If you long to shop local online for gifts from smaller shops but don’t know where to start, this article is just what you need.
Over the past few months we’ve added over 2,000 businesses to My Virtual Neighbourhood and a few of the smaller gift, jewellery, chocolate, booze and homeware stores have really stood out as offering something special.
Online shopping from small, local shops could hold the key to their survival post-COVID. So, in a bid to make it easier for you, we’ve put together a list of some of our favourite independent shops which made a big impression on us. All will deliver UK-wide.
A selection have been featured below, the full list can be found HERE.
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GORGEOUS GIFTS FOR ADULTS
Outlandish Creations, Wimbledon
This shop made us chuckle – beautiful china cups and saucers and teapots painted traditionally with flowers and, in delicate font, rude words like ‘cock’ or ‘whore.’ Might be best to hide the salt and pepper shakers when your mother in law comes for tea!
Lark, Balham
The team behind this stunning Balham shop have an eye for fun. Check them out for beautiful homeware, jewellery, clothes and gifts. Input the code SHOPLOCAL to save 20%!
Ince Umbrellas, Bethnal Green
Founded in 1805 Ince Umbrellas make beautiful handcrafted umbrellas in the East End of London using traditional skills acquired over the last 212+ years. Today the business, is Britain’s longest-running umbrella manufacturer, supplying many brands, fashion houses and independent retailers. It’s a major supplier to the theatre and movie industry and sells direct via its website. Johnny Depp, Robbie William, Robbie Coltrane, Dame Maggie Smith and numerous other celebrities have used them as props. We have an Ince Umbrella and we love it!
Pages of Hackney, Clapton
We know there are oodles of local bookshops to choose from but this one has a website that’s appealingly browsable, they deliver everywhere and they offer great recommendations!
Wimperis Embroidery, Camden
This botanical Embroidery artist has created a monthly Embroidery Kit Subscription Box so you can learn Embroidery! And, if that doesn’t appeal, she sells her own creations too!
East Gifting Outfit, Bow
Smartly-packaged gift boxes of craft beer, gin and non-alcoholic options.
Artisan Du Chocolate, Chelsea
Artisan produce exquisite quality chocolate and they're beautifully packaged. Every Artisan chocolate is made in their Kent atelier from scratch and they offer an extensive range of Great British Chocolate Bars and couture chocolates, which are served in Michelin starred restaurants. These chocolates are seriously special!
Dandy Star, Hackney
A collection of fun and colourful goods for the family and home, mostly made in the UK. We love their use of bold text and their selection of sweatshirts and t-shirts for children and adults.
Canopy Plants, Peckham
This shop offers a great selection of gorgeous plants to green up your gaff or to give as a gift. What's more, all the packaging is 100% sustainable and they deliver UK-wide.
Know and Love, Stoke Newington
Beautiful, handcrafted and locally produced goods. Chocolate from Bethnal Green, stunning baskets from Clapton, porcelain from Finsbury Park, scented candles made in Dalston and Walthamstow, just to name a few. The team behind this lovely shop have a brilliant eye for design and a passion for supporting local artists and makers. Delivery UK wide.
GIFTS FOR CHILDREN
QT Toys, Battersea
This gorgeous toy shop has been in business for generations. They offer a brilliant selection of toys – from household names like Lego and Playmobil to more traditional wooden toys, dolls and craft sets. They deliver London-wide.
Scamp & Dude, Highgate
This kids and adults fashion brand has won awards for its playful, bold prints. Their unisex clothes seek to nurture the superhero in all kids. Mum can even get a matching outfit!
Ottie and the Bea, Blackheath
Named after the owner's children, this award winning children's shop stocks wonderful books, games, puzzles, jigsaws and toys. The website is easy to browse and they deliver UK-wide so it's a really convenient way to buy gifts.
CARDS & GIFTWRAP
Earlybird Cards, Stoke Newington
Fresh out of university, graphic designer Dominic Early worked feverishly to pay the bills selling his handmade cards on a market stall in Spitalfields. 23 years later he and his wife Heidi run one of London’s most community-minded shops.This gorgeous card shop offers beautiful cards, gifts and gift wrap. Order online anywhere in the UK and stock up your card drawer.
Find out which local businesses near you are open or delivering: Click HERE to find your virtual neighbourhood
Please sign up to our mailing list for local updates and free entry to our £250 prize draw: CLICK HERE