Celebrating Creatives This Christmas.
Written By
Laura Mears Reynolds
Anyone else started humming the Mariah song yet? It’s already on a loop in my head, and it’s got me thinking about what I want for Christmas…
Having created and run an independent label @hathorstyle for the last decade, it is so important to me to support other creatives!
This year – more than ever – we need to celebrate Indie labels and shop small.
Think of this as an indie biz advent calendar… I’ve put together 24 of my favourite designers, creators, artists, authors and entrepreneurs from Ibiza and the UK, with a Christmas treat for islanders at the end!
My bumper Christmas ‘shop small’ blog is for inspiration to save any last minute panic clicking on Amazon! I’ve added the intsagram handle for each business, so if you’re not in a position to purchase then please give them a follow/like/share to show support on socials. For the most part this is also my own personal Christmas list… just on the off-chance that Santa might be reading! 🙂
Creativity takes courage!
Here are my top 24 small businesses in the UK and Ibiza for Independent Christmas shopping, to champion creative heroes! There are a few special discount codes thrown in for added festive joy!
SPIN SPIN SUGAR
Charlotte’s Web Jewellery is a consciously created, ethical jewellery brand designed in Ibiza by islander Charlotte; for free spirits and stargazers.
@charlotteswebuk jewellery is inspired by ancient Tibetan prayer wheels used for centuries to calm the mind, and soothe the soul. We could all do with a bit of that in 2020!
Fidget and fiddle away your worries or spin and wish your manifestations!
It’s hard to pick a favourite piece…but I would say their Rajput Empowerment Spinning Ring. I adore mixed metallics, and the turquoise and pearls remind me of the white isle and its azure waters.
They offer a huge range of handmade rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings; and even do mens spinning rings for a special stress relieving gift for him.
USE CODE: IWANT15 on their website for 15% off until Christmas Day!
ALL HEROES WEAR
SEQUIN CAPES
Electric Plume’s drop dead gorgeous feathery delights are all handmade by the incredibly talented Olivia. I am so in love with @electricplume handmade sequin capes, I’ve gone and got myself an early Christmas present! I’ve treated myself to the one with orange feathers in anticipation for when the Orange Army is allowed to reassemble for @clockworkorangeclub – the best party on the island/in the world in my opinion!
Christmas shopping always tends to lead to personal shopping… but it definitely was an essential purchase! 🙂
Whether you’re a kitchen disco diva, buying for future festival field frolics, or a beautiful Balearic Bride to be, these shimmering capes are a shimmying essential!
USE CODE: IBIZAXMAS for 10% off… last Christmas orders 6th Dec
PA RUM
PUM PUM PUM
The Christmas jumper is an annual staple and If you’re a Bowie obsessive like me, Thread Famous has created the greatest Christmas jumper OF ALL TIME!
I absolutely need @threadfamous Figgy Stardust jumper in Fire Red!
Talented designer Jo has also created puntastic Christmas cards and scarfs featuring the likes of Fleabag and David Attenbrrrrr.
The Bowie jumpers are just £24 and shipped directly from the printing company to save on waste and extra postage – allow 14 working days for delivery.
A GIFT GIVEN
I’ve gone full fan girl over the fearless, trailblazing illustrator, author and social activist Florence Given!
If you haven’t read her Sunday Times Bestseller ‘Women Don’t Owe You Pretty’ then it needs to go at the very top of your Christmas list. Gift it to everyone you know, regardless of age or gender… this book needs to be read by all!
I’ve already devoured it multiple times; so I’m hoping for one (or all!) of her prints!
You can also be a walking work of @florencegiven art with one of her T-shirts, or feel totes empowered toting one of her totes!
SWEET DREAMS ARE
MADE OF THIS
No Christmas list would be complete without some smellies!
My favourite are freshly hand blended by Michaela; a long haired lover from Liverpool. Her aromatherapy sprays are all-natural pure ingredients, vegan and cruelty free. @michaelas.aromatherapy Natural Pillow Spray should be called: Michaela’s Miracle Sleep Potion; the stuff is MAGIC! I seriously cannot recommend highly enough.
For those that don’t struggle to slip into slumbers, Michaeala has created all manor of other aromatherapy sprays.
This sorceress has even concocted a Christmas Room Spray to fill your home with cosy, comforting and soothing scents of Christmas… FESTIVE AF!
