This Saturday is Small Business Saturday. If you’re planning your Christmas shopping (it’s never too early) then let it be your cue to swerve the big guns for a change.
There are countless economic challenges facing small retailers, so this is the moment to give them a boost.
What’s more, “people appreciate things that are unique,” says Jeffrey Kolovson, co-founder of Faire, an online wholesale marketplace that connects independent brands with small retailers.
“They want to stock their homes with finds that are original, and which speak to their values, whether that’s things which are sourced locally or sustainably.”
There’s no shortage of talented makers and curators around the capital specialising in homewares that are almost too covetable to actually gift.
And every time you order from them, they’ll be cartwheeling down the street with joy, which can’t be said for the packers at the behemoth retailer whose name (kind of) rhymes with Babylon.
And they’ll probably be beautifully wrapped.
So here’s to championing the small guys; we’ve done all the hard work for you, sourcing impactful gifts from just £12 (and never over £50).
1. Loopy small bowl, £45, Henry Holland
Fashion designer-turned-ceramicist Henry Holland’s creations will bring joy to any kitchen and aesthete.
2. Ceramic toast rack, £42, Matilda Goad
They probably didn’t even realise that their leisurely weekend brunches were missing a toast rack. Convert them with an accompanying loaf.
3. Frankie Penwill print, £40, Quinn Says
Don’t be daunted by art: this muted fruit bowl is a crowd-pleaser.
4. Tangier stripe tissue box cover, £35, Alice Palmer
Because life is too short and winter is too grey to stare at a cardboard box.
5. Glass sand timer, £20 small; £32 large, A New Tribe
The pretty, low-fi gadget of choice for procrastinators (or those who love a hot shower too much).
6. Hibiscus Round Tray, £39, Dar Leone
For bringing order to tabletops and worktops, a tray is a savvy gift.
7. Flower Power candle, £50, Earl of East
Earl of East is the must-know brand for cool, London-made home scents.
8. Indoor Splatter planter pot, £35, Hot Pottery
Just added a potted herb and voila!
9. Toot Sweet cushion, £50, Atelier Raff
The cost of quality cushions quickly racks up, so help them along with their collection.
10. Isolation Face trinket dish, £35, KS Creative
Kate Sellers produces the most charming and spirited pieces of pottery from her Kent studio.
11. Cherry-print tea towel, £12, Molly Mahon
Small on budget? This hand block-printed tea towel will pack a punch.
12. Pear napkin rings, £45, Sharland England
The tablescape enthusiast in your life will be charmed by these adorable decorations designed by Louise Roe.
13. Pharaoh glass candlestick, £42, Issy Granger
Forget the chunky imitations — nothing matches Issy Granger’s exquisite candle-holders, which are hand-blown in Egypt.
14. Apollo vase, £40, Host Home
The ultimate vessel for festive berry twigs or stashing taper candles.
15. Every Room Should Sing book, by Beata Heuman, £45
The hard-to-please are usually won over by a book, and this one is signed by one of London’s most sought-after interior designers.
16. Cotton check dishcloths, £18, Sophie Home
Yes, you can gift dishcloths when they’re as desirable as these.
17. Bud vase, £26, Monoware
Monoware is a go-to for beautifully made ceramics that minimalists will adore.
18. Swirl mug, Sky,£25, Arbala
This mug, hand-finished by artisans in Morocco, is certain to enhance their morning brew.
19. Alphabet brush pot, £40, Pentreath & Hall
Iconic, impactful and just within budget; brighten up their day with Bridie Hall’s cheery brush pots.
20. Bornn enamel baking dish, £27, Luna & Curious
Keen cooks will appreciate a new addition to their set of everlasting enamelware.
21. Classic woven fan, £42, The Colombia Collective
So pretty hung on a wall, this handwoven fan is something they’d never buy themselves.
22. Mia photo frame, £40, Rebecca Udall
Made in Italy in beautiful marquetry manner, this frame will strong-arm them into finally printing something off their camera roll.
