The countdown to Christmas is finally here, and even though it’s arrived under very different circumstances this year, it still offers a chance to relish in the small joys we all need – now more than ever. In a blur of lockdowns and R rates, this festive period is a welcomed celebration, and whether you’re buying for friends or family, the joy of gift giving is a sure-fire way to raise spirits high.
 As always, here at 91, we want to champion small businesses so 91 contributor Alena Walker has pulled together a round-up of stand-out present ideas from a variety of makers and small brands – from home décor and wellbeing must-haves to beautifully crafted kids finds and faves for foodies….
FOR THE HOME
1/ Escape into an idyllic garden painted by artist Lieke van der Vorst as a soothing green space to be enjoyed all year round. Every print is signed by the artist.
Lieke van der Vorst print, £59.95 – Ruby Roost
2/ A trio of pure beeswax candles, replete with hand-sanded terrazzo holders, is an ideal stocking filler. Choose either a monochromatic finish or the colours of terracotta, mustard and blue-green.
Mindful Meditation Candle Set, £21 – Badger & Birch
3/ For the plant collector in your life, a hanging plant pot is a resounding favourite. This minimalist stoneware pot has a classic silhouette and an adjustable cotton rope to fit a myriad of spaces.
Speckle Hanging Pot, £45 – Hoos Glasgow
4/ Things are always cuter when they’re miniature and these black stone vases are a gorgeous addition to a ceramic collection. Each vase is made by hand and glazed, ready to store sprigs of wildflowers.
Black Miniature Vase, £15 – Naked Clay Ceramics
5/ If colour is what you’re after, look no further. These beautiful vases are inspired by the colours of the North African desert, brought to life by vibrant brushstrokes and bold patterns.
Asir Vase, Dalil Vase, Aya Vase, Baariq Vase, £33.50 to £42 – Monday Online
6/ Know someone who has penchant for dried flowers? Give them the gift of growing their own. This set includes everything you need to get started, including porcelain planters, plates and bowls, along with bunny tail and tessel seeds, plus enough compost to grow both.
Growing Gift Set III, £48 – Paper Thin Moon
FOR WELL-BEING
1/ There’s no better gift than the gift of a good night’s sleep and Liha’s Sleep Aid set inspires total relaxation. Includes their Idan massage oil and Queen Idia clean-burning candle, with scents of coconut and the night blooming Tuberose flower.
Selfcare/Sleep Aid Set, £61 – Liha Beauty
2/ A gift guide wouldn’t be complete without a beautifully crafted candle and this one from Cedar Lifestyle doesn’t disappoint. The Halcyon candle is made with an essential oil blend of ylang ylang, lavender and bergamot, hand-poured into a stoneware pot.
Halcyon Candle, £26 – Cedar Lifestyle
3/ Bring the outside inside and infuse a loved one’s home with the scent of lavender and clove leaf. This handmade oil burner comes wrapped with seasonal herbs in a boxed dressed with hemp twine for an extra lovely finishing touch.
Oil Burner Set, £45 – Harvest
4/ For the bathing inclined, the joy of soaking in the tub is an experience to be savoured and bath soaks make for perfect company. Choose from themed scents such as an autumnal hike, an ocean dip or Turkish delight to soothe and excite in equal measure.
Bath Soaks, POA – Holy Water Apothecary
5/ A treat for the senses and the skin. Skincare products from The Wild Together fuse both high quality and nutrient-dense ingredients to create products built to last sustainably. Healing herbs that help the earth? It’s a yes from us.
The Essence and The Cleanser, both £47 – The Wild Together
6/ For many wellbeing lovers, selfcare isn’t complete without the scent of incense. This delicate dish and natural plant-based incense from The Future Kept sets the mood for me-time and uplifts your daily rituals with the calming smells of angelica and citrus.
Blackened Bronze Ceramic Incense Dish and Dawn Natural Incense Sticks, £25 and £20 – The Future Kept
FOR FOODIES
1/ Half the fun of cooking is finding new and wonderful recipes to put on the table. The Urban Forager is bursting with delicious recipes using ingredients you can find in urban spaces with expert advice from professional forager, Wross Lawrence.
The Urban Forager, £12.95 – Luna & Curious
2/ Travel the world with your morning coffee. This Slow Morning Gift Box includes everything for a quality breakfast: Single Variety Co. preserve, Rucksack magazine, Bay Coffee, which is roasted and ground on the West Coast of Wales, and an ‘Onward & Upward’ enamel mug.
Slow Morning Gift Box, £32.00 – Quarters Home
3/ Gift a taste of the countryside with this Pine, Black Pepper and Cocoa Nib chocolate bar made in collaboration between Caro and The Chocolate Society. Other flavours include Earl Grey & Biscuit Blonde and Juniper & Raspberry Dark Chocolate. Our mouths are watering!
70g Chocolate Bars, The Chocolate Society, £6.50 – Caro Somerset
4/ Part of the fun of cooking is the cookware you do it with and nothing says ‘classic’ like the rustic vibes of a terracotta casserole dish. This one from Oggetto is handmade in Indonesia and makes a stylish statement.
Rustic Casserole Dish, £22.50 – Oggetto
5/ Food is best enjoyed shared and nothing says ‘sharing’ like a beautiful serving board. These handmade wooden boards from Tea + Kate are a gorgeous centrepiece for charcuterie.
London Plane Handmade Boards, from £45 – Tea + Kate
6/ A must-have for the culinary curious…a Mediterranean Essentials kit with six essential herbs grown in Greece. Includes Thyme Flowers, Oregano from Taygetus, Fennel Seeds, Smoked Chilli Flakes, Rosemary and Bay Leaves. Each set comes hand-wrapped in a box illustrated by French artist, Lea Maupetit.
Mediterranean Essentials Set, £44 – Daphnis and Chloe
FOR KIDS
1/ Fun for parents and children alike, this weaving loom starter kit is suited for both beginners and those with a skilled thumb in woven crafts. Choose between bright or muted colours and leave your little ones to weave the day away.
Weaving Loom Kit, £36 – The Squid Ink Co
2/ This wood drawing board gives you all the fun of a drawing pad, but with an easy-to-erase magnet pen, so imaginations can run wild. Includes a mini abacus made of beechwood for tallying the score of drawing games. Â
Oekaki House Drawing Board, £45 – Beenie Buds Co.
3/ For all the stylish dresser-uppers out there, this gorgeous, handwoven rattan bag is vintage-inspired and adorably decorative. A perfect bag for treasure hunts.
Rattan Shell Bag, £30 – We Are Pop
4/ Den making is a rite of passage in childhood, and with this pirate themed kit, the fantasy of den making is all the more delightful. Each kit comes with tent materials, wooden tools and pirate bunting, so you can create your pirating adventures on dry land!
The Pirate Den Kit, £45 – The Den Kit Co.
5/ These animal themed soft toys make for cute cuddle buddies and a great way to teach kids about the animal kingdom. Perfect for babies or young child. Choose from a lion, panda, rhino, giraffe, elephant and more.
Noah’s Friends, £14 – Minifili
6/ If the kids in your life prefer their animal toys a little hardier, then Plaay’s luxury wooden toys could be the perfect playmate. This 100% oak giraffe comes with a moveable neck and soft touch features, making it sure to stand the test of play time.
The Giraffe, £49 – Plaay