D.I.S.C.O.
80s enthusiast Steph wants to bring disco into our everyday lives! Spreading sparkle to ears, hair and outfits with ALL THE DISCOS earrings, hair accessories, and clutch bags.
@allthediscos items are designed carefully to reduce waste; creating matching collections as an added bonus!
The only thing I love more than her recent Halloween collection are the Christmas Jumper Earrings of her new Christmas collection! Steph has handmade three festive and fabulous styles to choose from, available in both pierced or clip on.
USE CODE: DISCO10 for 10% off until 1st December
EXPRESS YOURSELF
Thirty Nine Millinery’s wonderful hats are created by another lovely Liverbird, Sharon.
@thirtyninemilllinery AW collection is so chic and stylish, Santa will want to keep the hats for himself!
Channel your inner Emily In Paris in one of her très chic berets, go beatnik in a Baker Boy with gold and gunmetal grey chains, or opt for my personal favourite – the Madge hat!
The Madge is part of her Fedora collection, each one named after an icon. I love the hat as much as I love Madonna herself! The initial charms and vintage hat pins and chains make Thirty Nine Millinery hats even more fedorable!
I GOT A HOT SAUCE
IN MY BAG, SWAG
For those hot sauce enthusiasts amongst us you’ll know what an essential it is, as once you’re addicted you even need it on your toast!
I’ve been a globe trotting, hot sauce obsessive for two decades and I can honestly say Ibiza Chili Co are the best in the business! Made on the White Isle by islanders David Lindemann and Sid Shanti. Sid is a highly respected private chef to the stars and author of Glorious Ibiza Food.
Whilst researching his lifestyle and cookery book, Sid was inspired to plant fields of chilli plants; investing directly into the land and agricultural community of Ibiza.
@ibizachilico was born to rave reviews; winning two UK Great Taste Awards in their first year!
My personal favourite is the ‘Oh Carolina! Reaper 18’, containing the Guinness Book of World Records hottest chili in the world… but why not ask Santa for one of their gift packs containing their three main sources for all of your tasting needs.
YOU CAN CHECK IN
BUT YOU CAN
NEVER CHECK OUT
It’s true isn’t it? I never want to check out of Pikes…anyone else wish they lived there?
Well at least now you can own one of their famous prints and pretend you do! Starlover’s Rock ‘N’ Roll Pikes Ibiza Print is signed, limited edition and just £30.
@starloverwearableart print is a particularly great gift for anyone who was unable to get their Pikes fix this year due to canceled flights and quarantine.
The only question is, should it take pride of place above the bath to reminisce about Sunny’s karaoke or in the kitchen for Club Tropicana vibes… where the drinks really are free!
THINK PINK
Ask any Ibiza/festival lover and I guarantee Claudia Pink’s bespoke crystal accessories and unique body jewellery are amongst their most coveted items!
Made with resin mirror and semi precious treasures; @claudiapink magically marries ancient civilisations and ethnic traditions with contemporary culture.
One glance at her designs and I’m dying to get to Black Rock City! Last Christmas I was lucky enough to receive a Starchild Headdress in gold.
I live in hope that I awake to another Claudia surprise this Christmas morning!
*coughs Goddess Top*
KIMOYES!
Ibiza designer Natalie’s Kimonos remain a firm favourite of mine.
To say they are wearable is an understatement; I literally can’t think of a situation where they wouldn’t be appropriate attire, not to mention they are flattering for all figures!
Chic, versatile, glamorous Ibiza vibes, and most importantly independent.
Deafened Decorum is ‘inspired by the exciting Ibiza club scene and free spirited island way of life’…I’m in!
Natalie is kindly offering a very special Danny Kay Ibiza Christmas discount. Just drop @deafeneddecorum a DM quoting this blog and she will do a special price for fellow Ibiza fashionistas.
ZINGLE ALL THE WAY
Operating from one of Europe’s most advanced cocktail labs (in South East London) – including Molecular Mixology and Cocktail Ageing facilities – World of Zing’s premade cocktails are crafted in small batches using the finest spirits, handmade liqueurs and bespoke bitters delivered to your door.
‘Flavour guru’ Pritesh Mody brings exciting moments of mixology and cocktail innovation to your home.
