As the second lock-down is upon us, we are of course going to be noticing some awful repercussions for businesses in general, but in particular, for independent business owners. As tempting as it can be to jump straight onto Amazon and fast-track delivery with the click of a button, who really needs immediate delivery for some bath salts that are going to sit there for a couple of weeks? Unless it’s a matter of life or death, we can actually survive with 24-hour delivery.
So, with the run-up to Christmas, now is the perfect time to show support for these independent businesses whilst also buying bespoke and unique gifts for those that you love. And even better, you get to do so from the comfort of your own home with a cup of tea in hand and no mouth mask in sight. What’s more, local businesses are often better for the environment with the products being locally sourced and made. They are also often ethically hand-made from designers who have spent years honing their craft. Let’s all practice conscious consumerism so that we can protect our planet and our businesses while also bagging some really fantastic gifts. Win, win! Four independent and sustainably aware businesses that you can support today:
For the interior fanatic: Badger & Birch
Following redundancy, Hazel founded Badger & Birch with a dream to create her own sustainable and creative business. The products she produces are handcrafted and focus on artisan design as well as recycled and natural sustainable materials. Many of the products feature crushed mussel, oyster and scallop shells which are all collected from Hazel’s local restaurant on the beach in Cornwall. Her oyster-candles are divine! Hazel uses recycled and reusable materials where possible and looks to processes and objects which have the minimum impact on the environment. Her website is beautiful and we’ll take everything please! Good luck not spending your whole afternoon browsing…
For those in need of a pamper: Marigold Charms
Marigold Charms was founded by Marion Bourne in 2017 and specialises in environmentally friendly and organic wellbeing products, inspired by her love of growing flowers and herbs. Their products have been created by harnessing organic, natural, ethically-sourced ingredients and have the option of personalisation. They offer an array of moisturisers, body scrubs, bath melts, soaps and candles and are all handmade in Oxfordshire. They also offer letterbox gift sets which make perfect presents. Anyone for an essential oil-infused candle?
For those with a sweet tooth: Honeywell Biscuit Co
Founded by self-confessed biscuit connoisseurs, Honeywell Biscuit Co offer creative baking kits to inspire baking at home. The ingredients are British and local wherever possible, and their eggs are always free range. They use flour milled in Northamptonshire, British grown sugar and locally produced butter. The small team of biscuit artists make fresh biscuits every day at their bakery in Northamptonshire. This company also focus on sustainability. They use recycled wrapping paper and work to eliminate plastic wherever possible. They also compost any food waste or use it as animal feed. Buy someone a baking or bread kit for Christmas to support this small business.
For the jewellery lover: Elk & Bloom
Elk & Bloom, found by Dominique in 2017 creates bespoke jewellery with personalised gift messaging. The jewellery is hand-crafted in the UK and is designed to be worn daily. The pieces are delicate, timeless and gold-plated. A perfect addition to your every-day accessories.