Shopping Independents This Christmas

Shopping with independent businesses this Christmas means giving two gifts with each purchase: one to a loved one, and one to the maker whose work you're supporting. For many small businesses, the festive season is their mainstay, providing essential income to sustain them through the coming year. With that in mind, I’d love to share some incredible independents with you to make your holiday shopping a truly meaningful experience. These makers create with purpose, passion, and a commitment to quality, bringing a bit of their soul to every piece they craft. Here are some wonderful brands whose work I admire—perfect for unique, heartfelt gifts this season.

Gemma Keith Designs

Gemma Keith’s work is vibrant and full of life. After studying at UCA Maidstone and later at University of the Arts London, Chelsea, she found her artistic voice in textiles, channeling her bold, expressive brushstrokes into functional art like scarves and wallpapers. Her creations are energetic, alive with color and movement—a true statement in any home. This Christmas, her beautiful cosmetic bags and totes are on my list for loved ones, each one as unique as the person I’m gifting it to.

Shiv Textiles

If you’re looking to give the gift of creativity, Shiv Textiles offers a beautifully thoughtful option. Based in Brighton, Shiv rescues deadstock yarn—material destined for landfill—and transforms it into sustainable homewares, lifestyle accessories, and weaving kits. Her beginner's weaving kit, priced at just £29.95, is a fantastic introduction to the art of weaving. It’s an affordable yet luxurious experience, perfect for anyone who loves to work with their hands. I’m in awe of how Shiv is “closing the loop” on the fast-fashion industry, proving that waste materials can be given new life with a little imagination and skill.

The Workbench

Katie & Kirstie, the duo behind The Workbench have been Friend's since their university days, they bonded over a love of music and jewellery, eventually co-creating The Workbench—a brand centred around their original wax carving kits. Their stacking ring carving kit is priced at £95 and offers a beautifully hands-on way to create a custom piece of jewellery. As someone who loves the art of jewellery-making, I can’t help but admire how accessible this kit makes it for people to try their hand at wax carving. There’s something truly special about creating something with your own hands, and this kit makes a memorable gift for anyone who appreciates the art of craftsmanship.

KP Studio

There’s something wonderfully ritualistic about making a hot drink, and for me, the right mug makes all the difference. That’s why I love gifting mugs, or even better—attending a pottery workshop to make one for a loved one. Enter KP Studio, an independent pottery and print studio crafting beautiful, durable homeware for the conscious consumer, her gorgous mugs are from £30 and her workshop is £110 for two people.

This Christmas, when you choose to shop small, you're gifting more than just an item or gifting a kit—you’re supporting dreams, creativity, and a more sustainable future. So let’s make this season a celebration of thoughtful choices and purposeful giving, honoring the unique stories behind each piece. Lets step away from Black Froday rush and consciously purchase and gift.

Love and Light

Rebekah Ann