Where to shop small this Christmas: Christmas Essentials
Ok ok, we all know we should shop small. But when you’re not easily sucked into a vortex of thumb-achingly induced scrolling action looking at so many amazing small businesses on Instagram the way that we at Sassy Digital are, then it’s a little hard to know where to start!
So, we’re spreading the Christmas cheer, and we’ll be sharing a whole host of incredible small businesses that you can support this Christmas by shopping straight from their website! From fabulous fashion independents, to home, wellness and beauty - we’ve asked our community to send their favourites in to us!
This week, I’m beginning with the Christmas essentials; cards, decorations, wrapping paper and more.
Let me explain a little more about how each of these posts will work. I’m going to start them off with some that have been suggested to me, and that I’ve of course researched and given the Sassy seal of approval to. Then, I’ve love you to go and comment names and links to more small businesses in the comments! There’s hundreds of small businesses out there - so let’s help them to get discovered.
But before I get onto that, when I say ‘shopping small and local’ this Christmas - I’m not talking about popping down to the local supermarket express. It’s been a pretty tough year for most independently owned high street shops, and so please if your budget allows for it - go and support your local butcher, wine shop, greengrocer, bakery, and any other business you think could benefit from some community love. I know I will be, and more than ever in a year where we have mostly been avoiding other people - please let’s come together to support our shops!
The first person I have to mention is the wonderful Jayne Redmond. I met Jayne when she came on The Winging it Podcast earlier this year and I’ve absolutely loved following her ever since. This is because Jayne handed me a handmade, personalised bauble as a present and it is honestly one of my most prized possessions. It’s actually been sat on top of my chest of drawers in my room all year because I was worried I might ‘put it in a safe place’ and lose it before Christmas came around again. Jayne hand makes and personalises a range of ceramic baubles, and Christmas Eve accessories like The Father Christmas Plate which are available for sale on her website - but Jayne doesn’t stop there. Her baubles are stocked in Harrods too!
2. Eyeonadesign Greetings Cards
I’d not heard of Eyeonadesign until someone on Instagram suggested I take a look - but I’m glad I did! Founded by Iona, a mother and a Graphic Designer with over 12 years' experience in 2019, Iona makes the cutest greetings cards.
I am a really sentimental person and would rather receive a card than a present, so I love finding cards that are unique. On Iona’s website, you’ll find plenty of gorgeous designs such as her Snowy Christmas cards, and sparkly penguin, reindeer and robin designs. She also does a pack of 8 Christmas cards, for those looking to send out to their whole address book!
Iona says, “Greeting cards have always been a particular passion of mine; giving a hand written card is almost a gift in itself, choosing a design the receiver will love, penning something personal, placing it concealed in an envelope so it’s like unwrapping a present. Creatively this medium allows for such freedom too.”
3. Paperhouse Design Co.
I mean where do I start with Paperhouse Design Co? A divine selection of absolutely magical greetings cards, gift tags, wax sealing sets - and the most stunning paper wreath (pictured) which I’ve got my eye on!
Ten years ago, Paperhouse Design Co. was born after Hannah after finishing her fashion styling degree in London and moving back home to Hampshire. Hannah always had an affinity for delicate papers, beautiful typography and wax seals - and you can tell!
4. Sophie Victoria Joy
You’ve probably seen Sophie’s infamous personalised home goods on Instagram. But the reason we particularly love Sophie’s Christmas range is because it is so family-centric. Think personalised baubles, present sacks and engraved cheese boards!
Sophie (Victoria and Joy are her middle names) started her business in 2010 to capture the special moments in life and to help us treasure precious memories for years to come.
5. Heather Alsted Design
Because it’s so hard to find personalised dog cards/wrapping paper/baubles that aren’t tacky…until now! I came across Heather’s personalised pooch designs on Instagram, and I love how you’re guaranteed to find a dog that looks like yours. I’ll definitely be ordering something for Woody (probably the dog mom Christmas card for myself and signing it from my dog!)
Heather Alsted Design is owned and run by Heather and her family (& labradors). All of the products in her extensive range are created by her and manufactured and assembled in Britain, then dispatched from her studio in North Yorkshire.
Heather’s ethos is pretty simple; she designs to make people smile! You will find a wide range of products from; greeting cards, gift wrap, notebooks, mugs, bookends and many more, there really is something for everyone; for both men and women young and old!