WearsMyMoney

I’ve picked out 20 brands for this little small brand gift guide. It’s quite an eclectic mix, some you will have heard of and some might be new. I have tried to make it varied so there is something for everyone. If it was jewellery you’re after then have a look at this post and if you are looking for great knitwear made by independents, I showcased 7 of my favourite makers on this post.

Here are 20 gift ideas from some of my favourite small brands:

BLACK & BEECH 

My collaboration with Black & Beech may be sold out, thanks to everyone who purchased a pair of the mildly sweary gloves, we are already thinking about what we can do next year, but there’s still plenty to love about this feminist provocative, ethical, and sustainable brand. These mittens were what first attracted me to them.

BOB & EVE

Bob & Eve was founded in 2020 by artist Corinna Wilson. The name evolved from the words bobbin and weave as she uses textiles to make her art, which I LOVE. For an affordable taste of her art, you can get this glass, which I bought in the summer and is always a talking  point. A perfect gift for the Cola lover in your life.

ROCK & RUBY

Founded in East London during the pandemic, Rock + Ruby knits (pun intended) together their founder’s passion for timeless, joy-inducing design, sustainability, and great British quality. The main focus is socks, but they are starting to branch out into other accessories too.

SWYC

Otherwise know as ‘Say What You See’  SWYC is a great small brand that allows you to create a bag that is totally personal to you or a loved one. Simply select your style then add the initials for the ultimate customised accessory. Get in quick for personalised delivery before Christmas.

SIAN ESTHER 

Sian Esther is a British female-founded luxury lifestyle brand, which has become known for elevating the humble pyjama. Their luxury pyjama collection is chic, comfortable and offers timeless pieces with beautiful unique details. They are SO Soft too, I love mine.

BOLD & NOBLE 

They now make many cool household items, but for me, Bold & Noble will always be about their rock and pop star tea towels. They reunited Noel and Liam at the kitchen sink long before the tour announcements. My son burnt my Liam on the BBQ, I hope that’s not an omen.

CUB & PUDDING 

Probably my most worn t shirt of the summer came from Cub & Pudding. It went everywhere from LA to Glastonbury to the allotment at the end of the road.

ALEX MAY HUGHES

Local artist Alex May Hughes made this sign that always has people asking about it whenever it features on my Instagram. She also does bespoke pieces but you’ll need a bit more lead time for those.

MABEL SHEPPARD

Surface pattern, and a sense of fun define the Mabel Sheppard aesthetic. They make luxury leather gloves (and more) at very reasonable prices. Each design is timeless, cheerful and defies seasonal trends. Plus they do a pair with googly eyes, which I obviously love.

ISSY LONDON

CRANK & WATT

This brand was inspired by the founders friends seeking advice on what cycling gifts to buy their partners, (I know how that feels), so they thought it would be a good idea to simplify things for those who don’t ride, and be fair those who do, by creating gift boxes that will delight cycling aficionados. My husband was impressed with his.

SECOND STORIES

Second Stories began as a side project during founder Nicci’s buying career and was initially built around curated collections of vintage and pre-loved pieces. Now they are branching out into making their own collections. I loved my Gelato T shirt from last summer and look forward to seeing what they come up with next.

UNDER THE TREE CERAMICS

Do you know people like my in-laws? Those who like to make their tea bags last for more than one cup of tea? (as a non-tea drinker I don’t understand if this good or bad), then you might be interested in these little ceramic dishes by Under the Tree. They also hand make lots of other items, but these are such a cute little gift for teabag re-users.

M HULOT

M.Hulot (named after a fictional French gentleman) bring you crafted leather bags and accessories, proudly made in England. Designed at their Cambridgeshire studio, they focus on classical and functional design with a distinctly contemporary approach.

CONNOCK LONDON

Amanda Connock has a rich heritage in sourcing and supplying speciality ingredients to the Perfumery and Cosmetics industry, her love for exotic, unique natural ingredients shows in the fragrances of the Connock London collection. I LOVE their winter candles, they are the smell of the season for me.

KIN & CASTLE

Kin & Castle offers beautifully designed, colourful creations to add a little bit of joy to your day. My favourites are, of course, the initial phone cases. I will always love a monogram.

WALLACE SEWELL

Wallace Sewell is a UK-Based, British design studio, established by Harriet Wallace-Jones and Emma Sewell. They first came to my attention when I was told they are the designers of many of my favourite London transport bus and tube ‘moquettes’ (aka the patterns on the seats). They sell a fantastic collection of their own designs as throws, scarfs and cushion covers.

ALEX SICKLING

I love Alex Sickling’s ceramics. I need a new pot as Brenda smashed my previous one. I won’t get mad, she’s just a cat, but I will treat myself a new one. Maybe I’ll go for David Hockney or Nick Cave this time.

ANNA PUGH

Anna started her bag label in 2012. It was born out of an idea for shape and a desire to work with leather. Having previously worked as a creative pattern cutter for both high street and designer womenswear she developed her eye for creating lovely useful bags and pouches.

URBAN COLOURS 

Artist Jamie B Edwards specialises in drawing great British Football grounds. The perfect gift for the fan in your life. He’s got a LOT to choose from so hopefully you will find the one you need.

I hope this has been useful and that you find a small brand here to support this Christmas and beyond.

K x