I tried to think of the reasons I had never bought from small businesses in the past. Have you ever thought of it?
And one of the main reasons was laziness. I’m sure of it. It always seemed so much easier to pop into the mall. How wrong was I? It also had a lot to do with my inability, years ago, to understand the importance of supporting local and small.
Whatever it was I am finally happy with the way I am spending my money this Christmas, by exchanging it with quality products made and sold by people like me and you.
As I was writing this gift guide it dawned on me that there is another reason I was hesitant about shopping small. For some reason I thought it would be difficult and time-consuming. It’s not. All the small businesses I purchased from this season were quick to respond to my messages, were thoroughly helpful and most run websites that are easy to navigate with more than one option of payment. Yes I have purchased a thing or two from Amazon too and other big businesses when I needed something specific but by far most of my Christmas gift shopping this year has supported 10 small businesses. I’m hoping you’ll do the same and allow shops like these and so many more to thrive and grow.
For the kids
- Okidokky – One of the little businesses that Santa shopped from this season too. He got this teepee for James while I got this bowl for Danny and this one for James. Shopping from Okidokky was super easy, their website is easy to navigate and the owner is extremely helpful. She answered all my obsessive Instagram messages with patience and a smiley emoji.
- Little Family Project – I got James a Miffy light from this concept store in Limassol. I can’t wait for him to see it. I’ve been reading Georgie’s old Miffy books to him so he’s become a bit obsessed. I also got this water toy for Georgie, something he will become obsessed with I’m sure. I ordered both products from the Little Family Project’s Instagram very easily via message so no fuss, no muss.
- Bomba Design – What an amazing selection of toys for kids and organic t-shirts too. I had to forcibly stop myself from adding to my list. In the end I bought a wooden puzzle for James who is entering the stage of building stuff and putting pieces together. And a chess game by Djeco, a brand name that is excellent at making educational games and toys, for Georgie. Again I made all my purchases via Bomba Design’s Instagram and had the option of paying upon arrival. You can find them on Facebook.
- To Sinnefaki– Santa did some shopping from here too. This time for Danny. It’s his first Christmas so obviously he has no idea what’s going on let alone if Santa will bring him a present or not but we can’t ruin the magic for the other two so Santa will be bringing Danny a little wooden swing. It’s suitable for kids up to 25 kg so James will be able to enjoy it too. I also bought a really cool teether for him by Silly Little Beans, a Teifoc house building kit for Georgie and a floor puzzle for James. You can order anything you like from their Facebook page or Instagram and they’ll send it through, fast.
- MyBook Heroes – We always buy books for the kids every season. In the past I have bought Georgie and James books from a small business in the UK called Cissy Wears, which has a beautiful selection of products for kids and adults. However this year I wanted to buy them personalised books from MyBook Heroes. You may remember a blog post I wrote a few months ago. I personalised their books making them the main characters in an adventure story filled with important life messages. Georgie already has this one so I bought him this one and for James I went with this one, which I will read to him until he’s ready to become a little reader himself. I hope you buy your children books every Christmas – perhaps like me you go by this rule– and if you do then I promise you they will love MyBook Heroes. Their website is easy to navigate so you can personalise and purchase stress-free.
For myself
- Sobe – I have had my eye on Sobe’s American Vintage knitwear for a while now. The other day while Georgie, Danny and I were on our way to grab a coffee and sandwiches we passed by Sobe so I went it and bought myself the coziest and most beautiful jumper. Heaven! While I was there I also noticed the range of diaper – nappy- bags they have. House of Myrtle makes the dreamiest bags new mamas would love. Super stylish in contemporary and sustainable designs they would make the perfect gift this season. At Sobe you can find a range of brands for women, men and kids too. Order online via Facebook or Instagram or visit their website and shop in Nicosia.
- Ditale Studio – You can read the full review on Ditale Studio and the fantastic minimalist jewelery designs here. I recently bought this zodiac coin chain necklace that I love love love and i have these bangles already. Planning on buying them for presents for friends in the near future too. Contact them on Instagram or Facebook or Etsy.
For family and friends
- Romeo Tees – Everybody loves t-shirts. And here in Cyprus Romeo Tees fans love a t-shirt with a brilliant Cypriot saying printed on the front. I wrote about Romeo Tees here when Georgie modelled some kiddie t-shirts. You can place your Christmas orders via Facebook, Instagram or their website. Delivery was fast and pay-upon-arrival as an option and messaging them was a breeze so honestly a perfect and easy way to give someone something special this Christmas.
- Be Natural – This is where I buy my foodie gift baskets from. I consider food baskets to be one of the best gifts especially when it’s like this one loaded with organic goodies. Or you can have something as simple as a bottle of wine and olives and almonds. And at Be Natural you can improvise and customise as much as you like choosing from a range of baskets, crates and boxes to package the goodies. I visit the shop often as I buy all my meat and chicken from there but you can order online too. PS This is also where we buy our turkey from every Christmas and it’s definitely worth it.
For grandparents
- Unicorns and Superheroes – While they specialise in kids and family stationery and much more, their photo calendars are definitely a gift you should consider for the grandparents as are the Christmas photo cards printed on thick luxe paper. I love the fonts they use and the simplicity of the designs. All you have to do is choose your favourite photos, list special dates you want to include and voila. You can read my post on Unicorns and Superheroes here and find my post on my new logo, which was designed by the same design team here. Ordering is super easy, you can do it via Facebook or their website which offers free delivery all over Cyprus.
I hope this little gift guide gives you some inspiration on how you can shop small this season. It’s so easy to do.
Please make sure you check my big gift guide I wrote last year and which I will be updating throughout these few weeks.
Check the blog for more Christmas gift ideas and my Instagram too.
Featured image by Kira auf der Heide on Unsplash.
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