SUSTAINABILITY & SMALL BUSINESS BLOG
Shop Independent Holiday Gift Guide 2025
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Posted by
Cecily Blondel
Our ‘Shop Independent Holiday Gift Guide’ for 2025 is here!
The holiday season has begun and here at The Emperor’s Old Clothes we are beginning to think about what we are going to gift our loved ones. As a team, we are passionate about supporting small and independent businesses and believe that this is the way forward in supporting fellow artisans and creatives.
Things continue to be pretty gloomy right now in the world, with the consequences of the cost of living crisis still hitting small businesses very hard here in the UK so we’re hoping this gift guide can bring some extra joy as it is even more colourful than ever.
During these difficult times it is so vital that we continue to support businesses that pay a living wage and support their team all-year round. Whether that’s focusing on their personal development, encouraging creativity and expanding on their current skill-set – these are the individuals and businesses we believe need our support.
Not only will you be supporting local talent, you will also be buying from people who care about the environment. Gifting from the high-street often means you will be purchasing mass-produced, low quality items that are damaging to our planet and have been created using exploitative working conditions.
We’ve had so much fun collaborating with independent brands who share the same ethos as us – as ever we hope our ‘Shop Independent Holiday Gift Guide’ for 2025 inspires you to be more mindful of where you spend your money this holiday season.
We’ve curated amazing products that range from clothing, homeware, ceramics and more. We hope you love these products as much as we do!
‘No more roads’ A3 riso print by YUK FUN | £20
Hilltop – A5 – by Vivid by Maryam | £14 (various sizes available)
Flower wall hangs by Kam Creates | from £15 (various sizes + colours)
Corner shop – A4 – by Vivid by Maryam | £18 (various sizes available)
‘Bread not bombs’ banner and ‘Gays against fascism’ banner by Knit and Destroy x The Feminist Library | £40 each
Nanu’s rooftop – A4 – by Vivid by Maryam | £18 (various sizes available)
‘Print club’ A4 riso print by YUK FUN | £18
‘Digging’ A4 riso print by YUK FUN | £18
Crochet bags by We Are Paradise | £62
@weareparadiseee
Tyanna is a crochet artist creating crochet bags and running crochet workshops in London
“Bringing you statement pieces that do not come at the expense of the earth. Made with eczema customers in mind. So it’s not only complimenting your outfit, but your skin as well. We value you, so that is why we ensure that our yarns are ethically sourced and crafted, as well as being sensitive-skin friendly”
Prices from: £62 – £70
Shop We Are Paradise here
Crochet bags by We Are Paradise | £62
Snug socks by K.Moods | £18.50 (various colours + sizes)
@kmoods
Kathleen is a knitwear designer and maker based in Scotland who creates the most colourful, fun and cosy knitwear. She also offers custom colourways for those who are looking for a darker or more subdued gloves, beanies, socks etc.
Prices from: £10 – £45
Shop K.Moods here
Snug socks by K.Moods | £18.50 (various colours + sizes)
Black cat trinket dish with the lid by Anna Soba | £34
Black cat trinket dish with the lid by Anna Soba | £34
@annasobaillu
Brighton based artist Anna Soba, originally from Poland, is an illustrator, print maker + ceramicist who is obsessed with cats, plants, tigers and nudes. Her illustration is all about sharing a positive message and bringing joy
Prices from: £0.70 – £160
Shop all Anna’s art here
Ceramic cat christmas decorations by Anna Soba | from £12 each
Cat mugs by Anna Soba | from £30 (various designs)
‘Watermelon ceramic brooches for Palestine’ by Anna Soba | £9 each
‘Print club’ A4 riso print by YUK FUN | £18
@yukfunwow
YUK FUN is an independent label making illustrated stuff for awesome people who love colour, animals and fun! Founded by Lucy Cheung and Patrick Gildersleeves in 2014. They work from their home studio in Portslade-by-Sea screen printing, making clothes and drawing.
