The Small Business Shopping Guide
Autumn always feels like candle season. As the evenings draw in and we spend more time at home, there’s nothing more comforting than lighting a beautiful candle.
What makes it even more special is choosing one from a small business.
Lots of beautiful candles shown here. Each shop has further details on their website and tapping the images will take you to them.
There’s something truly special about buying a candle from a small business. Every one is hand-poured with care, often using natural ingredients, and created in small batches that make each candle unique. Unlike mass-produced alternatives, small business candles UK makers focus on quality, craftsmanship, and those little details that make a candle feel extra special.
When you buy from a small candle business, you’re not just filling your home with a cosy scent – you’re supporting an independent maker, their passion, and their livelihood. Many use eco-friendly soy wax, recyclable packaging, and beautifully considered fragrances that reflect the seasons.
These candles also make wonderful gifts. Whether you’re treating yourself or someone else, choosing candles from small businesses in the UK means giving something thoughtful, meaningful, and full of indie charm.
So, next time you’re looking to add a little glow to your home, make it a small business candles UK – your home will smell amazing, and you’ll be helping independent shops thrive.
The shops featured in this Indie Edit are all members of my shopping directory. You can find details of them all below.
JustBe Botanicals natural beauty products and aromatherapy. JustBe is an all natural range for the face, body and home. Hand blended in Scotland with only natural ingredients. Designed to balance emotions and enhance a sense of wellbeing. The range includes cleansers, moisturisers, serum and treatment oils, lotions, therapeutic salts, balms, body butter and more. Also scents for the home, a tea range and aromatherapy chocolate. All amazing.
The Little Soap Company make their soaps from the finest natural ingredients, all ethically sourced. A luxurious range of natural soaps using pure essential oils to create uplifting and nurturing scents. Their products gently work in harmony with your skin making them perfect for all skin types and ages. A side range of soaps for hands, body, face and hair, plus a range especially for babies and the Little Beast range especially for our furry friends.
Red Hen Trading is an independent gift shop with a fun range of gifts, home and lifestyle products. Quirky and unusual products, ones that will make their recipients smile. Gifts for her, him and children.
Seasons Green is a gorgeous gift shop and gallery, inspired by coast and countryside. Their range includes unusual gifts, crafts and art from independent makers across the UK and some bigger brands too. They stock a broad range including home accessories & lighting, stationery, gardening & outdoors gifts, crafting supplies, jewellery, women’s accessories, gifts for children, women, men and pets.
Siop Cwlwm is a Welsh gift shop. Here you can find Welsh books, greetings cards, home decor, learning resources for children and adults, games and lots more. All either in the Welsh language, have a Welsh theme or made by a small business in Wales.
I have shown only a small selection of the shops product offering here. Click the images to be taken to where you can find and buy, plus see lots more of their other products.
I hope you have enjoyed this indie edit and you now feel inspired to shop with some of these wonderful shops.
There are lots more independent shops edit blog posts and you can find them here.
Plus, I have created lots of Collections around a theme for more helpful shopping inspiration.
Happy shopping!
Barbara
All opinions in this blog post are mine. At the time of writing all shops mentioned are members of my shopping directory.
Though I mention lots of shops here, you must form your own opinion as to whether the shop and their products are for you.
I love a good candle, do you? It can change my mood in an instant. Whether it be for relaxing in a bath, waking up my creative brain or just putting a zing into the day.
They make a brilliant gift too. The gift of a candle lasts so much longer than flowers and just as lovely and thoughtful.
I have found lots of natural soy candles and candles that use a different plant based wax. All of the scented candles are completely different and most of them vegan friendly too.
I hope you find this little dose of inspiration helpful, the best soy/natural candles I could find online in the UK.
COLMERS HILL FASHIONFrom My Mother’s Garden Connection Candle
A beautiful collection of home scents with a luxury fragrance.
Handmade in Devon, in a glass pot, white wooden lid and a beautiful design.
Using 100% plant based coconut and rapeseed wax blend.
Orange and cinnamon.
SEASONS GREENSpa Days Purbeck Candles
A luxuriously rich fragrance of green top notes and flowers, with earthy patchouli for depth and warmth.
Taking you straight to the serenity of a spa.
Handmade using 100% soy wax and pure essential oils.
RED HEN TRADINGBalance Pillar Candle
A blush pink pillar candle made from natural soy wax.
It has a clean and even burn, giving a beautiful infusion of the fragrance.
The scent is a balancing blend of Orange & Lavender with undertones of bergamot.
A delightful candle creating a restore of balance.
BEYOND MEASURECalico Candle
A beautiful candle specially created for Beyond Measure by West Yorkshire based Meyu Candles.
Hand poured, soy wax candle. Contains a blend of clary sage, orange and lavender pure essential oils.
Naturally uplifting and stress busting essential oils, combined to create a gentle aroma to clear the mind, allowing for focus and relaxation. Perfect to lights whilst creating.
Burn time 27+ hours.
LITTLE SOAP COMPANYLavender Candle
Hand-poured candle made with natural soybean wax and a clean burning cotton wick.
Fragranced with pure English lavender essential oil.
This lavender candle is calming and relaxing. Pure and simple.
JUSTBE BOTANICALSJustBe Aromatherapy Candle
Coconut Wax candle.
Hand poured, blended with aromatherapy essential oils. 7 different candles in the range: Active, Energised, Pure, Happy, Detox, Tranquil and Inspired. Housed in a beautiful Italian glass with a lovely coloured base.
Burn time of 40 hours +
BLOOMTOWNScented Botanical Wax Candle
A scent infused botanical wax candle made with natural coconut and soy wax blend.
The candles are poured in small batches in the Bloomtown workshop in Cornwall.
Vegan friendly and 2 different candles to choose from.
I hope you have enjoyed my collection of scented candles. Many of them are soy candles and a few plant based natural candles. All from independent online shops in the UK and all sound amazing.
All shops mentioned are on my shopping directory.
You can find them on the shop page along with lots of other amazing independent online shops UK. You can easily browse their products on the product page too.
Happy shopping 🙂
Barbara
Soy Candles from independent shops online
All opinions in this blog post are mine. At the time of writing all shops mentioned are members of my shopping directory. Though I mention lots of shops here, you must form your own opinion as to whether the shop and their products are for you.
Purbeck Candles – candle in a tin. Handmade from 100% soy wax and pure essential oils.
Available in 2 sizes and in a range of different fragrances. Shown here is the Lazy Sunday Afternoons candle which blends a warming oakmoss, geranium, rosemary and a dash of earthy patchouli.
Wax Lyrical have teamed up with multi-award winning Justbe Botanicals to create a new range of aromatherapy candles.
Featuring 7 pure aromatherapy blends, the collaboration focuses on a desire to restore emotional balance and enhance a sense of wellbeing.
The seven spa blends – happy, tranquil, energised, active, detox, pure and inspired.
Coconut oil is the base for the candles. Each candle comes in a beautiful Italian glass that has a coloured base.
Burn time of 40+ hours.
When you get your gift card from an independent shop, that is even better.
Here are 14 virtual gift cards you can buy today online and they can be redeemed online too.
From a variety of shops, suiting lots of different tastes. Give the gift of choice and importantly show you have put some thought into it by choosing it from a shop they will love.
Pen Pusher – a stationery shop specialising in sustainable stationery and calligraphy. Pen Pusher have hand picked the best independent UK brands for all their stationery – notebooks, bullet journaling. desk pads, planners and more. Tap the product image to find their gift card.
The Chiswick Gift Company – This London design studio creates the most unique stationery. All kinds of stationery, fun, quirky, useful, some sweary and many creating great keepsakes. A number of different ranges of notebooks, activity books, doodle pads, memory books, pencils and more. They also the most brilliant range of enamel pins. Tap the product image to see more.
Maya Maya – an independent fashion boutique for women, offering a vast range of carefully selected pieces. From everyday casual to occasion wear and everything in between. A full range to fit and flatter all shapes and sizes. Tap a product image to find their gift vouchers.
Colmers Hill Fashion – An award winning independent fashion boutique. Clothes and accessories that flatter and feel good to wear, focusing on the unusual in designer clothing. Stocking lots of different labels to suit a variety of tastes, styles and ages. Tap the image to find their gift vouchers.
ZIPPYUP – for the original zip up babygrow, created especially for parents so they can change their baby with an easy and quick zip. They are gorgeous and lots to choose from. Plus they have a lovely range of soft toys and sleeping bags. Tap an image to find their gift vouchers.
JustBe Botanicals – all natural range for the face, body and home, plus aromatherapy chocolate and a tea selection. Made by hand in Scotland using natural ingredients. All products are designed to balance emotions and give a sense of wellbeing. Some really lovely gift sets too. Tap an image to find their gift vouchers.
The Little Soap Company – Natural, organic and artisan soap. Bar soap and liquid soap too. For hands, hair and body, plus a range for your pet. They also have aromatherapy candles and lots of really lovely gift sets. Tap an image to find their gift cards.
Beyond Measure – Beautiful, unique, useful tools and gifts for people who like to make. The range is carefully chosen and sourced from talented craftspeople and companies in the UK and beyond. For people who sew, embroider, knit, crochet and generally craft in textiles. Tap an image to find their gift cards.
