An Alternative Christmas Gift Guide: 9 Fantastic Indie Sellers

An Alternative Christmas Gift Guide: 9 Fantastic Indie Sellers | Not Dressed As Lamb

As tomorrow is Black Friday, I thought I’d repeat what I did two years ago: ignore the high street retailers and department stores, and concentrate on indie sellers instead.

I’m afraid I do get somewhat sick of the buy, buy, buy culture that surrounds Black Friday (anyone else wanting to scream GO AWAY at their Inbox at the moment?!) – especially when discounts are available all year round from most retailers. I mentioned on Instagram the other day that although I wouldn’t avoid a Christmas gift guide altogether, I’d feature independent retailers instead.

What could be nicer than finding totally unique, unusual gifts that the recipient hasn’t seen anywhere before? There are SO many fantastic places to buy gifts from these days that I often think it’s a shame to go straight to the department stores when the internet gives us access to every artist, crafter, female entrepreneur and local independent store that’s out there.

So this is my list of 9 indie sellers I strongly urge you to check out. Many of them I’ve either shopped at or have been lucky enough to have been gifted something from their store [this post isn’t sponsored by anyone], so they all come highly recommend by me. And if I haven’t yet shopped there I intend to.

Some are offering a discount, most are not: please don’t let that put you off. Most artists selling their pieces online already have very tight margins, so you’re effectively getting a very low price already. I think it’s important to support independent retailers (even more so when they are female entrepreneurs!) – I hope you feel the same way too. It would also be great to feature what you bought from them on social media (a tweet or an Instagram post or story tagging them in will ALWAYS be appreciated), and if you buy something as a result of my recommendations please do let me know.

I hope my US readers are having a very Happy Thanksgiving… and enjoy your cyber weekend shopping: and remember, drink shop responsibly! πŸ˜‰

WHAT INDIE SELLERS DO YOU KNOW THAT YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH US? ANY YOU SEE HERE THAT YOU’RE GOING TO BUY FROM? COMMENT BELOW!

Catherine signature

LIKE THIS POST? YOU MIGHT ALSO WANT TO READ…

Over 50 Gorgeous, Unusual Gifts To Buy from 7 Indie Sellers

Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links which means if you click through and buy I may receive a small commission at no cost to you (click here for my full disclosure). I have not been sponsored or commissioned to write this post by any of the retailers featured.

 

An Alternative Christmas Gift Guide: 9 Fantastic Indie Sellers - Trouva | Not Dressed As Lamb

1. Trouva

WHAT THEY SELL: Pretty much anything and everything, from homewares to furniture, from clothing to jewellery, from plant pots to fragrances. The point of the site is to sell goods from independent sellers and artists, so it’s the perfect retailer to start this post with! As a quote on their website says, “It’s the web equivalent of those cool, curated shops you find off the beaten track.” I’ve bought several things myself from Trouva and it’s one website I can’t stay away from. You’ll find no end of unusual, unique gifts here for everyone (and probably quite a few things for yourself too).

WHAT’S PICTURED…
Row 1, left – Etched Crystal Glass Champagne Saucer (Pair)
Row 1, right – Stripey Hair Woman Vase
Row 2, left – Pink Camouflage Reusable Takeaway Cup
Row 2, right – Ceramic Elephant Pot
Row 3, left – Stepped Brown Drip Glaze Pot
Row 3, right – Pink and Marble Lava Lamp
Row 4, left – Silk Toucan Eyemask
Row 4, right – Small Face Pot
Row 5, left – Flamingo Trinket Tray
Row 5, right – Flip LCD Alarm Clock

DISCOUNT: 10% off everything, code: 1QDN42E (I hope this works, it was emailed to me direct) – or use HELLO5 for 5% off

PRICES START AT: £15.00 (of those items pictured) – ships internationally. Free UK delivery over £60.

