Following on from the Sustainable Gift Guide that I published last year, I thought I'd curate another little collection of beautiful, sustainable gifts from smaller businesses. I'm hoping I can inspire others to make conscious choices when buying gifts for loved ones over Christmas.
A bespoke mug can make mornings a treat, and FICHceramics make gorgeous, simple pieces that fit with any kitchen aesthetic. They also do jugs, bowls and other crockery if you were really looking to treat someone.
Isobel Higley makes some of the most unique and interesting pieces out there, and her little ceramic spirits look perfect on a mantelpiece, next to a plant, or sitting on piles of books. The smaller ones are also designed to be held as a grounding, reassuring object. Whichever little face takes your fancy, they are a perfect keepsake for anybody who likes to add a bit of interest to their home.
Linda Cracknell's Call of The Undertow is a breathtaking novel about self discovery, published by Freight Books. It follows a mapmaker who travels to the very tip of Scotland and discovers a world where the everyday meets myth in unexpected ways. Tragically Freight Books went into liquidation last year, but I couldn't not recommend a book that is a perfect example of why indie publishers are so great.
Essayism from Fitzcarraldo Editions is my non-fiction pick. Brian Dillon creates a gorgeous ode to the art of the essay, and the strange paradoxes of the form. A wonderful book for people who like to get a bit 'meta' about literature. All the books from this press are published in beautiful plain covers, white for non-fiction, and blue for fiction, so they make great collectors items.
Frannerd is well known on Instagram and YouTube for her sweet relatable comics and warm personable videos. Along with planners, stickers, and journals, she also sells sweet prints in pretty pastel shades with a touch of humour. Her style is so unique and her paintings are a joy.
Ella Masters is well known in the blogging world, and her art is always so beautiful. She mixes joyful celebrations of colour and bold lines with warm, meaningful images, and creates pieces that make you stop and smile. I'm not sure why this image, out of all her work, caught my eye, but that's the beauty of Ella's art, you can't always explain why it speaks to you, you just know it does.
PeonyLondon gets the first and last mention in this post. (non-spon my dudes, just a fan) They do gorgeous understated floral prints that would suit any home. PeonyLondon prints are art for people who don't want their walls cluttered, or their rooms overwhelmed.
I really hope this list can provide a little inspiration for those looking to shop smaller this Christmas. Remember that when you spend money, you cast a vote for the kind of world you want to live in, and if you want to live in a world where smaller independent businesses can thrive and flourish, then the holiday season is the perfect opportunity to look at casting some of those votes.
Thank you for reading x
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Thank you! I'm trying to resist buying all this stuff for myself to be honest! x
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