Poppy Treffry – Gorgeous textile accessories, home decor and gifts. Mostly machine embroidery and lots of lovely prints too. All inspired by the beauty of the Cornish Coast. Plus a large range of craft kits and sewing projects, including some wonderful subscription clubs which would make a brilliant gift. Tap an image to find their gift cards.
Wiggly Wigglers – A country life delivered. This shop is brilliant for gardeners and bird lovers. Also for people who like to compost and recycle. Homemade compost, the best kind. Tap an image to find their gift cards.
Siop Cwlwm – is a Welsh gift shop. Here you can find Welsh books, greetings cards, home decor, learning resources for children and adults, games and lots more. All either in the Welsh language or with a Welsh theme.
Tap the image to find their gift vouchers in different denominations.
Pawshtails – have a quality range of dog gear and healthy treats. Not sure which colour or style is best, then why not choose a gift card. Available in lots of denominations and easy to used online.
My Beautiful Pen – have a brilliant voucher for their Writing Your Way to Heal or Happy Workshops.
This would make a wonderful gift.
Shop independent, even when buying gift cards and vouchers.
You can find lots of independent online shops on my shopping directory My Indie Edits and my Collections page have even more inspiration and ideas to help you too.
I have really enjoyed pulling this gift guide together. So many wonderful independent shops.
If you want to keep up to date with all that I share and for more inspiration, offers and finds, subscribe below.
Barbara
Please be aware. All opinions in this blog post are mine. At the time of writing all shops mentioned are members of the shopping directory. Though I mention lots of shops here, you must form your own opinion as to whether their products are for you.
All kinds of gifts for all kinds of people.
For each shop or product selection, I have given you a couple of ideas. To see more tap the image or the shop name.
Independent gift shops tend to be excellent at finding the unusual, special, unique, thoughtful and funny gifts, everyone loves to receive. Lots of different gifts for lots of different people. Curated collection, helping you shop independent this Christmas.
EarlyBird Designs – greetings cards, gifts and party things. Includes their own in-house designed cards plus lots of others from British independent designers. Plus a wonderful selection of small gifts and party ware. A wide range and a great selection. Tap an image to find the product.
Red Hen Trading – an independent gift shop with a fun range of gifts, home and lifestyle products. Quirky unusual products, ones that will make their recipients happy. Gifts for her, him and children. Tap an image to find the product.
Seasons Green – gorgeous gift shop and gallery, inspired by the countryside and coast. Their range includes unusual gifts, crafts and art from independent makers across the UK and some bigger brands too. Broad range including home accessories & lighting, stationery, gardening & outdoors gifts, crafting, jewellery, women’s accessories, gifts for children, men and pets. Tap an image to find the product.
Siop Cwlwm – is a Welsh gift shop. Here you can find Welsh books, greetings cards, home decor, learning resources for children and adults, games and lots more. All either in the Welsh language, with a Welsh theme or made by a small business in Wales.
Sister Sister – gorgeous illustrations on hand painted ceramics, pins, artwork, jigsaw puzzles and more. Lots for beautiful and cute dog illustrations on ceramic hearts. Each one painted by hand. Plus some great pins and a few items with Welsh words on them. The hand painted Christmas ceramic decorations are really popular with dogs, a Robin and a snowman featured. Tap an image to find the product.
My Beautiful Pen – wonderful wordy and highly personalised gifts for someone special. Also gorgeous notebooks, journals and planners, token gifts and Christmas themed products.
Lots of gift ideas for stationery lovers. Beautiful and useful, many can be personalised too. Unique stationery ideas from independent shops online.
Daffodowndilly – Unique range of notebooks. Lots of different designs inspired by nature and a joyful life. Other stationery products includes greetings cards, postcards, stickers and gift notes. Daffodowndilly have also designed a range of pin badges, key rings and bag charms. Tap an image to find the product.
From You To Me – are a UK publishing house. They have an extensive range including notebooks, diaries, planners and organisers. Personalised stationery too and they have a brilliant range of journals for capturing cherished memories, keepsake books and mindful journaling. Tap the image to find the product.
Pen Pusher – a stationery shop specialising in sustainable stationery and calligraphy. Their range includes creative pens for hand lettering and calligraphy. Pen Pusher have hand picked the best independent UK brands for all their stationery – notebooks, bullet journaling. desk pads, planners and more. Tap the product image to find them.
The Chiswick Gift Company – This London design studio creates the most unique stationery. All kinds of stationery, fun, quirky, useful, some sweary and many creating great keepsakes. A number of different ranges of notebooks, activity books, doodle pads, memory books, pencils and more. They also the most brilliant range of enamel pins. Tap the product image to see more.
SN Cards – Fine art greetings cards. Still life cards for all occasions. A5 (so larger than many) which gives you plenty of space to write on. Different ranges including Christmas, Flowers, Still Life, Chakras and lots more. Beautiful cards and lots to choose from. These beautiful images are also on fine bone china mugs and coasters, which make lovely gifts. Tap an image to find the product.
Lots more Stationery inspiration at Best Independent Stationery Shops Online UK : The Indie Edit. Plus a Collection themed Notebooks & Journals.
Lots of gift ideas at these independent clothes boutiques. Clothes, bags, scarves, jewellery and lots more. A varied and wonderful collection for this shop independent this Christmas ultimate gift guide.
Maya Maya – an independent fashion boutique for womenswear, offering a vast range of carefully selected pieces. From everyday casual to occasion wear and everything in between. A full range to fit and flatter all shapes and sizes. Exceptional tailored to you shopping experience.
Colmers Hill Fashion – An award winning independent fashion boutique. Clothes and accessories that flatter and feel good to wear, focusing on the unusual in designer clothing. Stocking lots of different labels to suit a variety of tastes, styles and ages. Tap the image to find the product.
Shops for finding gifts for babies, young children and teenagers. Lots of ideas. All online and all independent shop. All great gift ideas helping you shop independent this Christmas.
ZIPPYUP – for the original zip up babygrow, created especially for parents so they can change their baby with an easy and quick zip. They are gorgeous and lots to choose from. Plus they have a lovely range of soft toys and sleeping bags. Tap an image to find the product.
Hoobynoo – Lots of colourful pet products for all kinds of pets. Lovely gifts for the pet and their owner. Including dog tags, cat tags and horse tags, personalised dog and pet bowls, collar’s and accessories, pet portraits, mugs and personalised hanging decorations perfect for the Christmas tree. They also have some really lovely dog brooches, plus Santa Sacks personalised for your pet. Tap an image to find the product.
Pawshtails – high quality dog products. Style, luxury you can see and quality you can trust. Climbing rope dog leads, cosy dog blankets, natural treats and chews, dog toys and dog entertainment products, dog harnesses, dog grooming products and lots more. Plus they have some brilliant dog gift boxes perfect for your dog for Christmas. Tap an image to find the product.
Jerry’s General – clothing and gifts for dog owners, with a focus on sustainability and fashion. The range includes T-shirts, sweatshirts, mugs, notebooks, Impawsible puzzles, bags, Santa Paws personalised sacks and more. For adults, children and our furry friends. Tap an image to find the product.
The Healing Tree – handcrafted vibrational, living skincare range, made from the highest quality, cold pressed and naturally extracted plant oils, superfoods and extracts. Healing and rejuvinating. Choice of 3 beautiful products, each one would make a wonderful and thoughtful gift. Tap an image to find the product.
Handcrafted Living Skincare
JustBe Botanicals – all natural range for the face, body and home, plus aromatherapy chocolate and a tea selection. Made by hand in Scotland using natural ingredients. All products are designed to balance emotions and give a sense of wellbeing. Some really lovely gift sets too. Tap an image to find the product.
The Little Soap Company – Natural, organic and artisan soap. Bar soap and liquid soap too. For hands, hair and body, plus a range for your pet. They also have aromatherapy candles and lots of really lovely gift sets. Tap an image to find the product.
Beyond Measure – Beautiful, unique, useful tools and gifts for people who like to make. The range is carefully chosen and sourced from talented craftspeople and companies in the UK and beyond. For people who sew, embroider, knit, crochet and generally craft in textiles. Tapping the image takes you to where you can find the product.
Poppy Treffry – Gorgeous textile accessories, home decor and gifts. Mostly machine embroidery and lots of lovely prints too. All inspired by the beauty of the Cornish Coast. Plus a large range of craft kits and sewing projects, including some wonderful subscription clubs which would make a brilliant gift. Tap an image to find the product.
Wiggly Wigglers – A country life delivered. This shop is brilliant for gardeners and bird lovers. Also for people who like to compost and recycle. Homemade compost, the best kind. Tapping the image takes you to where you can find the product.
Home Gifts Garden – have a range of unique and distinctive pieces for the home, the garden and gifts. They are from artisans and small scale cottage businesses from around the world. A wide range, a lovely variety, all in one place. Here I am focusing on their garden ornaments. Tap an image to find the product.
Shop independent this Christmas The Ultimate Gift Guide. You can find lots of independent online shops on my shopping directory My Indie Edits and my Collections page have even more inspiration and ideas to help you too.
I have really enjoyed pulling this gift guide together. So many wonderful independent shops.
If you want to keep up to date with all that I share and for more inspiration, offers and finds, add yourself to my Lovely List and I will email you little updates. I don’t inundate with lots of emails (as I know how annoying that is). Sign up is in the top right corner.
Barbara
Please be aware. All opinions in this blog post are mine. At the time of writing all shops mentioned are members of the shopping directory. Though I mention lots of shops here, you must form your own opinion as to whether their products are for you.
