The Buy Local List
It's coming up to that time of year, when many of us invest in gifts large and small to celebrate those who are special to us. We wanted to collate a wee list that would encourage our community to think outside of the corporate giants' box and consider how you might treat your nearest and dearest this Christmas in a way that also supports local community and businesses. Here are some of those ideas:
Markets and Events
28.11.12
The Good Market
Good Day Productions is a social action platform that educates, inspires and celebrates those that are doing good and making a positive impact on society. On Wednesday 28th November this special pre-Christmas pop-up will give you a chance to shop their #100goodbuys, great products that take into account their social, economic and environmental impacts.
https://oldspitalfieldsmarket.com/events/the-good-market
01.12.12
Etsy Made Local
Over 30 curated talented local designer-makers will be selling their handmade, locally produced products that will be perfect for gift-giving. Head along to enjoy a day of mulled wine and Christmas music! List of vendors via the link:
https://www.londonlocalteam.com/markets-events-1/etsymadelocal2018
02.12.12
The Day Turns to Night
Artists, live music, all in a Shoreditch pub. This will be one hella trendy with some mega talent on show.
05.12.18
Mother Maker
Mother Maker returns for Christmas with a weekly guest market that celebrates independent brands run by mums. This brilliant market takes place each Wednesday in the run up to Christmas. Despite their website suggesting this event is in September, we are pretty certain they do in fact mean every Wednesday in December! Check their calendar here:
https://oldspitalfieldsmarket.com/events?page=2&pages=1&months=2018-12-01|2018-12-31
Art, Craft and Jewels
We have a load of talent in our own community, in particular Marcia, Jasmin and Priscille. Have a look in this section for gifts of the creative and crafty kind:
Jasmin’s Embroidery
Jasmin has some serious talent and passion for all things yarn and stitching. You can follow her over here and purchase her works of art from her Etsy shop:
https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Jasxcharlotte
Marcia Vidal’s Jewellery
If you are thinking jewellery this year, please pay an urgent visit to Marcia's website. Her designs are striking and stunning, committed to supporting refugees and made by her right here in London.
https://www.marciavidal.co.uk/
Priscille’s Christmas Trees
For the space and style conscious, Mon Bo Sapin is a great alternative to the traditional Christmas tree. Have a nosey over at her Instagram account below, or make sure you have a chat with her at our Christmas party if you are interested!
https://www.instagram.com/monbosapin/
Bim Burton Furniture Designer
Bim's work is seriously chic and, like all our items in this section are designed and made here in London by the artist. He is often at the pop up markets in Old Truman Brewery, 106 Commercial Road or get in touch via his website.
http://www.bimburtondesign.com
Chris Dove Illustration
Chris is a talented illustrator (and architect!) who has featured in many a journal and on the packaging for Uniball itself (say, what!). He particularly captures roofscapes and urban typologies. Take a look over at his website or give him a follow on his Instagram. His prints are drawn and produced in London, shipped across the world.
http://www.studiodove.co.uk/illustration/
https://www.instagram.com/chrisdove/
For Some Domestic Hygge...
These ceramic candle holders are handmade in London by volunteers at Studio 306 which supports adults recovering from mental health illnesses. In fact, anything from the Aerende range as they are all created in the UK by people facing social challenges. Produced in low-volume batches and designed to improve with age, each purchase from their range of ethical homewares directly supports and provides opportunities for their talented makers.
https://www.aerende.co.uk/collections/all/products/ceramic-candle-holder
Health and Wellbeing
Superb Herbs
Gardener and herb enthusiast, Violet of Superb Herbs is spreading the word about these wonderful plants! Potted up herbs for a range of uses sold at markets across London. Follow her on instagram to see which market she is hitting up next or visit the website:
Temple Spa
Some of you are coming along to our Temple Spa facials afternoon in December - if you missed out or you're on the waiting list, not to worry! We will host more. In the meantime, you can treat yourself or your pals to some luxury facial treats via their online shop using Claire's page:
https://www.templespa.com/clairehawkins
T’Lovers Tea Experiences
Lera runs some of the most beautiful tea ceremonies in London. She hosts tea tours & walks, tea ceremonies, workshops and private tea events. Well worth a peruse of her website and gifting a tea enthusiast a mindful and peaceful tea experience.
Kind Box
"The gifting of wellness and kindness made simple" and it is simply that. This Christmas hamper in particular is sure to send its recipient into a world of zen and wellbeing!
https://kindbox.co.uk/product/gift-boxes/wellbeing-box/
Experiences
Sometimes that person you're hunting for just has everything and so a London experience could be a good option. We love these following ones:
Migrateful Cookery Classes
Women’s Whisky Tasting
Millroy's of Soho offer all sorts of tastings evening including women-only events for those keen to find their dram fam!
https://shop.milroys.co.uk/tastings/
Soul Stripped Sessions
Live music events celebrating women in music
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/soul-stripped-sessions-12925236723
English Heritage and National Trust Memberships
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/join/
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/join-us
Crisis - Christmas Dinner
Or gift a special Christmas Day to someone who otherwise wouldn't have Christmas at all with Crisis
https://www.crisis.org.uk/get-involved/reserve-a-place-at-crisis-at-christmas/
The Green Team
Hydration Stations
Help your loved ones ditch the single use plastic this year and gift them a snazzy drink bottle. Particularly in love with the powder coated, insulated variety that keep your drinks chilled or hot for many an hour. Some options you might fancy:
Chillys
https://www.chillysbottles.com/
Sho
https://shonline.co.uk/products/the-sho-bottle
Ditch the Wrap
And go waxed! For all those culinary queens (or 'saving it for later' fiends) beeswax wraps are on the up and this practical gift might just make a certain someone's day:
Bee Green Wraps
Etee
Customised Coffee
If a flat white to go is on frequent order, a trendy re-useable coffee cup could be just the gift. We are forever faithful to our customisable KeepCup.
The Bee Team
Help save the bees with this amazing wee bee saver kit including how to make your own bee hotel!
Bread Winner
A lot of us are getting into making our own bread. For those venturing into the world of sourdough, this is an excellent starter kit (pardon the pun).
https://www.brickhousebread.com/shop/junior-baking-kit
Your turn!
We hope the some of this inspires you to think a little outside the box this Christmas and consider how you can buy and support local this year! We would love to hear your comments and recommendations in the comments too.
With love,
L.