Prices from: £3 – £260
Shop YUKFUN here
‘Digging’ A4 riso print by YUK FUN | £18
‘No more roads’ A3 riso print by YUK FUN | £20
‘Maya earrings’ (standard size; 925 Sterling silver) by Ray Makes Things | £100 (various sizes + materials from £80-130)
‘Maya earrings’ (standard size; 925 Sterling silver) by Ray Makes Things | £100 (various sizes + materials from £80-130)
@raymakesthings
Ray has been running her small freshwater jewellery brand since early 2019. Born and raised in Lebanon, she moved to the UK in 2016 for her PhD in Psychology.
“I was originally exposed to freshwater pearl jewellery through my mum – an artist and jeweller who used to run a social enterprise in Lebanon. Following in her footsteps, I am dedicated to fundraising for charities whose visions fit my morals. As such, I also use my platform as a means of fighting against any form of injustice – including those around mental health, gender, sexuality, race, and class privilege.”
Prices from £10-120
Shop Ray’s jewellery here
‘Charlotte’ bracelet by Ray Makes Things | £32 (various materials from £32-38)
’40 Shapes of white’ necklace by Ray Makes Things | £66 (various materials from £66-71)
’40 Shapes of white’ necklace by Ray Makes Things | £66 (various materials from £66-71)
Flower Power acrylic coasters by Kam Creates | from £15
@kamcreates
Kam Creates is a fun and playful jewellery and accessories brand.
Each piece starts with a drawing and is then produced in small batches through a variety of techniques such as laser cutting, printing and stitching at Kam’s home studio in East London.
Prices from: £2 – £43
Shop Kam’s work here
Flower wall hangs by Kam Creates | from £15 (various sizes + colours)
Flower wall hangs by Kam Creates | from £15 (various sizes + colours)
2-in-1 double-sided ‘Africa’ jigsaw puzzle – 500 pcs – by Very Puzzled | £14
@veryverypuzzled
Founded by Patrick Adom Very Puzzled produce puzzles, games + activity books that are educational and representative of the diverse world we live in.
“As a parent it can be quite challenging to find items such as books and toys that are representative of the diverse society that we live in. It is important that children see other people that look different to themselves in the books and toys that they interact with to ensure that they appreciate their own heritage and respect the heritage and culture of others.
The Very Puzzled puzzles are definitely something that parents and carers can get stuck into with their children. Each jigsaw puzzle includes a wide variety of landmarks, monuments and attractions that has been designed to provide endless fun and topics of discussion that can be used as a fun way to learn and interact for both children and adults. The puzzle will stimulate your child’s natural curiosity and provide ample opportunities to supplement and support the school curriculum.”
Prices from: £1-30
Shop Very Puzzled here
England map jigsaw puzzle by Very Puzzled | £14
Palestinian handblown candle stick holder from Spindle by Sisters | £35 (various glassware available)
@spindlebysisters
SPINDLE is a UK-based conscious homeware and lifestyle brand led by sisters, supporting artisans near and far who rely on traditional crafts for their livelihoods. They work directly and through trusted NGOs with makers in India, Palestine, Morocco, Türkiye, Syria, and Uganda, including Palestinian and Syrian refugees based in Lebanon, co-creating pieces and/or placing orders for handmade pieces artisans have perfected over generations, made to be kind to the planet and safe for people.
Every order supports fair wages, uplifts marginalised communities through their partnership with human rights organisation Restless Beings, and plants a tree for the future.
Shop their curated items here
Handblown phoenician tumblers made in Hebron, Palestine – set of 2 from Spindle by Sisters | £40
Handblown phoenician tumblers made in Hebron, Palestine – set of 2 from Spindle by Sisters | £40
‘Bread not bombs’ banner and ‘Gays against fascism’ banner by Knit and Destroy x The Feminist Library | £40 each
@knit_and_destroy
Kandy is a designer and artist working primarily with knitted textiles. Kandy’s work often involves a play on scale, with inspiration taken from everyday items, storytelling, novelty and knitting related objects and ephemera.
