_edited.jpg)
Christmas 2023 is just around the corner and many of us are starting or beginning to think about the presents we want to buy for friends and family. Every year I set myself a challenge to try and do most of my Christmas shopping as locally and independent as possible.
There is no better time to start than Colour Friday, yes Colour Friday not Black Friday. Holly Tucker, founder of notonthehighstreet.com, launched Colour Friday 3 years ago to encourage the nation to support small businesses instead. Some scary facts show that £12.3 billion is spent on Black Friday with businesses like Amazon despite the fact that 80% of it ends up in landfill, incinerated or recycled poorly - yikes!
There are a range of benefits to making a commitment to shopping small and independent, from incredible customer service, supporting your local economy, being a more ethical choice and finding the perfect unique gift. We aren't collaborating with any of the businesses we have mentioned below - we just wanted to recommend some of our wonderful small business community. We have supported each of these businesses in some way in the past, either through our Memory Makers journey so far or in our personal lives. We are sure you will be able to find the perfect gift from them for your loved ones.
Food & Drink Gifts
The Food Haven based in Cullybackey provides gourmet gift sets and hampers with a rustic feel, with an additional personalisation option available to make your gift truly special and unique! Emma's chutneys are incredible and some of my lucky friends were gifted her gorgeous hampers last year.
The Mallow Makers based in Bangor provides deliciously squishy handmade Marshmallows and S'mores Kits that I have gifted many times. From Marshmallows, Toasting Kits and her famous Wonderfluff - she has got you covered for S'more and hot chocolate lovers!
I first met In The Mix at the Moira Food Festival and we started chatting whilst I waited for my coffee and delicious treats. This I believe was their first outing in a cute, converted horse-box, ready to serve cakes and bakes to passing customers. Megan’s story resonated with me, reminding me of how we started out with Memory Makers. Please support Megan in taking her business to the next level. In The Mix is based in Hillsborough/Lisburn, providing delicious treats for events and private orders too. The best sweet addition to any party or celebration!
An independent deli based in Comber and Belfast selling a variety of Irish indigenous small-batch artisan food and drink. Their range of cheese is unbelievable and they also sell the most amazing food hampers!
Candle Gifts
Olivia's Haven is based in Ballymoney and provides a range of luxury hand poured candles, wax melts and reed diffusers. Their attention to detail is fab - I have 3 wrapped under my Christmas tree and the scent is incredible. Their Christmas Shop is also now open.
The Bearded Candle Makers are based in Dundrum, where they develop an exciting range of handmade scented candles. The unique scents are blended using the finest oils available and are based on the ‘the true smells of Ireland’.
Luxury soy wax candles, wax melts, reed diffusers, and carpet freshener powder. All lovingly hand poured in their Ballymoney studio. Their Bergamot, Red Cedar and Amber Candle is divine and I am loving the look of their wax melt Advent Calendar. Again their Christmas shop is now open.
Hand poured soy candles, wax melts, diffusers, soaps and room sprays, Bumble and Blue Candles not only smell divine but look so stylish and elegant. Bumble and Blue can provide their products if you are a retailer and would like to become a stockist.
Jewellery Gifts
Lines and Current are based in Belfast and their jewellery and accessories brands designed for daytime to dinner - born out of a love for clean lines with a boho twist. This is one of my favourite local jewellery designers, who began in her box room and now has a workshop and store in Portview in East Belfast.
Ivy and Gold based in Broughshane provide personalised bracelets and stacking options that tell a story and help you stay connected to what's important, every day. This is a recent find of mine at one of the first TedBerry markets and is a business that took off during lockdown.
This is my go-to place for gorgeous jewellery, accessories such as hairbands, scarves, and handbags and for the finishing touches to any wedding outfit with the most beautiful occasion hat hire. It’s hard to refrain from purchasing every new arrival! The Dress House also has tailored jewellery pieces which are perfect bridesmaids and brides-to-be. So best friends, sisters, aunties, mums, brides and yes you men, this is a great place for a gorgeous gift. What lady doesn’t like a little jewellery at Christmas, or anytime of the year for that matter!
Cosmetics & Make-up
Bare Moo cosmetics are based in Cookstown and their skincare products are individually handmade to order using only the finest ingredients. Totally organic, ethically sourced and paleo friendly. Bare Moo cater for babies, men and women and have wonderful gift sets for Christmas.
Lusso Tan based in Belfast was developed by three sisters after seeing a gap in the tanning market - striving for a patch and chemical free and non sticky and smelly product. After tireless research, their formulas nourishes, hydrates, and enhances skin. The three step ritual is easy - and if I can achieve a beautiful non streak tan with this product so can you! Specific tanning products available for expecting mums, ageing skin and Christmas gift sets and stocking fillers are now on their website.
For all those special occasions, weddings, birthdays and formals, Emma-Jane is the perfect makeup artist for that natural flawless look. She also provides 1-1 tutorials or make-up lessons for you and a friend, after which you can enjoy a delicious afternoon tea. Located between Ballygawley and Dungannon she is available for bookings via Facebook or Instagram and also is a stockist for Sahara Tan.
