10 Brilliant Gift Ideas from Independent Businesses
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Looking for a gift that's a little different from the usual high street suspects? I've rounded up 10 brilliant gift ideas from independent businesses, with something for just about everyone.
There are gifts for wildlife lovers, stylish women, little girls, AGA owners, stationery fans and those people who really just need a good night's sleep. I've also included a few favourites from Eclectic Gift Store because, well, it would be a little odd if I didn't.
These are all products and businesses I genuinely love, including things I own myself and gifts I'd be very happy to give or receive. So, if you're looking for a thoughtful gift with a bit more personality, here are my picks.
1. Tropical Flamingo Tea Towel Bundle from Eclectic Gift Store
I'm starting with one of my own, but I make absolutely no apology for putting the flamingos at number one.
The Tropical Flamingo Tea Towel Bundle brings together three of my flamingo designs in one colourful gift set. They're made in the UK from heavyweight organic cotton and are far too lovely to be hidden away in a drawer.
It's a great gift for anyone who loves colourful kitchens, tropical interiors, flamingos or simply something a little more interesting than another bunch of flowers. They're practical too, which means you can technically claim this is a sensible present.
2. Batwing Fine Knit Jumper from Be You Lifestyle Boutique
This recommendation comes with personal experience because I own several of these jumpers myself.
The Batwing Slash Neck Fine Knit Jumper from Be You Lifestyle Boutique is one of those wonderfully easy pieces that you can throw on with jeans or trousers and immediately look as though you've made an effort.
The relaxed batwing shape, slash neck and fitted sleeves make it flattering without being fussy, and it comes in a huge choice of colours. The one-size design is intended to fit up to a UK size 20.
A lovely gift for a mum, sister, daughter or friend, although there's a reasonable chance you'll end up ordering one for yourself too.
3. Handmade Spinner Ring from LaVidaLoca Jewellery
If you're looking for a more special gift, a handmade spinner ring from LaVidaLoca Jewellery is well worth a look.
These tactile sterling silver rings feature moving bands that spin around the main ring. Each has its own character, with different textures and details to choose from, making them a beautiful alternative to mass-produced jewellery.
This is the sort of present that feels properly personal and can be worn for years, making it a lovely choice for a special gift, anniversary or milestone gift.
4. Curious Ceramic Fox from Sarah Brabbin Art
Now this little chap is rather special.
The Curious Ceramic Fox from Sarah Brabbin Art is individually sculpted by hand from stoneware clay, so no two foxes are exactly the same.
He's small enough to sit happily on a shelf, desk or mantelpiece but has bags of character. Each sculpture is made individually rather than from a mould and arrives beautifully packaged.
A gorgeous gift for a fox lover, wildlife enthusiast or anyone who appreciates handmade British art and objects that are just that little bit different.
5. Fox Chef's Pads for the AGA Owner
What do you buy someone who has an AGA and seemingly already owns everything? Foxes for their hotplate lids, obviously.
Our Fox Chef's Pads for AGA are one of Eclectic Gift Store's bestselling designs and come as a coordinating pair.
Chef's Pads sit on top of closed hotplate lids, helping protect the enamel while adding some personality to the kitchen. The fox design makes these particularly lovely for anyone who loves British wildlife or country-inspired interiors.
If you're searching for an unusual gift for an AGA owner, this is one they'll actually use rather than politely thanking you for before wondering where on earth to put it.
6. Handmade Chocolate Bunny from The Edible Museum
Chocolate as a gift is hardly revolutionary. A hand-painted chocolate bunny that looks almost too beautiful to eat is another matter entirely.
The Chocolate Bunny from The Edible Museum is handmade and hand-painted using milk and white chocolate.
It's a fabulous choice for a chocolate lover when you want something more memorable than the standard box of chocolates. And despite the bunny shape, this isn't just an spring gift. I think it would make a wonderfully unexpected treat at any time of year.
7. Camille French Beret from Rubina Millinery
For the stylish person on your list, how about something considerably more glamorous than another pair of slippers?
The Camille Black French Beret from Rubina Millinery is a beautifully made take on the classic French beret and comes in different styles, including options with a birdcage veil or removable pompom.
It's chic, timeless and just unusual enough to feel like a really special present. A lovely choice for someone who enjoys fashion and accessories and isn't afraid of a little Parisian flair.
8. Lavender & Chamomile Aromatherapy Sleep Stones
Sometimes the best present isn't another thing to find space for. It's an excuse to switch off.
Our Lavender & Chamomile Aromatherapy Sleep Stones make a thoughtful relaxation gift for anyone who could do with a calmer bedtime routine.
The porous stones gently diffuse the included blend of lavender and chamomile essential oils without needing electricity, flames or water. Simply add a few drops of oil to the stones and leave them beside the bed.
They're a lovely gift for a busy mum, stressed friend, frequent traveller or anyone who would appreciate being given permission to do absolutely nothing for a while.
9. Chunky Glitter Hair Bows from Maggie Moo
We haven't forgotten the little people.
These Purple Chunky Glitter Hair Bows from Maggie Moo are a fun little gift for girls who firmly believe there's no such thing as too much sparkle.
The chunky glitter makes them feel extra special and they're ideal as a small birthday gift, stocking filler or just-because treat.
They're also proof that a lovely gift from an independent business doesn't need to cost a fortune.
10. A5 Agenda Organiser from Papers & Gems
And finally, one for the list makers, stationery lovers and those of us who remain convinced that buying a new organiser will somehow transform us into exceptionally organised human beings.
The A5 Agenda Organiser from Papers & Gems has a smart faux-leather finish, gold ring mechanism, internal pockets and a pen loop, with a choice of colours available.
It's a stylish gift for someone who still prefers putting pen to paper, whether they use it for planning work, organising family life, journalling or making endless lists of things they really must remember to do.
Why Shop with Independent Businesses?
One of the nicest things about shopping with independent businesses is finding products that don't feel as though you've seen them everywhere already.
Many independent brands design, make or carefully choose their ranges themselves. You're much more likely to discover unusual gifts, handmade pieces and products with a genuine story behind them.
And while I've obviously sneaked a few Eclectic Gift Store favourites into this guide, every business featured here is one I'm genuinely happy to recommend.
Hopefully you've found something for one of the difficult-to-buy-for people on your list. Or, quite possibly, something you'd rather keep for yourself. I won't tell.