Completed Works
I've had my beady magpie eye on these Scrunch Recycled Gold Vermeil Earrings (£350) for quite some time now. I love how playfully sculptural they are – the perfect touch of gold for Christmas, and an absolute standout present for anyone who likes jewellery but prefers their stuff that glisters to come on the cooler side.
Mabli
Cardiff-based knitwear brand Mabli is the brainchild of Lisa Roberts, and if you’re looking for cosy Welsh blankets or handknits that are anything but run of the mill, this is surely the place. We especially like the Curiosities Pullover - Deep Sea Multi (£195) for a transcendently. cool twist on a Christmas jumper – it’s one we’d wear all winter long.
Kettle’s Yard Shop
Oh how we love a good museum shop! Oh how we love Kettle’s Yard! As they go, after much research we think Kettle’s Yard’s is amongst the best. Should Kit Wood’s Wrist Warmers (£30) end up under our tree, we would be delighted – and if not, then we shall selflessly gift them unto others.
Atwin Store
The Norwich-based Atwin Store is a veritable repository of beautiful things, whether you’re on the hunt for Toast-style clothes or homeware. We love this Orange Stripe Linen Wall Hanging by Slow Progress (£60) – the perfect handmade present for an artsy loved one.
Projektityyny
If you prefer your furnishing on the soft, block-printed and frilled side, then Projektityyny is ripe for the mining. We’ve zeroed on in this PT x NbW Jester Harlequin Piped Pyjama (£68) for the little ones on our list.
Sideline
Lewes-based Sideline captures something of the fiercely independent spirit of the town it was born in. We think that the extra large Bobby Scarf Fire (£80) would make a very fine present indeed – not least for wearing at the town’s famous bonfire year after year.
The Small Home
The Small Home is a treasure trove of lovely things for the house, with an onus on the handmade and the pleasingly imperfect. We have our eye on this Handmade Painted Squares Vase in Rose (£65), which would look just as lovely filled with flowers as it would sitting empty on a mantelpiece.
Wilder Botanics
For the person who takes bath time seriously, Wilder Botanics is a lovely discovery. With its focus on plant-based ingredients and the restorative powers of a good soak, it's just the place to look for a little indulgence. The Healing Spirit Soak (£44) would make a good present for someone in need of a bit of peace and quiet. That’ll be all of us, then.
Birdie Fortescue
For anyone with a weakness for colour and pattern, Birdie Fortescue’s oeuvre is dizzyingly tempting. We're particularly taken with this Coloured Wall Light in Red (£75), whose glossy finish and brass detailing would bring a lovely splash of colour to a bedroom or sitting room. A wonderful present for the colourful people in your life.
Giannina Capitani
For arrestingly lovely knitwear, Giannina Capitani is a must-know label. Her playful designs are brilliantly punchy on the colour and pattern front, and we're particularly taken with this Blockprint Tartan Vest in Chocolate. Just the thing to layer over a crisp shirt or wear beneath a jacket. We love.
Independent Brands
Where can I find independent brands for Christmas gifts?
There are plenty of wonderful independent brands to discover online. For beautiful knitwear, try Mabli or Sideline; for unusual homewares, look to The Small Home and Atwin Store; and for something rather special in the jewellery department, Completedworks is well worth exploring.
What are the best independent British brands for Christmas presents?
Some of our favourites include Cardiff-based Mabli, Lewes-based Sideline and Norwich's Atwin Store. Each offers something a little different from the high street, with distinctive designs and a strong sense of individuality.
Where can I buy unusual Christmas gifts?
Independent boutiques and museum shops are excellent places to start. Kettle's Yard Shop has a particularly lovely selection of gifts, while Projektityyny is worth investigating for colourful textiles and accessories.
What are some affordable gifts from independent shops?
Beautiful presents needn't cost a fortune. Kit Wood's Wrist Warmers from Kettle's Yard cost £30, while Atwin Store's linen wall hanging (£60) and The Small Home's hand-painted vase (£65) are lovely options for those looking to spend a little more.
Why shop with independent brands at Christmas?
As well as supporting smaller businesses, shopping independently is a wonderful way to discover original designs, thoughtful craftsmanship and presents that feel a little more personal. And there's something particularly satisfying about giving a gift that its recipient is unlikely to have spotted everywhere else.
