoo studio in the North West. This Mortal Coil is owned by a friend so I might be biased but then also the waiting list speaks for itself.
And a new little find for me this week - Jopp Jewllery has some really fun handmade pieces for all the Fashion Queens.
So West Didsbury Nails : Photo by About Today Photography
4.Looks Good
“I hate flowers” - said no-one ever. And they also just aren’t for Christmas but if you can’t reach those people you normally would this year then flowers are the best pick me up. The Flower Lounge do nationwide delivery on dried flowers and also do DIY wreath kits which are great for that someone in your life who likes to be hands on.
Personal prints are also a fail safe present. Lily Curious does fab wedding bouquet and house illustrations which scream newlyweds or the first time home owners you know. Eleck Designs can do any cityscape so why not request a special destination for a loved one?
And for the interior lover - look no further than Rose & Grey but I can’t guarantee you won’t end up buying yourself some bits from there too!
5. Writes Well
For the stationary lover in your life. These 4 suppliers won’t disappoint.
Hello Day Planners are amazing for those with busy schedules, it really is the perfect year planner.
We are Fold are launching a new stationary subscription box which makes a gift go on forever and Idaho stocks all kinds of quirky stationary gifts as well as interior and beauty products too.
And finally Fred Aldous has everything for your crafty little mate, mum, brother or child.
So that’s my list. It’s by no means exhaustive and there are plenty of other fab independent shops, makers, suppliers, crafters and sellers in the world. I hope you all have a fab Christmas and we get to make it extra special this year, just by appreciating the small things.
