Gifts to Give This Holiday Season

This holiday season shop small and shop handmade. I’ve pulled together some of my favorite small brands from around the world. Some of them are friends, some I discovered this year living in London and some started their business during lockdown! As someone who has launched a small lingerie collection, I know how special it is to start receiving your first orders.

Whether you are looking for gifts for your family, friends, or even yourself, I’m sure one of the brands will pique your interest. And even if your budget is small this year, you can still support these small businesses by giving these brands a follow on Instagram or by subscribing to their newsletters. Please check each brand’s website for shipping details.

Elisa Ceramics

Based in London, Elisa of Elisa Ceramics started her online shop back in May of this year. And since then, I’ve been admiring all of her work through her Instagram, @elisa_ceramics, and through her newsletters. Hand built, each piece is guaranteed to be one of a kind. I have yet to buy anything only because my favorites get sold out so quickly. So my advice would be to follow her on Instagram and subscribe to her newsletters to be the first to know about her launches.

Primary Beans

Primary Beans is the edible and nourishing gift to a give a friend, family member, or yourself. Their mission is to “bring beans back to their rightful place - to the forefront of your pantry and at the center of meals that are good for you and the planet.”

Since moving to England, baked beans have been a constant in my diet. But I want to start incorporating other beans, such as Cannellini beans, into the dishes I make. Luckily, Primary Beans makes it easy with the variety of single-origin beans they sell and delicious looking recipes they share on their Instagram, @primarybeans. They are launching at the end of the month so make sure to give them a follow on Instagram and/or subscribe to their newsletter to be the first to know about their launch.

Amme London

I’m a big fan of simple gold jewellery and Ammé delivers just that — and more! Founded in 2018 and handmade in London, Ammé creates simple jewellery with an edge. Their products are made from 925 sterling silver, or (minimum) 9 carat gold filled, free of nikel. Which means their pieces should last for a long time and not irritate your skin (win!). While they are based in London, they ship worldwide.

HUM London

I’m obsessed with lampshades. I follow a few lampshade accounts and have also painted my own ugly lampshade that came with my flat so when I came across HUM on Instagram, I immediately fell in love. HUM London is a small hand-painted lampshade brand founded by two sisters at the beginning of lockdown. Their designs and patterns will add a certain playfulness and brightness to any room. Added perk, they use sustainable paints.

Tangerine Collective

Something about funky colorful candles really elevates a room for a me. To me, it says this person has taste but does not take themselves too seriously — which is exactly the aesthetic I try to achieve. @tangerine.collective creates the most coveted candles that are designed and hand poured in North London.

*Only sold in the UK

Harlie Briggs Art

I love the naked body and believe all body shapes and sizes should be appreciated and that’s why I love Harlie Briggs’ art. She is a London based nature and nude artist who paints on canvases, bottles, and vases. Her pieces would compliment anyone’s home, making it an ideal gift.

Canvas by LP

Laura is a friend of mine and also another artist who started her brand during lockdown. Passionate about abstract art and an advocate for mental health, Laura creates paintings that are not only intriguing, beautiful, and striking, but proceeds also support mental health charities.

Lazy Girl Lingerie

Hailing from Brisbane Australia, Cassandra designs and hand makes beautifully detailed lingerie and intimates. What at first started out as a side hustle, has turned into her full time job. She has recently launched her Unapologetic Collection that is made up of sultry reds and timeless black sets. If Lazy Girl Lingerie sounds familiar, that’s because I collaborated with her for Lingerie & Literature’s The Classics Collection. To learn more about Cassandra, check out her Q&A here.

Pot d’Huile

I have always been one of those boring people who tends to follow rules, so I hadn’t experienced much cannabis until it was legalized in California. And by then, I still wasn’t keen on smoking weed because I didn’t like the smell. However, I ended up loving edibles. And more specifically — cannabis infused olive oil. I was introduced to Pot d’Huile through an old colleague of mine who was roommates with one of the founders. And since then, I’ve enjoyed pouring cannabis infused olive oil on everything and anything — from brussels sprouts to popcorn, it was the perfect complement. This is definitely something that should be in your friends stockings this year.

Son of a Pear

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ShopSonOfPear

Another ceramic brand I’ve been having my eye on is Son of Pear. The ceramics carry with them a strong illustrative focus which can catch the eyes of any guest visiting your home. You can buy pieces individually or as a cohesive collection. I have my eyes on the candle holders.

Siamm Patra

Sometimes Instagram does its thing and connects you to some really cool people — like Anita from SiammPatra. Besides the striking and bold designs of SiammPatra jewelry, I was attracted to the brand because of its name and the founder. The brand name SiammPatra emerged from two ideas. Siam is the former name of Thailand, the country where Anita was born and raised. And Patra pays tribute to the Queen of Egypt. Since my grandma and mom were born in Thailand, I have an affinity to Thai brands.

Lucky enough, one day Anita was visiting San Francisco (where I used to live) and I had the opportunity to meet her and try on her jewelry. I’ve had her triangle earrings for a couple of years now and due to their quality and timeless design, I still wear them on a regular basis.

Rookie Mistake

Handmade in Long Beach, California, Rookie Mistake is Alyx Tunno’s imperfect, one-of-a-kind homeware store. She creates and sells incense holders and coasters that are guaranteed to put a smile on your face. More designs are coming soon so make sure to follow their instagram at @rookie_mistake.

LA Designs

For the bookish friend, I recommend these fun and cute resin bookmarks from LA Designs. The designer is a full time college student and veterinary assistant who creates nature inspired resin art in her spare time.

Bookshop

And in case you plan on buying any of your friends or family books this holiday season, you should checkout bookshop.org. Through bookshop.org, you can buy books from local, independent bookstores throughout the U.S. and the UK. Bookshop is on a mission to financially support these independent bookstores which is especially important considering the current climate.

Kiana NobleNovember 18, 2020Comment