shop independent picks

Since launching this campaign, I've been asked a few times if there could be a simple list for people to look at and get ideas on where to actually buy gifts independently this Christmas. It can be tricky trying to think of certain places for certain things if you're not constantly surrounded by it, so here is a list I compiled of my favourite independent shops, both online and around the UK. Pop your suggestions in the comments, if you fancy. (p.s, there are so many makers + shakers to choose from, so sorry if I missed you out! you're all amazing.)

christmas challenge pt 5 // for her

We've come to the final instalment of the Christmas Challenge. I still can't believe how popular this little challenge has been, and I'm so grateful for all your shares of the cover image. It's helped me and my business drastically, so thank you.

Here are a few ideas for the gal in your life (apologies for how pink it turned out to be, it was not on purpose!).

1. Two Thousand and Fifteen Diary // By April and May

2. #Girlboss by Sophia Amoruso // Wordery.com

3. Constellation Mug // Lollipop Designs

4. You and Me Print // Dowse 

christmas challenge pt 4 // decor + wrap

My favourite thing about Christmas, decorations and gift wrap! If you follow us on Pinterest, you'll see that I'm pretty obsessed with packaging and wrap, so this part of the Christmas Challenge was a dream to curate. There are so many wonderful independents who create some well-designed decorations, and I'd be more than happy to have them around the house/under the tree.

1. Christmas Tree Decoration // Love Bex 

2. Disposable Chalkboard Placemats // Newton and The Apple 

3. Grid Gift Wrap // SketchInc 

4. Snowflake Decoration // Clara Ivy 

christmas challenge pt 3 // for the little ones

I'll be honest. The 'for him' segment of this Christmas challenge took me weeks. I struggled to easily find things for guys sold by independents that weren't just cool-looking bars of soap or beard oil. This segment, however, took me 10 minutes. There are so many independents who are powering through the children wear/toys/interiors market at the moment, creating some gorgeous and incredibly cool designs that even kinda make me want a kid just so I can justify buying them. 
As there are so many, it was hard to narrow them down, so these are just a select few.

1. Two Hearts Poster // Small Folk Run 

2. Monochrome Baby Hat // The Bright Company 

3. Cloud Cushion // Mabel and Bird

4. Silent Night, Yeah Right Tee // Buddy and Bear

christmas challenge pt 2 // for him

Now, I'm not one for gender dividing but just to make this is all organised and concise, I'll be continuing on the christmas challenge for guys, gals, little ones etc. Let's start with the tricky one, eh?

I'm awful at buying presents for guys, and it doesn't help that there isn't a great deal of choice on the high street. Independents, however, have tonnes. If you also struggle to get the guys in your life something other than a grooming set/socks, have a look at this first list for the christmas challenge.

1. Small Talk Print // House Envy  

2. Pump Street Bakery Chocolate // The Future Kept 

3. Big, Medium or Small Monthly Planner // Naked Lunge  

4. Indoor Desk Allotment // The Little House Shop

I've also just found this brilliant site, thanks to Unique Boutique and their post about this challenge, called Hive. Rather than heading to a certain global online retailer for your other half's books and DVDS, head to Hive and you'll be able to collect your items from a local independent shop or bookshop. Every order you make, that business will receive a percentage of your purchase (even if it's directly sent to your home), and postage is free on all UK orders. 

A brilliant alternative. Now there's no excuse!

 (Apart from Frozen merchandise, I know. That's a tricky one)

christmas challenge pt 1 // lh design's gift guide

To begin the christmas challenge, here is our own gift guide/christmas shop overview for the holiday season. As mentioned before, if you purchase from LH design this Christmas, you're supporting a one girl band and her livelihood (me!). As every other independent maker, I put my whole heart and soul into this little business (without sounding lame) and I can't tell you all how much your orders support my day-to-day life, as well as making this venture bigger and better. So, buy away!

christmas challenge // plus a free download

image source lhdesign_

It's that time of year where we begin searching through the web and brick-and-mortar shops for presents for loved ones (or even just for ourselves). Every year, I promise myself I'm going to be organised and start getting presents in October from less evil places, but every year, I fail and end up rushing around the shopping centre and department stores a few days before we're due to get the train back home to our families. 

This year, I'm setting myself a challenge of buying solely from independent makers and sellers. Maybe this is because it's my first year of being one myself, and that I would love people to buy my paper goods over the cards and prints that are unlovingly sold in large stores. It's also because putting money back into the small, local businesses around us is what will prevent this economy from breaking even further. Why there is no government requirement to buy a certain amount of items from indies, I do not know.
I'm also going to show that it doesn't have to be expensive. I've complained many times about how broke I am (sorry!), so I may as well use it to my advantage and show that not all products from an independent seller are bank-breaking. 

Obviously, I can't really show you all exactly what I'm buying (they are presents after all!). So, what I will be doing is showing my picks and suggestions, as well as little wish lists because my birthday is seven days before the big , overshadowing day.

I'd love it if you could set yourself the same challenge. Buying local, independent and small makes your well-earned money go a lot further than it would if you just went to a certain HUGE online low-priced store. 

Here is a free download for you to share the message around. They are all available for Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, as well as in two colour options. If you're a seller, put it up on your social media and remind your customers where to spend their money this Christmas (with you!). If you're a consumer, show your support and encourage friends and family to do the same. Us independent businesses will love you forever. 

If you're taking up the challenge, let me know and we can spur each other on when high street stores start calling our names.

download this at the link above!

May I suggest a shop where you can begin your holiday shopping? Use the code INDIE25 to get 25% off your order, as a thank you for all the support! 

(P.S. Please be cool and don't crop out the little watermark, or post without credit!)