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A Comprehensive Handbook for Christmas: Indie Version

A Comprehensive Handbook for Christmas: Indie Version

Everything Christmas from small businesses online.

Choose independent shops this Christmas for gifts and your festive shopping needs.

In a single, user-friendly Indie Edit, complete with links to where you can discover and purchase all the items I showcase.

With snow falling as I craft this indie edit, I’ve got the Christmas music going. I am absolutely in the holiday spirit.

After exploring my comprehensive Christmas selection, I’m certain you’ll be feeling the holiday cheer too.

From Lapland letters to customized Santa sacks, festive cards to wrapping paper, Christmas sweaters to enamel pins, and much more.

Featuring an array of Christmas products from 16 different online retailers. Each shop offers a vast selection on their websites, and clicking the images will direct you to them.



The stores highlighted in this Indie Edit are all part of my shopping directory. You can find their details listed below.

BEYOND MEASURE

Beyond Measure is a beautifully tailored shop brimming with products for makers. The emphasis is on yarn and textile crafts, alongside some paper crafts too. A carefully curated collection with unique items. Tools, supplies, books, patterns, and much more. Ideal for gifting or treating yourself.

DAFFODOWNDILLY

Daffodowndilly offers a distinctive selection of vibrant and elegantly crafted gifts. Inspired by nature and the joy of life. Their lineup includes notebooks, greeting cards, postcards, wall art, bookmarks, stickers, writing sets, and gift tags. They also carry an extensive range of pin badges, keychains, and bag charms, all reflecting their unique designs.

EARLYBIRD DESIGNS

Earlybird Designs specializes in greeting cards, gifts, and party supplies. Their collection features their unique in-house designed cards, along with a variety from British independent creatives. Additionally, they offer a delightful selection of small gifts and partyware. A broad array and exquisite choices.

FROM YOU TO ME

From You To Me is a UK publishing house. Their extensive offerings include memory books, children’s literature, gift volumes, personalized gift books, notebooks, diaries, planners, and organizers. Many of their products can be personalized, and they also provide a selection of mindfulness journals for well-being. A rich assortment suitable for diverse individuals and occasions.

HOOBYNOO

Hoobynoo features top-quality offerings for pets and their humans. Many of their products are customizable. With colorful and appealing designs, they provide practical, high-quality items. Pet products include tags, bowls, and leashes. They also offer gifts for dog owners, such as mugs, keychains, clothing, and more.

JERRY’S GENERAL

Jerry’s General presents a range of eco-friendly clothing and gifts that display your affection for dogs, while adhering to a sustainable and conscientious lifestyle. Dog-themed apparel, organic cotton totes, ceramic mugs, puzzles, and more—all sustainably sourced and dog-themed.

MY BEAUTIFUL PEN

My Beautiful Pen offers splendidly worded and highly personalized gifts for that special someone. Their offerings also include beautiful notebooks, journals, planners, and token gifts. Their prints can be customized, with an extensive selection for every occasion.

PEN PUSHER

Pen Pusher is a stationery outlet specializing in sustainable stationery and calligraphy. Their wide range includes creative pens for hand lettering and calligraphy, notebooks, Washi tape, and various stationery products. Pen Pusher carefully curates the finest independent UK brands for their online store.

POPPY TREFFRY

Poppy Treffry showcases beautiful textile accessories, home decor, and gifts. Predominantly machine embroidered, with a variety of lovely prints inspired by the stunning Cornish coastline. They also offer an array of craft kits and sewing projects, including wonderful subscription clubs that would make fantastic gifts.

RED HEN TRADING

Red Hen Trading is an independent gift store featuring a fun selection of gifts and lifestyle products. Quirky and unique items designed to bring joy to their recipients. Gifts suitable for her, him, and kids.

SEASONS GREEN

Seasons Green is an exquisite gift shop and gallery, inspired by the coast and countryside. Their collection includes distinctive gifts, crafts, and art from independent makers across the UK, as well as some larger brands. They carry a diverse range, including home decor & lighting, stationery, outdoor gifts, crafting supplies, jewelry, accessories for women, children, men, and pets.

SIMPLY RIBBONS

Simply Ribbons specializes in all types of fabric ribbons. With over 30,000 spools available, they have something for everyone. Perfect for weddings, businesses, crafts, or Christmas. Their website showcases an extensive variety of themes, materials, widths, and colors. They also provide ribbon craft kits for wreaths and other decorations. And if you desire custom-printed ribbons, they can accommodate that too.

SIOP CWLWM

Siop Cwlwm is a Welsh gift shop. Here you’ll find Welsh books, greeting cards, home decor, educational resources for all ages, games, and much more. All items are either in the Welsh language, have a Welsh theme, or are crafted by a small Welsh business.

SISTER SISTER

Sister Sister offers stunning illustrations on hand-painted ceramics, pins, artworks, tea towels, jigsaw puzzles, and more. Many beautiful dog illustrations on ceramic hearts, each meticulously hand-painted. They also feature fantastic pin badges, some adorned with Welsh phrases. A broad selection of themes and illustrations is available.

SN CARDS

SN cards are fine art greeting cards and gifts crafted from still life photography. Shelley, a fine artist photographer, draws inspiration from the Dutch Masters. Each photograph requires several hours (often days) to create, resulting in breathtaking artwork. The cards and gifts are made from this beautiful artwork and printed on high-quality cards, mugs, and coasters.

