Small Business Gift Guide 2019

You asked for a small business gift guide and here it is! All of these businesses are UK-based and owned by women. I have bought many of these products and some were gifted*. I would buy them all again so I decided to share the love. There’s a lot to get through so I’ll keep the product information brief – if you want to know more about a product, let me know in the comments below and I can do a blog post.

I received the Shimirose Skincare Shea Butter* in a goodie bag. The 60g jars are so cute and there are different coloured labels for different scents so a trio of small jars would make a gorgeous gift. The shea butter itself is soft and easy to rub in. I’m not sure if it’s whipped but it is gorgeously smooth. £8 for 60g from Shimirose.

Sometimes you don’t want your basics to look, well…basic. Luxemore London has addressed that with gold accented packaging and a clean, modern logo. I received a mini Grapeseed Oil* in a goodie bag and I like to carry it around with me. I like taking it out to use it because it’s pretty and the grapeseed oil does its thing. The 50ml sample size of the Luxemore London oils are £11.99 and the full-sized 100ml is £22.99. The Grapeseed Oil is marketed as ‘beard oil’ but you can use it anywhere.

I love shea butter but it takes so long to work into the skin! I’m therefore always on the lookout for the perfect shea oil, not to runny, not to thick. The Shea Butter Oil by Anita Grant is more liquid than I would usually go for but it sinks in quickly and leaves my skin feeling fed and protected. It’s lovely! I bought a sample size but it’s definitely worth the £8.35 for the 30ml full size. 

I have received a few Leicala products in goodie bags this year. I really like the Tea Tree Natural Deodorant* but I don’t think your recipient would be pleased at the implication! The Aloe Vera Body Butter* is moisturising, light and soothing so I like it for hot summer evenings and when I am on holiday. I have a 50ml pot but the 100ml and 250ml are much better value for money at £6 and £12 respectively.

If your recipient loves surprises, if they have everything already, or you can’t decide what to get them, snap up one of the last remaining Jamii Christmas Gift Boxes. They are £14.95 each, unless you are a Jamii member where you can get your box for only £10! Phenomenal value to discover and support a selection of black-owned brands. I bought three with the intention of giving the products as gifts but I actually want to keep them all for myself!

Right, back to the beauty!

Manicure You has a lovely selection of nail polishes. I am particularly impressed by the high shine that can be achieved without a top coat (although a top coat will extend wear time). I received a couple of shades in goodie bags but I then bought another four and will buy more. They cost £7.99 each.

Baume Flow is Florence Adepoju’s latest creation for her MDM Flow brand. They are multi-use tinted balms. Some are juicy and glossy and some have glitter. I prefer the smooth gloss because glitter can sit in the lines of my lips whereas I can easily use the gloss on my eyelids, cheeks and lips.  They sell out quickly because they are made in small batches. Don’t worry too much about the colour. Just order the boldest one available and have fun! They come in little glass jars with golden lids to there is a touch of luxe with your pot of fun. They costs £15 each. Flo also created the Flow Beauty Co Everything Oil. You really can use it everywhere – face, body and hair. It has a light, natural scent (no ‘parfum’), is quickly absorbed and gives my skin a golden glow. It comes in a glass bottle, is vegan and cruelty free and costs around £15.

Now, you need to present your gifts nicely so I recommend the Afro Touch Designs Kente Twist Gift Wrap Pack which comes with one very thick, luxurious sheet of wrapping paper and one tag. The paper is reusable as long as your recipient doesn’t rip it to sheds, which will take some effort! There is also a traditional Kente colourway if you’re not feeling that adventurous. Complete the gift giving with a card from Kitsch Noir. I have bought a lot of cards from this business because they make me smile (or laugh out loud). I bought myself one this year – #Merky Turkey. I giggle inside every time I look at it! I can’t share the other cards with you as I will be giving them out.  At the moment you can get 4 cards for £10 or 10 cards for £20 which is an amazing offer.

Finally, you need something to keep you going through all of this online shopping and wrapping. Get yourself a Naphtaly World Orange Clove & Cinnamon candle to get you in the Christmas mood. It smells like mince pies. Yum! The brown glass jar and gold accents make it a joy to look at too. It costs £16.95 from Yard+Parish.

As a bonus gift to yourself or someone else, how about a blanket from Bespoke Binny? I have the now sold out Black and Yellow Kente Print but there are plenty of other pattens to choose from. The printed cotton side is pretty and makes a good summer blanket but to feel snug and warm, have the fleecy side closest to you. They are £39.99 each.

That’s my list of recommendations (and of things I would like to receive!). Let me know in the comments below what you get, or tag me on social media. Happy shopping!

* means a product was ad/gifted