Christmas presents I'm buying this year - supporting small business
Can it be too early to start Christmas? As a small business owner you begin thinking about Christmas in June and July and if you can - you forget about it for a month or two. As Reg&Bob sell dog accessories and not seasonal products, I feel it’s ok to get over the hot weather before planning for Christmas.
But now we’re careering towards the really busy event season and if I don’t get myself and Reg&Bob organised it will be chaos for the remainder of the year.
So I’m onto the Christmas shopping before I run out of time. And obviously it’s important to support other small businesses with my present buying. One of the benefits of taking Reg&Bob to events is you get to meet other business owners and see first hand some fabulous products.
So here’s what I am buying this year . If you’re on my Christmas list - look away now because I’d hate the ruin the surprise and I’ve thought long and hard what to buy you!
Sons
At 18 and 21 they are difficult to buy for! Their wardrobe or should I say floor is full of grunge with a lone dinner suit hanging in the wardrobe. I wouldn’t dream of choosing anything for them to wear - I’ve had my time dressing them up in adorable outfits with peter pan collars! So although I’m sure to have to buy some second hand stuff from Debop the presents have to be practical and with a guarantee they will be used.
The youngest is on his GAP year and aiming to travel next year. The eldest in his final year at Uni wants to catch up on his travels cut short due to COVID. GO EMU’s sustainable star towels (£28) made from 100% recycled plastic are perfect- quick drying, sand repellent and importantly pack into the tiniest (and I mean tiny) space are a must for both of them There’s lots of fabulously bright, travel inspired gear on the GO EMU website too with some really tricky colour decisions.
It’s a cliche but mine love socks! Number 2 son is a huge fan of the jolly designs of SWOLE PANDA bamboo socks (£9.95) Infact a recent catastrophe means he’s a pineapple sock down so he’ll definitely be getting a re-stock. Son No 1 prefers something a little tamer so it will be the plain brights for him - equally as comfortable.
Another absolute winner for the boys bedroom and bathroom is NOSTARA’S leather and vetiver reed diffuser (£39) We have three and it is a delight to walk into their rooms - as long as your eyes are closed! Lasting for well over 18 months, it’s just time to replace them. Also available as a fragrance and definitely not just for men.
Booze is always a winner and were loving the Hawkstone lagers (from £15 for 6 bottles) made from Jeremy Clarkson’s barley. What’s not to love with Jeremy’s distinctive Instagram marketing too.
There’s sure to be some un-festive trainers on the Christmas shopping list but I’m sure I won’t be allowed to be involved in the selection.
Baby Nephew
Ok so he’s not even two years old but I can’t wait to buy him SPEEDTRACKUK from £27 The two lane car track rolls out, attaches to a window or door and off you go. Using the cars you already have at home it’s an opportunity to be really creative and I think his car mad father is going to love it.
Brothers
Retired and into their gardening - they will both be getting garden themed presents. Last year I met the owner of TIME2GARDEN a small online shop selling high quality garden tools. So it’s a choice from their range of secateurs and gardening gloves. With totally different horticultural challenges there are enough options for both and they cater for left handers too - which is very useful in our family.
I am sure they will also appreciate some of the iconic Wiberg's Pine Bath Essence too for after a hard working day outside.
Sister-in-law
Our family is very male heavy so it’s good to be able to buy something a little more feminine. Last year I bought her a fabulous fedora hat for dog walking by Willowbrookonline
So keeping with the outdoor theme I really like (and why buy something you wouldn’t want yourself) the pure wool chunky knit scarves (no longer available) by FWP by Rae available in red and blue and made in Nepal and part of the World Fair Trade Organisation. Take a look at Rae’s other fabulous booze themed slogan tshirts and sweatshirits - I love the ‘Snowball’ and ‘Babycham’ - a real blast from the past!
Grown-up Nephew
In his new acquired flat he’s really into cooking so he and his girlfriend will be getting food inspired gifts. We absolutely love Fino - their olive oil is sublime. So it’s a combination of olive oil, white and dark balsamic vinegars and my absolute favourite - chilli jam (from £7)
Niece
As a busy mother I think she’ll appreciate something spoiling just for her. I’ve recently become a fan of Tropic Skincare products so any of their body care gift sets would be a winner. The Silent Night-so sleepy collection (£40) looks just right
Husband
Here’s the most difficult of all. It’s never an easy one - he has endless navy blue cashmere jumpers and enough shirts to rival Jermyn Street. So throwing it open for any ideas! But one thing that always goes down well is my Reg and Bob calendar made with the boys best shots from the year. Easy to set up with Bonus Print - and a year long winner with our favourite four legged boys.
Reg and Bob
What could these boys possibly need? Except for a re-stock of all their favourite treats! With Beautiful Joe’s stalling production until the New Year here are some of the boys other absolute favourite nibbles! By Benji Biltong gourmet dog treat collection (sadly no longer in production) always has their seal of approval as does Bounce and Bella sprats (from £6.99)
And of course for under the tree -everyone will be getting a Reg&Bob keyring available in a choice of four of our distinctive stripes and launching very soon.
So apart from my husband it’s all done and what a great feeling it is! I hope my ideas are helpful for your Christmas shopping - do comment below with any suggestions or feedback.
And if you are wondering what’s on my list - I’ll be writing to Father Christmas shortly so keep your eyes peeled.