This year has flown by at an incredible speed and somehow Christmas is fast approaching. With only nine days to go before the most magical day of the year, Kindred has compiled the perfect guide for last-minute gifts, all from independent small businesses and suitable for any budget.
Because it wouldn’t be Christmas without socks! Treat your loved ones to a modern take on a classic gift: a socks’ subscription service. Henry J Socks is the first UK-based monthly subscription service and offers the quirkiest and most vibrant socks, delivered directly to your door. You can choose from a 3, 6 or 12 months subscription from £19.50 to £66, so it just depends on how much of a treat you’re looking for.
Harrie’s, an independent, ethical, Sussex-based coffee supplier, came out with the perfect gift for the coffee lover(s) in your life, especially in the era of early Zoom calls, this will make your mornings much easier. The box features the star of the business, their Fairtrade Colombian 100% Arabica blend, which is a smooth, medium-bodied coffee with a nutty finish, and Bonne Maman jams, homemade crunchy vegan and wheat-free granola and a pack of oatcakes.
Winter is the perfect time for at-home spa sessions, and surely you can think of that one person in your life that deserves to pamper themselves that little bit more. For a spa experience in the comfort of their own home, the set contains an essential oil candle, natural bath oil, handmade heart-shaped soap and a moisturising hand and body cream.
Okay, you have probably missed the deadline for a Christmas delivery with this one, however, the t-shirts look too good not to be included in the guide. Each t-shirt is handmade to order, and you get to have hand-embroidered any name/phrase of your choice in a handwritten style on a 100% cotton t-shirt. So, while you may not make it in time for Christmas, it may be a perfect present for anyone you’re seeing after the holidays or anyone whose birthday is in January.
These luxury gift sets make an ideal present for someone, especially at Christmas! The set contains a glass candle and a reed diffuser, all wrapped in a premium black box, really making it the perfect present. You get to choose the scents of both the candle and the reed diffuser, and you can also have the set wrapped with a personalised message if you want it sent directly to the person you’re shopping for.
Polly Red makes all sorts of personalised engraved gifts and jewellery, and this rose gold compact mirror will be the perfect present for that beauty junkie in your life who always has the perfect makeup. It has two mirrors - a normal one and one magnifier, and you also get to choose the font and name/message you want engraved.
If you’re looking for a fun and a little bit of a shocking present, the Paper Plane bath noodles definitely fit the description. The 100% natural, vegan bath noodles turn your bath into a giant bowl of ramen and come in three blends: Singapore Spice, Tangy Thai and Vietnamese Fresh. They all contain a natural exfoliant for smooth skin and are packed with natural oils. Just make sure whoever you’re gifting this to understands that these noodles are not edible!
Is there someone in your life who loves a good organiser or someone that could use a hint to manage their time better? The Nectar & Bumble beekeeper theme 2022 diary has four sections with a planner, notes, to-do list and goals as well as a plastic zipper wallet, making it the perfect companion to help one manage their time. The company also donates 10% of their profits to the Bumblebee Conservation Trust.
The Lazarette, based in Falmouth, makes home decor and wedding accessories, such as mats and baskets. The jute rope bowl, made from sustainable plant fibres, is perfect for small bits and bobs on a makeup desk, hair accessories or jewellery. It can also make a great hamper that you can actually keep.
The lavender wheat bag is a safe alternative to a hot water bottle and also a natural way to
soothe and calm aches when you are feeling under the weather or suffering from cold and flu. It can also be used as a cold pack on bruises, sprains and aching limbs. Perfect for the hard-to-buy-for and always on the go person, because who doesn't like a moment or two of warmth and comfort?
Sticking with the theme of unwinding and relaxation, the stress-free kit is a great present to send to friends or family (especially those who always seem to be stressed) to give them that extra boost. It contains nine cards with tips and tricks on how to deal with stress, an energising and relaxing tea, Epsom salts and a handmade relaxing soap.
The shopper is made from environmentally-friendly jute and finished with leather handless and brass feet on the base. It’s easy to clean, very practical and can be personalised with name initials.
The eco geek starter set can be customised to suit any eco-conscious friend with a range of the company’s best-selling products. It contains natural and plastic-free products, creating a healthier and more sustainable future.
You most likely have someone in your life that is completely obsessed with their beard, treating it as their pride and joy (as they should). The beard balms contain organic Shea Butter, organic beeswax, hemp seed oil, Moroccan Argan oil and essential oils, to tame the beard and provide a light hold.
A gift that keeps on giving, ideal for a plant lover or someone who could use help keeping their plants alive. Each plant comes with care instructions, you can choose with or without a pot and even pet friendly options. Plants are delivered on a monthly basis with a 100% sustainable packaging and there are 3, 6 and 12 months subscription options.
Don’t you just hate when you can’t fit a water bottle in your bag? This flat water bottle is ideal for just that! It comes with a leak-proof cap and a vegan leather strap, and you can personalise it with a name.
As you can tell, personalised gifts are very popular - they just add that extra thought. And nobody’s ever said no to a beautiful necklace! The necklace features an initial pendant and a mini crystal birthstone.
For the star in your life, there is no better way to show them what they mean to you. The North Star pendant will surely become a staple in their jewellery collection.
Whatever you’re doing this Christmas, do not forget about your furry compawnions! The Pawsome Paws Boutique has unique harnesses, dog walking accessories and clothing for both you and your four-legged best friend.
As convenient as heading to your nearest high street might be, consider shopping with smaller, independent brands this year. Compared to large mainstream companies, small businesses, run by real people, will put more care and quality into their products, making it the perfect present for anyone in your life.
Smaller businesses also tend to have a bit more of an ethical business model, so if you’re looking for a gift for someone who only buys sustainably, they should be the first place you look at.
Happy shopping!
Have you got all your presents already, or do you enjoy the rush of last-minute Christmas shopping? Let us know in the comments!
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