My heart behind this guide is to really showcase some of the small businesses who have produced amazing baby products/services and to inspire you not to just buy generic baby presents that end up never being used or taken to a charity shop (just being real).
Don’t get me wrong, I love H&M, Zara, TK Maxx, Next & M&S – no one wants to see the high street closing down but we don’t have to buy everything from these large stores. Share your money around.
Also note, this guide isn’t just for Christmas gifts, it’ll be here if you are ever after a unique gifted to buy for a friend or family member’s kids.
I’ve been blessed to have been bought some beautiful items from small businesses from friends and family but I’ve also been gifted some stunning services/items from some small business. Some I haven’t even managed to talk about yet on Instagram.
I’m soooo excited about this!
This has taken me several hours to put together but I know it’ll be so worth my time for these amazing families behind the businesses. Because that’s what it’s all about!
Enjoy flicking through the boundless talent below!
Emma Rock Photography
*Gifted service
Invest in a voucher (or a full session if you can afford it) to give to a family, this is a gift that will last a lifetime. Pictures that they will forever look back on. I already find myself saying “I can’t believe he was this small”.
For me a photo shoot is the gift that keeps on giving. I will be sending family some of these gorgeous images Emma took. Emma has a nearly 1 yr old daughter called Alba, so she knows how to work with littles. She was amazing!
Out of the Woods Ireland
*Gifted item
Erica made the most beautiful bespoke building block for Perry, burned onto each side are some of the important details of his birth! She sells various baby items, and lots of other wooden items for all the family.
(She makes personalised chopping boards too which would make a lovely wedding gift)
Baby Sensory Classes
*gifted service
I could not think of a better gift for a new mum and her baby. These classes are incredible for both mum and baby! I have been attending Judith’s Baby Sensory Class in Carrickfergus. She puts her heart and soul into it every single week.
If you know someone in this area please get in touch with Judith, you’ll see her details on the voucher. All baby sensory classes are ran by mums all across the country, this is their small business. So go and support them, get a voucher for a mum, she will be so touched by your thoughtfulness!
The Copper Otter
*gift from a friend
This moss coloured cloud by The Cooper Otter sits pride of place in Perry’s nursery. Jacqui-May creates the most beautiful pieces, all completely unique. So be nosey and ask that new mum what the nursery colours are and get in touch with The Copper Otter.
Jacqui-May’s pieces are in high demand, her order book doesn’t stay open for too long so you need to get in there quick!
Fred & Oak
*Bought
This is a small online business ran by husband and wife team Paige & Robert – we used this wooden plaque to announce the birth of our son. Such a simple but thoughtful gift for a new baby or a child Bedroom. Personal touches are the best touches.
I know so many of you have already purchased an item from these guys and it actually makes me so happy inside!
Sarah Cameron Art
*Gifted item
She’s the talk of the town, and this is exactly the reason why, her art just comes alive on paper. Lots of her baby collection can be used for both genders, so you’re onto a winner! She’s also an incredible little human! You can order her work through Instagram.
Anyone organising a baby shower any time soon? Sarah has you sorted. This beautiful piece has all the thumb prints of those who attended My baby shower, such a special keep sake! She has thought of everything!
Also, did I mention Sarah now has her originals in a gallery? You’ll find her beauties in the Society Gallery in Broughshane. Not bad for a wee Ahoghill women.
Little Wooden Rabbit
*Gifted item
I am obsessed with this beautiful dummy clip, as are most people who see it! Emma has a crochet business on the side of her very hectic life, (go to her instagram, her story is incredible – emslouiseharris) If someone was thoughtful enough to buy this as a present for Perry, I would literally kiss them! (Ps. Emma I owe you a kiss, on the cheek of course…)
Sweetness and light Cakery
*Gifted Item
What to buy a new mum, CHOCOLATE of course! I LOVE this idea! New mums have weeks of visitors to take care of and this chocolate hamper would be the answer to her prayers, firstly for the visitors and secondly for her to nibble on when she only has one hand free! Suzanne knows what she’s doing when it comes to chocolate, my taste buds can vouch for that!
I also loved the little personal touch!
Taylor It
*Gifted Item
I think this is how Perry got his nick name “Wee P”. Louise is the embroidery queen. She’s currently in the midst of a baby blizzard herself with little Jude. Louise has recently began creating her own apparel. She has created some beautiful T’s that would be perfect for a wee gift for mummy! Right now her little shop isn’t open but I couldn’t not mention her! It will be set to open in 2020 again so keep your eyes peeled!
Jen Sketch
*gift from a friend
How stunning are these books! Jennifer is a local illustrator, who teams up with local writers and together they create amazing children’s books. Jennifer brings stories to life through her illustrations! Perry might not be able to understand the stories right now but the images widen his eyes and create the biggest of smiles! These books can be purchased from Midtown Makers in Ballymena (a stunning space bursting with local products, you need to go!) or The Good Book Company.
