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It's this weekend. A gentle reminder to think about where we buy our Christmas gifts. Not from the retail overlords, but from the small independents across the UK. The humble folk who had a dream and made it real.

In true 99¾«Æ·ÊÓƵ spirit, we wanted to shine a light on a few of our firm favourites. Stores dotted around the country that are in the thick of their busiest season. And, after yesterday's Budget from Rachel Reeves, they are quite possibly facing their most important one yet.

Yes, the cost-of-living crisis rolls on. Everything feels way too expensive. But if we're treating loved ones on 25 December, why not choose one beautiful thing from someone who's worrying about their own bills this winter?

Not to be gloomy, but most of us are watching the pennies more than ever. And I'm sad to report that, in pulling this list together, I drew on my own curated bookmarks, only to discover that 20 per cent of the independents I've loved and supported over the years have disappeared. Sad times, indeed.

So with that in mind, where should you shop, online or in person? Here are the brilliant stores we think are worth your time and money. And if you do pick something up from any of them, tell us what you chose. We'd genuinely love to know.

For the Style Lover

Kicking things off with a much-loved favourite, has been around since 2012, hoping to encourage a more considered approach to shopping where "innate style replaces trend-led fashion". Their curation of clothing and accessories is always impressive. For our own Santa wishlist, we've got our eyes on this by Merz b. Schwanen, drool. I expect it'll make someone you love very happy, too.

Then there's , also in Edinburgh. Female-founded, fiercely independent and full of Scandinavian design-led goods, it's a treasure trove of beautiful objects for the home as well as clothes and accessories – all whilst supporting local makers, ceramicists, artists, and jewellers. For the men in our lives, maybe some might suit. Or for her? A by Nordic Muse might do the trick.

is another worthy mention. Founded by Amy Powney, it's a store featuring sustainable fashion, i.e. timeless style staples. We'll take the , please.

Over in Manchester, offers beautifully minimal jewellery and lifestyle products on Tib Street. Everything is pared back, design-driven and quietly elegant. Simple gold hoops, delicate bracelets, candles, ceramics. It's a great shout for understated gifts that still feel personal and thoughtful.

, meanwhile, is independent, family-run and full of beautifully curated clothing, accessories and homewares. They champion slow brands and emerging designers. Their winter knits and candles are perfect gifting territory. On our wish list are the lace-ups by French brand, Klemans.

in Notting Hill is a hidden gem full of bright clothes, jewellery, gifts and homewares, and has been around since 1998. It's also got a pretty , supporting 8,500 artisans year-round. The bag would make an excellent gift – we especially love the CB eyes.

A locally rooted lifestyle and apparel store focused on Birmingham-made and British-made pieces, sells prints, tees, ceramics, homewares and collaborations with local artists—a great shout for something with regional personality.

If jewellery is what you're after, over in N16 has a store full of gift ideas. I'll take the , please. For men (or women), the is very tempting.

For the Design Addict

in Glasgow was established in 2015 by Suzi Nicol, a silversmith and art and craft lover. They began by showcasing around 20 designers. Today, they support over 100 Scottish creatives. One to visit this weekend. Or, if you can't make it that way, they also have an online store and deliver all across the UK.

in Manchester is a gorgeous lifestyle store tucked away on Bradley Street. It is female-founded and offers a gentle mix of independent makers, slow-living goods, and minimalist home pieces. Their Japanese ceramics and handmade soaps always make gorgeous gifts.

A long-standing Liverpool independent, has design-led homewares, prints, stationery and gifts with personality. Think Hay, Ferm Living, candles, objects—a solid choice for stylish stocking fillers or something bigger. A design icon, like the , would make someone very happy.

in Brighton has been around since 2016 and is still going strong nearly a decade later. A by Ezcaray could make someone very happy on Christmas morning, or any of the .

Then there's . Still independently owned. A classic for functional home goods. Think enamelware, brushes, kitchen essentials and small, timeless pieces. Beautiful quality. An excellent choice for practical, long-lasting gifts.

For the Book, Print & Paper Lover

is an independent treasure and one of London's most beautiful shops—a stationery and paper goods paradise. Everything is exquisitely made, from Japanese inks to handmade diaries. Ideal for creatives.

Over in Leeds, is one of the North's best-loved independent design shops. Books, prints, stationery, magazines and beautifully curated objects. Excellent for gifting creatives, designers, illustrators and typography nerds. How about a collection of for that design nerd in your life?

is a small but mighty independent on Oldham Street in Manchester. It specialises in zines, independent publishers and contemporary photography books. You always walk out with something unexpected. Ideal if you want a gift that feels a little different, a bit cooler, and a bit more cultured.

A 99¾«Æ·ÊÓƵ favourite, is a magazine and bookshop in Stevenson Square with a sharp, art-led curation. Think design journals, photography books, rare magazines, and limited-run prints. It's the perfect spot for gifts with soul. The sort that inspires someone long after Christmas morning.

And is a cultural staple for creatives. Independent, design-heavy and full of books, magazines, prints and art gifts. Perfect if you want brain food rather than landfill gifts.

For the Homebody

is a tiny lifestyle shop tucked away in Manchester's Northern Quarter, filled with everyday objects made with care. Ceramics, candles, textiles, grooming bits, stationery. All independent. All beautiful. It's the kind of place where you find a small, perfect gift for someone who appreciates craftsmanship.

in Brighton doesn't have a physical space, but its online shop sells its handcrafted, eco-friendly candles that smell so good you might want to eat them. The would make a superb stocking filler.

, run by design duo Stephen Sheppard and Elizabeth Snow, offers birch plywood objects and playthings inspired by their own children. How gorgeous is this ?

, meanwhile, is a proper Belfast shop full of prints, candles, textiles and handmade pieces by Northern Irish creators. Their "Local" collection is fun, warm and perfect for culturally rooted gifting.

For those who seriously appreciate modern British luxury at home, Feldspar is a family-run design brand that creates timeless handmade homewares in its workshop in rural Devon. They claim to make "objects for life" – something any conscious creative will appreciate. They don't have a physical store; it's online-only. But there's still time to order something before the big day. We think the set of is just beautiful. Or perhaps these will make the perfect gift.

For the Food & Drink Lover

is a specialist beer shop in the Northern Quarter with a friendly team and an expert curation. Ideal for building a thoughtful beer gift box.

in Belfast isn't just a coffee shop. It also sells its own roasted beans, brewing gear and small-batch local goods. A beloved independent and a brilliant place to pick up gift bags, ceramics or something for the coffee lover in your life.

For those who love Greek food, is a London-based independent deli and wine shop known for artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and thoughtfully curated wines. A brilliant option if you want to suggest an indulgent, food-lover gift box or hamper for the festive holidays.