The political slogan banners are part of the ‘Knit and destroy x The Feminist Library’ collaboration. Profits from this and all other anti-war designs will be split between the feminist library and MAP (Medical Aid for Palestinians),
Prices from £5-150
Shop their knitted textiles here
Beau bow scarves by Knit and Destroy | £45 each (various colours)
‘Gays against fascism’ banner by Knit and Destroy x The Feminist Library | £40
@emperorscloth
And of course there’s us! As many of you will know we create one of a kind clothing + accessories from vintage + deadstock fabrics with our design your own service for a UK living wage in Brighton + Hove, UK.
Our order deadline for design your own clothing for pre-Christmas delivery is now past (however you can still order design your own garments after this date by adding ‘jump the queue’ at checkout – subject to availability). You can also design your own accessories, purchase our pre-loved/sample resale pieces + treat your loved ones to gift vouchers here.
Sizes UK 4-6 – 30-32. Design your garments with us here
Prices from £12 – £300+
Design your own tiered skirts + jumpsuits by The Emperor’s Old Clothes | from £139
Flower Power acrylic coasters by Kam Creates | from £15
Flower wall hangs by Kam Creates | from £15 (various sizes + colours)
Large hand-painted Palestinian olive shallow serving dish from Spindle by Sisters | £65
Glasses – set of 2 from Spindle by Sisters | £40
Crochet bags by We Are Paradise | £62
‘Rhubarb & strawberry’ soy wax candle, ‘Dark honey & tonka’ soy wax candle + ‘Cranberry, orange & cinnamon’ soy wax candle by Lanji Candles | £19.50
Candle accessory kit (includes your choice of candle) by Lanji Candles | £36
‘The A-Z of Cats’ teatowel by Bea Baranowska | £15
‘Ice-cream‘ + ‘Miami’ Recycled cashmere hot water bottle cover by Second Cashmere | £50 each
Snug socks by K.Moods | £18.50 (various colours + sizes)
2-in1 double-sided ‘Africa’ jigsaw puzzle – 500 pcs – by Very Puzzled | £14
Wreathe making kits by The Emperor’s Old Clothes | from £16
‘Cane, corn & gully’ by Safiya Kamaria Kinshasa (paperback) – from Afrori Books | £11.99
‘The good ally’ by Nova Reid (paperback) – from Afrori Books | £9.99
‘Gays against fascism’ banner by Knit and Destroy x The Feminist Library | £40
‘Print club’ A4 riso print by YUK FUN | £18
Washi tape by YUK FUN | £4 each (various designs)
Various ceramics by Anna Soba | from £30 (various designs)
‘Bloom hoops’ earrings (large) – by Sken Studios | £85 (various sizes from £65-85)
‘Flower Outline’ hoop earrings by Sken Studios | £85
Variety of christmas decorations by Bea Baranowska | from £8.50 each
’40 Shapes of white’ necklace by Ray Makes Things | £66 (various materials from £66-71)
‘Maya earrings’ (standard size; 925 Sterling silver) by Ray Makes Things | £100 (various sizes + materials from £80-130)
Beau bow scarves by Knit and Destroy | £45 each (various colours)
‘Cosmic hoops’ earrings by Anisha Parmar | £35
Design your own frilly half moon pouch by The Emperor’s Old Clothes| from £45
Emke cork vessels by Mind the Cork | £25 (various colours)
@mindthecork
mind the cork was founded in 2015 by product designer Jenny Espírito Santo – the owner and one-woman-band behind the brand.
“About seven years ago, I became intrigued about the possibility of using cork in product design, which turned into an all-consuming hobby and, eventually, a business. My work pays homage to the understated beauty of cork and combines playful minimalism with sustainable materials to create exciting and thoughtfully crafted objects for the home.”
Prices from £18 – £235
Shop Mind the Cork here
Corner shop – A4 – by Vivid by Maryam | £18 (various sizes available)
@vividbymaryam
Maryam is a UK-based digital artist known for her vibrant, whimsical style featuring bold color choices and striking imagery. She portrays themes of nostalgia and a sense of belonging in her work, stemming from her personal experiences of re-connecting with her Bangladeshi culture and heritage.
In keeping with this, Maryam’s pieces often feature nods to wider South Asia including regional wildlife, plants, transportation, and landmarks inspired by her travels in recent years.
