Christmas off the high street: suggestions for artisanal, original or unique, locally-made gifts go here.

[thereistheball]

I don't want to buy (all) my Christmas from Argos and Amazon. I'd like to feel better about where I am spending my money by supporting individual craftspeople, small businesses and independent retailers. Also I'd like to find some more original presents than the usual mass-produced, discounted whatever. So here are some suggestions of things I might be buying: please feel free to add yours too.

Amazingly lovely bath bombs from here
Delicious-sounding chutneys from here - this is doubly worthy since they use produce that is not sold at market because it is too ripe, ie in perfect condition but nonetheless about to be thrown away, and employ vulnerable women from local shelters to turn it into jams and chutneys.
Persephone Books - gorgeous reprints of neglected works by women writers. There are some absolute gems, including Mariana, The Making of a Marchionness, and Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day.
Artisanal beeswax products including hand and body balms - lovely article about this family-run business here

I'm sure there are loads of others. I'll post them when I have a bit more time. Please add yours!

Sorry just wanted to mark my place. Great thread idea!

Oooh, Oooh, I have a suggestion:Love from Hetty & Dave

They have a sweary cushion and necklace, although I think I want the badger shoes.

I absolutely love these pictures, they are just so personal and pretty.

I love love love these handmade upcycled materials dolls on etsy made by a Londoner (so no duty/Royal Mail surcharges).

white fox in black box

My friend runs a Facebook business called Reloved buttons if anyone wants to look

Also this UK based Lady does amazing fabric origami butterflies - hair clips and bands.

origami butterfly

I don't see a lot listed in her etsy shop at the moment, but she does to very quick custom orders.

lambswool pencil scarf for kids from another uk based etsy seller. Last time there were amazing fox scarves too, though I see a caterpillar and a tulip currently listed.

I love Rockett St George www.rockettstgeorge.co.uk/

the lost my name personalised books are beautiful and a bit different to the general personalised ones.

Some lovely links on this thread - thank you!

I like a page on Facebook called The Gingham Flamingo - sorry I can't link, but she does great cushions, bags, baby clothes etc.

Don't forget Folksy - it's a purely British handmade shop - for example:

folksy.com/items/4447450-Teal-Geometric-cushion-cover

folksy.com/items/4378265-Bike-belt-white-on-brown-leather

www.cassamjewellery.co.uk does lovely personalised jewellery. there are lots of good fb sites too, you can do searches for things you are interested in buying.

I think it would be best trouble. We used Berol fabric crayons. If you use normal pens they could rub off onto clothes, bedding etc.

If you find the Facebook page for reloved buttons you can see a photo of the notebooks and bracelets she has made for my girls Xmas stockings

Gosh ...I'll mention kyrenedesigns.com - just bought the fab Gaia necklace and the flake earrings - now I'm eying up the Swarovski crystal pendants they're big and would be double £ in the shops -this lady really has got it right and I've seen a lot of basic jewellery but hers are such quality and different styles and best of all she'll cater for your whims!

My attention has been drawn to this British-invented and made innovative pizza oven which apparently gives the same results as a wood-fired oven but off a gas hob and in 4 minutes. It's not cheap but it is pretty.

This is such a sweet shop for baby/ little girls

www.olivialayla.com/

These are all great. I'm going to order the initial-felt-stars which are lovely. Also I need suggestions for DH. I was thinking something of ultra-traditional - from Jermyn Street - such as some shaving kit from this institution Geo. F. Trumpers

But other ideas welcome!

This is a mum from a local school who was making things for their fairs etc. It was another mum who told her to make it a business.
I brought some map tea light holders. They are only £5(£6 on Etsy). The books make good presents for those that have everything.

www.facebook.com/meiorigamistudio

ooh, marking my place. I got some great items from etsy last Xmas.

Any more for any more? - I've managed to tick off three presents from my list using this thread

I think these have websites as well as fbk.
pip and squeak does some beautiful jewellery
buttonsy do too
Blackshoes does fantastic art stuff.
I love Freya art too.

This little site has Christmassy jewellery etc which can be useful for Secret Santa:

happybeads

I love My Idle Hands especially the origami fairy lights and papercuts.

Notthefirst - glad I came back to this thread, clicked on your link and found that the Meiorigamistudio are listing a fair of artisan cratfspeople at Portsmouth Gunwharf this weekend, and guess where we were planning to go tomorrow?

The link to Sue Edith Illustration via that FB page has some great stuff too, I used to live in Southsea .

fab pictures