Feel Good Shopping: Where to Shop Independent this Christmas
Looking for inspiration of where to shop for unique, small business Christmas gifts this year, including where you can visit us to pick up presents in person? We’ve got you covered with this Small Business Christmas Gift Guide, giving you the low down on top events to shop independent at, plus some favourite brands that are at the top of our list. We hope you find this events and gift guide helpful, and that it inspires you to shop a little ‘smaller’ this year.
Emma’s Favourite Small Business Christmas Gift Ideas
If I can buy something from someone I know with a small business, then I will. I adore The Great British Bee Co.’s candles, soaps and hand balms, as well as Stolen Form’s ceramics – I’ve gifted their iconic Brick Vase to so many people! I met both Ben (of The Great British Bee Co.) & Christian (of Stolen Form) through exhibiting at shows together, so supporting my peers feels really good.
Shopping online is great for convenience when I’m busy, and means I can easily get gifts from all my favourite independents and the ideas I’ve collected throughout the year (I do love a gift list that I add to when I see things out and about). But, it’s so important to support your local high street too. Whether it’s just your stationers for some paper wrapping tape or gift tags, greengrocers, bottle shop or farmers’ market – every penny in your local economy really counts.
This year we’ve also worked with some independent business friends to bring you a couple of gorgeous Small Business Christmas Hampers. They’re great value and a really unique gift. Check them out and the brilliant brands we’ve included here.
Independent Christmas Events
Shop with Emma Britton Decorative Glass Designer and other creative, independent businesses at the events below. We hope to see you there, do say hello if you’re visiting!
Spirit of Christmas Fair
Kensington Olympia, London W14 8UX
Mon 4 – Sun 10 November 2024
Great to kickstart the festivities, you’re guaranteed to discover new brands and gather lots of ideas for everyone on your list. Visit Emma’s glassware shop at Stand Q53, we’ll be chatting splashback projects here too!
Day tickets from £23 in advance through Spirit Fairs.
The Hepworth Wakefield Festive Market
Tileyard North @ The Hepworth Wakefield WF1 5AW
Fri 22 (preview evening) – Sun 24 November & Sat 30 November – Sun 1 December
Makers and designers of homewares, jewellery, prints and more will be gathering over two weekends for this vibrant, family-friendly festive market. Visit Emma’s stand on the first weekend (22-24 Nov).
Tickets £2 via The Hepworth/ FREE for Members & under 18s.
Craft Fair Contemporary
The Space @ Nottingham Contemporary, NG1 2GB
Fri 29 November (preview evening) – Sun 1 December
One of Emma’s favourite places to exhibit and shop independently.
FREE entry on the door at Nottingham Contemporary.
Haddon Hall Mercatum Christmas Artisan Market
Haddon Hall, Derbyshire DE45 1LA
Every Weds – Sun from 13 November – 15 December
An enchanting artisan market set in the medieval Haddon Hall. Visit Emma’s ‘glassware grotto’ to pick up last minute Christmas presents from Weds 11 – Sun 15 December.
Adult tickets £11, book via Haddon Hall.
More Places to Shop Independent Brands at Christmas
Yorkshire Sculpture Park: try the Weston Shop for foodie gifts & kitchenwares
Chatsworth House: gorgeous, curated homewares & books in The Courtyard Shop & Orangery
Royal Botanic Gardens Kew: the place to shop for presents for gardeners and green-fingered giftees
Supporting small business is important all year round, but doing so at Christmas is even more special. It’s the busiest time of year for lots of brands and creatives (including us!), so your support and orders mean we can continue bringing you exciting things year on year. To stay up to date with where we’ll be popping up next, make sure you’re signed up to Emma’s newsletter list.
Happy shopping!