I have loved pulling this All Things Christmas showcase together. I now feel very festive. Some brilliant products including Christmas cards, Christmas home decor, Christmas crafts, Candles, Memory Books, Christmas Decorations and more. I love them all.
Each shop has lots more on their websites and tapping the images will take you to them.
If you have an independent online shop, I would be proud to share you in a future weekly showcase. Find out more here.
The online shops UK featured in this Indie Showcase are all members of my shopping directory. You can find details of them all below.
Beyond Measure is a wonderfully curated shop full of products for folks who make. The focus is on yarn and textile based crafts with some paper crafts too. A well chosen collection with some unique items. Tools, supplies, books, patterns and lots more. Perfect to buy for yourself or to buy as a gift.
Daffodowndilly have a unique range of colourful and beautifully designed gifts. Inspired by nature and a joyful life. Their range includes notebooks, greetings cards, postcards, wall prints, book marks, stickers, writing paper and gift notes. They also have a wide range of pin badges, keyrings and bag charms. All in their distinct designs.
Earlybird Designs for greetings cards, gifts and party things. Their range includes their own in-house designed cards plus lots of others from British independent designers. Plus, they have a lovely curated collection of small gifts and party ware. A wide range and lovely selection.
From You To Me are a UK publishing house. They have an extensive range including memory books, children’s books, gift books and personalised gift books, notebooks, diaries, planners and organisers. They can personalise many of their items and also have a range of mindful journals for wellbeing. An extensive range for all kinds of people and all kinds of occasions.
Hoobynoo offer high quality products for pets and people. Many of their products can be personalised. Colourful and beautiful designs, practical and quality products. Dog products such as dog tags, dog bowls and leads. Dog owner gifts too, mugs, keyrings, shirts and more.
Jerry’s General brings you a collection of sustainable clothing and gifts that showcase your love for dogs, whilst being committed to a sustainable and responsible lifestyle. Dog themed clothing collections, organic cotton tote bags, ceramic mugs, jigsaws and more. All dog themed and all sustainably sourced.
JustBe Botanicals natural beauty products and aromatherapy. JustBe is an all natural range for the face, body and home. Hand blended in Scotland with only natural ingredients. Designed to balance emotions and enhance a sense of wellbeing. The range includes cleansers, moisturisers, serum and treatment oils, lotions, therapeutic salts, balms, body butter and more. Also scents for the home, a tea range and aromatherapy chocolate. All amazing.
My Beautiful Pen have wonderful wordy and highly personalised gifts for someone special. Their range also included gorgeous notebooks, journals and planners, and token gifts. Their prints can be personalised and they have a wide range to choose from for all sorts of occasion.
Pen Pusher is a stationery shop specialising in sustainable stationery and caliigraphy. Their range is extensive and includes creative pens for hand lettering and calligraphy, notebooks, Washi tape and other stationery items. Pen Pusher hand pick the best independent UK brands for their online shop.
Poppy Treffry have gorgeous textile accessories, home decor and gifts. Mostly machine embroidery and lots of lovely prints too. All inspired by the beauty of the Cornish Coast. They also do a wide range of craft kits and sewing projects, including some wonderful subscription clubs which would make a brilliant gift.
Red Hen Trading is an independent gift shop with a fun range of gifts, home and lifestyle products. Quirky and unusual products, ones that will make their recipients smile. Gifts for her, him and children.
Seasons Green is a gorgeous gift shop and gallery, inspired by coast and countryside. Their range includes unusual gifts, crafts and art from independent makers across the UK and some bigger brands too. They stock a broad range including home accessories & lighting, stationery, gardening & outdoors gifts, crafting supplies, jewellery, women’s accessories, gifts for children, women, men and pets.
Siop Cwlwm is a Welsh gift shop. Here you can find Welsh books, greetings cards, home decor, learning resources for children and adults, games and lots more. All either in the Welsh language, have a Welsh theme or made by a small business in Wales.
Sister Sister sell gorgeous illustrations on hand painted ceramics, pins, artwork, tea towels, jigsaw puzzles and more. Lots of beautiful dog illustrations on ceramic hearts. Each one is painted by hand. Plus, they have some great pin badges and some have Welsh words on them too. A wide range of themes and illustrations to choose from.
SN cards are fine art greetings cards and gifts, created from still life photographs. Shelley is a fine artist photographer influenced by the style of Dutch Masters. Each photograph takes hours (often days) to create and make the most stunning artwork. The cards and gifts are created from this stunning artwork and reproduced on quality cards, mugs and coasters.
The Chiswick Gift Company is a London based design studio selling all kinds of great gifts. Fun, quirky, useful, some sweary and many creating great keepsakes. Their range include pin badges, notebooks, mugs and more.
I have shown only a small selection of the shops product offering here. Click the images to be taken to where you can find and buy, plus see lots more of their other products.
I hope you have enjoyed this Indie Showcase and you now feel inspired to shop with some of these wonderful shops.
There is lots more inspiration over on my blog here.
Happy shopping!
Barbara
All opinions in this blog post are mine. At the time of writing all shops mentioned are members of my shopping directory.
Though I mention lots of shops here, you must form your own opinion as to whether the shop and their products are for you.
I love shopping at independent shops, whether that is online, on the high street or at a stall at a market or an event.
Shopping independent is often seen as a “good deed” – something we should do. But that isn’t how I see it. For me the benefits are all about me! This means I get to do something that I love doing whilst also knowing I support the UK economy and all the other benefits that we all gain from.
To get to the bottom of what’s in it for me, I mulled over what if the only place to shop was with the big market places or one of the huge retailers the thought scared me by the way). What would I, as an avid user of small businesses, lose out on and miss most?
Here are 10 selfish reasons to shop independent shops around your wallet, your joy, your choice and your life.
Pawshtails – Red Dog Gear
Independent shops don’t have a cookie-cutter selection. They handpick their collections using their expert knowledge, a personal understanding of their customer and using their well researched suppliers. Some create their own unique products too. All offer something special. You get to be the one with the “Where did you find that?!” moment.
✨ Be the friend with the best taste.
Pen Pusher Art Supplies Washi Tape
Independent shops are full of personality, passion, and stories. It’s the opposite of mindless scrolling or soulless supermarkets. Real humans, curated collections, joyful experiences. Shopping with people who have a real passion for what they do, get to know their customers, go that extra mile and do everything with personality, is a joyful way to shop.
🙌Retail therapy that actually feels good – shop independent.
The Chiswick Gift Company – Enamel Pin The Chosen One
Love the planet? Hate fast fashion? Want better quality? Buy British? Keep your money in the UK? Whatever matters to you – there’s an independent shop that’s already aligned. Shopping indie is values-based shopping made easy.
✨Your values. Your money. Your choice. Shop independent.
ZippyUp – White with Navy Dots Zipped Babygrow
Indie shops are picky. They care. They source products that last and matter – not ones built for a landfill. And no inflated prices for logos or celebrity ads. With indies you tend to buy less and choose well. In the long run that is better value. As the saying goes “buy cheap, buy twice”.
✨Buy less, choose well. Independents make it easy.
Colmers Hill Fashion – Pansy Pop Short Kimono
Indie shopkeepers care if you’re happy. They wrap your parcel with love, answer your questions with care, and often remember you next time. It’s personal.
🙌Want customer service that actually feels human? Shop with small businesses.
Beyond Measure – Yarn Thread String Book from Uppercase Magazine
Big retail shows you what they want you to buy. Indies show you what they love – and what you might love too. It’s discovery, not just delivery. Obviously small businesses want to make a profit from what they do, but for them, unlike the big players in the retail sector, they aren’t driven solely by profit.
✨Break up with boring shopping. Find joy in your shopping experience.
Siop Cwlwm – Mam Bamboo Socks Welsh Gift
Indie shops are a treasure trove of thoughtful, meaningful, and downright genius gift ideas. You’ll be known as the best gift-giver.
✨Warning: shopping indie may result in legendary gift-giving status.
SN Cards – Peonies With a Bee Card
Independent shops shape your high street, your community, your online world. The ones you shop with are the ones that stick around.
✨Where you shop shapes the world you live in. Choose wisely.
Daffodowndilly – Hare Notebook
That candle from a maker in Yorkshire. That handmade dog bowl from Wales. That zero-waste beauty brand. The sewing shop with quality tools. The clothes boutique with in house designed ranges. The ethical fashion range at the small online store. I could definitely go on. These are products and shops worth sharing.
✨“I found it in a tiny indie shop.”
My Beautiful Pen – This is Us New Baby Wall Print
🙌Because you’re not just shopping – you’re making a difference to someone’s day, someone’s dream, and your own life too. Instant good vibes.
I get to choose where I shop and what I buy. I want these independent shops in my life. I want to experience the joy I feel when I shop with them (or even browse them or view their personality rich social media). Imagine a UK without them. Actually don’t, it is a sad thought.
✨I want choice, I want to choose.
💬Yes, shopping independent supports real people and helps the economy. But let’s not forget – it also makes shoppers happier, more stylish, more thoughtful, and more connected. So go on… be a little selfish. Choose independent.
Love discovering amazing indie shops?
Explore our online shopping directory at Love Our Shops UK – full of small businesses worth shouting about.
What do you think? Am I right to fly the shop independent flag, shop with small businesses as much as I possibly can and help you find these amazing shops online?
