ADPR. How early is too early to mention the C word? As a blogger, Christmas has been on my brain since the middle of Summer. Not only am I beavering away making lists for my own family, but I'm hopefully going to be able to help you do the same. I've done numerous Christmas gift guides over the years, however this year I wanted to do something a bit more special. As I've recently moved back to the North East I want to showcase some incredible local small businesses and tell you how beneficial it can be to support small business this Christmas.
[Photo by Kira auf der Heide on Unsplash]
Why support small businesses this Christmas?
Although large shops and online sites can make your shopping experience easier, there are so many benefits to shopping local and helping support small business this Christmas.
1. The Feel Good Factor
When you support small business you instantly get the feel good factor. Something you'd absolutely never get shopping from large scale chains. You're supporting somebody's dream and in turn you'll be receiving a much more personalised product.
2. You're Supporting The Community
I mentioned previously that you're supporting somebody's dream, but you're also helping out the community too. Funding your money into the community promotes positivity, not only for yourself, but for the local economy too.
3. Discover Unique Gifts
There's nothing more unique than people. Buying from individuals and their small businesses gives you the opportunity to buy something totally bespoke. If you support small businesses this Christmas you're gifting something totally unique.
4. Top Notch Customer Service
There's no doubt that small businesses have better customer service compared to large corporations. Small businesses appreciate your custom in a way Amazon never could.
North East Small Businesses To Buy From This Christmas
Fashion
Hearts of Brass
Hearts of Brass is a Middlesbrough based silversmith making delicate pieces of sterling silver and brass jewellery. They have a huge selection available with rings and earrings available from as little as £5. Everything Hearts of Brass produces is handmade from the jewellery itself to the packaging. There's a whole lot of love put into this North East small business.
Plain Jayne Design
Plain Jayne Designs offer jewellery which in fact is not at all plain. It's actually very colourful. Their pieces scream fun and would be perfect for that vibrant gal in your life.
Home
The Aroma Candle Co
Aroma Candle bring high end luxury homeware whilst being conscious about their environmental footprint. All elements are sustainably sourced and eco friendly. With a huge range of products and scents available, The Aroma Candle Co are a great, feel good, small business to buy from this Christmas.
Little Gray Design UK
Little Gray Design produce personalised mini figure inspired frames. The Teeside based mam & dad duo have a huge selection of homeware gifts available featuring a whole host of characters. They have everything from Marvel characters to Disney to celebrities. If you're buying for someone this year who has a particular interest in a certain movie or singer, Little Gray Design are 100% worth checking out.
Little Bee
Little Bee are a Redcar based small business specialising in home fragrance. With a touch of luxury Little Bee offer a huge selection of scents across their wax melt, candles and reed diffuser ranges.
Roobaloo Crafts
If you're buying for someone who loves nature, particularly being by the coast then look no further than Roobaloo Crafts. Using driftwood and pebbles from our very own Saltburn beach, Roobaloo Crafts produce stunning works of art displaying different coastal birds.
Pinecone Creations
Pinecone creations make felt sculptures in a variety of sizes. Smaller creations would be great for stocking fillers whereas the larger wall hangings will make more of a statement. There's a variety of animals available depicting a variety of different personality styles.
The Northern Potter
The Northern Potter hand make the most stunning ceramics. If you're buying for a North East enthusiast, their lemon top collection is amazing. There's something for everyone though, from pots to decorations to cups, The Northern Potter has it all.
Beauty
Pamoja Skincare
Pamoja skincare believe that to nourish your skin is to nourish yourself. The brand was born during a career break by North East mum Sarah. She's a certified natural skincare formulator, creating natural and effective products perfect for the most sensitive skin. Products are available individually however there are numerous gift sets available too with discounts applied.
Oakwood Soaperie
Oakwood soaperie hand makes natural plant based soaps. Soaps are produced and packaged beautifully and would make for a wonderful gift this Christmas. Other bathing products are also available including bath oils, bath soaks and body butters.
Bowe Organics
Bowe organics is an award winning natural cosmetics brand based in Darlington. All ingredients are cruelty free and ethically sourced. Bowe Organics are perfect for any beauty lover offering products such as lash oils, face masks and lip balms.
Kids
Blue Tooth Hippo
Blue Tooth Hippo create beautifully hand painted wooden figures for children. With a huge selection available from famous faces to animals to autism awareness toys, Blue Tooth Hippo have it all. I particularly like the emotion circles Blue Tooth Hippo create. I think they're a great way to help children express their emotions.
The North East Scribbler
If your child is crafting mad like mine look no further than the North East Scribbler. They supply handmade personalised crayons made from non toxic UKCA certified wax, perfect for Christmas gifts or stocking fillers. With colouring box bundles, crayon sets and personalised name packages available, these would make great gifts for your wee ones.
Decorating your Christmas gifts.
Now you've bought your Christmas gifts and supported a small business in the North East, let's think about wrapping... The best bit if you ask me!
Waste not & be mindful
Waste not and be mindful was brought to life by two sisters with a passion for helping the planet. Small changes can make big differences so why not use reusable gift bags and fabric wrapping sheets this year. Waste not and be mindful have some wonderful reusable prints to give your small business gifts that extra pizazz this year.
Will you support small businesses this Christmas? Tell me in the comments which brand jumps out to you the most.
Fantastic sounding businesses, really lovely you are promoting them. Love those earrings!
Love this! I really like the look of Plain Jayne Designs and The Aroma Candle Co. I’m also pretty certain that I’ve tried the Bowe Organics Lash Oil in the past, the packaging looks familiar. I’ve shopped at quite a few small businesses this year both online and instore when buying gifts and little treats for myself, however I’ll be honest, at Christmas I do tend to try and take advantage of offers on in stores like 3-for-2 on gift sets to help save myself some money x
astoldbykirsty.co.uk
It's so lovely to read that someone recognises my packaging. As a small business this means so so much.
So many fabulous small businesses here! I particularly like the Plain Jayne jewellery - so pretty. And you can never go wrong with giving someone a beautiful candle x
I really like the look of these small businesses from the North East, I particularly like the look of The Aroma Candle Co! It's so important to support small businesses in your local area during Christmas! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
I love that you showcased local businesses! It's also great to support small businesses, and the felt sculptures from Pinecone Creations are so cute, and my daughter would love the personalized crayons!
These are some beautiful small businesses! I've recently started my own Xmas shopping, most of which is from local stores or small businesses. It just makes me feel better to know I'm supported someone who has taken a leap of faith and started out on their own.
This is so beautiful to read. I makes me smile to know that people can see how hard we work on our small businesses. I too love supporting small business and being a part of Christmas Gift Guides like this makes me aware of so much other companies too.