Welcome to part 1 of our Independent Gift Guide. What a year! If the last eight months have reminded us of anything, it’s that community is at the heart of everything we do and without them, we wouldn’t be where we are today. As we draw towards the festive season, it’s more important than ever that we support our small, independent, and local business owners. Many of us have taken to social media to pledge to shop small, consciously and local this festive time.
If, like me, you haven’t even begun to think about gift buying yet, (I’m definitely a last-minute Larry), join me as we discover together the Liverpool City Region’s independent businesses to support this festive season. There’s so many great makers in our community and city that we’re going to split our independent gift guide into two parts, so keep an eye out for part 2!
AV Homeware
We’re all probably going to be spending a lot more time in our homes this festive period, so why not live your best life in your living room! AV Homeware, based at our North Docks studios have some super stylish terrazzo home pieces to add a little something extra to your decor. (And I’m a big fan.)
Our favourite: Terrazzo Coaster Set
Where to Look: https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/837746419/terrazzo-coaster-set-dark-green-blush?ref=shop_home_active_5&frs=1
Instagram: @avhomeware
Facebook: @avhomewarecollection
Pop Up Poetry Gift Hampers
Gift hampers can be the perfect option if you’re stuck on the one perfect gift to buy but putting a hamper together can be a little bit stressful. Pop Up Poetry makes the perfect hampers for all occasions filled with magical gifts, and can even be personalised!
They have lots of magical themed hampers including hampers for any Harry Potter lovers. But for the wintry festive season, their Christmas eve boxes are super popular!
Our favourite: Personalised Christmas eve set
Where to look: https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/734606027/magic-gift-hamper-christmas-gift-set?ref=shop_home_active_22&frs=1&crt=1
Instagram: @popuppoet
ALOË Earrings
As an accessories lover, I had to include earrings. Literally, I wear a different pair every day. Part of my earring collection is the fabulous ALOË Earrings. They design and create resin and clay earrings in loads of different styles, shapes and sizes, and we love them! Earrings are a perfect way to make yourself look a bit sassier on a zoom call and needed addition to any festive outfits we may have the chance to wear this season. They’re going to be at our Winter Arkade this year so you can grab yourself a pair or two there!
Our favourite: Geo mustard marble resin earrings
Where to look: https://www.aloeearrings.co.uk/product-page/geo-mustard-marble-resin-earrings
Instagram: @aloeerrings
Facebook: @aloe
To the Moon Candles
There’s nothing better than getting cosy at home with a nice fluffy blanket, a good festive movie on ( for me it would be The Grinch) and your favourite candle lit. My favourite candles at the moment are from To The Moon, hand-poured soy candles made by Jess, who started the business early this year!
Our Favourite: Coconut Sky Soy Candle
Where to look: https://shoptothemoon.com/collections/all-products/products/coconut-sky-soy-candle
Instagram: @tothemoon.uk
Quirky Chairs Liverpool
If your home needs a little bit of colour or a statement piece, look no further than Quirky Chairs Liverpool. Rachel, based at our North Docks studio, paints and personalises stools and chairs. And can give any of your old worn-out furniture a new lease of life.
Our Favourite: Hand painted personalised retro rainbow childrens stool
Where to look: https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/854845575/hand-painted-personalised-retro-rainbow?ref=shop_home_active_2&frs=
Instagram: @quirkychairs
Facebook: @quirkychairsliverpool
Rummage and Roam
Time for some vintage goodies and where else to look than Rummage and Roam. On their Etsy you can find vintage gems from the mid-century, 70’s and 80s. Lisa is based at our Make Hamilton space, and I have to say her studio is just as beautiful as the pieces she is selling! So if you know someone who’s got a vintage soul, this could be the one.
Our Favourite: Mid century Empoli Italian glass sage green tall twisted stem ribbed vase goblet snifter
Where to look: https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/857242649/mid-century-empoli-italian-glass-sage?ref=shop_home_active_13
Instagram and Facebook: @rummageandroam
Rawhide Custom
An essential item for many is a good, sturdy wallet that will last you for years. And if you’re looking for quality then look no further. Rawhide Custom makes bespoke leather wallets, dog collars, belts and more, and they even age beautifuly so will last you for years! The pieces can even be personalised with initials to add that little extra touch for a loved one.
Our Favourite: VICTOR Bifold Wallet
Where to look: rawhidecustom.co.uk/product-page/victor
Instagram: @Rawhide_custom
Facebook and Twitter: @RawhideCustom
Cappa E Spada
Looking for ways to make your home space that extra bit stylish while you’re working at home? Cappa E Spada can help you do just that! From his studio at Make North Docks, Tony creates unique furniture and interior decor accessories. You can even personalise some of the pieces to suit your style needs! The perfect gift for anyone who LOVES home decor.
Our Favourite: Toucan Single Wall Light
Where to look: https://www.cappaespada.com/product-page/toucan
Instagram: @cappa_E_spada
Twitter: @CappaESpada
Curious Twist
Earlier this year one of the crafts I found myself loving was cross stitch and it was thanks to Curious Twists amazing cross stitch kits. If you know someone who loves learning a new craft these kits make the perfect gift. There are some amazing patterns available and they’re definitely unique! They’ve even got some festive themed patterns if you want to buy it as an early gift, or even buy a gift for yourself.
Our Favourite: Ho Christmas Bauble Cross Stitch Kit
Where to Look: https://www.curioustwist.com/collections/cross-stitch-kits/products/ho-christmas-bauble-cross-stitch-kit
Instagram: @curious.twist
Caffe Riccardo
The perfect gift for a coffee lover is a bag of Riccardos delicious locally roasted coffee. And in my opinion (and many others) definitely the best coffee in Liverpool! Riccardos roasts his coffee from our on site cafe at Make North Docks, and it’s divine. He even does decaf coffee, if like me, you’re trying to cut down on your caffeine!
Our Favourite: 150g Bag of Roasted Coffee or a delicious piadina to take away
Where to look: https://www.caffericcardo.com/
Social media: @caffericcardo
Made at Make
We couldn’t do a gift guide without a cheeky self-plug, could we? This year we revamped our Etsy page, and some of our talented residents are now featured on there. Including Ians Keyrings, Graham Smillie Photography, Anitas facemasks and of course our very own Hamilton Honey, produced by our bees at Make Hamilton.
You can also grab an intro to woodwork workshop token if you think a family member or friend would love to try their hand at a new skill in the new year. Or you can help out one of our many class practitioners and grab a voucher for one of our classes, including furniture painting, collage, macrame and more!
Want to find out more about Make?
Check out our blog, to learn about the makers in our space and find out more about our community at Make.
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