The Most Exciting Small Businesses To Support This Christmas

Barton Croft

The artisan, ceramic tableware from pottery brand Barton Croft is the perfect mix of practical and pleasing. With many of the pieces showing traces of the makers’ own hands, the products are designed to blend seamlessly with existing, treasured dining pieces. A strong-held belief that the eye should be drawn to the meal rather than what it’s served on means Barton Croft ceramics – which include everything from plates and bowls to cups and jugs – are designed to enhance rather than distract. We particularly love this dimpled jug and set of serving bowls.

Flax London

When it comes to beautifully crafted men’s shirts and jackets, look no further than Flax London. Plastic free and made in London, all items are cut from fully sustainable, 100% Irish linen. The Autumn/Winter 2019 collection will have you dreaming of blustery winter walks by the Brighton seaside.

Smock London

For all the little ladies in your life, consider some of the beautiful dresses and blouses on offer from Smock London. Designed with ‘feminine free spirits’ in mind, the vibrant colours and fabrics used by Smock bring old-time crafts bang up to date. Every time you buy an item from Smock, the company gives an item to a child in need – now that’s the kind of shopping we love. The classic Antoinette dress (£65) is one of our picks of the collection, while the Mulan booties (£32) make the perfect gift for mums-to-be. 

Little Plum

Every product made by memo board company Little Plum is handcrafted by its founder Alie Plumstead in her studio in Wiltshire. Founded in 2007, the business now sells everything from photo boards to jewellery stands, all of which feature Alie’s classic and colourful diamond ribbon designs. Perfect for those in need of a little organisation, its prices start from £11. We have our eye on this Flamingo Ribbon Memo Board (£30) to help us stay on top of things in the New Year.

Locker Days

When her eldest daughter headed off to secondary school, Locker Days founder Becca had a lightbulb moment. A short stint living in the US had given her first-hand experience of teenagers wanting to decorate their school lockers, to make the space feel like their own. Locker Days now sells a range of products from wallpaper, mirrors and pen pots to help girls express their creativity. The benefits aren’t just aesthetic – studies show that getting more creative could help girls feel happier at school. 

Molly Mahon

Interiors lovers need look no further for their fabric and wallpaper needs. A quintessentially British company at heart, Molly Mahon is inspired by its eponymous founder’s Sussex home as well as her travels in India. Always chasing that ‘perfect imperfection’, Molly’s printmaking background feeds directly into her products, many of which are still hand block printed. The coral print wallpaper (£140 a roll) will spruce up any bathroom, while these candy-striped napkins (£4.50 each) make a lovely housewarming present.

Psamathe Mykonos

London-born designer Alexi Pittalis is so proud of his Greek heritage, it spurred him to create men’s resort wear brand Psamathe Mykonos. Named for Greek mythology’s goddess of sandy beaches, the collection has everything you need for your next Mediterranean getaway. From linen shirts to beach towels, sunglasses cases to weekender bags, it’s never too early to start planning next year’s holiday wardrobe.

Rebecca Udall

Bed linen, table cloths and napkins are all part of Rebecca Udall’s exquisite textile range. A former bed linen buyer, Rebecca was determined to offer customers affordable, high-quality fabrics directly, rather than through expensive department stores (which have a nasty habit of over-inflating thread counts with sub-quality yarn). If replacing your entire bed linen isn’t quite in budget, start with these beautiful monogrammed linen napkins (£15).

Surface

Want some inspirational art, but can’t afford collector prices? Head to Surface, which showcases some of the UK’s most exciting up-and-coming artists. As well as providing a bespoke art consultancy service, Surface shows pieces by its coterie of artists at art and home interiors fairs around the country. Founders Louisa Warfield and Suzie Horsey are always happy to meet with clients to art ideas for their home. In the meantime, take a look around the website. We’ve got our eye on the beautiful, sweeping landscapes by Alice Cescatti and floral still life paintings by Harriet Salt. 

The Den Kit Company

Are they ready for a mini adventure? The Den Kit Company is determined to get more children playing outdoors. It doesn’t matter whether you have a tiny back garden, a neighbouring field or a simple balcony, its range of activity kits covers the lot. The best news? There’s no plastic, no batteries and no complicated instructions. If it’s cold and rainy, this Flag Making Kit (£9.50), which uses dried natural dye powders, keeps the fun going indoors. 

Isla and Wilbur 

The brainchild of husband-and-wife team Hamish and Emma Dalrymple, this children’s brand was born out of its founders’ desire to recreate their own childhoods in Scotland and the Cotswolds. Products span bamboo swaddles to organic baby bedding, with each design featuring a colourful array of hand-drawn characters, including Isla the lamb and Wilbur the highland calf. We love the mini-me bathrobes (from £40), which can be personalised with a name of your choice.