Hello friends! I think it’s important to support small businesses so I thought I’d draw together a wee list of businesses that have some wonderful goodies.
Christmas is over, but these shops may just have what you’re looking for to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or other special occasion. Valentines Day is coming up too, if you fancy spoiling your loved ones or yourself!

Cake in a Jar
Who wouldn’t love a delicious handmade cake to mark a special occasion (or just for the sake of some cake)? If you’re thinking, oh no – I’m buying for a vegan/allergy, I can’t possibly buy them cake! Do not stress! Here’s an extra selling point for ya – these cakes are all plant based and vegan friendly! They are delightful and come in a range of delicious flavours (there are often seasonal specials to look out for too!)
They make the perfect wee gift for yourself or a friend, and the service is always spectacular.
You can find their cakes here.
Miss Bohemia
Miss Bohemia stocks a wide range of products, so there’s definitely something for everyone! There are a lot of bookish inspired goods, so you can definitely find a unique gift for your favourite bookworm. But you can also find a range of seasonal items, including mugs; coasters; bottles; prints and cards. You can even get matching sets and personalised items for that special touch!
You can browse the shop here.
Elven Wick
You can treat your bookish friends to some of my favourite candles to show off their favourite fandoms or characters! Treat them to a whole box of themed goodies with the latest monthly set – 5 candles, original artwork and deliciously blended tea make for a wonderfully thoughtful gift. Or you could choose from a range of minimalist art prints and luxury candles that are perfect for creating aesthetic cosy corners.
They have recently re-released a popular line of Ocean Rescue Candles – these are beautiful fresh scented candles themed after Whales, Sharks and Turtles. The best part of this range is that 10% of every candle bought it donated to the Marine Conservation Society! Isn’t that amazing?!
Elven Wick has a variety of items and is expanding to include more. You can explore the range here and use my code ALISON10 for a discount! (Please note this will not be valid on the Ocean Rescue range, due to the charity donation).
Ejay Design
These are customisable Scotland prints that I am currently pining over. They are beautifully designed and perfect for any Scottish person, or someone who has an affinity with this beautiful country. You can commission your own map print too, so it doesn’t even need to be Scotland related. I’m definitely eyeing one up and will continually hint at David to buy me one… of everything.
You can check out the beautiful selection here.
Literary Lip Balms
Winter is always the time where my skin is at it’s worst – my lips are constantly chapped and my hands are always dry. I have a whole range of products from Literary Lip Balms that help with these issues and encourage a little me time. I no joke have a lip balm in every bag I own, in my drawer at work and in my jacket pocket – I cannot be without one! The formula is ideal for me and they work brilliantly.
The nourishing formula also doubles as a moisturiser and has helped sooth dry skin patches when I’ve had no hand cream on me! I should also mention that they sell more than just lip balms and have a variety of items for bath and body care too.
You can shop the range here.
The Little Candle Project
A local North East business that stocks a variety of wonderfully scented candles. I love the cute wee pouch of matches that you can buy alongside the candles. They also sell solid perfumes/colognes, which are perfect for travelling/on the go use!
You can check them out here or at local craft fairs, which is how I discovered them!
Geek Bothy
This is another local North East business, you can shop the quirky local items in store or you can book crafty workshops online! I am going to one of the workshops this month and I cannot wait! The classes sell out pretty quickly, so be sure to nab yourself and a friend a spot ASAP – perfect for a gals afternoon out!
You can find the workshops on their website here.
This is by no means a definitive list of wonderful suppliers, but they are some of the ones that I think would provide unique and meaningful gifts for a variety of occasions. If you have any favourite small businesses, please share them in the comments so I can have a wee nosey!
Much love,
Alison x