I appreciate these hard working shop keepers. I appreciate them being in my world and would like to see every one of them thrive, more new shops opening everyday and contributing to our beautiful future.
Do you agree with me on this? Are there more reasons for ensuring small businesses remain in our lives? Please do share them with me. You can find my contact details here.
Thank you for reading and please shop independent as much as you possibly can, it is the best way to shop.
Happy shopping!
Barbara
All opinions in this blog post are mine. At the time of writing all shops mentioned are members of my shopping directory.
Though I mention lots of shops here, you must form your own opinion as to whether the shop and their products are for you.
I have lots of different shops and ideas to share with you. Each one has gifts suitable for Valentine’s Day.
All shops are online, in the UK and small businesses, giving you a unique and thoughtful gift. Make them feel special, happy and loved.
Valentines Day Gift Ideas.
Seasons Green is a great gift shop, full of gorgeous things inspired by the countryside and coast. Lots of gift ideas, to show how much someone means to you. Gifts for him and gifts for her. Flowers don’t have to be real this faux flower bouquet is lovely, beautiful heart stud earrings and a wonderful “Together” hare coaster. Tap the image to find the product.
Perfect gifts for the dog lover Valentine. Jerry’s General brings you a collection of sustainable clothing and gifts that showcase your love for dogs, whilst being committed to a sustainable and responsible lifestyle. Dog themed clothing collections, organic cotton tote bags, ceramic mugs, jigsaws and more. Many can be personalised. Tap the image to find the product.
Red Hen Trading is an independent gift shop with a fun range of gifts, home and lifestyle products. Making it perfect for some thoughtful yet fun Valentines Day Gifts. Valentines Day Gifts for Him and for her. Tap the image to find the product.
From You To Me have a wonderful range of journals, books and memory books, all for capturing life’s precious moments. They have some perfect for Valentine’s Day gifts, for him and for her. You can see some of them here
The Chiswick Gift Company is a design studio in London, creating a wonderful range of gifts for all. The range is extensive including some brilliant things for Valentine’s Day. Here are 3 of them, this link will take you to their Valentine’s Day Gift selection.
SN Cards are a range of fine art greetings cards. Each card features a still life photograph, many are of gorgeous flowers. A perfect way to give some Valentine’s Day love. Here are a selection, there are lots to choose from. The tulip one is mine favourite. Cards to cherish and keep up long after the event has passed.
Colmers Hill Fashion is an award winning independent women’s fashion boutique. They have both a lovely boutique and an online shop. With a wide range of clothing, accessories and footwear, there are lots for a Valentine’s Day gift. I have shown my favourites here. The velvet top and robe at part of the From My Mother’s Garden range and the jewellery is range is wide and varied.
Daffodowndilly design and make gorgeous stationery, pins, prints, T-shirts and cards. Such a brilliant range with each design inspired by positivity, fun and the natural world. I have shown three of my favourites here but there is such a wonderful range I found it difficult to keep to three. Pins and art prints would make lovely Valentines Gifts.
Beyond Measure is an amazing shop for folks who make. So, if you know someone who likes to sew, knit, crochet or do embroidery, this is a great shop to get them their perfectly thoughtful gift.
Earlybird Design is a card shop with a selection of fun gifts and party things too. They have some really unique Valentines Day Cards. Plus some good little gifts perfect for Valentines Day too.
Maya Maya is an independent fashion boutique full of gorgeous clothes and accessories for women. Lots are perfect as a Valentines Gift. Tap the image to shop.
Pen Pusher have the most brilliant range of notebooks, washi tape, pens and calligraphy products. Lots and lots of lovely gifts for Valentines Day. Tap the image to shop.
Sister Sister create some wonderful handmade gifts along the theme of dogs, nature, life and love. Pins, Ceramic Charms, Tea Towels, hand painted ceramics and more.
Siop Cwlwm is a wonderful Welsh Shop. They have lots of gifts with Cariad, cwtch and other terms of endearment, suitable for Valentines Day Gift Idea. They also have a Welsh range of cards too. You can find their Valentine’s Day gift range here.
Little Soap Company have the most amazing natural, organic and artisan soap range. Bar soap and liquid soap too. For hands, hair and body, plus a range for your pet. They also have aromatherapy candles and lots of really lovely gift sets. Tap an image to find the product.
Home Gifts Garden have lots of lovely things from around the world. They source their products from artisans and small scale cottage industries from lots of different countries, so a wonderful variety.
Bloomtown create the most amazing 100% palm oil-free, vegan and cruelty free body and skincare range of products. The UK’s 1st independently certified palm oil-free company. The range is beautiful and created in their Falmouth workshop. They have lots of products suitable for Valentine’s Day. Tap an image to find the product.
My Beautiful Pen have the most wonderful wordy and highly personalised gifts for someone special. Also gorgeous notebooks, journals and planners, token gifts and prints.
JustBe Botanical have a beautiful, all natural range for the face, body and home, plus aromatherapy chocolate and a tea selection. Made by hand in Scotland using natural ingredients. All products are designed to balance emotions and give a sense of wellbeing. Some really lovely gift sets too. Tap an image to find the product.
The Healing Tree have created a gorgeous handcrafted vibrational, living skincare range, made from the highest quality, cold pressed and naturally extracted plant oils, superfoods and extracts. Healing and re-juvinating. Choice of 3 beautiful products, each one would make a wonderful and thoughtful gift for Valentine’s Day. Tap an image to find the product.
I do hope you love these Valentines Day Gifts 2025 UK. Gift Ideas from independent shops in the UK. All are small businesses and online, they can be found on my shopping directory. Tapping the images will take you to where you can buy the individual products. The links on their shop pages will take you straight to their online shop where you can find all these lovely things and lots more.
I share lots of Indie Edits on my blog, lots of product and shop inspiration.
Happy shopping 🙂
Barbara
Valentines Day Gift Ideas. Sharing independent shops online at Love Our Shops UK shopping directory.
All opinions in this blog post are mine. At the time of writing all shops mentioned are members of my shopping directory. Though I mention lots of shops here, you must form your own opinion as to whether the shop and their products are for you.
Candle making kits, sew your own plant and storage pots kits, knitting kits, soap making and bath bomb making kits, embroidery kits, ribbon wreath kits, calligraphy kits, and more.
A lovely selection from independent shops online in the UK. Tap the pink text to go straight through to the independent shop.
Beyond Measure is a beautiful shop with things for folks who like to make with textiles. A quality collection of quality tools, materials and gifts. For all sorts of textile based crafts.
Including a wonderful range of Decorative Paper Crafts and Embroidery Kits.
I have included here a selection of paper craft kits and embroidery kits. You can find the Beyond Measure Kits here.
Simply Ribbons sell all kinds of ribbons. They have tens of thousands of reels of beautiful ribbon, all kinds suitable for lots of different uses.
Simply Ribbons have created their own range of Ribbon Craft Kits and Felt Craft Kits.
Easy to make and look really good when finished. Simple and fun. Each kit contains everything you need.
Pen Pusher is an online stationery shop which has a great range for hand lettering and calligraphy. If you ever fancied having a go at the creative art of hand lettering and calligraphy then these kits that I have picked out are perfect for you.
You can find all the Pen Pusher kits here.
Daffodowndilly is a design studio creating lovely prints, cards, pins, stationery and more. They also have designed a number of beautiful Jewellery Making Kits.
Crafting Kits and Craft Supplies
Seasons Green is a really lovely gift shop and gallery. Included in their range is a selection of craft supplies and kits. I have included 3 here but they have a wider selection than this. Their craft and craft kits are definitely worth a little browse.
Cross Stitch Kits
Red Hen Trading is a gift shop with a fun range of gifts, home and lifestyle products. Included in their range are some cute mini cross stitch kits. Showing a couple here but they have more than this so worth having a little look.
Siop Cwlwm is a Welsh Shop selling all things Wales and Welsh language related. They have some great Welsh cross stitch kits and cross stitch charts. Including these 2 shown here. Their Craft range is worth a look as they have lots of different cross stitch designs.
Poppy Treffry design and make textile accessories, created by hand in Cornwall. They also run an Embroidery Club and have some sewing project kits available so you can create your own Poppy Treffry designs. You can see all their Make Your Own range here.
I hope you like this Indie Edit of Craft Kits for Adults. I have loved pulling it together
All are online and can be found on my shopping directory.
I share lots of Indie Edits on my blog, lots of shopping inspiration. Including the Embroidery Indie Edit.
Happy browsing and shopping 🙂
I love to inspire everyone to shop independent every single day.
Barbara
All opinions in this blog post are mine. At the time of writing all shops mentioned are members of my shopping directory. Though I mention lots of shops here, you must form your own opinion as to whether the shop and their products are for you.
Wide range of Christmas decoration ideas and themes. Including, some on ideas for Christmas decoration making kits and Christmas craft supplies.
Christmas signs, Christmas lights, Christmas garlands, Christmas Tree baubles, cute Christmas ornaments, Christmas candles and more…
I have loved pulling this selection together. I feel very festive now. Scroll down to see all that I have found. I am off to buy a couple of new decorations. I always stock up on a few new ones every year.
Animal Themed Christmas Ribbon
From paper garlands to embroidery items. A wide range of skills needed and all good fun.
If you don’t fancy making your own, they have some decorations that simply slot together.
See the Beyond Measure festive range here.
Unusual and varied Christmas tree decorations, lots of beautiful lights and lovely candles too.
