When planning gifts for friends and family, I wholehearted believe less is more and I also look for businesses that have an eco ethos and take sustainability seriously. It’s true what they say, when you buy from a small business someone does a happy dance.
Be responsible for that happy dance where ever possible
With all this considered, I’d like to share with you my top five gift guide for Bexhill and surrounding. Local, sustainable gift ideas for all the family, where to find them and why you should buy them.
I’ve also included two budget ideas as an added bonus.
Sprout - handmade children's wear
Recently featured in Green Parent Magazine, for their unique unisex prints, this local business is a true success story of our community. It’s hard to believe it’s also a one woman band, another reason to take a look.
The prints also feature designs by local guest artists. The clothes are fun, unisex and comfy. Some of the reverse designs are even customizeable as you can choose the colour you prefer.
There’s a full range of coordinating basics, like long sleeve tops and leggings.
If all that wasn’t enough, in terms of gifts my choice would always be the matching Mumma options! Twinning is winning.
You can buy online here 🔽
Simon is an award winning local photographer, who works alongside his wife Abi, a true family business. He is a member of The Guild of Photographers and he is well known for his creative class photos for his children’s school pictures as well as just breathtaking wedding shots.
But what I think is great, Simon now offers gift vouchers.
This is something I really believe in, giving an experience instead of a physical gift. What could be nicer than a family shoot, giving you happy memories for years to come. Another option is book in for a shoot and present a beautiful print of your image to a loved one as their gift.
You can contact Simon via his website 🔽
EHSalon
Staying on the subject of gift vouchers, it’s always a favourite of mine, why not treat your loved one to a whole month of pampering? We are an award winning, eco friendly salon based in Sackville Road and we do something very unique. For a monthly fee you can join a very exclusive club.
For the whole month you can book unlimited wash and blowdry appointments to be thoroughly spoilt and relaxed. You can even bring a friend for free.
The great thing is you can now purchase a gift membership for an excellent treat which keeps on giving long after the celebrations have died down. If you have a friend that deserves a real luxury treat then an EHBlowdry club membership could be the thing you are looking for.
Alternatively if you really want to spoil someone, you can buy them a Gift Voucher to experience all their luxury services.
Vegan Gifts? No problem, Professional vegan products available and a vegan colour range to enjoy your pampering guilt free.
To purchase a gift or book a visit with us 🔽
Rumbustian
Do you know a rum lover? Based in Hastings, (but free local delivery within 10 mile radius) Rumbustian is a local brewery with a twist. Hand crafted in small batches, these are seriously delicious rums.
They brew three types of rums now, Rumbustian which is a spiced rum and West Hill if you prefer golden. But they have just released a limited edition coffee and vanilla infusion which is available in 50ml and 200ml.
They are dedicated to looking after our planet and have a strict no plastic ethos throughout the company. This includes wrapping, seals and bottle stoppers. Another great thing about this small business is this- Return a bottle to them and they will donate 25pm to Dom’s Food Mission.
To order your rum 🔽
To find out more about Doms Food Mission 🔽
The Silvery
If you are looking for some beautiful jewellery then you need to look at The Silvery. Every piece of jewellery here is made from a real organic item coated in layers of pure silver. As the item remains encased within the silver no two pieces are ever identical.
From feathers to bones, leaves to crab claws, these designs are simple breathtaking.
There are a variety of pieces available to buy on the website and Jules also attends many of the local craft fairs over the festive period. She also has a workshop based in London Road. You can visit here and take some time to get a good look at the pieces on offer.
Order a beautiful unique present for someone special here 🔽
So we’ve got you covered- clothing, alcohol, pampering, keepsakes and jewellery. Small businesses with sustainability at the heart. Our community is full of entrepreneurs with passion and determination, but we must support them in order for them to thrive. Let’s move onto the stocking fillers, these are also good for Secret Santa type gifts.
Scrubbies from That Krafty Mrs K
There’s so many cute knitted and croquet items available via her Facebook page but the one I’m loving is 100% cotton face scrubbies. Better for the environment and better for you. Theses are available in packs of 7 or 14.
Mrs K is also a big dog lover and makes pet gifts too. If you are thinking of updating your home decor, you can order via her instagram here🔽
Goody-Goody Gum Drops
Of course, it’s no secret I have a massive sweet tooth so the girls at Goody Goody Gum drops have come to my rescue plenty of times with their sweetie delivery service, yes you read that right, they deliver sweeties to your door! Choices include sours, jellies and chocolates, so there’s something for everyone.
After a lot of requests for vegan sweeties, the company took this on-board this year and proudly launched a range with this in mind. Gone is the plastic wrapping and new eco friendly cups were born, and even better if you return it for a refill it saves you some money and some trees!
Order from the Goody Girls here🔽
So there you have it. Shop local, shop smart. Make someone do a little happy dance, look out for the planet and some good causes along the way.