 

An Alternative Christmas Gift Guide: 9 Fantastic Indie Sellers - Toolally Earrings | Not Dressed As Lamb

2. Toolally

WHAT THEY SELL: Bold, showstopping acrylic earrings that are light as a feather to wear. I wore a pair to the UK Blog Awards and I absolutely loved them – I’ll be wearing another pair to a black tie event in a week’s time. Clip-on earrings are also available (they sell necklaces too). The earrings all have either sterling silver or 22 carat gold vermeil fastenings so there are no worries about nasty allergic reactions. The only problem is trying to decide which pair(s) to get.

RELATED  9 Can't-Live-Without Purchases That Changed My Life

WHAT’S PICTURED…
Row 1, left – Arrowheads Black & Glitter
Row 1, right – Art Deco Chandeliers Nude and Mandarin
Row 2, left – Pear Drops Blush Pink
Row 2, right – Kingfishers Azure
Row 3, left – Wobble Burnt Smoke
Row 3, right – By Moonlight Tortoiseshell
Row 4, left – Crystal Hoops Nude and Black
Row 4, right – Tulip Earrings in Rose
Row 5, left – Detroit Flecks
Row 5, right – Fandangos Black and Saffron

PRICES START AT: £45.00 (of those items pictured) – ships internationally. Free UK delivery over £75.

 

An Alternative Christmas Gift Guide: 9 Fantastic Indie Sellers - Lorelsberg | Not Dressed As Lamb

3. Lorelsberg

WHAT THEY SELL: Graphic, colourful designs inspired by nature on t-shirts (kids and adults), posters, tote bags and drawstrings bags. Pretty much all the designs are available on all the different products so there’s loads of choice. I featured my fabulous Lorelsberg tote bag (plants on pink!) back in September and it got a lot of interest – the pieces are really affordable and would make perfect Christmas gifts that are unlike any other printed products.

WHAT’S PICTURED…
Row 1, left – Plant Tote Bag
Row 1, right – Cherry Blossom Tote Bag
Row 2, left – Cactus Poster (choice of sizes)
Row 2, right – Retro Kiwi Poster (choice of sizes)
Row 3, left – Sunrise Drawstring Bag
Row 3, right – Sun & Trees Short-Sleeve Unisex T-Shirt
Row 4, left – Go Play Outside Toddler Short Sleeve Tee
Row 4, right – Go Play Outside Sweatshirt

PRICES START AT: €14.00 (of those items pictured) – ships internationally.

 

An Alternative Christmas Gift Guide: 9 Fantastic Indie Sellers - The Sequinist Shop | Not Dressed As Lamb

4. The Sequinist

WHAT THEY SELL: The most exquisite, sparkly rings and necklaces, many in beautiful, bright rainbow colours. Lisa is one of my close blogger friends and every time she wears one of her own pieces it just looks totally fabulous. Buy a (very affordable) cocktail ring or splash out on a multi-row statement necklace.

WHAT’S PICTURED…
Row 1, left – Rectangle Starburst Cocktail Ring in Blue Topaz
Row 1, right – Green Pavé Flower Ring
Row 2, left – Candy Necklace
Row 2, right – Pink Waterfall Crystal Necklace
Row 3, left – Single Strand Rainbow Necklace
Row 3, right – Cobweb Swarovski Necklace

DISCOUNT: 10% off everything. Code: NOTLAMB10 (ends 11:59pm Monday 10th December)

PRICES START AT: £50.00 (of those items pictured) – ships internationally.

 

An Alternative Christmas Gift Guide: 9 Fantastic Indie Sellers - BonbiForest on Etsy | Not Dressed As Lamb

5. Bonbi Forest (via Etsy)

WHAT THEY SELL: Art prints, cards and hand printed scarves, colourful pin badges and jewellery with lino cut-style, whimsical designs – and they’re all made in Cornwall. For example, the gorgeous pins – from just £8.00 – would make the perfect gift to post to someone (small and lightweight!) if you won’t be seeing them in person over Christmas.

