While you are doing your Christmas shopping this year, why don’t you consider shopping from an independent? When you buy from an independent, you are helping an actual person make a living. Helping them pay the rent, bills, feed their family, all those things we all need to pay for.
It is brave to start your own business, and I take my hat off to those out there doing it – I sure don’t have the guts! To support them, I am sharing 9 amazing small businesses set up by mums, plus my top choices from their stores.
1)Robots and Unicorns – Warm Winter Little Deer Toddler Coat £19.99
I discovered Robots and Unicorns on Instagram and I have to say I want EVERYTHING they sell. So much gorgeousness, from kids bedroom decor to clothing to this beautiful deer coat – isn’t it gorgeous!?
2) Freddie and Co – Kindness Like Confetti Print £6
If you follow the blog Life As Mum, then you’ll be familiar with Welsh girl Beth. I think she’s amazing for not only being a young mum of 3, but for setting up her own business selling gorgeous prints that she designs herself! My favourite is the ‘Throw kindness around like confetti’ print – it would look so lovely framed and hanging on the wall.
3) Blue Bunny Boutique – Crochet Bear Hat £10
If you like the crocheted look for baby clothes, then this is the store for you – there’s booties, hats, stockings, blankets. A lovely traditional yet modern look – how cute are the bear ears on this hat?
4) Apples & Pips – Animal Alphabet Cards £15.50
Here is another blogger who has set up her own business, it’s Hannah from Budding Smiles, and she sells lots of unique and useful things for babies, toddlers and parents. I especially love these bright and colourful alphabet cards.
5) byHelenHobden – 4 Chunky Wooden Star Christmas Tree Decs £8.80
For some rustic wooden decorations, Helen, who blogs at When I Grow Up, handmakes some. These stars would look beautiful on a Christmas tree, and she uses a heat technique called pyrography to make the designs. Very creative!
6) H & R Photography – Gift Vouchers for a photo session (Berkshire area)
I became friends with Maidenhead mum Carly when we found out our daughters were born in the same hospital and on the same day. Little did I know that she was super talented at photography! She takes gorgeous photos of babies and children, and at very reasonable prices. She’s selling gift vouchers for photo sessions which would make a different gift from the usual.
7) Love Lully – Baby Shoes £9.99
I’m a sucker for baby shoes, and Love Lully sells loads of cute ones. If you are buying a baby gift, these would be perfect.
8) Ditzy Dottie – Lattice Handheld Tote £27.50
I used to work with a girl called Shirley from Greenwich a loooooong time ago. She was adamant that you pronounced the town’s name ‘Green-ich’ whereas I would say ‘Gren-ich’ Lol. Anyway, it turns out she is super talented at sewing and handmakes these stylish bags, selling them on her Ditzy Dottie store – go check them out!
9) Lamb & Bear – Unisex Unicorn Leggings £16 (From 0 – 5 years)
And here is another super talented mum and blogger, Alex, who designs the most funky leggings for kids, as well as matching headbands for mums. She has just released the coolest design ever, and I love them because boys can wear them too – UNICORN LEGGINGS! They range from 0 – 5 years, so I am tempted to buy one each for Lily and Tyler. Shall I!?
Has that given you some inspiration for your Christmas gift buying? You can get really cool stuff from independents. Are you tempted by any of these?
Sabrina x
