The Makers at Christmas: alternative gift guide
Shop small this Christmas
Christmas tea selection box by Samovar Tea House
It’s Christmas!
Hello! I’m writing this on the 1st December, so it is officially OK to talk about Christmas as much as you like. Although after this year, I am fully on board with any of your who started celebrating a few weeks ago. Have you? How many mince pies have you had already?
It took a while to narrow down my choices for The Makers at Christmas, there’s just too much I want to include - so there are going to be three editions! Today will be an all round gift guide. Next up is an edition dedicated to cards and decorations, and finally the third edition will be all about food.
Instead of the usual ‘gifts for him/her' thing, this gift guide is different. Designed to inspire you and to help you find makers. There’s gifts for book lovers, kids, foodies and of course, makers. And I hope something that will help you buy for tricky people too.
N.B to my friends and family, all of these things are acceptable gifts for me too…
For bookworms
I always find it tricky buying actual books for book lovers, because they may have read it already or have specific tastes. Book-themed gifts are ideal for these people.
Don’t forget, if you’re buying books - don’t shop on Amazon!
Try Hive or Bookshop.org. They support local bookshops with a really wide range like the big guys.
Notebook handprinted with plants by The Gift Shed
Pride and Prejudice print by Pimlico Prints
Rivendell candle by Literati and Light
For food lovers
There’s a full food issue coming, but here’s a selection of food-themed gifts that cooks and bakers will love. I particularly love the work of Pear Pan Tree - every single piece is totally unique and hand carved in Cambridge. Incredible.
Hazel wood spoon by Pear Pan Tree
Cake queen t-shirt by Two Little Cats Bakery
Christmas marshmallow gift box by Bitesize Bakehouse
Fudgy brownie kit by Tiny Bake Box
For makers
If you’re subscribed to this you probably know some makers or crafters. These gifts are perfect to treat a maker recovering from the festive season. I quite like to get stuck into a new craft between Christmas and New Year (I have busy hands!) so the basket kit is perfect for this, or a selection of handprinted fabrics.
To make day to day life a bit easier, a rubber ‘thank you’ stamp is a fab idea, as well as some lush hand cream to soothe our hardworking hands.
Thank you stamp by Mint Maker Studio
Rope bag basket kit by La Basketry
Fabric bundle by Lucie Summers
For kids
There’s something here for babies, toddlers, tweens and teens. The mini backpack is a super, super cute way for toddlers to carry their own snacks and toys. I love the little Christmas crayons for festive crafts.
My favourite addition is this doodle bot kit, so good for older children and teenagers. It’s made using a few simple electrical components and household items - such a good way to pass the time between Christmas and New Year. Even the most sullen teenager will find this exciting, promise!
Leopard print mini backpack by Charley Lou Designs
Christmas crayons by The Thimble Kiss
Doodling robot kit by Oh Wow Learning (a DIY spirograph!)
For the difficult to buy for
I hope this will reduce the amount of panicked Google searches you’ll do trying to find something for that person who has everything.
You don’t just have to buy them a gift voucher!
Milk chocolate hazelnut praline bars by Anisa Chocolate (SO BEAUTIFUL!)
Extra long wool scarf by The Fever Few Clothing
Colour block mug by MW Ceramics
The Pip Box - cruelty-free beauty box subscription
That’s the first edition of the The Makers at Christmas all done. Coming soon - cards and decorations. I’m putting my tree up this weekend so I’m hoping to find a few new trinkets for it while I’m doing my research.
Thanks so much for reading! I’d love it if you shared this newsletter with your friends, so we can all support makers. For updates on my handmade jewellery follow me on Instagram too.
Deepa x
Mela Jewellery: sustainable silver jewellery
Did you know I make jewellery? Mela Jewellery is sustainably made from recycled sterling silver. Last order date for Christmas is the 11th December.