See Seasons Green Christmas decor range here, they have lots, also Christmas Table Decor here. Plus a range of Christmas Tree Decorations and some Christmas Wreath making supplies.
See the full range of Christmas decorations at Red Hen Trading.
Lovely hanging decorations, garlands and light up table top decor.
You can find their Christmas Ribbon here. So many brilliant designs, materials, themes and uses. Suitable for decorations, wrapping and Christmas crafts and more.
They also have lots of Christmas themed ribbon wreath kits. I love making these, they are super simple and great fun.
Simply Ribbons have a range exclusive to them too and they can print personalised ribbon as well.
I love this sweary bauble. A little bit baa humbug or simply sweary. Find this brilliant bone chine bauble at The Chiswick Gift Company who also have a few other things in this range.
Hand painted ceramic hanging decorations. Lots of different designs of dogs, some lovely robin ones too and some other Christmas themed designs.
Each one is hand painted onto a ceramic heart.
Sister Sister also have a collection of wooden hanging decorations and stickers. Showing the Gonk one here, there are others in this range.
You can find the Sister Sister Christmas range here.
For a lovely range of Welsh themed Christmas decorations, visit Siop Cwlwm. From lovely Welsh Christmas bunting to hanging decorations. Lots of lovely things to choose from.
See their full range of Christmas decorations here.
My Beautiful Pen have 2 Christmas Gift Boxes, each containing hanging decorations. A lovely sheep version and a Christmas Fairy version. A lovely decoration to keep and hang up every year.
Hoobynoo have lots of dog, cat and horse themed decorations. In a few different styles. Some lovely memorial ones too.
All of them can be personalised. You can find the full range here: Christmas Portrait Decorations and Wooden Decorations.
Poppy Treffry have a range of Dingly Dangly decorations, perfect for the tree. Lots of different designs including a Bathing Beauty, Robin, Cat, Seagull, Dachshund and a Fox Terrier. All super cute in their festive getup.
You can see their Christmas Decorations here.
Home Gifts Garden have a lovely dry flower Christmas Wreath and a beautiful Christmas ornament, Carol singers figurine. Plus, this great Santa Duck.
So many unique and unusual Christmas Decorations Ideas, I hope you like them. Available to buy online from UK online shops.
Independent shops are the best shops to shop with, for so many reasons.
Happy browsing and shopping 😊
Barbara
You can see these shops on my shopping directory, by browsing the shop page or search on the product page.
Christmas Decoration Ideas. Shop independent this Christmas with Love Our Shops UK.
All opinions in this blog post are mine. At the time of writing all shops mentioned are members of my shopping directory. Though I mention lots of shops here, you must form your own opinion as to whether the shop and their products are for you. Clicking on a shop link will send you to their website, from there you are covered by their terms and conditions.
I have 7 completely different Advent Calendars. All unique and all brilliant.
I think you will find one suitable no matter what age you are.
I love Advent Calendars. When I was little it was always a picture behind a door. When did they become so much more than this?! Though I did love seeing what the picture was and I remember sharing what it was when I got to school.
Unique Christmas Advent Calendars, including ones to make yourself Much better than chocolate first thing in the morning, don’t you think?
Personalised Countdown To Christmas Advent Calendar – £20
A flip over the page, free standing, Advent Calendar. Each page is personalised with memories as you countdown to Christmas.
A lovely personalised advent calendar with stunning festive designs.
Available from Red Hen TradingPop & Slot Silver Stag Advent Calendar – £12.95
Large 3D Pop & Slot calendar in a tree and silver stag design. Made from cardboard, you can bring it out year after year.
It has 3 sheets of 24 cardboard pop out festive pieces which you slot into the tree. Building your scene up each day of advent.
Available from Siop Cwlwm.Welsh Nadolig Llawen Penguin Wooden Advent Countdown – £7.99
A festive wooden plaque featuring a penguin countdown to Christmas marker peg.
Stands up on its own on a shelf or table top. Featuring the Welsh words “Nadolig Llawen”.
Decorative Paper and Wood Advent Tree – £28
Create an Advent tradition with this beautiful Advent Tree by Jurianne Matter. Build the wooden tree then every day of Advent add a decoration, the star on Christmas Day.
In a special A4 storage box so it can be kept for use year after year.
Pick a Pocket Advent Calendar Freehand Embroidery Project – £7.00
This is a fun sewing project. Perfect for beginners and experienced sewists.
An exclusive pdf download designed by Poppy Treffry.
Full instructions on how to make your own machine embroidered pocket advent calendar.
Beneath the Tree Advent Calendar
Beneath The Tree Advent Calendar – £7.00
This is a beautifully illustrated traditional Advent Calendar. Back to the days of pictures behind doors.
A Rover la Borde design embellished with shimmering gold foil. Each door reveals a series of darling miniature artworks.
Available from Simply RibbonsChristmas Ribbon Wreath Kit – £24.00
Not strictly an advent calendar but you can definitely turn it into one. Every day spend 5 mins creating your Christmas ribbon wreath and then hang it (or use it on your Christmas table) on Christmas Eve.
This beautiful kit from Simply Ribbons contains everything you need to make this Navy and Burgundy wreath. Easy to create and great fun to make. All the family can do it.
I hope you found this Unique Christmas Advent Calendar selection helpful. I have no idea which one I will choose. I love them all.
Looking forward to the count down to Christmas with whichever one I choose.
Happy browsing and shopping 😊 Shop independent as much as you possibly can, it is the best way to shop.
Barbara
Shop independent this Christmas, it makes so much sense for so many reasons. I believe shopping independent should be our automatic choice of place to shop, our first choice.
I am here to help you find these amazing shops online.
There are lots of brilliant shops on my shopping directory all independent. Plus, I have lots of Indie Edits to help you find what you are looking for.
Want to be inspired by what independent shops offer and all the new shops and products I find? Sign up for my emails
I get lots of compliments on my emails. “They are inspiring and really lovely to receive. It is like getting an email from a friend who is telling me about all the lovely shops, products and offers that are around at the moment.”
All opinions in this blog post are mine. At the time of writing all shops mentioned are members of my shopping directory. Though I mention lots of shops here, you must form your own opinion as to whether the shop and their products are for you. Clicking on a shop link will send you to their website, from there you are covered by their terms and conditions.
I am bringing to you, 12 days of indie inspiration. I absolutely love shopping at independent shops online. They have so many amazing products and I can’t wait to share all that I have found for you this Christmas.
Gift ideas and Christmassy things, available online in the UK.
I love independent shops, whether they are on the high street or online. They are amazing and I appreciate having them in my life. I want them to flourish, for more independent shops to open and I love giving them my money. Do you?
There are lots of reasons why we all need to shop independent this Christmas and ditch the big corporate shops and marketplaces. Help these fantastic small businesses thrive and keep them alive for our future.
I have shared lots of reasons why this is so important in my blog post Shop Small This Christmas : Independent Shops are The Best Way to Shop.
I am flying the shop independent flag and helping people shop independent by sharing some brilliant inspiration, ideas and ways to easily find these shops (because lets face it, independent shops online are very hard to find Google tends to favour the big boys).
I can’t wait to share it all with you and right here on this blog is where you can find all the links to everything I share and talk about.
Let’s all shop independent as much as we possibly can. Just imagine if every single one of the gifts in the image came from an independent shop 🙂 How fab that would be.
Do you have yours up yet? I have lots of decoration inspiration in my indie edit.
I have my birthday the week before Christmas and when I was younger my mum thought it was important to not mix Christmas with my birthday and so our decorations always went up after my birthday.
I have always continued with this into adulthood. Until last year, I realised putting up all the decorations early December is so much more exciting!! This year they will be going up early again.
Another tradition is each year, I buy one or two unique and unusual decorations to add to my collection of Christmas decor.
Since starting Love Our Shops UK, this has become easy. Many of the lovely shops on my directory have unusual, fabulous and unique decorations. I have pulled them together in my Christmas Decorations Indie Edit. There you can find lots of special decorations and take the links to buy them online.
DAY THREEDo you know someone who likes to make things? If you do, I have some ideas for you.
Firstly craft kits is often a good idea. Everything one needs to make something, perfect. I have pulled together a lovely range of Craft Kits in my Craft Kits for Adults Indie Edit. Lots of them are suitable for children too.
Buying tools, crafting supplies and books is also a brilliant idea. These are available at a number of different online shops on my directory – Craft & Hobby Category.
Beyond Measure have lots of tools and haberdashery perfect for sewing and yarn based crafts. Plus, some useful books and paper based craft supplies.
Simply Ribbons have a huge range of all kinds of beautiful ribbon.
Looking for a unique and thoughtful Christmas card? I have found some really lovely ones to share with you today. From a range of different independent shops and all available to buy online.
I am sharing 7 different shops with you, each one has a different completely different range,
Earlybird Designs is a card shop and have a wide range including some specifically for relations.
Daffodowndilly have gorgeous and cute designs on their Christmas cards.
Seasons Green have a wide variety of single Christmas cards and packs too.
The Chiswick Gift Company have 3 card designs, they are sweary and fun.
Shelley Nott Cards has some beautiful still life Christmas themed images, recreated from her wall art pieces.
Siop Cwlwm has a Welsh range of cards, in a variety of designs.
Poppy Treffry have taken some of their freehand machine embroidery pieces and created cards from them, in a variety of themes.
