Shop small this year, from the pick of our favourite independent sellers who, in their own way, are having a positive impact on the world

Christmas is going to be a little different this year. But something that will never change is the power of generosity. Nothing beats the feeling of watching someone’s face light up with delight as they unwrap a thoughtful present selected just for them, and when you shop from independent sellers, not only are you able to uncover truly unique gifts, but you’re also supporting a dream.

For your loved ones, to pop on your own list, or simply a gift from you to you (we won’t tell), without further ado, let us present to you the Happiful Christmas gift guide, 2020…

Pure Thoughts, meditation candle

The perfect antidote for a long, tiring day, the mediation candles from Pure Thoughts are slow-burning, cruelty-free, soy wax candles, that use pure essential oils to help ease your mind with their gentle amber glass glow. Choose from love, gratitude, peace, and trust scents, or go all-in with the complete gift set.

Prices start at £16.00, purethoughts.co.uk

Rosi Tooth, artwork print

Lover of all things playful and pink, Rosi Tooth is a Bristol-based artist and designer. With a refined talent for capturing the quirky moments in everyday life, her prints are bound to brighten up any wall and make for excellent conversation starters, as well as serving as a reminder to embrace the small moments of joy and empowerment that usually pass us by.

Prices start at £10.00, rosi-illustration.com

About: Blanks, notebook

This is a notebook, with a difference. Made by reusing old book covers, About: Blanks gives new life to materials that would otherwise be thrown away. Filled with responsibly sourced, unlined, light cream paper, these notebooks are the perfect gift for the jotter in your life.

Prices start at €11.95, about-blanks.com

ChilliChopCo, chilli sauce

Some like it hot, and for spice lovers, you can’t go wrong with chilli sauce from ChilliChopCo. Based in Essex, these African-inspired sauces are designed to help take cooking from novice to expert level, all with the scoop of a spoon. Pick from Three Chilli Sauce, Jollof Sauce, and Sweet & Spicy Chutney.

£5.99, chillichopco.com

Yorkshire Blankets, throw

Make it a cosy Christmas with a throw from Yorkshire Blankets. Handmade in the north of England, using eco-friendly materials, choose from an extensive range of neutral, patterned, and colourful blankets – sure to warm any and all cockles this winter.

Prices start at £18.00, yorkshireblankets.co.uk

The Clay Drop, earrings

If you’re on the hunt for unique, handmade jewellery, look no further than The Clay Drop. Crafted from polymer clay, these earrings come in eye-catching patterns, drool-worthy colours, and quirky shapes – guaranteed to make a statement. And watch out for special charity ranges, so you can look good and do good at the same time.

Prices start at £8, theclaydrop.co.uk

La Basketry, DIY kits

Crafting is a wonderful way to unwind and let your mind run free, and with the DIY kits from La Basketry, you can do just that – plus, by the time you’re done, you’ll have a usable basket to show for it. Choose from twine sets in a range of sizes and customisable colour schemes, or opt for a minimalist-looking rope basket, all designed for beginners.

Prices start at £25.00, labasketry.com

House of Kato, house plants

To add a dash of greenery to urban homes, House of Kato is a sustainable, eco-friendly, online plant shop that delivers the joys of nature straight to your door. Browse their extensive collection of unique and conspicuous plants, perfect for brightening up any space.

Prices start at £8.00, houseofkato.com

Tilda’s Tribe, Naked Box

If you have dry or sensitive skin, goat’s milk skincare is a total treat – and, for anyone else, it also offers a host of vitamins, minerals, and healthy acids. Tilda’s Tribe goat’s milk soaps come straight from the source – three Yorkshire goats: Gurti, Wooly, and Joanna. The Naked Box gift-set allows you to pick four bars of soaps in different scents, with the option of adding beeswax wraps and a soap dish, to help extend the life of these plastic-free goodies.

Prices start at £13.00, tildastribe.co.uk

Glass Half Full Glasgow, lavender eye pillow

Handmade in Glasgow, for those looking to elevate their self-care routine, these lavender eye pillows take relaxation to the next level. Available in a huge range of removable and washable patterned fabrics, find the perfect match for any lucky receiver.

£10.00, etsy.com/uk/shop/GlassHalfFullGlasgow

Sweet Backflip, book stamps

For book-lovers who like to make a mark, the personalised book stamps from Sweet Backflip are a great way to add a unique touch to any personal library. Choose from a range of different designs, from traditional to contemporary, and be assured of the quality by requesting a free proof with your order.

Prices start at £18.00, sweetbackflip.com

Bespoke Binny, aprons and oven mitts

Inject a dash of colour into your home with the kitchen range from Bespoke Binny, all made with beautiful African-inspired patterns, with the aprons lined with thick cotton twill and the mitts suitably filled with heat resistant wadding. And to round it off, the aprons are also available in a child’s size, for the budding chef in your life.

Prices start at £16.99, bespokebinny.com

Dark Sugars, hot chocolate

From a journey that began on a stall in Borough Market, Dark Sugars now sell luxurious Ghananian hot chocolate from their Brick Lane shop and online. There’s a hot chocolate kit for everyone, including vegans, with flavours including warming cinnamon and intense pitch-black.

Prices start at £19.95, darksugars.co.uk

Kate Brigden Ceramics, ‘friendship’ mug

Celebrate the power of friendship, by gifting the ‘friendship’ mug from Kate Brigden Ceramics. Hand-painted in the UK, these simple pieces pack a whole load of charm and, what’s even better, 10% from the sale of every ‘friendship’ mug is donated to The Prince’s Trust ‘Women Supporting Women’, an initiative helping young women gain the skills needed to live, learn, and earn.

£26.00, notonthehighstreet.com/katebrigdenceramics

MUD Urban Flowers, dried flowers

Dried flowers are the gift that keeps on giving, as you can create the illusion of fresh blooms, with real flowers that can last for up to three years. MUD Urban Flowers create bouquets in a range of colours and styles, from traditional white daisies to irresistible coloured bunny tails (a must-see!).

Prices start at £20.00, mudurbanflowers.com