@worldofzing gift packs all look and sound amazing; with the Telegraph warning ‘expect a taste explosion’. The Christmas and Winter Cocktails collection are on point, and they have cocktail gift packs from prosecco cocktails coiffers to gin-gle belles!
Mine’s a persian lime and margarita pre xmas dinner please. Pick your poison and World of Zing will deliver!
ROCK N ROLL
The Little Lies Rock ‘n Roll Hand Candle is my ultimate stocking filler!
Having been featured in Rock N Roll Bride magazine this year, that hand signal makes me feel sentimental and proud about our wedding and my brief venture into Hathor alternative wedding accessories.
What’s more, this candle reminds me of the ornamental hands in the reception of Pikes Hotel. I’m clearly intent on turning my home into my spiritual home one accessory at a time!
This wicked indie brand was dreamt up after a heavy night, I’m sure we can all relate! Claiming to have all the things you’d like to own, your worst kept secret source of Rock n Roll inspiration… @shoplittlelies most definitely are not lying!
IT WAS ALL A DREAM
The innovative beauty products brand In Your Dreams was the first of their kind on the scene. Trailblazing this ever emulated style years ahead in festival fields before branching into products alongside their services in the UK and Ibiza.
@itsinyourdreams brand new Opal Dust Bioglitter will have you out-shimmering the Christmas lights, whilst their Gold Astra All in One Face Gem and Eye Jewels, with it’s twinkling stars will have you looking prettier than the fairy on top of the tree!
USE CODE: LAURA20 for 20% off their incredible guilt free glitters, cosmetics, face and body jewels.
SMILE HIGH CLUB
Ibiza lovers will no doubt already be huge Melon Bomb fans! Scott Gray is one quarter of Melon Bomb and also goes by the name Chapter to create awesome art on the island. As talented an artist as he is DJ; the infamous Melon Bomb logo is the perfect example of his hedonistic handywork.
Lord knows I love a smiley… having created a Smiley Captain Hat for Fatboy Slim for his final Cream residency performance at Amnesia; nothing brings a smile to my face quite like a smiley face! Which makes the @chapteribiza Acid print my favourite piece of Scott’s, but only just – as I love all of his work!
This multi talented Ibiza legend is doing mates rates if you DM him and say you’ve read this blog! Get your Christmas orders in before December 15th.
KNICKERS GROW
ON TREES
Sustainable, empowering and comfortable…what more could you want from a pair of pants?!
Friends Katie and Nicola of Stripe & Stare claim to make the best knickers in the world. The fabric is three times softer than cotton and is made in Austria from Beechwood Tree Pulp from sustainable tree farms. I haven’t tried them as yet so I really am hoping to open a Persion Leopard Knicker Box on Christmas morning.
A natural sustainable and soft fibre that starts with the tree and ends with the softest fabric you’ve ever felt, turned into a product that unites it’s wearers and creates a community where women empower each other.
@stripeandstare is an innovative independent brand that certainly doesn’t sound pants!
I discovered them thanks to Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place Podcast; through which you can get 20% off your first order with code: HAPPY20
IT’S A
LONDON THING
Hannah Tovey has written an absolute joy of a book!
A heartbroken Ivy embarks on a journey of singlehood in London, only to discover that sometimes, having your life fall apart can be surprisingly fun.
Gavin and Stacey meets Fleabag; hilarious and occasionally filthy… a great read and Christmas gift for her!
I am lucky enough to know the talented author, and had a ball at her fabulous book launch in London.
Why not gift or treat yourself to this blinder of a book by @hannahclaretovey, and make this clever creative do a festive happy dance!
THE BOMB
No Basic Bombshell designer Natalie creates statement accessories and homeware, as fun and fabulous as she is!
I’ve been lusting after her Geode Earrings for some time now, and the only reason I don’t own a pair is because I love them all so much I can’t pick my favourite!
I’m also drawn to the shimmering Smiley Earrings in the @nobasicbombshell 90s vibes collection, quelle surprise!
There’s even a recycled range created from her off-cuts.
I had the absolute pleasure of trading in the Secret Emporium with Natalie at the Secret Garden Party many a moon ago, and she set up a karaoke system in the tent!
Give the gift of these snazzy sparklers to a loved one this Christmas and make this karaoke queen sing!
