What a year 2020 has been eh? If we’d known this time last year what 2020 would be like I think we’d have all completely flipped out. But with all the unprecedented stress and upheaval has come renewed appreciation, I think, for the things that really matter: health, relationships and looking out for each other.
I haven’t done a gift guide before but I thought that this year I would in order to help support small businesses and also because we possibly have more time this year to choose the gifts that we’re giving for Christmas. After all, our loved ones (that we’ve probably barely seen all year) deserve conciously shopped, thoughful gifts after the year we’ve had. And buying it from an ethical small brand seems more the right thing to do than ever before!
For this gift guide I’ve also focussed on things for now and I think ‘now’ means anything that makes us feel cosy and safe this winter. More than ever, our homes are our sanctuaries and things that make us feel happy at home are absolutely key.
1. Aerende
If you like the sound of #lifeimprovinghomewares you will love this store. Everthing is made in the UK by people facing social challenges. I particularly like the bedding and they have gift vouchers here . I don’t think you’ll find more ethical homeware anywhere. ‘Can you really give bedding for Christmas, Dee?’ I (don’t) hear you ask. Yes absolutely you can, especially this year. Who wouldn’t want the gift of a good nights sleep?
Image: Aerende. The gift of a good nights sleep for Christmas.
2. The Basket Room.
You cannot go wrong with basketware - use it for everything - as a plant holder, a bin, a laundry basket, nick-nack storage. Basketware will add warmth and texture to any space. I particularly like this Laini basket and this bike basket. All of the basketware is made by artisans in Africa.
Image: The Basket Room. Everyone knows that bike baskets are purely for Instagram flower shots.
I discovered Marigold and Lettice a couple of years ago and absolutely love her hand made rustic ceramics. There are too many favourites to choose from but this cake stand would be perfect for the baker in your family. Check out her tealight holders too.
Image: Marigold and Lettice. Scallops are everything in homeware this year.
Homeplace has managed to pull off the feat of mixing new and vintage homeware and curating it beautifully. I love Wendy’s taste and the service she provides is second to none. These reeded green glasses stood out to me but everything she sells is exquisite - perfect for difficult- to- buy- for people.
Image: Homeplace. Reeded glass is a beautiful alternative to plain glass.
As well as mixing vintage and new homeware, Maison M also sell vintage and new clothing. I love this mix and I love their taste. My favourite from Maison M is this tote bag which not only is super useful as a bag it looks pretty hanging up on a peg rail too. Multi purpose is everything these days.
Image: Maison M. Bags with frills? Give them all to me!
Curious Egg ‘where art meets interiors’ was one of my first discoveries on Instagram 5 years ago and, in my opinion, stocks the most exquisite range of homeware, art and giftware that you will find online. Lorraine sources her stock meticulously and every piece tells a story. Her art curation stands out in particular and she’s a huge supporter of graduate artists. I particularly love this Rachel Lee ‘Angel’ limited edition or if you’ve been into The Queens Gambit lately, how about this London Skyline Chess Set.
Racel Lee Angel 2.
Talking of the gift of sleep, Poppy and Honesty’s Liberty fabric cushions and sofa toppers are the perfect addition for an extra comfy sofa this winter / lockdown. Not only do they protect your sofa, they provide extra comfort and enable daytime napping - which of course is totally allowed in the winter. In fact, it’s the law.
Image; Poppy and Honesty. Enabling nana naps since 2007.
The Jacksons has been on my radar for years as a source of quirky homeware and fashion. I especially love their jute bags. I know bags aren’t strictly homeware but they’re multi-purpose and in my mind serve as art too when hung with purpose.
Image; The Jacksons. Love wins every time.
9. Catherine Colebrook
Catherine Colebrook is an emporium of wonderment and she mostly specialises in personalised pieces such as these Liberty artworks. However the gift that caught my eye the most this year is this eyemask which says EVERYTHING about 2020!
10. Domestic Science
Domestic Science is an independent department store selling a quirky and unusual mix of contemporary lifestyle products and vintage homeware. To my mind, Domestic Science up there with Petersham Nurseries and Baileys in how they curate and visually merchandise their mix of independant suppliers. They’ve recently gone online and also operate a click and collect service. I particularly like their multi coloured towels and their twirly candles by Esh.
Image: Domestic Science. Peach twirly candles of dreams.
Anyway, that’s my take on homeware gifts for Christmas 2020. There is absolutly no need to buy things from Amazon - these independant stores are super reliable and quick at delivering their beautifully curated items. Let’s make 2020 the year we ditch convenience for conciousness.