Have Yourself an Indie Little Christmas: Everything Else

I’ve already started, and released into the wild, my gift guide for independent food and drink gifts, and stuff for Christmas dinner/the festive period. This one is for pretty much everything else. I’ve tried to find all the independents I can, from jewellery to pottery, to cards.

You see the thing with COVID is that the big boys – the supermarkets, the chains – they’ll be OK. We’ll use them anyway. We won’t be able to get everything we need from an independent. But the indies need us. The artists, the crafters, the charities, they need us to use them to keep them going. And for every bit you spend with them, that’s another day they can put food on the table and keep going. So even if you buy just a handful of gifts from an independent producer, the impact you’ll have will be huge.

So I’m gathering everyone I can find on here – particularly if I know their stuff (have used it or bought it for myself) and if they’re local to me. Listing everyone across the country will be an impossible task, so I’ll do what I can to support those local to me in particular, to impact my own community. That’s not to say if you message me from elsewhere you won’t be added, you will. I’m not a dick.

I’ve tried to pop in a descriptor of what they do for ease, so you can search (Ctrl + F, then type in what you’re looking for) for what you need. Hopefully there’s a little something for everyone!

Arthouse Unlimited – I love these guys. Amazing company working with artistic adults with learning disabilities. Everything from chocolates and mugs to toiletries and prints.

Bespoke Binny – Stunning homewares, gifts and kid’s gifts, and for the crafty, lampshade making classes.

Blu Beau – The most gorgeous ceramics and silver jewellery. I mean, I’m not dropping a hint. But I am.

Brazen Prints – Stationery, prints and earrings. Think bright colours and abstract prints.

Chorlton Art Market – has gone online, so you don’t even need to leave your front room to buy from them.

Delight MCR – Clothing for kids and adults. Hoodies, sweatshirts, leggings, tote bags, all with a feminist twist.

Echo Design – Stockport based there’s stationery, homeware, textiles, and some of the most incredible faux foliage and flowers I’ve ever seen.

Levenshulme Market – Missing their traders? Find them all online. Levy Market has curated a big list of them for you, all in one place!

Manchester Craft and Design Centre – Not just for art lovers, all those at MCDC have gone online. Visit the website for links to all the artists, or visit their Instagram page for their pop up shop.

Masato Jones – I’ve had a couple of Masato t-shirts in my time, and love their homeless beanie project. Since lockdown they’ve branched into accessories too, well worth a nosey.

Milk & Moon – I have a few pieces from Milk & Moon, including a couple of amazing pin badges, but love her jewellery and tshirts too. Great for those who identify as women, mums and those who breastfeed.

Our Version – African inspired Christmas cards, stationery, and I love their affirmations range.

The Paper Press Ireland – not ashamed to say I bought a lot of gifts from here this year. Adult and kids slogan hoodies, and tshirts. Plenty of sizing options too.

Preened and Polished – prescription facials in a box, gift cards for pamper treatments – my favourite salon.

Reconsidered Retro – cards, prints, mugs etc with a retro theme. Loads of 1980s film references, oh and an Andy Burnham charity Christmas card.

Rose & Bumble – A little bit of everything, kids gifts, homeware, decorations, candles and accessories.

Rose & Lee Interiors – Based over in Prestwich, and also online Fiona and her little team have some fantastic homewares, candles, decorations – oh and also have wreath making kits with online zoom classes!

Sugar & Sloth – all the cutest things. Stationery, cards, prints, tshirts, colouring books and jewellery.

Three Little Leaves – Who hasn’t become a bit of a plant addict in lockdown? If you know someone who might just need one more, then head to their shop and treat them. They’ll even recommend easy plants for beginners.

The Vagina Museum – An unusual one, but all the museums need our help to keep going. They’ve lost a lot of footfall and money spent in giftshops, especially the little ones. So buy the dinosaur with the Christmas jumper for the kids from the Natural History Museum, and, something a little more vajayjay shaped from the Vagina Museum shop.

Violet Flamingo – Not just known for her stunning bespoke clothes, our Lindsey has also created some beautiful gifts. Headwraps, clutch bags, and ready to wear outfits, perfect for Christmas day. Hit the Facebook page, or Instagram for up to date offers.

 

Header Image courtesy of Ginger Ray. The baubles can be found via this link.