23. Plaster hanging cabbage leaf, £35, Jess Wheeler
Jess Wheeler’s plastercast leaves are a rare thing of beauty. If the giftee already has one, then we’ll eat our hat.
24. Rwandan Sisal basket, £29, The Kenyan Crafts Company
Baskets make a great gift; this one could serve as a fruit bowl or a decoration.
25. Boho salt & pepper grinder, £25.99, Black & Barn
Finding a decent salt and pepper grinder at an affordable price is no mean feat. This site also does pantry storage.
26. Hand-painted stoneware jug, £39, Lamp London
Gifting someone a glass is odd, but a beautiful pitcher is another story. Chuck in a bougie juice, too, if you’re feeling flush.
27. Speckled Soap Dish, £20, Late Afternoon
Wrap up with a fancy soap and you’re all set.
28. David Perry ceramics large tray, £35, Glassette
Trinket trays are having a moment, and this will perk up any table.
29. Small Wiggle candlestick, £42, Bias Editions
Quite simply, what’s not to love?
30. Oil pourer, £50, Artemis Deco
Practical and beautiful, this pourer makes Aldi olive oil look like it was sourced at Harrods’ food hall.
31. The Bathers in Blue Giclée print, from £45, Frances Costelloe
Tottenham-based artist Francis Costelloe’s work possesses an ability to work in any interior.
32. Atlas cork hanging planter, £48, Mind the Cork
For a gift guaranteed not to smash in the post, this cork planter is the way to go.
33. Alicia Art Print, £40, Dorcas Creates
Vibrant and fun, Dorcas Creates’ prints proudly put black women in the frame.
34. Moonlight Lady cushion by Justina Blakeney, £50, The Cornrow
Step away from high-street copycats and go with this fun-loving, skinny-dipping babe.
35. Enamel teapot, £30, Falcon
Gift with a lesser-spotted tea variety for a caring package.
36. Short refillable candle and ceramic by Carla Murdoch, £46, Lit
This timeless vessel can be used on repeat by stocking up on wax refills.
37. Aami Aami Tray, £45, Yinka Ilori
Call on the power of print to elevate their predilection for a TV dinner.
38. Stoneware serving plate by Bloomingville, £48, Att Pynta
Bookmark Att Pynta for authentic, Scandinavian-sourced homewares.
39. Scalloped planter, £32, Tooka
These planters come in nine colourways and would look just as chic on a desk as a pen pot.
40. Palmarosa & Vetiver hand cream, £20, and hand soap, £18, Austin Austin
For a gift to impress the host, a fancy hand soap in covetable packaging always makes an impact.
41. The Council House by Jack Young/Hoxton Mini Press, £18.95, Daunt Books
A fascinating, under-£20 insight into the design of the capital’s most iconic council estates.
42. Studio Arhoj Ghost, £19 each, Goodhood
For the person who has everything, these will inject character into their shelfies.
43. Moheim Silhouette Vase, £45, Nimi Projects
A stretchy ‘jacket’ designed to slip over a plastic bottle, the search for a post-friendly find ends here.
44. Linen tea cosy, £45, Amuse La Bouche
Perk up their tea break with this jaunty accessory.
45. Wave waste paper bin, £40, Olivine Design
This beautiful bin comes flat and in its own handmade envelope for a seamless gift.
46. Ceramic basket, £42, Not Another Bill
Load up with a pack of Lindt teddy bears for the ultimate indulgent treat.
47. Autumn set of 12 dinner candles, £28, Ian Snow
Candles can be costly, but this selection will make you feel like you’re gifting generously.
48. Ceramic oyster shell pinch pots by Minnie Mae-Stott, £42.50 per pair, Lamp London
A true keepsake, these shells are handmade in Kent using mother of pearl and real 24kt gold lustre.
49. Glass lantern tea light holders, £32 per pair, Mrs Alice
Cute for adding a twinkly twist to a tablescape.
50. Ceramic egg tray, £36.50, Quinn Says
A really egg-cellent gift (sorry).
