Support small businesses this Christmas with these unique gift ideas from entrepreneurs

This year has been uncertain for most of us, and small business owners are no exception. So, rather than buy from that gigantic online retailer who we won’t name, we asked members of our Supportive Self-employed Facebook Group to share what they’re selling this December.

So, if you’re struggling for present ideas this Christmas, what better way to show you care than to support a small business by gifting something unique to a friend or loved one?

Playful & stylish illustrated gifts by Fond Company

Fond Company specialise in playful and stylish illustrated home and giftware, designed and illustrated by Hannah Catchlove from her studio in Kent. Their products are inspired by Hannah's favourite things and her love of animals and nature! Visit their website.

Delectable handmade chocolate by Nia's Sweet Treats

Mike Jenkins left his job of 20 years as a partner in a Big Four accounting firm in March 2020 to take some time out and focus on mental health leadership, financial consulting and other ventures. He set up Nia’s Sweet Treats in November with the family from their home in Edinburgh, and they’ve been inundated with orders!

At present, they do four main grown-up flavours of chocolate honeycomb made with top-quality local ingredients. Their best seller is the Gin-Infused Chocolate Orange Spiced Honeycomb made with Harris Gin, and the Christmas selection gift boxes are proving popular too. Mike is really excited about the next steps for the business as they look ahead to 2021! Visit their website.

Send personalised Christmas cards with Gorgeous Paper

Joelle runs Wheel Design - a Graphic Design Agency in Brighton. During the pandemic, work has been quieter than Joelle would have liked, but that gave her the chance to set up another business idea. So, in December 2020, Joelle launched Gorgeous Paper, offering beautiful personalised stationery, covering everything from wedding invitations and notecards to personalised Christmas cards! Visit their website.

Artwork & Commissions, Courses & Workshops by Gail Wareham Artwork

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Gail is an artist and tutor with her very own gallery and teaching studio in the Scottish Borders! She also runs her own online shop, with her artwork featured on all of the store's products. There’s something for everyone from original artwork, giclée prints, and unique products displaying Gail’s artwork, and gift vouchers that can be used for either product or tuition days. Visit their website.

Post gorgeous brownies to a loved one with Calligraphy and Catering

Leilani started baking cookie cakes post lockdown for family birthdays. After some fantastic feedback, she created an Instagram page and started taking orders. At the time, Leilani was also producing Arabic calligraphy and framed art, so she decided to sell these too! Head over to her store to order a personalised brownie box! Visit their store.

Lay down tracks at All Silk Recording Studio

Getting the ideas from your head to come to life is one of the biggest thrills of being a musician, but coughing up for studio time is never on anyone’s list of favourite things to do. Thankfully, accomplished producer Ed Hall is offering gift vouchers for studio time at his gorgeous recording studio based in Lancashire, north west England, where he has recently recorded sessions for MTV UK!

Those of you who recently invested in Crunch and received rewards will be pleased to know Ed is accepting Crunch Coins as payment.

Improve your Digital Marketing skills with DigiTraining

Got a digital marketer in your life? Or someone who fancies it but doesn’t have the experience? Give the gift of training, and get them up to speed with Photoshop, InDesign, Wordpress, and other helpful tools.

You can purchase a gift voucher for any of DigiTraining’s training sessions or courses. Great for Christmas, birthdays, and many other occasions.

Looking for support from like-minded small business owners? Come and join our community!