Features and blogging

Like it or not, the C-word is coming, and with it the usual shaking-out of wallets and circulation of wishlists. I’ve placed a few recent orders on big-name websites because I couldn’t get the item to the recipient any other way, but my intention this year is to go as local as possible.
This is the original small-business wishlist that
I circulated at the start of the pandemic; fortunately, most are still up and running.
Since posting that, I’ve discovered several other lists and websites that deserve to be firmly bookmarked. I’m putting some here and hoping you’ll add your ideas in the comments as we get closer to D-day, because now more than ever is the time to go local and choose small suppliers. Happy shopping.

BEAUTY
Eva Pe Empress of Beauty
Maker of beautiful hand-made soaps and other fragrant delights, Eva has a wealth of beauty knowledge and is well worth a follow. Not sure I’ll be able to give away absolutely all of my recent purchases…

BOOKS
uk.bookshop.org
No-one I know here, just a lovely alternative to the big stockists and a great way of getting indie bookshops into the spotlight. Better still, once lockdown lifts pop to those local indie bookshops and buy direct.

BOOZE
Craft Metropolis
I ordered a year of beer from Oliver’s online beer shop for a relative’s special birthday and it really did make for 12 happy months. Lovely service from a genuine small supplier with a real passion for his trade.
Rosemullion Distillery
I found out about these Cornish gin bods in spring, and promptly stocked up. Bottled beautifully, the flavours are tangy and sharp with hints of ozone and sunshine. Gin snobbery aside, it tastes great.

CARDS
The Colour File
Don your shades and prepare to be dazzled before hopping onto Martha’s gorgeous website. What I love most about her colour-rich cards are the little stories on the back, and the charidy donation for each one.

GIFTS
Izibele
My former schoolfriend Abi’s gorgeous new homewares store in Toronto is further afield but online shopping makes the word small. Stuffed full of handmade South African baskets, rugs, bags and treats, it’s on my list to visit.
Laura B Interiors
I found this lovely lady at an online market place in summer and fell in love with her pigs. Well, pig prints. Her designs are steeped in British heritage so expect rabbits, whippets, thistles, chickens, peas – and pigs.
Squidinki
OK so we’re using the term ‘local’ loosely here, as Max lives in Sydney, Australia. But he’s local to Sydney-siders, plus he’s an old mate of mine, plus his clever cartoon creations are the dog’s whatsits.

JEWELLERY
Hoops+Chains
F-word warning so pas devant les enfants for this one, folks. If you’re in the market for a say-it-like-it-is bit of bling then this is the place! I think they’re hilarious and have already dispatched a couple. Snigger.
Kodes
Morena is my Italian namesake, but that’s not the only reason why her stunning silicone creations are on my WANT file this year (elves take note: CACTUS <just saying>).

POOCH PRESSIES
Stripes for Dogs
Once a dancer, Claire now prepares tempting treats for doglets around the country. These vegan dog snacks do just what they say on the tin, and I’ve an elf-list of patient pets waiting for their gourmet gifts.
The Crafty Giraffe
It’s not often that an Insta ad gets me. Until – wooden dog decs in the right shape for your pooch and with the name of the lucky doggy engraved on each one? I’m not a dog girl but come on!