LifecanbetoffIt’s tempting to be drawn to 3 for 2 offers at High Street stores, and as a budget Christmas shopper – I’m as guilty as a lot of people for being suckered in to run of the mill gifts off the shelf. That’s why I was inspired to produce a handmade gift guide.
Supporting the small business, local crafters, artists and producers that specialise in handmade or handcrafted products, that make the perfect gift for loved ones – or as a special treat for you!
These people go to the time and effort to craft their products, producing unusual, individual pieces that you won’t find on the High Street.
Support your local makers, go to Christmas Fairs and craft markets. There is so much choice in different handcrafted gifts out there that there really is something for everyone!
Just from asking around on Facebook I discovered a lot of my friends were creatives that I hadn’t even realised!
Handmade Christmas Gift Guide
Unexpected Gems
These beautiful unique pieces of jewellery are put together by Gem, a long time friend and absolute star of a person.
After her little boy broke one of her favourite china plates, she was left not wanting to throw it away, yet it was also beyond repair.
Her creative mind set to work and eventually came up with the idea of creating jewellery.
What is so special about this, is that many people come to Gem to commission work from their own broken china that hold important memories of lost loved ones and she is able to create something they can keep close.
As well as commissions, Gem makes pieces from donated china and crockery.
Price: Earrings £10, Neclace £15 contact Gem about commissions
Pod and Pip Wreath Making Kit
Making your own Christmas Wreath is big business this year, and Sarah from Pod and Pip has just the perfect gift for the crafty family member, in her Christmas Wreath making kits.
These kits contain everything you need to make a Christmas Wreath of your own, including full instructions. There is a choice of 3 different wreaths, each with their own festive design.
Prices for the Christmas Wreath kit start at £50
Sarah also hosts a wide range of workshops for the budding florist and are in keeping with seasonal trends.
Brinley Williams
Brinley Williams produces a range of gifts some of which can be personalised. I was drawn instantly to, and ordered a Christmas Spice “Peace and Love” scented candle, the beautiful aroma hits you as you enter the room – and that’s before it’s even lit! Handmade in Wales these gifts offer a little funny quote.
A whole range of other gifts are available so the website is well worth a visit if you’re looking for something different for a loved one this Christmas.
Price: Scented candles start at £16 each
Clippity-Clop Crafts
When Danielle of Clippity-Clop Crafts sent me pictures of her absolute genius lamps and wineracks made from discarded horse shoes.
I couldn’t actually think of anything more perfect to feature on a gift guide for Life can be Toff.
These pieces are crafted from old rusty horse shoes – some donated by owners wishing to keep a memento of a lost friend, others they find on their own yard (makes me think of the pile of hoses shoes we have at home!).
Danielle’s husband is a fully qualified electrician ELECSA registered and insured, so all electrical products are tested to standard before going to their new homes.
Essentially a hobby on the side of their full time jobs, they have incorporated their love of horses into the products they make.
At the moment lamps and wine racks are the key products but they are introducing more.
All wood is oak and the shoes are properly cleaned and sealed with varnish to stop any rusting.
Prices:
Lampshade (colour can be chosen by the customer)-£60
Mounted wall wine racks -£40
Counter top wine racks – £30.
Origami Pouffe
The Icon® Oscar Origami Pouffe from Beanbag Bazaar is a chic transformable pouffe made from quality woven fabric.
Each of these items are handmade to order in Northumberland.
These funky little pouffes would look great in any lounge and would be the perfect gift for any interior design savvy person! They come in a range of four earthy colours.
The shape of these nifty little bags can be changed to suit your mood – Sit on top in its fully folded form as a stool, or undo one side to rest against it as a supportive cushion, or release both sides for use as a harmoniously laid-back floor cushion.
Price: £129.99
Jamie Jones Illustrations
Jamie is an art student recently graduated from college who is studying watercolour, biro and technical pen.
Jamie’s wonderful illustrations are available to buy via Etsy with Life can be Toff readers benefiting from a unique 20% off coupon code – apply the code KimJ20 at checkout.
T&Cs:
Valid until 31 March 2018
No Minimum spend required
Valid on all store items except sale items
Can be used on multiple orders, no limited use before the expiry date
Prints are available in A4 and A5.
Hats by Bats
Hats by Bats was started last year, after Emma made her first ever hat. It was the first thing that she’d made outside of a scarf or a blanket.
The hats Emma has made so far have ranged from single colours or up to 8 different colours.
Emma said “I love that they put a smile on people’s faces”
Not only are the hats handmade, but they can be unique to the wearer – they make each one to order, which means that people can choose their own colours!
Contact Emma via email or her Facebook page for more information and prices.
Wanderlust Camper Co
Want to get away to get over those post Christmas blues? Why not check out the Wanderlust Camper Co’s fleet of campervans for hire.
The campervans are handcrafted and individually styled – appealing to families with young children, couples with a sense of adventure and seniors taking their four-legged friend on holiday.
These campers are fun, a bit different with quality workmanship and love going into the thoughtful designs.
Wanderlust Camper Co offer you the opportunity to have an comfortable and unique home-on-wheels for your adventure, festival, event or wedding.
Campers are fully insured and covered for your peace of mind.
UK based campervans are low mileage and well looked after. Pick up en-route and leave your car safely with them – or ask about delivery. Usually bigger and more fuel efficient than classic VWs.
Prices and availability available on the website.
Or why not buy a loved one a gift voucher for them to use at their own time?
I’m not a camper myself, but I could be tempted by these…!
In Creases
I couldn’t do a gift guide post without featuring my own talented mum.
Mandy, Muvvership, Mumma or Mum, now known as “In Creases”, spends her spare time book folding. An extremely creative way of re-imagining old books.
Why keep them on a shelf gathering dust never to be used again, when you could have your favourite novel crafted into something else?
At the moment, mum does these as a hobby to pass the time but is so incredibly talented and creative in her work, that I am convinced she should look at selling them as a business.
I myself have commissioned a one off special as a Christmas gift (I couldn’t possibly reveal what in case the recipient reads my blog!)
As mentioned above, Mum doesn’t sell these – yet – but I’m sure she could be persuaded. If you’re interested, please email me or comment below and I’ll be sure to pass on your interest to her!
Lastly…
Ella Harriott Design
You’re going to need to send Christmas cards and wrap up all these fabulous gifts, and what better way than to check out Ella Harriott Design
The very talented designer wife of a friend at work. Ella makes beautifully illustrated Christmas cards and wrap.
Not just for Christmas, Ella does a range of products through her Etsy shop – my particular favourite is the card inspired by all things British!
Ella is constantly updating her designs so there is always something new to look out for.
A beautiful way to present your gifts to family this year, all the while supporting a local talent.
Please – if something here catches your eye please like respective pages and get in touch with the creator. All of these people are so incredibly talented I couldn’t help but share their wares.
I want to thank everyone who contacted me to feature in my gift guide, I’ve had so much fun putting it together and I hope that this post inspires you to stray away from the High Street this Christmas season and support your local craft makers.
You may even be tempted to buy something here!
Peace out!
Jangles x
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Fantastic range of gift ideas. Thanks for sharing.
I love your blog Kim ! So many beautiful precious handmade gift ideas. It so hard to buy gifts for people now days.
At Amore Designs – I handcraft various unique gifts inspired by holistic health, well-being & spirituality – which I feel would be perfect for those who appreciates the art of home made. Who truly is passionate about the true meaning of gift giving.
I would really be honoured if you would update your handmade gift blog, showcasing or recommending some of my creation. We also have an affiliate program, which you may wish to take advantage of.
I look forward to hearing back from you about my proposal.