THE CHISWICK GIFT COMPANY

The Chiswick Gift Company is a London-based design studio offering an assortment of delightful gifts. Fun, quirky, practical, some with cheeky elements, and many creating lasting keepsakes. Their range includes pin badges, notebooks, mugs, and more.

I have highlighted just a small selection of the product offerings from the featured shops in my All Things Christmas indie edit. Click the images to navigate to where you can find and purchase, plus explore many other products they offer.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this indie edit and feel inspired to shop from these extraordinary stores.

Numerous other independent shop edit blog posts are available, and you can find them here.

Additionally, I’ve curated various Collections centered around themes for more helpful shopping inspiration.

Happy shopping!

Barbara

All views expressed in this blog post are my own. At the time of writing, all shops mentioned are part of my shopping directory.

Even though many shops are mentioned here, you must form your own opinion on whether the shop and its products suit you.

Tags: Christmas, Gift Shops, Independent Shops Online, Indie Edit, Shop Independent, Shopping Inspiration # A Complete Guide to Christmas: Indie Edition

Christmas brings joy, unity, and celebration. While countless enjoy conventional holiday traditions, an indie approach to Christmas holds a special charm. Be it through music, films, gifts, or decorations, an indie Christmas allows for creativity, originality, and a personal touch.

In this guide, we’ll delve into ways to celebrate Christmas with an indie flair, from discovering alternative holiday music to uncovering the perfect handmade gifts.

## **1. Indie Christmas Music: A Unique Holiday Soundtrack**

Setting the tone for an indie Christmas can be achieved through music. Rather than sticking to the familiar holiday hits, consider crafting a playlist filled with indie artists who provide a refreshing and distinctive spin on Christmas tunes.

### **Top Indie Christmas Songs & Albums:**
– **”Christmas Lights” – Coldplay**
– **”Winter Song” – Sara Bareilles & Ingrid Michaelson**
– **”Christmas in Hollis” – Run-D.M.C.**
– **”All I Want for Christmas Is You” (Acoustic) – The Maine**
– **”A Very She & Him Christmas” – She & Him**
– **”Sufjan Stevens – Songs for Christmas”**

These tracks and albums encompass a blend of folk, alternative, and indie pop sounds that create a warm, inviting holiday ambiance.

## **2. Indie Christmas Movies: Alternative Holiday Classics**

While films like *Home Alone* and *Elf* are traditional favorites, numerous indie and offbeat Christmas movies present a fresh perspective on the season.

### **Must-Watch Indie Christmas Movies:**
– **”Klaus” (2019)** – A stunningly animated indie-style film featuring a touching narrative.
– **”The Holiday Calendar” (2018)** – A delightful indie romantic Christmas film.
– **”Tangerine” (2015)** – An unconventional Christmas story with raw, powerful storytelling.
– **”Carol” (2015)** – A visually captivating and profoundly moving holiday romance.
– **”Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale” (2010)** – A darkly comedic and eerie interpretation of Santa Claus.

These films provide a mix of heartwarming, quirky, and unconventional holiday narratives ideal for an indie Christmas movie marathon.

## **3. Indie Christmas Decorations: Handmade & Vintage Aesthetic**

Decorating for Christmas doesn’t necessitate store-bought ornaments and tinsel. An indie Christmas embraces DIY decorations, vintage treasures, and eco-friendly choices.

### **Ideas for Indie Christmas Decor:**
– **Handmade Ornaments** – Craft your own decorations using natural materials like wood, dried citrus, and twine.
– **Vintage Christmas Lights** – Choose warm, softly glowing fairy lights for a cozy vibe.
– **Minimalist Christmas Tree** – Use a petite potted tree or a DIY wooden tree for a modern indie touch.
– **Upcycled Wrapping Paper** – Wrap gifts in newspaper, fabric, or recycled paper for an eco-conscious approach.
– **Boho Christmas Wreaths** – Incorporate dried flowers, eucalyptus, and pinecones for a rustic, indie aesthetic.

These embellishments add a personal and artisanal flair to your festive ambiance while promoting sustainability and creativity.

## **4. Indie Christmas Gifts: Thoughtful & Handmade Presents**

Gift-giving is a central aspect of Christmas, but instead of opting for mass-produced items, consider supporting small businesses, independent artists, and handmade crafts.

### **Indie Gift Ideas:**
– **Handcrafted Jewelry** – Help local artisans by purchasing unique, handcrafted pieces.
– **Vinyl Records** – A perfect gift for music aficionados who treasure the warm sound of vinyl.
– **Customized Art Prints** – Commission an indie artist to create a personalized artwork or illustration.
– **DIY Gift Baskets** – Assemble a personalized basket filled with homemade candles, baked goodies, and artisanal coffee.
– **Thrifted & Vintage Finds** – Give a unique gift by shopping at thrift stores or vintage fairs.

These gifts demonstrate thoughtfulness and creativity while supporting independent makers and small businesses.

## **5. Indie Christmas Activities: Cozy & Creative Traditions**

Instead of sticking to conventional holiday routines, try incorporating some indie-inspired traditions into your Christmas festivities.

### **Fun Indie Christmas Activities:**
– **Vinyl & Hot Cocoa Night** – Enjoy your favorite indie records while savoring homemade hot cocoa.
– **DIY Christmas Card Making** – Design personalized Christmas cards using watercolor, calligraphy, or collage.
– **Book Exchange** – Organize a book swap with friends and family, focusing on indie authors and small press titles.
– **Outdoor Winter Picnic** –