I don’t have any little ones to buy for this year but that hasn’t stopped me having a great time browsing some wonderful toys, clothes, memory books, story books and lots more.
First up for babies, you will find lots of ideas in this collection Gift Ideas For Babies.
Do you have babies or toddlers to buy for? Then ZIPPYUP have some lovely babygrows, onesies, soft toys and more. This award winning shop has a wide range and are the original zip up babygrow.
I have lots of lovely ideas for the ladies in your life. Firstly, I have created a wonderful Indie Edits of Costume Jewellery. It includes rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets, plus a few pins and brooches too. A wide range and all would make wonderful gifts.
The Beauty & Pampering shop category have 2 gorgeous shops, each having a wonderful range of beauty and pampering products.
Alternatively the 3 wonderful shops in the Clothes & Accessories Category have some gorgeous gifts for women.
I have lots of love for stationery. Obsessed in fact. Buy me a nice notebook, a gorgeous pen, some washi tape or a beautiful pencil case, and I am happy. I am not the only one. So, today I am sharing stationery gift ideas. All kinds from lots of different shops.
Find all the inspiration, browse and buy, in my Stationery Indie Edit.
Lots of different shops with lots of unique stationery items. For all ages and tastes.
DAY EIGHT
We mustn’t forget about our furry friends. I have pulled together a selection from some lovely pet shops. Some can be personalised. Something for dogs, cats, horses, ferrets, rabbits and guinea pigs too. Plus something for our garden birds.
I have found some lovely gifts for the owners too.
You will find some ideas in the Collection, Things to Buy Your Puppy/Dog. Things to suit all ages of dog.
I also have an Indie Edit, The Best Dog Supplies, which has some brilliant ideas from several shops, including Pawshtails, Hoobynoo and Little Soap Company.
For the pet lover, see the brilliant Gifts For Humans selection at Hoobynoo.
For some Christmas themed pet gifts, Christmas Pet Gifts at Hoobynoo.
For cat, horse, guinea pig, ferret and rabbit gifts see the shop by pet range at Hoobynoo.
…and finally, our wonderful garden birds would love a gift this Christmas. Wiggly Wigglers have you covered with this one. If you have a garden bird lover to buy for, then this is perfect.
DAY NINE
Not sure about you, but the men in my life are always a little tricky to buy for. So, I have some ideas for you from some lovely online shops.
Fun and Unusual Gifts: Red Hen Trading have a brilliant range of gifts for him. Lots of variety.
Small Gifts and Stocking Fillers: Seasons Green have a varied and useful range of Gifts For Him.
For the pet lover: Hoobynoo have some brilliant pet themed gifts like mugs, coasters, clothing and pet portraits. Sister Sister have a range of dog and cat themed hanging ceramics.
Gifts under £20: See the Gifts for Him Collection
Gift Books: a wonderful range of books and journals perfect for the men in your life at From You To Me.
Gift Sets: Hair, wash, body and shave. All natural and all with 20% off at the moment. From the Little Soap Company.
Themed Gifts: Home Gifts Garden have a selection of car, motorbike, cycle themed gifts in their range Gifts For Boys
Stocking Fillers and Fun Gifts: you can find these at The Chiswick Gift Company.
Welsh Gifts: You can find a wide variety in the Gifts For Him range at Siop Cwlwm.
Garden and Wildlife Lover: From composting to feeding the birds, including a gift voucher for worms! A great range at Wiggly Wigglers
DAY TEN
Sometimes you just want to give a small token at Christmas and maybe it is a little tricky to decide what to get. When this happens to me, I usually turn to buying a lovely candle or a thoughtful wall print.
Inspiration and a wide range of products can be found in my 2 Indie Edits below. Both have links directly to where you can browse and buy online.
DAY ELEVEN
I love receiving gift vouchers. Especially from a lovely independent shop. Not so keen on ones from that big marketplace!! I really do not like giving them my money. Anyway, I digress 🙂
Gift Vouchers really are a win win. You get a pressie, you get to shop for exactly what you want and you get a delivery. Fabulous!!
I have found lots of lovely vouchers from lots of different online shops. You can find them all here Gift Voucher Indie Edit.
DAY TWELVE
As we head into the last few days of online shopping for Christmas, do the UK a favour, shop independent. Honestly, every order (no matter how big or small), that you give to an independent shop helps them survive and thrive. If they are thriving, then the UK is thriving. It is as simple as that.
Thank you for being part of Love Our Shops UK, shopping with independents and using my directory and inspiration to help you shop independent, more and more every day. It makes my day, it makes the shop owners day and when your purchase arrives, it makes your day too.
So, in these last few days of Christmas shopping, remember the little guys and go give them some money, it is the best way to shop.
…and if you are one of those amazing people who is super organised and done all their Christmas shopping (that isn’t me) why not treat yourself to something lovely from an independent shop. You definitely deserve it 🙂
I hope you found all this helpful and it has inspired you to shop independent more this Christmas. After all, it is the best way to shop.
Happy browsing and shopping 😊
Barbara
Want to be inspired by what independent shops offer and all the new shops and products I find? Sign up for my emails
I get lots of compliments on my emails. “They are inspiring and really lovely to receive. It is like getting an email from a friend who is telling me about all the lovely shops, products and offers that are around at the moment.”
All opinions in this blog post are mine. At the time of writing all shops mentioned are members of my shopping directory. Though I mention lots of shops here, you must form your own opinion as to whether the shop and their products are for you. Clicking on a shop link will send you to their website, from there you are covered by their terms and conditions.
Bringing you lots of products with summer vibes. With products for everyone from clothes to toys, stationery to skincare, dog supplies to home decor, and lots more in between.
Tapping the image will take you direct to the shop and product where you will also be able to see more of whats new in for summer.
I hope you find this Indie Edit useful. Each shop has lots of wonderful products, so simply click through to their shop to see more.
Each day I will be adding more products, sharing more and more inspiration.
Enjoy…and remember to shop independent as much as you possibly can for our beautiful future.
There are lots of lovely new ranges of clothes coming into the independent boutiques for summer. Here is a very small selection.
In order how they appear, the wonderful shops are:
Colmers Hill Fashion Maya Maya Poppy Treffry
There are some gorgeous beauty and skincare products here. They are all natural and many of them are organic too. Tapping the product image will take you to each shop.
In order how they appear, the wonderful shops are:
JustBe Botanicals Bloomtown Little Soap Company
I have a lovely selection of products for babies and children. ZIPPYUP for babygrows and sleepsuits, Designs By Fleur for baby memory gifts.
Tap the image to take you to the product.
Four shops with very different offerings for your dogs and a few things for other pets too. Hoobynoo and their range of personalised tags and other personalised pet things. Pawshtails with a wide range of quality products for your dog.
Summer inspiration for in your home and outside in your garden. Wiggly Wigglers have a brilliant range of bird food, composting supplies and hedgehog food (shown here). Home Gifts Garden have an extensive range of decor for the home and the garden, they have lots of new things in at the moment, I love their Wooden Squirrels.
For those who love to make things I have some brilliant product inspiration for you. Beyond Measure embroidery kits and supplies. Simply Ribbons daisy ribbon perfect for summer.
There are so many wonderful new products in all the amazing gift and stationery shops on the directory. Here I have just picked one from each shop, so I would definitely head over to their shops to see more. Tapping the image will get you to where you can find the product.
Tea towel from Sister Sister. Washi tape from Pen Pusher. Daffodowndilly notebook. Chiswick Gift Company mugs and pins.
Earlybird Designs Blooming Marvelous blank greetings cards. Seasons Green range of Earth Squared bags. Red Hen Trading Scandi style candle sticks. Siop Cwlwm Welsh book Wondrous Women of Wales.
From You To Me have some really lovely new children’s books, ones that can be personlised and you will want to keep forever. SN Cards have a lovely new image on their latest high quality greetings card.
The Little Hamper Company create the most gorgeous gift hampers for lots of different occasions and personalities.
I hope this Indie Edit inspires you to browse them, follow them on social media and to shop with them. After all shopping independent is the best way to shop.
Happy shopping.
Barbara
All opinions in this blog post are mine. At the time of writing all shops mentioned are members of my shopping directory. Though I mention lots of shops here, you must form your own opinion as to whether the shop and their products are for you.
Wide variety and a wide range of prices too.
Mothers Day Gift Ideas. Lots of ideas from independent shops online UK at Love Our Shops UK.
JustBe Botanicals create a gorgeous range of aromatherapy beauty products, candles, chocolate and tea. They also have a lovely range of silver heart keyrings engraved with meaningful words, one of them says Mum and there are others saying fabulous, happy and loved. So many lovely gift sets too.
JustBe Botanical happy collection.
Poppy Treffry have so many lovely things. Beautifully made in Cornwall their products are based around freehand embroidery and quirky material designs. Bags, storage pots, badges and lots more. They have pulled together a lovely selection for Mother’s Day.
Poppy Treffry tea cosy.
from you to me are all about cherished memories and capturing them. These gift books are a very special gift on Mother’s Day and ones that will always remain special. Lots of other Mum special books too. You can see their Mother’s Day selection here.
From you to me mum books.
Little Soap Company make the most wonderful organic soap and beauty products. Plus some gorgeous soy candles. I can feel a pamper session coming on. Lots of gift sets too, very special.
Little Soap Company lavender gift set.