WHAT’S PICTURED…
Row 1, left – Whatever it Takes Poster
Row 1, right – Reaching Hands Enamel Pendant Layered Necklace
Row 2, left – Hands and Heart Personalised Enamel Pendant in Silver
Row 2, right – The Time is Now Enamel Pin Badge
Row 3, left – Mama Bear Enamel Pin Badge
Row 3, right – Magic is Real Enamel Lapel Pin
Row 4, left – Camouflage Cat Pattern Poster
Row 4, right – Many Moons Scarf Blue/Mustard

DSCOUNT: 30% off selected items (discount already applied). Ends 11:59pm Monday 26th November (UK time)

PRICES START AT: £8.00 (of those items pictured) – ships internationally

 

An Alternative Christmas Gift Guide: 9 Fantastic Indie Sellers - Lauren Jobling Styling | Not Dressed As Lamb

6. Lauren Jobling Styling

WHAT THEY SELL: Something a bit different to your average Christmas present… this would make a REALLY unique gift. Whether you want to get someone a wardrobe detox, personal shopping service or online styling, a gift voucher for Lauren’s styling services can be used in person (London area) or online, so there’s no need for the recipient to travel to her. I’ve recommended people to Lauren before and they’ve been so happy with what she did for them, and I’ve personally worked with her in the past and she is a HOOT. The experience alone would be so much fun, and you get to sort out your wardrobe at the same time: It’s a win win…!

RELATED  9 Can't-Live-Without Purchases That Changed My Life

PRICES START AT: a £50.00 gift voucher.

 

An Alternative Christmas Gift Guide: 9 Fantastic Indie Sellers - Rew Scarves and It Was From | Not Dressed As Lamb

7. REW Clothing and their sister site It Was From

WHAT THEY SELL: Rew scarves are totally unique. Saving the need to “style” a scarf, a Rew scarf is basically a stunning ruffle collar fastening with a simple button or buckle. There are a ton of different colour options and as they’re not trend-led, they’ll be a classic piece for years to come (I have a mustard yellow Rew which I’ll be styling on the blog soon). And its sister site It Was From sells equally bold jewellery and a few homewares, but it’s the necklaces and bracelets – in materials such as metal and rubber – that really catch my eye. Very affordable, too.

WHAT’S PICTURED…
Row 1, left – Fleece Polka Dot Collar
Row 1, right – Rubber Knot Detail Necklace
Row 2, left – Chunky Disc Bracelet
Row 2, right – Francoise Wool Collar Scarf
Row 3, left – Fleece Leopard Brown Scarf
Row 3, right – Long Rubber Layer Disc Necklace
Row 4, left – Asymmetric Short Rubber Necklace
Row 4, right – Minstral Green With Black Stitching Collar Scarf

DISCOUNT: 10% off everything at Rew. Code: NOTDRESSEDASLAMB. Ends 11:59pm Sunday 25th November

PRICES START AT: £40.00 for scarves and £15.00 for jewellery (of those items pictured) – ships internationally

 

An Alternative Christmas Gift Guide: 9 Fantastic Indie Sellers - BearHug Gifts | Not Dressed As Lamb

8. BearHugs Gifts

WHAT THEY SELL: Gifts that are described as “a bear hug in a box” – a box of gifts that you personalise and assemble yourself with your choice of gifts from their range, such as mugs, books, chocolate, biscuits, accessories, etc. You can either build your own or choose one of their “ready-to-go bearhugs”. I was sent one of these earlier this year when I had my operation (thank you Vicki!), and I loved it so much I actually then bought one for my parents to say thank you for looking after me while I recuperated (Keith couldn’t get time off work). The presentation is beautiful – I highly recommend this as a gift for parents, grandparents, neighbours – or the person that has everything.

WHAT’S PICTURED…
Row 1, left – Tea and Biscuits Cub Hug
Row 1, right – Christmas Treats Bearhug
Row 2, left – Pamper Bearhug
Row 2, right – Big Hug Bearhug

DISCOUNT: 15% off when you buy two or more gift boxes, code: MULTIPLEHUGS. Or sign up to their newsletter and get a 10% discount code.

