HELLO CHRISTMAS

Hello lovely internet people - it's that time of year again! I think it's an understatement to say that there is extra excitement surrounding the holiday season this year and I'm absolutely on board. So! This is a little gift guide with a round up of some smaller and independent businesses that will absolutely appreciate your support this year - as well as making fantastic gifts for your loved ones.

I've organised it by price bands so hopefully that's useful, as well as links where I can.

Under $25

- Bag of nice coffee or voucher from local cafe

- Soli Studio earrings: they have many affordable options, quality pieces and perfect Kris Kringle option for when you don't really know what else to get. One of my favourite designs are these chunky flowers, such a great statement piece!

Under $50

- 2021 Datekeeper: gorgeous clothbound dayplanner in a variety of stunning colours.

- Aborrd handmade bread and cheese boards: gorgeous handmade boards in a variety of options. my pick is this cute bread shape design

- The Space Between book by Michelle Andrews and Zara McDonald: from the incredible ladies that bring you the Shameless podcast every week.

- Seize The Yay book by Sarah Davidson: a wonderful mix of business and joy, perfect for helping you figure out direction without losing your yay!

- Gunk Off cleansing balm: a gorgeous formula for all skin types and a great introduction to double cleansing! Perfect for your friend that's kind of into skincare but may be missing an essential step.

- Ashley Maree Candle Co: Hand poured wood wick soy candles in absolutely gorgeous scents such as Salted Caramylk, Raspberry Drops and Gingerbread house. Priced from $20 - $32, DM to order through Instagram!

- Damn Gina make a whole range of super cute silk accessories such as scrunchies and eye masks. They come in some great colours, like a peach or deep forest green and make a great stocking stuffer style gift.

Splurge

- Voucher for product or treatment at a local spa or beautician, great time to show your beauty professionals some love!

- Good Pair Days will deliver fantastic wine straight to your friends doorstep or you can give them a voucher so they can do a taste quiz and pick their own!

- Put together a hamper with products from local cafes or businesses in your area! IGAs or independent grocers will often have pre packed ones, or a fantastic selection of small batch products. For example my IGA has a great selection of artisan chocolate and pasta sauces that would pair perfectly with the handmade pasta from my local cafe.

- Jasmine Dowling makes incredible art and I can think of many a friend that would love one of her pretty and uplifting prints in their home.

Marketplace style stores:

- Makers' Mrkt is a marketplace showcasing the work of a range of artists, from ceramics to candles to trinkets and other thoughtful home decor pieces. This little wave soap dish looks so cute to me!

- Jumbled Online stocks a whole range of products, from clothing to homewares and accessories. This is another way to support and independent business and the designers they platform.

- Sage and Clare stock and make a joyful collection of clothing, bedding and over the top bathmats.

Also

This year has been particularly hard for a lot of people, so if you and your family or friends are thinking of giving back instead of exchanging gifts, there are plenty of options. Organisations such as the Salvos or St Vincent de Pauls organise presents and hampers and Christmas meals for those in need, which means all the hard work is done for you.