Hoobynoo have lots of personalised gifts for the animal loving mum. This is one of their coasters but they have lots more to choose from here.
Keyrings, pet portraits, mugs, dog broach and more.
Hoobynoo dog mama coaster.
Wiggly Wigglers sell lots of countryside and garden related products. Like worms!! Yes really. They sell a brilliant range for feeding and care of wild birds in your garden too. I love that their bird seed is British grown (lots of it on their own farm), So if Mum loves her garden birds, a bird seed subscription box, a bird feeder or a bird box would be perfect. Lot’s of Mother’s Day Gift ideas here.
Wiggly Wigglers are experts in composting using both worms and bokashi. Perfect for the eco, garden loving Mum.
Wiggly Wigglers bird box.
Have you seen my other Indie Edit full of Unique Mother’s Day Gifts. More lovely gift ideas from independent shops in the UK. There is also a Mother’s Day Card Indie Edit too.
Plus I have a Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day Collection.
So many lovely products on my shopping directory perfect for Mum. I hope this Indie Edit has inspired you to have a look at the shops and see their full range.
Take a look at my Mother’s Day Gift Ideas board in Pinterest for lots more inspiration on how to spoil Mum on Mother’s Day.
I have created lots of Indie Edits blog posts, where I share lots of independent shopping inspiration and ideas.
I have really enjoyed pulling this collection together. It has made me realise how many lovely shops are in the shopping directory. I hope you have found it useful.
Happy browsing and shopping.
Barbara
If you want to keep up to date with all the lovely shops I find, products I share and offers available, sign up for my emails. I send them out regularly but not too often! You can sign up top right or bottom right.
Unique Mothers Day Gifts Independent shop edit.
Please be aware. All opinions in this blog post are mine. At the time of writing all shops mentioned are members of my shopping directory. None of these shops have paid me to be in this blog post. Though I mention lots of shops here, you must form your own opinion as to whether the shop and their products are for you.
I aim to include only independently owned shops. Sometimes it is tricky to work out if they are. So, as far as I can tell, they are independently owned, but apologies if the odd one that is not slips into my blog post….they hide it well! However, as they are all members I am 99.9% certain they are independent.
EarlyBird Designs is a greetings card, gift and party shop featuring unique in-house designs, as well as a carefully chosen selection from other UK-based designers.
At EarlyBird Designs we have a wide range of fun, unique and colourful greetings cards. Some we designed and others we have carefully chosen from UK design studios.
Our EarlyBird Designs shop is based in Stoke Newington, London. Our full range is also on our online shop. Gifts include chocolate, Soy Candles and other fun gifts. Our party range has balloons, banners and a very popular Birthday headband!
Products for babies and children. Lots to make the lives of mum and dad easier too. Browse Babies and Children products on my directory too.
Some amazing beauty, body and well-being products. Browse Beauty, Pampering, Health and Wellbeing products on my directory too.
Little Soap Company A gorgeous range of all-natural, organic, cruelty free and vegan soaps. Pure natural products, kind to you and the environment. Soap bars (including hand soap,shampoo bar, facial bar, exfoliating bar, shaving bar, body bar and the Little Beast doggy bar), liquid handsoap, bubble bath, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, hand and body lotion and candles too.
JustBe Botanicals JustBe wellbeing range of holistic products. JustBe have created a natural range for the face, body and home. Including spa treatments, herbal teas and chocolate. The products smell amazing, are emotionally nourishing and packed full of therapeutic benefits. Every JustBe product is lovingly made by hand in Scotland using purely natural ingredients.
Independent boutiques for clothes, bags, footwear and jewellery. Lots of different styles. Browse Clothes and Accessories items on my directory too.
Colmers Hill Fashion Women’s fashion boutique. Extensive and well chosen range of designer clothes, footwear and accessories. Clothes that flatter and feel good to wear. Extensive range of labels stocked including Sandwich Clothing, Marble, Ralston, Out of Xile, Joseph Ribkoff, Elsewhere, From My Mother’s Garden, Soaked in Luxury, A Postcard From Brighton and many more.
Some wonderful shops selling craft and hobby supplies. Browse Craft and Hobby products on my directory too.
Beyond Measure An online shop selling beautiful things for folk who make. Carefully chosen and sourced from talented craftspeople and the best small companies. Quality tools and gifts for makers. Fine leather goods, wooden needle cases, exclusive sewing patterns, scissors and cutting tools, tool boxes, tape measures, hole punches, embroidery samplers and much more.
Simply Ribbons Lots and lots of ribbons of all kinds. An extensive range. For crafts, occasions, gift wrapping and more. A brilliant selection of ribbon craft kits too and some great value ribbon offcut bundles. Every colour, theme, material and style you can imagine. Personalised printed ribbon too. Large selection of Wedding Ribbons, Christmas Ribbons and craft ribbons.
GARDENS, GARDENING AND OUTDOORS
Whether you like to do the garden or sit in it (or both) here are some great shops. Outdoors related too. More the relaxing outdoors type of products and bringing the outdoors in. Browse Home and Garden products on my directory too.
Wiggly Wigglers Extensive range of bird feeding and composting products. Farm produced Great British Birdfeed, perfect for our UK garden birds. A good quality hen mix too. They also offer live worms. Lots of composting products both worm composting and bokashi composting. They have the brilliant Urbalive composter, a worm composter.
Unique and thoughtful gift shops. Useful and beautifully designed stationery. Browse Gifts and Stationery products on my directory too.
Daffodowndilly Beautiful designs on stationery, accessories and tops. Greetings cards, hand bound notebooks, organic cotton printed T-shirts, enamel and wooden pins, stickers and positivity postcards, cross stitch patterns and jewellery kits. All designs are inspired by positivity, the natural world and the joy of having a good laugh with friends.
from you to me Creator of beautiful and emotive gift books and journals. To celebrate special occasions, inspire people to capture and share precious memories and stories. Cherished moments, bringing people closer together. Many of the products can be personalised. Journals, notebooks, memory books and more.
Poppy Treffry Beautiful machine embroidered products, designed directly from sketches of life in Cornwall. Handmade in Cornwall by a team of ladies throughout the county. Includes bags, accessories, home decor, stationery, badges and storage pots. A wide variety of gorgeous designs and beautifully hand made products.
The Chiswick Gift Company Design studio bursting with creative gift ideas. Gifts for everyone. Unique, cool, fun, quirky and inspirational gifts for everyone. Notebooks, journals, memory books, year books, activity books, inspiring enamel pins, sew on patches and more. Quirky sayings, inspiring slogans and fun words all great on great gifts.
The Little Hamper Company Luxury, individual hamper gift boxes. With amazing products from small businesses, many based in Lincolnshire. Each hamper is in a luxury box, finished with a ribbon and a personal message. For all occasions, male and female. A contemporary twist on the traditional hamper. Make your own hampers available too.
Pet tags, dog leads, dog food and lots more. All things pet. Browse Pet products on my directory too.
Hoobynoo Pet tags in lots of designs for dogs, cats and horses. Personalised pet and pet owner gifts, including bowls, collars, pet portraits, mugs, memorial gifts, Christmas decorations and more. Personalised by dog breed design and holds all the information you need to keep you pet safe. Over 170 different breeds of dog have their own designs.
Pawshtails Quality dog products. Climbing rope dog leads. High quality, safe, stylish, lightweight, comfortable to hold and strong. No pull harness with a multi-functional design, durable and weatherproof. Natural dog treats, dog toys and cosy dog blankets. Plus dog designs on greetings cards and some brilliant vinyl stickers perfect for dog lovers.
My blog has lots of shopping inspiration and my Inspiration page. You can see more there.
I have created this list as part of my #ipledgeindie campaign, inspiring and helping everyone to shop independent, shop small as much as they possibly can.
I hope you are finding this list of UK online shops useful. There are lots of independent shops on this list and I will be adding to it all the time. Keep checking back for more help with finding independent shops.
Independent shops are the best shops to shop with for so many reasons. They should be our automatic first choice. You can find out more about my #ipledgeindie shop independent movement here.
Happy browsing and shopping 😊 #ipledgeindie
Barbara
PS Why not join in with my #ipledgeindie campaign – shop independent, share independent shops on social media and tell everyone you #ipledgeindie. Find out more here.
There are lots of brilliant shops on my shopping directory all independent and amazing! All shops on my directory must comply with certain trustworthy attributes. These are applied to all those on this Finding UK Shops Online list too. The criteria can be found on here.
Want to be inspired by what independent shops offer and what I am up to? Sign up for my emails
I get lots of compliments on my emails. “They are inspiring, informative and really lovely to receive. It is like getting an email from a friend who is telling me about all the lovely shops, products and offers that are around at the moment.”
I pledge indie #ipledgeindie. Independent shops are amazing. UK Online Shop. Sharing independent shops online at Love Our Shops UK shopping directory.
All opinions in this blog post are mine. At the time of writing some shops mentioned are members of my shopping directory. None of the shops have paid me to be on this list. Though I mention lots of shops here, you must form your own opinion as to whether the shop and their products are for you. Clicking on a shop link will send you to their website, from there you are covered by their terms and conditions.
Gail Bryden is the aromatherapist founder of JustBe Botanicals. She hand blends all her products in Scotland, using purely natural ingredients designed to balance the emotions and enhance a sense of wellbeing.
