Stuck for Christmas gift ideas this year?

Before you head straight to the big retailers, you should considered shopping locally and supporting small businesses in Worcester.

There are some fantastic independent businesses out there and after such a turbulent year, they could use your support and custom during the festive season.

Best of all, these small businesses sell truly unique products that can’t be found on the high street.

We have tracked down five of the most unique local businesses on Etsy- some of which were started during lockdown.

Here are just five fantastic local businesses that you can find on Etsy:

A little bag of love

If you’re looking for a unique stocking filler to brighen someone’s day, then Little Bag of Love Shop could stock the ideal products for you.

These bags are filled with heart-felt notes and little trinkets which are ideal for all occasions- Christmas included.

Alison Ryan she started the business during the pandemic.

She said: “I have been making these little bags for over 15 years now but only ever for family.

“I finally took the plunge and opened up an Etsy shop in August- which was both really exciting but also daunting.

Worcester News: Little Bag of Sisterly Love(Photo: Little Bag of Love Shop, Etsy)Little Bag of Sisterly Love(Photo: Little Bag of Love Shop, Etsy)

Two of Alison’s favourite products are Santa’s Magic Key (£7.95)and The Sisters Bag (£7.95).

However, if you have left all of the Christmas shopping to your other half or have something to apologies for over the Christmas season, the Little Bag of Sorries (£5.95) could be the ideal gift.

Alison added: “Everything that I purchase for the bag’s contents I try to source locally or from other small businesses, so in turn customers are helping more than just one small business survive.

“Every product that I produce is created with thought, care and from my heart.”

Browse the full range of bags on Etsy.

Glass art

Worcester News: Naughty Sheep glass art (Photo: Kerswell Creations, Etsy)Naughty Sheep glass art (Photo: Kerswell Creations, Etsy)

Kerswell Creations is a Worcester-based business which specialises in fused glass art.

They have some beautiful items for sale, including penguin tree decorations (£4) and even wedding vows which have been immortalised in glass (£25).

Jackie Watkins runs the Etsy shop.

She said: “Buying from my store and other local sellers will help keep the local economy alive.

“You know where the product has come from and there is usually a nice background story to the business.

Jackie added that her favourite items to make and sell are the naughty sheep products, such as this one which is currently listed for £13 and comes in a plethora of colours.
 

View the full range of products on Kerswell Creations’ Etsy page.

Handknitted items

You can get your loved ones some hand-made knitwear, even if you’re not skilled knitter yourself.

True Stitch is a fantastic local business selling crochet and knitted items; the business mainly sells hats but they also stock accessories and blankets.

Claire Charlwood runs the little business and said everything she makes is “made with love”.

Worcester News: Handmade Viking hat (Photo: Etsy, True Stitch)Handmade Viking hat (Photo: Etsy, True Stitch)

She added: “I contact customers to discuss what colour combinations they would like so that they are 100% happy with their order.

“Each item is unique, and will make someone feel special this Christmas.”

Viking hats are some of Claire’s best selling products and she says the baby Viking hats are “particularly cute and great for photoshoot props”.

View all the products on the True Stitch Etsy shop.

Handmade jewellery

Worcester News: These earrings are currently prices at £20 (Photo: Etsy, Pastel Gems)These earrings are currently prices at £20 (Photo: Etsy, Pastel Gems)

Jewellery is a great and reliable Christmas present.

Worcester-based business, Pastel Gems, sell handmade jewellery items which are unlike anything you will have seen on the high street.

The items are described as “vintage with a modern twist” and most of the designs are vibrant and colourful

They specialise in earrings, but also stock necklances and hair accessories and more.

View the full range of products on the Pastel Gems Etsy page.

Personalised items from Lickle Treasures

Worcester News: Friends personalised glasses (Photo: Etsy, Lickle Treasures)Friends personalised glasses (Photo: Etsy, Lickle Treasures)

Personalised items often make for the best and most thoughtful Christmas gifts.

Lickle Treasures produce a variety of unique and personalised gifts, including frames, baubles, personalised glasses and more.

Charlotte Godfrey owns the business.

She said: "All of my items are handmade in my home studio in Worcestershire.

"I’m always more than happy to take custom orders, so if you have something in mind but can’t see it in my shop, just drop me a message to discuss it further."

She added: "By purchasing from my small business you are enabling me to support my family and fuelling a dream. So this Christmas vote with your money and shop local, shop small, shop early, shop independent!"

Her best selling products are her gin glasses (currently priced at £8.95).

She said:"These are personal, yet affordable and perfect to combine with the recipients favourite tipple for the perfect gift."

Browse the Lickle Treasures Esty shop online.