Prices from: £3.50-45
Shop Maryam’s work here
Hilltop – A5 – by Vivid by Maryam | £14 (various sizes available)
Nanu’s rooftop – A4 – by Vivid by Maryam | £18 (various sizes available)
‘Cosmic hoops’ earrings by Anisha Parmar | £35 – from the Cosmic Goddess Collection
@anishaparmarstudio
Anisha is a UK-based Creative & Cultural Practitioner, Curator, and Jewellery Designer, working at the intersection of adornment, identity, and storytelling.
“Rooted in my hybrid heritage spanning three continents, my work explores the power of adornment as more than aesthetics- it’s resistance, connection, and cultural storytelling. Through jewellery, curation, and consultancy, I use material culture to reframe narratives, celebrate the Diaspora experience, and create spaces that centre equity, belonging, and lived experience.”
Prices from: £15-1,200
Shop Anisha’s designs here.
‘Hanging doorways’ earrings by Anisha Parmar | £40 from the Pink City Collection
‘Veda’ necklace by Anisha Parmar | £40
Patchouli Pepper Bath Salts, Calming Body Oil + Lavender Body Butter by Love Rems | from £14
@loverems
Created nine years ago, LoveRems was founded as a result of the founder’s experience with eczema. LoveRems is a natural skincare brand based in the UK, which produces natural and chemical free skincare for all skin types. All their products are made using pure ingredients provided for us by mother nature.
Prices from: £4-65
Shop individual creams or gift boxes here.
‘Ice-cream‘ + ‘Miami’ Recycled cashmere hot water bottle cover by Second Cashmere | £50 each
@secondcashmere
Second Cashmere is the passion project of Lotti and Emily, founded to create an alternative to fast fashion cashmere and its devastating impact on cashmere producing countries.
“Our collections focus on cashmere waste as garments, fabrics and yarns. We stock collections across restored secondhand pure cashmere garments from renowned brands, while crafting objects from discarded fabrics and reclaiming and reusing unraveled yarns. Each part of what we do has its own unique process to ensure our collections carry only the best and brightest quality cashmere. This is done by hand, with special attention to detail”
Prices from £28 – £250
Shop Second Cashmere here
‘Indifferent daisy’ signet ring by Sken Studios | £140
@skenstudios
Sabira is the founder of Sken Studios; a sustainable jewellery brand making playful, humorous pieces from their Manchester studio. Their joyful designs are all lovingly handmade in recycled silver by Sabira and carefully packaged using recycled materials – because they’re not only here for a good time, but a long time too.
Prices from £45-195
Shop their Signet rings, kits and more here
‘Not today’ signet ring by Sken Studios | £140
‘Bloom hoops’ earrings (large) by Sken Studios | £85 (various sizes from £65-85)
‘Birds + berries christmas wreath’ by Bea Baranowska | £35
@beatheillustrator
Bea is an Illustrator and designer based in Somerset. She works from her home studio, surrounded by wonderful countryside and her chickens.
“I believe that we are happier and healthier when we are connected with nature. There is something special about the natural world that makes the stresses and strains of a busy life melt away… I love creating illustrations that bring the outside in, in all its wonderful wildness.”
Prices from: £4-130
Shop individual creams or gift boxes here.
‘The A-Z of Cats’ teatowel by Bea Baranowska | £15
Variety of christmas decorations by Bea Baranowska | from £8.50 each
‘Rhubarb & strawberry’ soy wax candle, ‘Dark honey & tonka’ soy wax candle + ‘Cranberry, orange & cinnamon’ soy wax candle by Lanji Candles | £19.50
@lanjicandles
Lanji Candles is a handmade scented soy wax candle company owned, run & operated by Suwi Katuka.
All of their candles are handmade and poured in the UK. They use 100% soy, to ensure all of their products are vegan friendly.