Gail lives in Edinburgh and has the perfect address for an aromatherapist; Rosebank Cottages, Gardner’s Crescent. She is one busy lady and has developed so many lovely products in her many years of running JustBe Botanicals. I am intrigued how she has got to where she is today. Plus, how she manages to get her picture taken with so many famous people!
Our Shop : JustBe Botanicals.
Thank you. I started with a range of 4 aromatherapy massage oils that I used in treatments.
Through working with a luxury spa, I was asked for an anti-ageing facial followed by a teenage facial. The range developed over the years and there’s now 6 sensory spa treatments and something for each of the 5 senses, including a range of music called JustBe In Tune and aromatherapy chocolates.
JustBe’s an all natural range that matches botanical’s and a blend of aromatherapy oils with your mood. There are 6 signature blends: Happy, Active, Energised, Tranquil, Detox & Pure.
With award winning skincare, soy candles, herbal teas and chocolates to choose from, there’s an opportunity to practice mindfulness, whether out and about or at home.
The products are 100% natural (free from any nasties), ethically made (cruelty free) and nut free.
Me and My Shop JustBe Botanicals.
I love them all. If I had to choose one, it would be the Hydrating Serum & Treatment Oil, from the facial range, due to how many people compliment me on my skin! The duo of 10ml x 2 (£25) come with a money back radiance guarantee and have been described as “pretend sleep and clean living in a bottle.”
I work from home. I recently moved from making most of my products on my kitchen table to my loft space. It’s a real cottage industry.
Our Shops JustBe Botanicals – Rosebank Cottage, home of JustBe Botanicals.
Working from home, loving what you do and living in central Edinburgh all help. There’s always something going on in Edinburgh and as I work for myself I can be flexible.
Our Shops JustBe Botanicals. Gail and some of her collection of celebrity selfies!
There are 6 spa treatments: 2 facial, 4 body.
The JustBe Wellness Journey starts with the simple question how would you like to feel?
Following the consultation, a scent test will let you know which aromatherapy blend your mind and body needs. Before your treatment you’ll have the opportunity to select 3 JustBe Inspiration Cards, and you’ll be offered some JustBe Chocolate at the end of your treatment. A very special experience.
The Gin Spa opened in Glasgow in December last year – a spa using botanically based products found in gin. They selected JustBe Botanicals range for their treatments and the feedback has been incredible. I currently offer the therapist training.
Our Shops JustBe Botanicals. Delicious aromatherapy chocolate and Loved keyring.
There have been so many surprising moments from receiving 21 awards, being asked to display within 10 Downing Street as part of Small Business 100, collaborating with the Edinburgh Fringe Festival on chocolate and meeting / having selfies with so many well known faces.
The proudest moment was perhaps being asked to supply product for Michelle Obama’s changing room when she visited Edinburgh earlier this year.
Our Shops JustBe Botanicals. Gail at Number 10.
The big plan is to create JustBe at Home Gatherings. They will give people the opportunity to experience wellbeing and mindfulness at home. This will hopefully be launched in conjunction with a charitable range to support Mental Health. This will be such a wonderful product to launch.
Two new eye products are in development, they will be launched early next year. I am very excited about these!!
Be yourself, keep it real and enjoy the journey.
Liberating and rewarding.
Our Shops JustBe Botanicals. Some of the product range.
Thank you so much Gail. Your passion for your wonderful products really shines through. I love how your business has grown and developed over the years. Such an inspiration.
If you would to see more of what Gail is up to and her gorgeous products, head over to Instagram @justbebotanicals or on Facebook @justbebotanicals. You can see all her fab selfies with celebs over there too.
I am looking forward to continuing to follow the JustBe Botanicals story.
I first featured JustBe Botanicals on my blog post sharing lots of Beauty Products.
I hope you have enjoyed reading about Gail’s Our Shops story. JustBe Botanicals is a member of Love Our Shops UK shopping directory.
Until next time, happy browsing and inspired shopping.
Barbara
That is what it means to me.
There are lots of sayings around using a small business. “Supporting a small business is making someone’s dream come true” and “when you support a small business an actual person does a happy dance.” Both of these are so true.
Small Business Saturday UK is a way of supporting and shopping with independent shops, either online or on the high street. There are so many reasons why this is so important.
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY UK. Find independent shops at Love Our Shops UK
So, in honour of the wonderful day, Small Business Saturday UK, I am sharing with you 9 fabulous independent shops. All based right here in the UK. All of which, absolutely definitely, do a happy dance when a lovely customer shops with them. I really must make a video of that one day!!
Nestling in the foothills of the North Cotswolds, this gorgeous shop, has one aim in life. “Our aim is quite simply to make pure, natural soap accessible to everyone” says founder Emma. Their range is gorgeous. Starting in 2008 in her kitchen, Emma wanted to make the purest organic soap possible. She has achieved this and a lot more.
The Little Soap Company range includes handcrafted artisan soaps, traditional everyday soap range, liquid bath and body products, Little Beast pet range, Eco-soy Candles and lovely organic lip balm kits. All can be bought individually or as lovely gift sets.
LITTLE SOAP COMPANY Small business Saturday UK. Independent shops at Love Our Shops UK.
The sole aim of Hoobynoo is to live a colourful life. Starting life in 2012 as a children’s jewellery range, this shop has now added lots more to it’s highly colourful and creative store. Everything is designed by founder Chiara, and lots can be personalised.
From their lovely new studio in Kent they create pet tags, mugs, jewellery, cushions, decorations, bags, pin badges, nail transfers and so much more. In fact, they are creating new products all the time, so already this list is probably out of date!
This shop is all about capturing cherished moments and enriching lives. Through all the lovely journals and books they create. Thoughtfully designed journals, which are designed to capture every stage of life and create precious ways to hold on to memories.
From their Head Office in Bradford-on-Avon, they are always busy creating new products. They really are special and such a thoughtful gift. Their first products were family memory journals – Journals of a Lifetime. Now they have a wide range of journals, books and stationery. All designed to cover every stage of life from birth to all ages. I love them.
FROM YOU TO ME. Find independent shops easily at Love Our Shops UK
This gorgeous shop, design and create all their wonderfully unique textile accessories in beautiful Cornwall. Using creative machine embroidery technigues and gorgeous fabrics, they make a wide range of accessories for you and your home. With designs to suit many different tastes. Coffee lovers, dog lovers, cat lovers, seaside lovers, cycle lovers…and more.
Poppy, the founder of this shop, is queen of freehand embroidery. Her quirky products come from her sketches of everyday life in Cornwall. Back in 2004, when she started, Poppy made everything herself. Now her unique products are made by a team of ladies throughout Cornwall. They cut and sew everything into her lovely range.
POPPY TREFFRY. Find independent shops easily at Love Our Shops UK
I love the name! This wonderful shop is all about natural gardening, British grown bird seed, composting supplies, live and dried worms, beautiful British flowers and so much more. Heather founded Wiggly Wigglers from her kitchen table at her wonderfully named Lower Blakemere Farm in Herefordshire, back in 1990. “We’re here to enhance your time at home and in the garden by delivering a little bit of country living to wherever you live” explains Heather “a country life delivered”.
Championing the #grownnotflown campaign, the Wiggly Wigglers range predominantly sells products sourced from British Farms. Including comfortable goat socks, beautiful British Flower posies, traditional festive wreaths, composting supplies, bird feed, wildflower plants and so much more.
WIGGLY WIGGLERS. Find independent shops easily at Love Our Shops UK
This gorgeous shop based in Scotland was created by Scottish Aromatherapist Gail Bryden. “I create a range of purely natural products designed to balance emotions and enhance a sense of wellbeing” explains Gail, whose products have won many awards.
Such a lovely range. Natural products for the face and body. Plus candles, chocolate, tea and my favourite, aromatherapy rollerballs. All gorgeous.
All of these shops started life as a dream. All have become a beautiful reality. It may have taken a lot of hard work to get to where they are now but they have all done such an amazing job. Each shop is completely different but all have one thing in common, their desire to make their customer very happy.
So many reasons why it is good to shop at independent shops, I share 8 of these in Shop Independent this Christmas. I really love number 8.
I wish all Small Businesses the best of fortune, not just on Small Business Saturday UK, but all year.
Make someone smile, add to a dream and above all make them dance like crazy around their studio, store room or shop.
I would love to hear about your favourite independent shops. Why not share them in the comments or join our Facebook shopping group and share them with others.
As always happy browsing, happy shopping! 🙂
Barbara
Small business Saturday. Find independent online shops at Love Our Shops UK
Please be aware. All opinions in this blog post are mine. At the time of writing, all shops mentioned are members of Love Our Shops UK. Though I mention lots of shops here, you must form your own opinion as to whether their products are for you.
I aim to include only independently owned shops. Sometimes it is tricky to work out if they are. So, as far as I can tell, they are independently owned, but apologies if the odd one that is not slips into my blog post….they hide it well!
We design and make textile accessories, lovingly created by hand in Cornwall.
A lot of work goes into each piece, using quality materials, local suppliers, simple techniques and old Singer sewing machines.
The range includes bags, purses, pencil cases, tea towels, pictures, cushions, phone cases, badges and tea cosies. We have a very big range!
The designs have been lovingly inspired by the things that surround our every day…sea, animals, cycling, food, countryside, sewing and very importantly tea & cake.
We also love making personalised pictures and we have just added our new ranges of candles and lip balm.
Each piece is individually made with care and attention by our lovely team of stitchers in Cornwall.