PRICES START AT: £5.00 (of those items pictured) – ships internationally

 

An Alternative Christmas Gift Guide: 9 Fantastic Indie Sellers - Etsy fine artists | Not Dressed As Lamb

9. Etsy fine artists (various)

WHAT THEY SELL: Original artworks – I’ve featured not just one artist but one painting from eight different artists (and I’ve tried to cover all tastes, not just my own). As art is such a personal thing I’d recommend only buying something for someone you know REALLY well, or you could drop hints about a piece that you love as a gift for yourself. I haven’t chosen anything particularly “cheap” – the artworks here cost from £60.00 to £395.00 – but I personally think that if you find something you fall in love with, it’s worth every penny (you will treasure it forever). There’s nothing better than hanging original art in your home, especially when you can see the brushstrokes… it’s a feeling you just can’t get from a print.

WHAT’S PICTURED…
Row 1, left – Expressionist Flower Painting: Oil on Canvas by BrambleArt
Row 1, right – Silver Shores, Daymer Bay, Cornwall: Mixed Media on Deep Canvas by MelanieMcDonaldArt
Row 2, left – Zantedeschia Lily: Acrylic Painting by KirstyDougallArt 
Row 2, right – Circus Wooden Sign: Handpainted Chipboard by SignPaintingByDawn
Row 3, left – Meadow painting: Acrylic on Canvas by PaintingsByGary
Row 3, right – Untitled: Oil on Canvas Board, Framed by BartleyartStudio
Row 4, left – The Middle Pillar: Mixed Media on Wood by VeeohhVeeohh
Row 4, right – Fish Still Life: Oil Painting, Framed by SteveJonesArtStudio

PRICES START AT: £60.00 (of those items pictured) – ships internationally

32 Comments

  1. stevie
    31 October 2019 / 1:51 pm

    I’ve been doing my shopping today and went to indy shops. I love the fact that you’re not only helping local businesses, but you’re getting gifts that are more unique. Who wants to look the same as everyone else?

    • Catherine
      Author
      12 November 2019 / 5:02 pm

      Quite right, Stevie…!

  2. Nailil
    27 November 2018 / 1:43 am

    These are some really fun options. I love how unique these are.

    Xx, Nailil
    thirtyminusone.com

    • catherine
      Author
      29 November 2018 / 2:52 pm

      Thanks Nailil – hope you found some great gift inspo! x

  3. 26 November 2018 / 7:32 am

    Ah this is giving me all kinds of ideas now for Christmas! Amazing round-up list and certainly something for everyone!

    Sarah πŸ™‚

    • catherine
      Author
      26 November 2018 / 9:24 am

      Sarah I’m super pleased you thought so! thank you – happy indie shopping…!

  4. 26 November 2018 / 12:30 am

    Amen to that. Very nice. Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week.

    • catherine
      Author
      26 November 2018 / 9:24 am

      Thanks so much Patrick πŸ™‚

  5. 25 November 2018 / 8:23 pm

    Just bought some prints from Bobbi Forest- thanks so much for introducing me to them!

    • catherine
      Author
      26 November 2018 / 9:26 am

      Oh wow Lauren that’s fantastic – well done you, and thank you for supporting them…! x

  6. 24 November 2018 / 5:47 pm

    I love the Rew scarves. I’ve been doing my shopping today and went to indy shops. I love the fact that you’re not only helping local businesses, but you’re getting gifts that are more unique. Who wants to look the same as everyone else?

    • catherine
      Author
      26 November 2018 / 9:28 am

      Definitely not me, Elizabeth!! πŸ˜‰ Good for you for supporting the independents πŸ™‚

  7. 23 November 2018 / 10:58 pm

    These gifts are unique and personal which is what I like. A person that receives any of these items would know that the gift giver really knows what they like.

    • catherine
      Author
      26 November 2018 / 9:28 am

      I’m super chuffed you think so, thank you Lanae x

  8. 23 November 2018 / 8:32 pm

    This is an excellent list Catherine, I only know two!
    I’ve pinned this post for Xmas and birthdays inspo.
    The bear hug is going to my Great Aunt in Sydney….just because I know she’ll love it.
    I love that trinket tray and pretty much everything on the site but first I really must buy myself a pair of Toolally earrings!

    • catherine
      Author
      26 November 2018 / 9:30 am

      Oh she’ll love the bearhug, MT!! My mum and dad absolutely loved theirs when they received it… she still goes on about the bearhug gift nearly a year later!!!!