Rose Fabric Design
*Gifted items
Sew sew good (see what I did there?). Jo is an incredibly talented sewer, famous for her beautiful fabric pumpkins but let’s be real she’s a dab hand at anything! If you’d like a unique baby gift made, Jo is your women! She’s also learnt how to sew one handed with a newborn in toe.
A Broader Picture
*Part Gifted, part bought
Don’t even get me started on this shop! It’s a little treasure set right in the middle of Portstewart promenade. I could spend 5 hours just walking around and around it. They have the most gorgeous home wear and also such a beautiful children’s section! This Jellycats book was a lovely gift for our little new arrival, Perry loves the feel of the tales and the noise of the pages! I couldn’t resist buying him this little classic teddy, I’d say he’ll be a favourite in the days to come! They also have the most beautiful of candles which would be perfect for mum!
Rosebuds
*bought
Laura will answer your prayers when it comes to teething. She has a large range of teething toys and necklaces. Laura too has a claim to fame, and that is the Efi bear teether (which she very kindly gifted to me recently) she has Sarah from The Wandering Wilson’s to thank for that! I didn’t get around to taking a picture but you’ll find it very quickly on her grid! We know there are so many big companies who sell tethers but why not buy one that’s a little more unique!
Rara Makes
I still don’t quite have the words for this show stopper that Karen lettered. But what you also need to know is this is only one string to her bow. You’ll find more of her incredible work on Etsy and in the designerie in Bushmills – gorgeous gifts for mum & baby.
Gill Corbett
You’ll remember this little guy from our pregnancy announcement, and what a beauty he is! This would make the most perfect gift for someone who is expecting after loss.
Rowan & Me
I love this little online brand! I included them because they have such unique baby pieces, and I’m always after something a little quirky for the wee man. The dungarees are so soft and these little trousers were such a great fit on him! Thankfully no poonamies have taken place in them… yet!
Go have a nosey on their website and see what little unique piece you could buy for a special little one.
Michelle Moffat Crochet and Craft
The most stunning romper and bonnet! How gifted is Michelle! She is currently making me what will be the most perfect boots, I can hardly contain myself! If you’d like that special item made, get in contact with Michelle through her Instagram, you’ll be amazed at what she can create!
Seek and Find Jewellery
*Gifted Items
This one is for the mamas! Sarah has set up the most stunning business with the most stunning of jewellery! As you can see inscribed in most of her jewellery are words of power, and for me during my pregnancy journey they gave me such comfort. In labour I wore this peace necklace as a reminder to stay calm and trust!
I’ve had countless compliments, and I can understand why! You can purchase all her jewellery through her website http://www.seekandfindjewellery.com (you’ll find the link in her instagram bio)
Foxborough Bubble Den
*gifted stay
If you want to make a new mums year, then this will do it! I was heavily pregnant when we were so kindly invited by Catherine and Mark to stay. And we felt like we had been transported to another world, we had to keep reminding ourselves we were in Portglenone!
Foxborough Bubble Den now offers vouchers, what an incredible gift to give someone. You can thank me later.
Kate & Moon
*Bought Item
How gorgeous is this paper bag! Perfect for storage! A gorgeous online children’s decor shop bursting with quirky little items for little ones rooms. You could be a mums favourite person if you buy something from Kate and Moon! (you’ll find the stunning stock on http://www.kateandmoon.com, link on Instagram bio)
Eclipse Nursery
*gift from my sister & a friend
Last and by no means least, Eclipse Nursery, based in both Ballymena & Lisburn. They literally have everything under the sun that you could ever need for a baby/toddler! I was able to purchase this stunning Moses basket with vouchers I had got from my sister!
when you buys someone a voucher for somewhere like this it gives a Mum the opportunity to get what she needs with some money knocked off. She really is the perfect gift for an expectant or new mum!
Charlie and Nell Clothing
*Bought Item
These trousers have literally just been posted through my letterbox this evening (jumper is H&M), I’m so happy they made it in time! How gorgeous are these! I’ve been following this little Instagram for a while now and I’ve been waiting to purchase something and these popped up. I couldn’t resist! I dunno about you but I’m not overly fussed on the full blown Christmas outfits, so when I seen these trousers I knew they’d be perfect with a little red jumper!
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Here endith the amazingness!!!
I could literally keep going with so so many more! I’m genuinely sorry if I didn’t include you and your business but there is only so many I can include.
All of these amazing businesses are on Instagram so please go and support them, even with a follow!
Please note, lots of these businesses finish trading for Christmas this week so go make them the busiest they’ve ever been, and give them the beat Christmas ever!
Don’t forget, you can use this guide any time you need to buy a special gift for a little one or their Mama!
Zoe
Nest & Gather 