Ceramic Gifts
Zara McLaughlin Studio, based in Ballymoney creates bespoke functional ceramics for the home. Zara releases new products monthly via a first come first serve ‘Drop’ system. All items are limited edition. I have never been lucky enough to have a successful 'drop' however I have lovely friends who have gifted me fabulous items from Zara McLaughlin - fingers crossed for the Christmas tree drop this year. I have a very lonely penguin!
Cloverhill Ceramics are based in Moneymore produce handmade functional pottery, including tableware and decorative seasonal items (you may remember my little ghost from our Fabric Pumpkin blog piece). We look forward to seeing what Christmas decorations Cloverhill Ceramics create this year!
Although Tea with Jud is now based in Rattery in Scotland, she is a Co Antrim girl at heart so we thought she still deserved a mention! Jud designs, makes and glazes her wheel thrown pottery in a range of bright bold colours offering a range of tableware, plant hangers and knitted tea cosies.
Clothing and and Accessory Gifts
Ted & Stitch based in Randalstown provides embroidered branded workwear, promotional and slogan clothing such as hoodies, sweaters and t-shirts for men, women and children. Ted & Stitch also supplied Memory Makers with our fabulous workshop aprons and branded sweaters - we just love them!
Eco-friendly outdoor gear for all ages inspired by the beauty of Northern Ireland, including sustainable sunglasses made from wheatstraw and coffee, recycled backpacks, hats, infinity bands and picnic blankets.
Home Interiors and Art Gifts
Knit and Knot based in Lisburn started as a lockdown hobby for a mum of three on maternity leave and soon became a little family business providing handmade knitted wire words and wall art. Check out their collection of custom made names, shapes, cake toppers and Christmas decorations. I have just received my lovely Nativity scene!
A Broader Picture, found on Portstewart Promenade on Northern Ireland's beautiful North Coast, is a homeware shop which offers a considered selection of products, all chosen with a view to helping you create a relaxed, authentic and comfortable home - somewhere to feel good. Established in 1998 as a small craft shop, over the years A Broader Picture has evolved into a contemporary lifestyle shop with an interesting selection of furniture, textiles, lighting and homeware sourced both close to home and from farther afield.
in klöver NI has shops in Moira and Hillsborough and is one of my favourite places to look for local gifts. in klöver is a truly local shop featuring the work of artists and makers from across the UK, Ireland and beyond. Their mission is to create an inspiring place to shop for genuinely unique, handmade products. Everything they sell is sustainably sourced from independent makers.
At abode16 they believe our home is our sanctuary, a place to dwell, therefore we have sourced the most aesthetically pleasing yet functional interiors. abode16 was inspired by their love for Scandinavian and Nordic style living that will also compliment a neutral decor. They believe their collection of homewares will enhance homes and it will be a place where all your favourite things come together. I can testify that their homeware range is stunning, and they currently have the most beautiful Christmas pieces to add that festive touch to your home.
Alora Home has an online homeware store, which has a range of high quality and unique homeware. They stock brands such as Sass and Belle, Chickidee, Bloomingville and Chic Antique. But what they specialise in is Christmas! Good news is they have their range online and have a pop-up Christmas store based in Augher, Co. Tyrone. From Christmas trees, ornaments, baubles, wreaths and garlands, they have everything you has ever dreamed of when it comes to Christmas decorations!
Hand stitched and handmade gifts by Rosy, perfect for all ages! Products include specially designed keyrings and water cups, along with personalised acrylic lights, glassware, travel mugs, cake toppers, hoops and much more. Send an extra special present to someone this year with your personal touches on meaningful gifts.
Contemporary art prints and homeware pieces, inspired by beautiful everyday moments and designed in the rolling hills of County Down. Kathryn’s aim is simple – to paint the life you love so that you can bring the feeling home. From beautiful local landscapes and landmarks, to florals, to classic cars and drinks, along with abstract art, figurines and wildlife, there is something to suit everyone Kathryn has gift sets available as well as homeware and accessories and currently a limited edition Festive Mourne Gin Collaboration! I love how colourful her artwork is, brightening everyone’s home.
Based in Co. Tyrone but supplying all across the UK and Ireland Roisin creates exquisite, bespoke pressed flower art including wedding bouquet flower preservation. I only came across Roisin’s work recently and I instantly fell in love. Her beautiful pieces capture precious memories that will last a lifetime and will be looked upon so fondly by the receiver. The ultimate special gift for a loved one this Christmas.
Photography Gifts
Sarah Convey Photography based in Fermanagh captures maternity, newborn, family and wedding moments. From capturing my little niece's first few months in this world, to then providing us with precious family photographs a year later, there is nothing more special than gifting someone photos that capture a moment but last a lifetime. Sarah's personality just made the whole experience so enjoyable and gave us the relaxed photos we were looking for.
Divine Photography based in Coalisland is a portrait photographer and educator specialising in headshot photography, personal branding and family portraits. Cat provides a range of photography workshops including beginners courses, 121 workshops and smartphone courses - the perfect gift for those wanting to learn more about capturing that special shot. Cat took the photos at our first ever workshop, providing us with those memorable moments of the start of our Memory Makers journey.
You can make a huge difference!
Thank you for supporting small and local businesses this Christmas. Don't forget, Memory Makers provide luxury cookery and craft workshop experiences across Northern Ireland in both pop up venues and for private group events.
Emma & Hannah x
Comments