Interesting Christmas Gifts 2020 - The Feroce Edit
It’s important now more than ever to support smaller businesses. The pandemic has taken the livelihoods of so many people away and the way we see it - would you rather put more money in Jeff Bezos’ bank account so that he can decide daily that he won’t be ending world hunger? Or would you rather directly put food on the tables of hardworking families here in the UK?
Here at Feroce Magazine (and Mordant!) we believe in supporting local businesses and buying from independent makers whenever you can. We are based in Edinburgh, Scotland and have compiled a list of small businesses that you can support this winter from all across the UK, with particular focus on Scotland. Ranging from super cheap to ultra luxe, there’s a gift for every type of person you know on this list and we’ve been stalking these brands and taking a look at the story behind their businesses.
If you can’t buy direct from these makers, then please feel free to follow their Instagram accounts - share, comment, like - it all helps broaden their reach to potential customers. The team here at Feroce hopes that we can use our platform to amplify the unique and thoughtful products these people make. And full transparency - none of the following information is paid advertising.
SWEET TREATS
The Marshmallow Lady
We all know marshmallows but you don’t know marshmallows until you’ve entered The Marshmallow Lady’s world. Candyfloss. Irn Bru. Cookies n’ Cream. Chocolate Mousse. After Eights. “Blood orange, chocolate mousse, lemon meringue and salted caramel are to name just a few - and guest flavours arrive any time inspiration strikes.”
Opened in 2012. Serving coffee, hot chocolate, milkshakes, interesting curios from Edinburgh artists and, of course, marshmallows. Found at 14 Rodney St, Edinburgh, EH7 4EA. If it’s still lockdown by the time you read this though, you can order her delicious treats online! Send them directly to a loved one by putting their address into the shipping address or just keep everything for yourself and call it ‘To me from me.’ Who cares? It’s WORTH IT.
Check out her amazing range of confectionary treats here, but also pay special attention to her fluffy business partner and official Good Boy Kuzco.
Chef Chiara
Chef Chiara used to work on cruise ships while in the Merchant Navy. She developed a mind blowing passion for food in this time and has honed her craft over the years to become the chef she is today. She caters to many different events and she also is inclusive of vegetarians and vegans too. But this Christmas, we wanted to highlight her Christmas Chocolate collection. Gorgeous artisanal chocolates that your friends are going to love scoffing after dinner.
Relaxing & Pampering
Superfly Soap
For us personally, we’re sick of the harsh, crap, alcohol fueled soaps that we’re having to use on a regular basis at the moment, so to see some gorgeous hand made soaps made locally that smell far better and are more ethical in their production process? What a breath of fresh scent. Lisa at Superfly Soap writes:
“If you’re planning on buying less and choosing well this Christmas then here’s one of my favourite gift boxes. Three body soaps for £11 (already a saving) and the option to add a travel tin. Presented in a gift box with gift tag, choose the scents or I’ll pick for you. 🎁
Everything is recyclable or compostable and the soaps are all made in Kincardine. 💚
Shipping is flat rate at £3 or free on orders over £40. 📦”
That sounds pretty damn good to us. Shop their collections of luxury soap at great prices here, where they has an entire Christmas gift section!
Imperium Mindfulness
Do you know someone who needs to chill the fuck out? Well if you’re based in Edinburgh, look no further. Mindfulness has various benefits and we’re glad to see that a local provider is offering gift vouchers that can be redeemed. She has 30 minutes and 60 minutes gift cards available.
”This is a great idea for a loved one as an alternative gift this year, it will give them a taster and insight in to how mindfulness coaching could benefit them!
Click below to buy:
30 minute session - https://app.tillypay.com/pay/r8hqbvw
60 minute session - https://app.tillypay.com/pay/47t4owj “
We scoured the reviews on her page and were delighted to see this one from a past customer:
“I would highly recommend Ashleigh if you are keen to try out some mindfulness. She has a really open and honest approach which makes you feel really relaxed and at ease! Thanks Ashleigh!”
Skincare
The Clean Beauty Club
We’d definitely consider this local brand to be a bit more of a splurge. This independent skincare brand offers collections of different products - accessories, face masks, the Wonder Collection, the highly regarded Wonder Balm, and of course the Wonder Serum. Natural ingredients, eco-friendly packaging.
What we like about this brand is its focus on quality, natural ingredients, but also its recurring narrative of educating consumers. Their products are peer reviewed, with experiments documented on their blog. Also on their blog, is an educational post that explains how you can view what allergens are in cosmetics easier. The Clean Beauty Club teaches its members to buy responsibly for their skin. We dig it.
Lucky Cloud Skincare
Where do we start on Lucky Cloud Skincare? This particular company our Editor can vouch for.
“I tried out one of Lucky Cloud’s balms, and my lips had never been less chapped. It was nice to feel something that wasn’t tacky or irritable on my lips. LC knows their stuff.”
When doing our research we’ve spotted that since then, Lucky Cloud has one multiple awards for its excellence and has expanded its range! The best part is that they have a very handy gift guide that allows you to shop by your budget.
Lucy at Lucky Cloud has really put her heart and soul into the brand, with a personal flair. “The products I create must be efficacious to improve and maintain overall skin health. DIY skincare is fun and accessible to all, but when it comes to finding a skincare brand you can trust that uses high performance, natural ingredients you need to turn to an expert.”
