5 Reasons to Shop Small This Christmas

It's the most wonderful time of the year ... and us independent shops are looking forward to welcoming you throughout the Christmas shopping season.

Whether you're looking for that big present or a wee stocking filler, you’re sure to find everything you need from independent retailers this Christmas. Not convinced? Read on to find out why shopping small is the right choice this festive season. 

A little advice: start looking early. Shopping small and local takes a little more time than visiting an online department store, but your gift giving experience will be all the sweeter knowing you have sought out the ideal gift for your loved one and that your purchase has made a big difference to a little business. Plus, the good news is that even if your not local to our Whitstable shop, we’re open online for all your gifting needs this winter. 

Keep scrolling to find out some of our favourite reasons to shop small this year. You won’t believe number 4 … (only joking).

1. Your purchase makes us do a little dance

No, we’re not joking! Maybe one day we’ll share the online order dance but until then just know that when you purchase from a small business it means everything to the people involved.

We love packing up each and every one of your orders, especially around Christmas when we get to imagine how excited the recipient will be when they get to open their gift.

2. Shop a carefully curated selection

Small businesses can help you in your hunt for gifts because we have already carefully curated a selection from our favourite independent brands, so if you (or your loved one) like a shop's style then you already know you can’t make a bad choice!

Still drawing a blank? A gift card is a simple present that goes a long way!

3. Benefit from personalised advice

Don’t be afraid to get in touch with your favourite shop. If they’re anything like us they will love to chat through your options with you so that you can find the perfect gift. Plus, if we can’t help we may be able to suggest another local store to try (hello Miracle on 34th Street Santa vibes).

So don’t struggle through on your own, drop us a message and we’ll see how we can help!

4. Be sure you’re shopping ethically

We only stock brands that meet our ethical criteria, for us that means ensuring that they use responsibly sourced fabrics and work with trusted factories with good working conditions. As we have vetted our brands for you, you can shop our whole site and know you are shopping ethically, as well as small, this Christmas.

5. Keep the high street thriving

When you shop small or local you can be sure you purchase is helping keep the high street as interesting and unique as possible. If you can’t make it out to the shops this Christmas, then supporting your favourite stores online is a great way to ensure small business keep thriving!

We love our independent high street buddies and we're all excited to see you supporting local and small business in person, but until then we’re here online 24/7 with our full range of ethical and sustainable goodie!

Check our Ruskin gift guides here

See if you can find something perfect for your loved one with
our independents-only gift guide feature.