10 Christmas Must Haves and get this they are all from small businesses
With Christmas right around the corner I have been racking my brain as what to buy.
I love supporting handmade, and buying from small businesses is essential, so with that in mind, what would be my 10 must haves this year.
1. The beautiful Pia owns the Chalk Store which was recently opened this year. She has a love for sustainable and eco-friendly products, which is right up our alley. Her store is full of gorgeous products ranging from decorating your house to a little “something something” for yourself! But as a recently new mumma bear to my second babe, I can't go past her kid section. My first must have is the wildflower romper manufactured and printed by Piper bug. Made from 95% cotton it's so very soft and has the most delicate image printed on the front. It is just devine and will be a winner during the summer weather.
2. Mell is the owner and creator of Addi Rd who makes the most delightful handmade purses, clutches and essential oil/lipstick purses. But the best part is one of the materials she uses is Eco cork or better described as “nature’s leather”. It is 100% natural plant tissue, reusable, recyclable made from the bark of Cork Oak tree. There are so many colours and styles to choose from and with her Summer release happening soon, it is difficult to decide! But my favourite and definitely on my must have list is the ready-made “Aria” purse. I am a sucker for abstract patterns and the natural tan colours. This little number has enough room to fit all your cards and phone! So, unless you have a newborn and a messy toddler (my life!), then it will be all you need on your outings.
3. No Christmas is complete without stunning wrapping and gift cards. Of course, not normal gift cards, what is the use in that? But gift cards that are handmade using recycled paper and that are embedded with Swan river daisy seeds. Yes, that’s right plantable gift cards. Cue Tara at Mama + Daisy who is the maker behind the absolutely stunning gift cards. She has so many beautiful options to choose from, with my choice being the plantable rainbow card. It has an original hand painted watercolour rainbow printed on the paper. So once the receiver has finished with the card, they can rip the cover off and frame it with a simple frame to enjoy for years to come. That’s not all, if they plant the back of the card, they will have array of Swan river daisy blooms to enjoy. It’s the gift that keeps on giving, what more could you want!
4. If you have a new mum or mum to be to buy for this Christmas, you must go and have a look at the products made by Simply Wild Co. Meg has been working hard to produce 100% natural and eco-friendly skincare products for the babes in your life. So, if you're looking at trying to reduce your footprint and you want to use a friendlier option for your baby wipes, you need to purchase her reusable wipe starter pack. Not only are Meg’s products packed in the most amazing packaging, think frosted amber bottles with simple but effective labels, but they are completely natural. The pack contains 50ml wash spray, a great alternative to wet wipes, 20ml bum balm, the hint is in the name and perfect to protect that soft baby skin and three bamboo cotton terry wipes. The perfect gift that helps save the planet at the same time.
5. Although Christmas is all about being joyous, it definitely can be stressful. My solution is to head over to Earth blended and get some natural based remedies to help ease those silly season woes. I am a lover of essential oils, so I believe this is the perfect gift. You need to remember to give yourself some love and Earth blended make the perfect oil roller called Self-love. It is made with 100% therapeutic grade oils that encourage a healthy hormone balance that help uplift your mood and only leave room for pampering. Bonus is it includes some of my favourite smells of bergamot and ylang ylang, totally winning!
6. Stocking fillers are the best presents and my longtime friend Mia from I got gorgeous has your back. Beautiful polymer clay jewels ranging from earring studs, dangles to necklaces. She even has Kid kits for the minis. With designs inspired by fabrics, nature and patterns it took me a while to decide on my must have for this one, I had so many love affairs. But I just fell in love with the sage maxi studs, with such intricate cane work and natural colours that would suit any outfit, they were just perfect. A definite must have!
7. Who doesn’t love a light, flowy dress that makes you look like a goddess, right? Sand and Dunes have you covered for your Christmas day attire. Breanna designs a clothing range for women and your babes that is ethically and environmentally friendly as possible. Her beautiful Hali Dress is perfect for that Christmas day lunch, keeping you fresh and giving your all the boho feels. Made from 100% cotton linen with natural turtle shell buttons and a scoop neckline that suits all situations. Dress it up with your favourite jewels (maybe a love your tribe necklaces- cheeky plug) or keep it casual by wearing it over bathers for those beach days. You can't ask for a more versatile dress.
8. I am a huge lover of jewellery - go figure, so it's not surprising that one of my must haves is a sterling silver piece. Jewellery inspired by the very essence of my influences, Vanessa from Ocean Haze Jewellery handcrafts contemporary pieces that are not only dainty but modern. Her beautiful daisy necklace made using fine silver is a piece that can be worn on any occasion. Not only that, but she offers free shipping within Australia- best day ever!
9. If you’re from Adelaide, then you need to make sure Patricia’s Classic Interiors is on your list for your Christmas shopping. The gorgeous Lisa has so many wonderful products that you will not fail to find something to add to your present list. Trust me, if you decide to visit, you will not be disappointed. The one thing I am crushing on right now is the Bamboo Eco travel mugs. Not only are they environmentally responsible, reusable and made with natural bamboo fibre, they also come in great patterns. My favourite is the “No drama Llama”. I have a total weak spot for Llamas, I mean who doesn’t! But if you can't get to Adelaide, don’t panic just check out @patricias_portnoarlunga and you can find all the goodies there.
10. If your anything like me, I need to give at least one musical gift at Christmas time. I’m not even that musical, I just love listening to the sound that instruments make, especially when its coming from my little ones. My little miss has taken on this trait and absolutely loves anything musical. She has recently discovered my husband's bodhrán (a fancy name for a celtic drum- yeah, I didn’t know that either!) bangs on it and asks me to sing a song. I am positive this is not a pleasant experience for our neighbours. But when I saw the coconut maraca from Growing Kind I just had to have it, along with all the little fairy furniture but that is another blog. The maraca is made from coconuts with a wooden handle for ease of holding and shaking for little hands. The coconut maracas are designed in Australia and made in Nepal under fair trade conditions. It is possibly the most uniquely and beautifully made gift and I can't wait to see my daughters face when she gets it.
So, this Christmas make someone do a happy dance and support their business, you won't see that when you buy from a big department store.