For the One You Think Might Be a Witch But You’re Not Sure
The Divine Hag
Our online editor Domino has an unconditional love for candles and interesting scents. Half of the staff here at Feroce are sleep deprived, so to see a brand that has a particular focus on products that aim to make falling asleep an easier or more pleasurable experience? We’re here for it.
But enough about us - The Divine Hag offers bath salts, candles, wax melts, pillow mists and christmas scent packs! That’s not all, but we will leave a bit of mystery for you.
Vegan, cruelty free soy wax candles lovingly hand made in Glasgow with essential oils.
No parabens, No fragrance oil, 20- 25 hour burn time. All of the candles are burned in jars that can be returned for a £1 discount on the next one. Check out these gorgeous luxury candles here.
Plants
Catkin Studio
We were totally astounded by the creations that Catkin Studio has on offer.
“Louises’ nostalgic connection with flowers is the power that drives her contemporary and dynamic creative practice. She sources unusual seasonal flowers, known for her saturated vision and striking floral designs. Her work exists between floristry, sculpture and installation art.”
Catkin Studio doesn’t just do flower bouquets…oh no. She creates magical scenes for weddings, corporate events, cafes, editorials, and more. Louise isn’t just a florist at all. She’s a master, binding elements of nature with such a convincing comorbidity, you’d think they grew there in the first place. We can’t get enough of her. Catkin is available for deliveries of floral gestures and arrangements. Large botanical installations and wall features are available in the shop or can be custom made to order.
Check out her work, and while you’re there take a look at her cards, ornaments, dried flower bouquets… the gift ideas are endless. But HURRY, because you only have until the 16th of December to make it in time for Christmas.
Get Personal
The following gift ideas we’ve selected with the idea that personalisation is a HUGE trend right now. We see initials, star signs, and numbers stamped onto everyday items. Personally we think it’s an attempt at making buyers feel a little more special in an empty wasteland of overconsumption but ANYWAY…here are some gift ideas that are so personal, they’ll be harder to top.
A Poem Written for your Loved One
Sophie Cooney - The Poet
If you’re on a budget but you want to give someone you care for something really special, then Sophie is who you need to find. She writes beautifully, like she has existed on this earth far longer than any of us mortals. Our editor has commissioned poems from her in the past, and we can personally vouch for the quality of her work.
She accepts donations currently via Ko-Fi, so check out her other work there and donate in return for a poem emailed directly to the recipient of your choice. She rocks - seriously. And if you can’t commission, then follow her on twitter.
Commission a Unique Living Space Painting
Christina Studio
We’re all spending a lot more time in our living spaces at the moment. If you’re in the mood for a major splurge then this one is definitely a bespoke experience to treat someone to.
Send a moodboard or photographs of the room you’d like to include the art to this skilled artist, and Christina will create a truly bespoke piece of art to go in any room that you ask. You can see insight into her process via this link, where you can also contact her to get a quote on your piece. But be quick - art takes time after all.
Gift a Tarot Reading
The Divination Witch offers tarot readings, dream analysis, pendulum readings, rune casting, and more! Anything divination and it’s yours. She usually only reads tarot on the full moon but if you have a gift card then you can redeem your reading at any time, or contact her with a photograph of the gift card to arrange your reading. You can ask about love, careers, interpersonal relationships, (Anything that’s ethical!) Currently there’s a limited edition run of Gift Cards for £30 (includes postage) that you can send mysteriously to your desired loved one, or you can go here to book directly. The tarot readings themselves are delivered via email so that clients can read back over them in the future and watch predictions pan out.
Wearable Art
Diane Goldie Artist
Diane Goldie is a London based maker who crafts exquisitely detailed wearable art. Tell her your vibe and she will make you a garment to cherish forever. Our Editor in Chief has numerous garments and accessories commissioned by Diane Goldie, and we’ve even featured one of her Kimonos on our first ever POC annual. (Stunning photograph by Ryan Bater.)
Diane combines a variety of different techniques and offers bespoke commission services, as well as using environmentally friendly methods such as upcycling and re-purpose old garments into something brand new for her clients. We can’t really explain how she does it.
She has an online shop right here, filled with kimonos, jackets and even ties (great if you’re on a budget) and if you order quick enough you might get something before things start selling out.
Personalised Gourmet Candy
Candy Capsule
Christmas time signals indulgence. If you’re wanting to send a low key splurge to someone you love then Candy Capsule is unbeatable in its attention to detail. Imagine having a box of gourmet, BOUJIE AF candy sent right to your door. We’re a sucker for candy, but we do love the real fancy stuff. Candy Capsule create bespoke candy gift boxes to send to family and friends. You can pick the colours of the box, the candy that goes inside, you can choose if you’d like it to be vegetarian and even vegan. (We know how hard it can be sometimes to get great vegan candies.) There’s chocolate too!
Have a gander at their online store, where at the time of this writing, there’s free shipping on orders over £20 when you use the code ‘SHIP20’. And once we’re all allowed to mingle again, Victoria (the founder) also creates gourmet packages for events too! Think of the wedding possibilities.