Yes I know, a Christmas gift guide already! But it is November now so the countdown is on and some people do like to be organised on the present planning and buying front... So here it is my first in a series of gift guides over the next month or so. I’m very excited to be collaborating with The Mamahood and some of her talented makers on this blog post. The Mamahood have created a unique and dedicated community of creative mothers across the UK and celebrate the transformative power of Motherhood that enables women to unleash their creative potential and redefine themselves as entrepreneurs and female founders. As a long standing supporter of small businesses and mum-run businesses I want to make sure we are all shopping small this Christmas to help these brands flourish and grow. I’m pleased to use my platform to help champion some independent businesses. Most of them are doing it to find a flexible way of working around their family life and need all the support they can get. The Mamahood website is a one stop shop well worth book marking for the very best stylish wares around.
I love the originality and creativity behind these beautiful brands, you won’t find these products on the high street, they are unique and special and I hope you love the first edit I have pulled together. Click the images or info below to shop gift ideas. Please shop small this Christmas!
Main Image at Top: Limited Edition Mama and Mini Pouches and Purses by Mamahood X Honey & Toast, £29 - £45
Limited edition and exclusively available on The Mamahood website is this set of luxury matching Mama and Mini purses for grown-ups and small people alike. We all love a bit of leopard print and the colours in these purses are stunning, perfect keepsakes. These make a lovely gift for a mama with the added option for little person twinning! All made of real leather and individually handmade in a small family run factory in Somerset.
1) Location Letter Print by Lucy Loves This, Size A4, £20 or £50 framed
Lucy Loves This is a small design studio in Brixton, South London, set up by book cover designer and mum of two, Lucy Stephens. The brand is best known for its hand drawn alphabet artworks made up of intricate illustrations of landmarks, arranged to create the first letter of different areas of Britain, Europe and The World - with over 150 locations to pick from. I love the idea of picking an area thats means something to someone in your family or friends to hang on their wall. You can’t go wrong with this black and white print, it’s a really great gift for anyone! All products are made and printed in Britain.
2) Sylvie Earrings by Jack & Freda, £25 (add a gift box for £2)
Jack & Freda is owned by Kylie Dunn, mother to two boys and maker of beautiful handcrafted tassel jewellery. With an abundance of gorgeous colours to pick from (that’s the hardest part!) these fun earrings make the perfect gift (you may want to drop hints to your own family too!) and finish off any outfit so well. All metal parts are gold plated and the earring hooks are suitable for sensitive ears (nickel and lead free). You should also check out their new Dreamcatcher Necklace too, it’s pretty special.
3) Unicorns & Rainbows Bracelet Making Kit by Cotton Twist, £16.95
The perfect pressie for 3 - 8 year olds, who doesn’t love a bit of beading? No wonder this is a bestseller for Anne-Clare, mum of three, who makes the most brilliant activities and crafting kits that are nostalgic, encouraging creative and imaginative play and a move away from ‘plastic tat’. Pick from a wide variety of themes from sweet treats to pirates and rainbows. Boxes are personalised with a name and message on the central sticker which is a really nice touch. There are also plenty of ideas for Christmas crafting and Keepsake personalised gift tins, great for stocking fillers too.
4) Dolls Bed from Mama + Max, £80
A play cot is such a brilliant piece to invest in for developing your child’s imagination through play. This Scandinavian design one will look so good in any childs’ bedroom, nursery or playroom. Your little one will not be disappointed with a gift like this! Plus you can even buy some special dolls bedding for it too, see here. Mama + Max is a contemporary online store for first time mums and growing families set up by mum Emma. She also has sells luxurious bespoke gift boxes which make ideal Christmas pressies.
5) Dinosaurs Cushion, by Katie Hipwell, £40
I just love these unisex dinosaur print cushions! Perfect for that Dino loving child. You can also pick from planets, stars and hot air balloons too. Katie is passionate about creating fresh and beautiful designs using handcrafted artwork. Delicate watercolour paintings and ink drawings form the basis of her prints in contemporary and versatile colourways. After having her son Theo, Katie started developing her own brand following 10 years experience working for companies such as Cath Kidston, Osborne & Little and Boden (where I used to work with her!). She works with a small range of bespoke printers to ensure she offers the highest quality. She also offers these fab kids watercolour prints which can be personalised if you like too.
6) 12 Days Of Christmas Book Club from Smallprint, £85*
You can’t go wrong with the gift of books! A beautifully thoughtful gift of 12 wrapped books marking the 12 days of Christmas. Choose to open one per day in the run up to Christmas or one a day as tradition dictates between Christmas and the 6th January. Expect a selection of unusual titles including at least two festive stories and at least two hardbacks. Provide them with the recipient's age and they’ll ensure that books are tailored to suit with stories for the older children and chunky paged first concept books for the little ones. They also offer other book club subscriptions here. Run by mama of two Jenny, Smallprint appreciate quality design and understand the power of a good book for kids.
*Please order by 25th November and indicate your preferred delivery date
7) Wall Art Letter Prints, A4 or A3 sizes, £16 - £22 by Small Bob
Nothing beats a personalised print and these ones from Small Bob come in the most gorgeous soft shades, it’s hard to decide which one to pick! They can be customised with the text under the letter, be it a name, surname or a word with a nice meaning or learning. Perfect for little ones or grown ups. Founded by designer Mica Martino in 2017 while she was pregnant with her little boy, she makes playful prints (made in London) and curates the most gorgeous baby and mum gift sets which would also make a lovely gift too. Her purpose is to make gifting meaningful and a joyful, hassle-free experience, that gives happiness to the big and small.
8) Liberty Print Glitter Wand, by Rock Me Kids, £18
Playful accessories for kids at Christmas are always a good idea. Dressing up and imaginary play is so important - whether your little one wants to be a wizard or fairy. You can also get matching Alice bands here too to complete the look. Rock Me Kids co-founders, Clare and Naoko, believe in creating unique handmade accessories that every child will love and treasure. Each piece is individually handmade in the UK. We also swear by their hair slides, perfect for pressies under the tree or little treats for stockings.
9) Confetti Glitter Bag by Petit Dunnocks, from £14
Who doesn’t love a bit of a sparkly bag? Hand made with the very best UK manufactured glitter on the market, these bags are made to order by mum of three, Kate and can even be personalised. Pick from a wide range of colours and 2 sizes - the standard size 7" x 5" is big enough for your iPhone, lipstick and keys and the large 11" x 7" will fit an iPad mini or just for those that like to take a bit more out on an evening. You can pick to have it with or without a chain too. Every girl, young or old needs something glittery in their wardrobe! Also check out her other accessories which would make good stocking fillers.
10) House Rules Print, by The Native State. Comes in A4, A3, A2 and A1 sizes, from £12 standard, £16 for personalised
I love this House Rules print, ideal for yours or someone elses home, that can also be personalised with your very own rules! Printed and designed in-house on luxurious textured paper, using high quality ink to prevent fading. The Native State was founded by Scottish based designer Frankie Kerr-Dineen and is inspired by adventure, love, positive vibes and most recently mamahood. All her prints will lift your mood, make you smile or get you back on the right path. 'We are the drifters and dancers, sun worshippers and risk takers. The dreamers, the lovers, believers and change makers.'
*Please note this is a sponsored post but all opinions expressed are my own