      P.S. I knew you’d like the flamingo trinket tray πŸ˜‰

  9. 23 November 2018 / 7:36 pm

    Thanks for hosting Catherine. I need some idea. Bad πŸ™‚ Have a joyful x-mas season. xo Sabina

    • catherine
      Author
      26 November 2018 / 9:30 am

      Thank you Sabina xx

  10. jodie filogomo
    23 November 2018 / 2:47 pm

    I’m glad I’m not the only one that gets tired of the buying part of the holidays. I always hate to express it though because I feel like such a scrooge…..
    But supporting small business is the best thing. In fact, that’s why we are going out on Saturday, because it’s Small business Saturday!!
    XOXO
    Jodie

    • catherine
      Author
      26 November 2018 / 9:31 am

      I think MANY of us are starting to feel that way Jodie – you definitely don’t sound like a scrooge!! Hope you had a successful SMB πŸ˜€ x

  11. 23 November 2018 / 2:24 pm

    I couldn’t have said it better on your shopping sentiments. I really appreciate the Indie selection you’ve provided.

    • catherine
      Author
      26 November 2018 / 9:32 am

      I’m so glad, Kim – thank you!!

  12. 23 November 2018 / 11:28 am

    Always love to see gift guides for indie shops. I’ve been a big fan of Rew scarves for a while.

    • catherine
      Author
      23 November 2018 / 12:05 pm

      Thanks Gail! Rew are fabulous, aren’t they πŸ˜€

  13. 23 November 2018 / 10:00 am

    I’ve lost myself completely in the paintings on Etsy, wow! I hadn’t explored there much before. Thank you for that tip!

    I love Rew scarves too; they really are the perfect unique and practical stylish gift for any woman.

    Thank you so much for the feature on my wee shop; I wish more people wore sparkle on a daily basis πŸ™‚ It makes the world better.

    I personally love the things on The Hirst Collection (sparkly vintage jewels). Do a search for Christmas Tree Brooch and you’ll see what I mean! https://www.etsy.com/shop/thehirstcollection

    Another independent brand I love and can’t get enough of is Helen Moore. https://helenmoore.com/ I want every thing from the wrist warmers to the hats to the bags. The scarves are show stoppers too.

    I hope this is a yearly feature you do; it is so refreshing to see something besides people pushing all the big brands’ fast fashion wares!

    • catherine
      Author
      23 November 2018 / 10:26 am

      I knew you’d love the paintings, Lisa!! We’re both fine art lovers, I know…! And it was my pleasure to feature your shop, I hope more people get to see it.

      Thank you for those recommendations – I shall check them out pronto!!! x

      P.S. Yes I’m going to make it a yearly feature πŸ˜€

  14. 23 November 2018 / 9:59 am

    You have such an artistic eye Catherine! Love so many of the items here – so unique! I think my mum-in-law might like some of the jewellery here xx

    • catherine
      Author
      23 November 2018 / 11:18 am

      Thank you Maria – I would agree I seem to find all the unusual and interesting things (much to my wallet’s dismay)…!!

  15. 23 November 2018 / 8:12 am

    Thank you for finding those fab unique sellers. I try to support small retailers via my blog so I will be sure to check them out.

    • catherine
      Author
      23 November 2018 / 9:48 am

      Thanks Anna – I love highlighting and supporting indie sellers, I’m so glad you do too x

  16. 23 November 2018 / 8:08 am

    My goodness what a inspiration! (For myself ahum) Those earrings are amazing and I have seen a green ring in Lisa s shop that had my name on it! Fabulous pieces!

    • catherine
      Author
      23 November 2018 / 9:47 am

      There are so many things to buy ourselves, aren’t there Nancy… I’m so sorry!!!! πŸ˜‰

      Why not treat yourself to the ring – hopefully you saw the 10% discount code! x

DISCLOSURE: Items marked* are PR products (I never accept anything I wouldn’t choose for myself) and my opinions are 100% honest. I also use affiliate links where I may earn commission if you click through and buy, at no cost to you.

WANT TO READ NEW STUFF?
Get my latest ramblings delivered straight to your inbox!

Click to subscribe to my Substack newsletters