Our Christmas List Of Top Tips For Supporting Small, Local and Growing Businesses

It’s officially less than 1 month until Christmas, which means it’s time to start thinking about what to buy and how to buy it. It’s well known that when you buy from a small business, an actual person does a little happy dance! Which is why this Christmas we’re advocating not just supporting local, but also supporting the many wonderful small businesses that may only sell online or are still growing.

Earlier in the year after the first lockdown, Not On The Highstreet commissioned some independent research into the health of small businesses up and down the country. They concluded, “1 in 12 small UK businesses admitted they were just weeks away from shutting up shop for good, while over half were at risk of closing next year”. For this reason, we’ve put together our Christmas list of top tips for supporting small, local and growing businesses this year.

Shop online

This may be obvious, but many established, new or growing businesses may not have a physical storefront and only sell online. There are now so many ways to discover new, one-of-a-kind and unique gifts from small businesses. From Instagram Shopping to virtual market places such as Christmas Curated and BamBristol, or you can even attend Bath’s Christmas Market and support the local stallholders for the perfect gift.

Show your support

Whilst shopping online take the time to show your support, a heartfelt thank you will mean the world to a small business. Leaving a review, sending a thoughtful message or tagging friends via social media are small gestures that will go a long way. Spread the word about your favourite independents so that others can enjoy them too.

Gift cards

Gift cards are a wonderful way to support small and local businesses, helping to increase sales and improve cash flow. SmallBusiness.co.uk stated that a million unwanted Christmas presents were sold on ebay last year. Imagine if that was a million gift vouchers that benefitted a small business and didn’t disappoint your loved one!

Our Christmas list of small, local and growing businesses

Thank you to those that shared some wonderful small and local businesses with us. We’ve added a few of our favourites too and hope you find some inspiration for your Christmas shopping.

Beauty
Q Hair and Beauty 
Charlotte Benson Aesthetics
Extensions by Ellie
Kimberley Anne Create
The Glorious Spa

Jewellery
Little Nell Jewellery Jewellery and accessories designed to complement your personal style season after season
Zero West Watches boutique British watch brand from Hampshire, UK.
Webb Street Company for gifts, homeware, jewellery, stocking fillers and much more.
Tomm Jewellery for beautiful unique handmade jewellery by Lucy Toone.

For your home
Melting Pot’s dreamy eco soy wax candles, creating dreamy scents for your home.
Sequin Walls Direct stunning, high-quality sequin walls available for any occasion.
Pure Cariad beautiful handmade candles made with soy and essential oils and smell divine.
Wolf and Apple handmade, colourful and ethically sourced products to brighten your home.

Mum & Baby
Smallhausen Store beautifully designed baby wraps that will keep your baby safe and snug, giving modern parents a stylish way to carry their babies.
Dawn and Day an award-winning baby and lifestyle concept store for little ones up to the age of 5.

Local eateries and cafés
Common Grounds for takeaway coffee and wonderful sweet treats.
Hampshire Real Bread the best sourdough and baked goods!
The Barn Little London cafe, home delivery or Click and Collect offering delicious groceries.
Refilled is a wholefoods, liquids and fresh produce store in Chichester, selling small gifts and now with a new online store too.
Drapers Yard Market Local food delivery & Collection service and YUM Saturdays.

Local membership cards
Mustcard is a luxury lifestyle loyalty card. It provides members with instant benefits within the best independent businesses in and around West Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire.

For your pets
Paw Paddock for pooch pampering, exclusive enclosed paddocks and secure dog walking.

Wellbeing
Ebb&Flow Yoga Studio
Ikigai Holistic Yoga Studio and Shop
Plant the Seed offers 100% organic CBD products for a happier, healthier you.

If you feel we’ve missed anyone please let us know and we’d be more than happy to add to this list.