A Handmade Christmas

November 25, 2014

 

Handmade Christmas

This Christmas I’ve really tried to be more creative with my buying of all the Christmas paraphernalia. We don’t buy that many presents anymore; each year we cut down more and more and just try to spend time with people and give a little token that is thoughtful.

With that in mind I have spent most weekends at local Craft Fayres, Artisan Markets and Christmas Fayres trying to hunt down little goodies for my nearest and dearest. Don’t get me wrong I still can’t manage to shop 100% independent and there are always favourites I have to get from the highstreet but it is nice to support small businesses too. I can’t share all of what I have bought sadly as the people they are for may read this. However, there are a few bits I’ve picked up for the boys that I wanted to share. I know it is still November but hopefully you’ll be inspired to so some of your shopping from independent, local traders, find some lovely handmade products and really think about the gifts you are giving this Christmas.

It has to also be said that nearly all of these Christmas treats are made by mums who are putting their creativity to good use. This makes them extra special for me to support them, if I was as talented I wouldn’t think twice about it! They work very hard to make it all pay off.

I’ll start off with the blankets, these are made by My Baby Patchwork, Hayley who makes them is super nice and she takes all your favourite baby clothes to make them into the most beautiful quilts. I got two made for the twins; they will still be getting a little toy but really we don’t need anymore so I think this makes a nice alternative and it is a lovely keepsake; prices start from £39. Next are The Polar Express Bell and Father Christmas Key; I spotted these at my local artisan market and just couldn’t resisit. They are so cute and I love The Polar Express, I’m going to give the bell to Lucas when we’ve watched the film. These were from The Trinket Box and I could have bought so much at her stall, so many fabulous bits and pieces and a really lovely lady too. I can’t quite remember what they cost but they weren’t expensive and we will keep them for every Christmas. At the same market I picked up some Christmas cards from the Smile Acorns shop made by a local illustrator. I love the Smile Acorns shop, a little treasure cove full of handmade goodies and I couldn’t resist these cute cards. I got the Santa Sacks from Rocket and Rose online store; they have some really cute stuff and these were only £14.00 personalised which I think was great considering they will last the boys all through many Christmas’. Lastly is The Night Before Christmas box which I reviewed last week, these are so sweet and made by a lovely lady who lives locally to me. They contain a bauble with decorations to personalise it, some magic dust, reindeer food and a strip of paper to write your Christmas wish on. Each box has plenty of space to add a mince pie and a carrot for you Christmas Eve visitors, they are priced at £12.95.

Have you found anything special at an independent or local shop? Does anyone manage to shop 100& independent? I’d love to know!

I was sent The Night Before Christmas Box to review but everything else I bought myself. If you live near me (Merseyside) my favourite local markets are Inglenook Farm and Wildflower Artisan Market. Happy Shopping!

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7 Comments

  • Donna

    Oh that Polar Express Bell is just gorgeous! Such a lovely idea. I love how thoughtful your gifts are, so individual and well thought out x

    November 25, 2014 at 10:15 pm Reply
    • hayleyfromhome

      I love the Polar Express bell too, I just couldnt’ leave it! xx

      November 27, 2014 at 9:41 am Reply
  • Caroline (Becoming a SAHM)

    Aww some lovely things! It really is nice to buy things from independent shops and that have been homemade, I love Christmas fayres! Xx #tinseltuesday

    November 27, 2014 at 4:47 pm Reply
  • mummy m's memories

    Awww… they are so lovely. Im jealous of your bell…. we have got one for our girls from eBay, but not as nice as yours… I may have to do some re packaging before they h=are placed for them to find…
    This is my first year of doing markets, and craft fayres, and I must admit, I really like them. Will be doing it again next year. #tinseltuesday

    November 27, 2014 at 7:17 pm Reply
  • Catherine

    I think it’s lovely to buy from independent shops and markets if you can, presents are always so much more personal that way. Christmas Fairs and markets are a fun part of Christmas for me 🙂

    #tinseltuesday

    November 27, 2014 at 7:51 pm Reply
  • SArah Christie

    Ah they are all so lovely I love the Sacks they are so cute xx

    November 28, 2014 at 10:57 pm Reply
  • Emma lander

    What a lovely idea. These sorts of gifts always seem much more thoughtful but I can never be organised enough to do it. I sometimes feel I give the most unimaginative presents ever 😉 I will have to take a leaf out of your book.
    Thanks for linking up to #TinselTuesdays

    November 30, 2014 at 9:59 pm Reply
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