BUCKET LUST
Crafty Cloth’s Monica’s handmaid clothing is a hybrid of culture and styles from around the world, created consciously from quality fabrics.
I didn’t think I could pull off a bucket hat, but now I’ve seen the @craftycloth Thistledown Marl Bucket Hat Collection, I would love to find one under the tree this year!
As modelled by the incredible @housewingz Skool of Street Charity. This luxe interpretation of the iconic fisherman hat gives a fresh attitude to the design in a cosy thistledown marl weaved in Yorkshire mills, in striking and stunning colours.
The hat is lined with super soft velvet and finished with hand stitched details.
Any of this small business’ handmade garms would make for a wonderful present for those that love unique designs.
GET PAPER
Ibiza islander Chloe creates beautiful art and event Installations all made from paper.
Chloe Natalia Art’s pieces featuring Ibiza will be the top of any White Isle obsessives wishlist!
I was lucky enough to receive my favourite piece of her work as a wedding gift from @musicalmermaids singing siren Tahnee entitled ‘In Love With Ibiza’ – guilty as charged!
I am equally in love with her gorgeous take on Robert Indiana’s famous LOVE sculpture. This very special creation features a map of Ibiza in the slanted O. Available in an array of colours, and can be made to order in the size and colours of your choice.
DM @chloenataliaart and quote this blog for a 10% discount.
TUPPENCE A BAG
Tessa Metcalfe is a London based Jeweller whose work exclusively pays homage to the humble street pigeon.
Another lovely lady I was lucky enough to trade at festivals with. Tessa has her own incredible – by appointment only – shop in London and has had a pop up shop at Pikes Ibiza.
I adore her clawed creations so much that I picked one as my wedding band. @tessametcalfe Pigeon Grasp rings are so unique and striking, and I am clucking for any of her dazzling Debroah Rings!
SHEEP THRILLS
Surely Slippers have got to be the ultimate Christmas present?
Sheepers handmake beautiful artisan sheepskin gifts. Creator Nicola’s traditional handmade slippers are made from 100% natural sheepskin and display a soft woollen interior and fluffy sheepskin cuff. Made ethically and used from off-cuts from other methods of farming, as the handling of animals is of the utmost importance, as is the fair wage earnt by the Gorale for handmaking.
I love the story of @sheepers creation: inspired by a pair of traditional Polish Moccasins gifted to Nicola from her Dad’s trip to Gdansk Poland. I also love the combination of this traditional design with modern styling.
My personal favourites are the Leopard Sheepers, of course!
SHINY DISCO BALLS
Rosa Bloom promises ‘sublime apparel’ and absolutely delivers! Any other adjective does a disservice to her sumptuous sequin masterpieces!
@thisisrosabloom shimmering garments truly are ‘wearable happiness’. Her eye-catching designs occupy the beguiling space between ready-to-wear and costume. Saint Nick himself has even worn Rosa’s creations when she made sequin Santa outfits exclusively for the Christmas window display of Selfridges, no less!
I would love to get my mitts on any one of the Mella Cape Playsuits, but would be overjoyed to be presented with any of her pieces… santa suit included! HO HO HO!
MASK BUT
NOT LEAST
L.O.M. creates awesome luxury party and festival wear for the colour loving tassel queens (and kings) of the universe!
Yet another member of The Secret Emporium family, Louise strongly believes in wearing clothes that express your character and personality, and that empower you, making you and those around you happy!
I would love absolutely everything this megatalent has ever created, but I’m really hoping I get @l.o.m_fashion Femina Magicae Large Scarf Face Mask for Christmas. As practical as it is stylish and stunning; and for those moments you don’t need to wear a mask it’s a fabulous scarf finished with removable silk tassels.
A truly triumphant technicolour dream scarf!
A PARTING
CHRISTMAS GIFT
Ibiza based celebrity hair and make up artist Katy Gill wants islanders to be able to treat themselves this festive period after what’s been a difficult season.
She is offering a very special rate on all of her hair and make up services to preen, prune and pamper!
Visit https://www.katygillibiza.com/ and quote Danny Kay Ibiza for extra special rates on her services.
One of the things I love the most about Ibiza is the community. I hope we can all share some of that community spirit when doing our Christmas shopping this year.
Buy small, support makers and shop indie businesses to make Christmas 2020 extra special!
Happy shopping!
Besos
Laura
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