(Goose Glitters Stickers, Not Another Bill Comb, Cambridge Imprint Notebook, Tape, Nailberry Nail Polish, Audrey’s Chocolate, Alma Proust Seeds, Quinn Says Nasturtium Print, Badges)
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It’s day 3 of Giftmas and today it’s all about the special little somethings…
Now, before I begin, I will say that I don’t think spending £20 on a present is a small amount at all; but with things feeling more pricey than ever- I very much recognise that choosing something special for around £20 might not always feel straightforward. So often, websites curate the most novelty items in their smaller budget gifting categories and I hope today’s guide can act as a small reminder that to buy something thoughtful and special, it really doesn’t always correlate with the amount you spend. So, whether you’re buying for the best friend who insists ‘I don’t need anything!!’, the well dressed secret Santa who works on the floor above, or you’re simply searching for small joy sparkers for the girlies- I hope I’ve got some lovely options!
So let’s begin with the sweet stuff! And not just any sweet stuff either. I’m sure you’ve seen the pastel hued wrappers and romantic italics of Audrey’s chocolate popping up, but if you haven’t- I’m pleased to be the one to introduce you to this iconic Hove chocolatier. Not just style over substance (but my goodness if Miriam Maisel was opening a bar I bet she’d be happy), this chocolate has taken the internet by storm. Whether you’re looking for a classic bar or Blyton-worthy box of chocolate frogs- they have so many special things.
And from good chocolate design, to good stationery design. I couldn’t not include one of my favourite stationers, Cambridge Imprint. Not only are their exercise books (and hardback notebooks) beautiful (and incredibly reasonable), but there’s something quite exciting about unwrapping a new notebook for the start of a new year (and thinking about all the imminent Morning Pages opportunities, too)! Additionally, for more joy and an enormous injection of fun I couldn’t not include my absolute favourite stickers from Goose Glitters. No bare surface is safe from me with these! Laura’s designs marry collage, dreamy storytelling and heady retro nostalgia and I truly cannot get enough. Everyone needs a pack for their laptop/diary/phone (tick as appropriate)!
Now, on the subject of joyful nostalgia, I’m going to need you to hear me out on this one. I know this isn’t hugely practical and I know very few people now opt for a cassette to listen to things over a Spotify subscription (ahem). But! Being a sucker for band merch and impractical nostalgia- I quite like the idea of treating a pal to their favourite artist’s album on tape (with a nail varnish, for ultimate retro sleepover vibes), or picking up some fun badges for them. Yes this very much speaks to my tastes (and my denim jacket), but imagine unwrapping this Laufey tape?! Alternatively her Christmas record would be a dream to play through December too.
Another gorgeous gift comes in from Alma Proust, who have the most beautiful seed shop and growing collections (with a truly beautiful variety too). These seeds would make wonderful stocking fillers, or slipped into cards; wrapped up and posted as a beautiful little gift to open and grow for the New Year. For another floral inspired gift, I also adore this Apricot Nasturtium print by Harriet Watson on Quinn Says. Charlie has the most stunning eye for artwork and print curation (and, well, everything), and picking up something this beautiful (and popping it in a second hand frame) would be the most beautiful present.
Finally, one place I have been loving for fully customisable gifts (tell me who doesn’t love their name on something lovely)- is Not Another Bill. My boyfriend and I have been coming back here for a number of various gifting reasons recently, and every time I’ve spotted something completely gorgeous. This comb is a perfect example of what they do so well; small little treats made personal. This costs less than £10, but if you have a bit of a bigger budget there are some seriously beautiful things including beautiful ruffled kids Christmas sacks– but more on those tomorrow!
And if you’re still after more for (just under) a score…
- Known for her truly wonderful pottery pets, Studio Alice Johnson has created these one of a kind dog magnets and Christmas decorations which begin at £10. I am completely obsessed, and it’s taking a lot for me not to want to cover my fridge in these dog magnets…
- And speaking of excellent decorations- who doesn’t want a golden Popham’s pastry hanging on their tree? An absolute no brainer for the pastry lover (and whilst you’re over on Popham’s they have other excellent foodie presents too, including but very much not limited to A CROISSANT HAIR CLIP). I know.
- If you know someone who loves a UK staycation, I’ve been following Sundae Press for a while now, and am just completely head over heels for their travel guides. The design, the concept and the idea is just gorgeous and if you know someone who likes darting around- I think one of these would be a surefire hit.
I’ve also added links to previous years guides for shopping for the small joys (and some other picks below too)!
2018 / 2019 / 2020 / 2021 / 2023
Come back tomorrow for day 4!
x
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