My top 5 tips on how to Shop Small this Christmas!

If you have been on Instagram recently you would have definitely heard all the noise about shopping small this Christmas and this year it is more important than ever! With everything that has gone on in 2020 wouldn't it be great if we can start supporting those small and local businesses rather than line the pockets of Amazon  and other big businesses?? 

Buying from a small maker is such a win-win experience, you get to support someone who is making a living to support them and their family, to help them create a happy and healthy lifestyle AND you get an item that has been made with love, it is something you won't find on the high street so has a very unique quality to it and it is more sustainable than buying from the high street, as small businesses buy what they need, make in small batches and most businesses I know (including myself) try not to waste anything! 

If you would like to know how you can start shopping small, this Christmas, here are my top 5 actionable tips you can start using right now.

# 1 | Make a list – This is a great place to start, make a list with everyone you need to buy for this year, with a budget next to their name. Having a list will help keep you focussed and stop you from being distracted by all the lovely things you will find on-line.  And don’t forget if you want to make it even easier, use my free printable gift guide buying list when you sign up to my email newsletter list.

# 2 | ​Shop while you scroll – My go-to places to finding small businesses are Instagram & Facebook.  My best tip is the save button on Instagram, so while you are scrolling and you see something you think would be good for someone on your gift buying list, hit the small flag in the bottom corner of the post and save it – create a new collection/folder called Christmas and then it’s super easy to find when you come to buying.  ((You can also use this feature in Facebook just click the three dots in the top right-hand corner of the post and click on “Save link”.))

# 3 |  Connecting with makers/small businesses on Instagram & FaceBook-Comments, likes and sharing a post on your stories are great ways to connecting more with independent makers on IG and FB. This also helps you to get-to-know the maker more too!
I know as a small maker myself that I love connecting with people through my social pages and love starting conversations. A great tip to use if you have found a maker you love on Instagram, is to go to their profile page and under their bio are some boxes hit the small arrow down button to find similar accounts.

# 4 | ​Research & use independent maker websites – Sites like Not on the High Street, And So To Shop and Etsy do great gift guides but also filter gifts by receipt, occasions and interests - so delve deep into what the person you are buying for loves to do or what they enjoy doing in their spare time; they may enjoy taking time for themselves or enjoy exercising / reading or loves to craft. These places are great for finding unique gifts to give this Christmas!!

# 5 | Enjoy On-line Markets - Many cancelled craft and gift events are taking place on-line this year and they offer  a great source of inspiration and will open you eyes to  finding new small businesses to follow and buy from.  I love these on-line events and am particularly looking forward to my next event with on Friday 20th November 2020! If you are interested in finding out about other events I would recommend Pedddle.com for a variety of on-line events taking place.

​I hope this has helped - enjoy shopping small this year - don't forget to check out my 'Shop Small Xmas'  highlight on my Instagram page​ for all my favourite small businesses and if you have something you would like sewn to fill a stocking or give as a gift then please do contact me - I love working on special one-off items or visit the shop page for some gift buying inspiration! 
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