Prices from £3-48
Shop Suwi’s candles, reed diffusers and more here
Candle accessory kit (includes your choice of candle) by Lanji Candles | £36
‘Cranberry, orange & cinnamon’ soy wax candle by Lanji Candles | £19.50
‘Firstborn of the sun’ by Marvellous Michael Anson (hardback) | £20 + ‘African stories’ by Ben Okri (paperback) | £15 – from Afrori Books
@afroribooks
An award-winning bookshop offering work exclusively by Black authors right on our doorstep. The Afrori team headed by Carolynn Bain doesn’t simply platform amazing Black literary talent:
“We are so much more than a bookshop. We are a social enterprise meeting the needs of the community. We also deliver anti-racism training to adults, run anti-racist clubs in schools across Sussex, Hair workshops, author events, a women’s singing group, women of colour yoga sessions, writers workshops, music events, a book festival and so much more.”
If you’re local make sure to head over to check out their bricks + mortar shop at The Brighthelm Centre in Brighton, otherwise you can browse + buy from their online shop and check out all their upcoming events etc on their website + socials
Shop the Afrori bookstore here
‘Consumed’ by Aja Barber (paperback) – from Afrori Books | £11.99
‘Super Goat Girl’ by Tracey Baptiste – from Afrori Books | £7.99
Selection of books from Afrori Books
Design your own Back-Bow Crop-top With Elastic Waist + by The Emperor’s Old Clothes | from £159
Flower Power acrylic coasters by Kam Creates | from £15
Flower wall hangs by Kam Creates | from £15 (various sizes + colours)
Glass candle stick from Spindle by Sisters | £35
Crochet bags by We Are Paradise | £62
‘Rhubarb & strawberry’ soy wax candle, ‘Dark honey & tonka’ soy wax candle + ‘Cranberry, orange & cinnamon’ soy wax candle by Lanji Candles | £19.50
‘The A-Z of Fungi’ teatowel by Bea Baranowska | £15
‘Miami’ Recycled cashmere hot water bottle cover by Second Cashmere | £50 each
Reclaimed cashmere mending kit by Second Cashmere | £28
Snug socks by K.Moods | £18.50 (various colours + sizes)
England map jigsaw puzzle by Very Puzzled | £14
Design your own small frilly headband by The Emperor’s Old Clothes | from £16
‘Super Goat Girl’ by Tracey Baptiste – from Afrori Books | £7.99
‘Consumed’ by Aja Barber (paperback) – from Afrori Books | £11.99
‘Firstborn of the sun’ by Marvellous Michael Anson (hardback) – from Afrori Books | £20
‘Runaways’ by E. L. Norry (paperback) – from Afrori Books | £7.99
‘African stories’ by Ben Okri (paperback) – from Afrori Books | £15
‘Bread not bombs’ banner by Knit and Destroy x The Feminist Library | £40
Corner shop – A4 – by Vivid by Maryam | £18 (various sizes available)
‘No more roads’ A3 riso print by YUK FUN | £20
Various ceramics by Anna Soba | from £30 (various designs)
Variety of christmas decorations by Bea Baranowska | from £8.50 each
‘Birds + berries christmas wreath’ by Bea Baranowska | £35
Calming Body Oil by Love Rems | £16
Lavender Body Butter by Love Rems | £19.50
Patchouli Pepper Bath Salts by Love Rems | £14
‘Hanging doorways’ earrings by Anisha Parmar | £40
‘Charlotte’ bracelet by Ray Makes Things | £32 (various materials from £32-38)
‘Veda’ necklace by Anisha Parmar | £40
Nanu’s rooftop – A4 – by Vivid by Maryam | £18 (various sizes available)
Beau bow scarves by Knit and Destroy | £45 each (various colours)
Emke cork vessels by Mind the Cork | £25 (various colours)
Design your own Make-up Bag / Travel Pouch by The Emperor’s Old Clothes | from £25 each
We hope you’ve enjoyed this year’s guide and have discovered lots of new brands to buy from this holiday season!
CREDITS
Gift Guide modelled by Ruby Conroy (they/them), Anna Soba (she/her), Alice Williams (she/her) + Nicki Cottingham (she/her) + photographed, created + curated by Cecily Blondel (she/her) + Louisa Wild (she/her) at The Emperor’s Old Clothes
