Shop Small - Xmas Present Ideas FOR KIDS

 As social distancing means that many of us will be doing our christmas shopping online this year, I thought I would blog about gift ideas from Indie shops.

Buy purchasing from small shops and designer makers, you are not only getting original and unique gifts for your family and friends, but are also supporting independent businesses who are going to have a harder time surviving this winter than their chain store/online megacorp counterparts, which in turn helps the local economy, keeps local people employed and so on. You'll be supporting real people who really do appreciate each and every sale; I doubt J**f B*zos does a little happy dance every time an order comes through!

From Poppy With Love's Dinosaur cushion is one of my favourite things ever! DINOSAURS RULE!!! £28 plus postage. Say you're buying it for a child but keep it for yourself!

Soaplab's handmade goat's milk soaps are great for sensitive skins and come in dinosaur and teddy bear shapes. £6 plus postage, or they have a buy 3 get 4th free offer.

Kitty McCall's A6 alphabet cards would look fantastic spelling out a name in a baby or little girl's room. Cards are £3 each. Multi aperture frames can be purchased from certain Swedish furniture stores or high street hardware shops. Alternatively visit local framer Wayne Reeves at 8 the Old High Street for a bespoke, high quality frame.

Girls will LOVE Mini McCall's activewear leggings. In bright, funky designs and sized from 8 up to 14 years, these super comfy, super stretchy leggings are made to last (oh, and they do adult sizes too!).  Tropical Flowers kids activewear leggings £33.99 + postage.

I wish I could be small again so that someone could buy me the Plan Toys Dentist Set, £29.95 from Moo Like a Monkey. 

I also want the pull along Puppy (£22) and the full range of their Little People, Big Dreams books (£9.99). Note: Purchases over £30 get free UK shipping.

Little Monsters will love this 'Too Many Monsters' card game, £7.95 + postage from Moda Folkestone.

They can play it whilst wearing this 'Je Suis un Monstre' sweatshirt from Moo Like A Monkey, £25, ages 2-6 yrs.

Creative minds will have hours of fun with this Animal Sticker Mosaic Set from Moda, £11.95.

The ABC of Equality will engage your little one for ages with its bright, colourful illustrations and easy to understand explanations. £6.99 + delivery from Moo Like A Monkey.

Easy craft kits like this Simple One Skein Snood Kit from Folkestone Harbour Yarn would suit older children who are learning to knit. With chunky easy to hold bamboo needles, a choice of funky colours and just two stitches (knit and purl), this would make a great project for you to work on together on dark winter evenings. £11 + postage.

If you're looking for something really special for a baby or toddler, this pretty pastel handmade quilt by Poppykins will surely become a treasured family heirloom. Can be machine washed at low temperature. Patchwork Quilt, £55 including free UK delivery. 

More ideas coming...