All I want for Christmas is...

We LOVE supporting small businesses and are currently preparing a blog explaining all the reasons why we think it's so important.

But as I start our Christmas shopping from small and micro businesses, I'm struck by how beautiful and special the gifts are — and how pleasant the experience is, buying from passionate people, invested and excited by what they do.

Here’s a quick overview of who has wowed us so far. Why not check them out and support them — getting a really unique and special gift to share in return?!

Andrea McNeill — Machine-Embroidered Art

We met my mum's friend Andrea McNeill at the amazing St George's Market in Belfast — well worth a visit if you're in the city.

She machine-embroiders the most beautiful and striking art, and although it was only August, we were compelled to start our Christmas shopping and buy a delightful cushion for a loved one!

Andrea offers a bespoke commissioning service and has recently been busy creating pieces based on photos of beloved pets. She also creates really beautiful family scenes depicting family units in animal form — a quirky and fun take on a traditional family tree.

We saw families of birds, sheep, cows and dinosaurs. A great gift for a family you love! What animal might you choose to represent your family members?

Alison Spedding — Portrait Photography

Granny Talbot-Jones' Christmas surprise was spoiled very early on this year, I'm afraid, as I loved the headshots Alison Spedding took of me for LinkedIn so much, I couldn't keep them under wraps for more than 15 minutes!

This isn’t a photo of me, if you’re wondering. This is the first of Alison’s photos that I saw, and I loved the honesty, simplicity and sincerity in it. Beautiful!

For a one-off session fee of £40, you get a one-hour local location shoot, professional images and a 10”x8” print of your choice.

If you’d like to buy a portrait shoot as a gift, gift vouchers are available. Shortly after the session, you’ll receive an online gallery of around 30 images to look through — with the option to order additional prints or purchase a disc of images if you wish.

A great gift for grandparents — if you can keep the secret, that is!

Hanging by a Fred — Upcycled Rope Creations

Hanging by a Fred — Upcycled Rope Creations

Some very lucky family members will be opening a gift from Hanging by a Fred on Christmas morning! The lovely Freddie Matthews, inspired by her late father’s love of climbing, built her business upcycling climbing rope and paracord into beautiful and practical homeware and jewellery.There’s something for everyone — elegant pieces, practical pieces, adventurous pieces and pretty pieces. There are ranges for men, women, and even four-legged friends!

Freddie is currently working on five commissioned pieces for me, so each item is made with love, care and consideration.

Guest Wines — English Wines and Tastings

I'd never knowingly tried an English wine before and didn’t have particularly high expectations, but when Ruth Guest of Guest Wines offered me a taste, I was massively impressed — and stocked up on her recommendations for Christmas Day.

As well as specialising in top-quality English wines, Geordie duo Ruth and Kelvin also host wine-tasting events and provide a pop-up wine bar — perfect for work dos, weddings and special celebrations.

The Pop Up Studio — Quirky, Personalised Designs

The Pop Up Studio, a primarily web-based business with a quirky, beautiful treasure-trove shop in Gateshead (open occasionally), is a big favourite with us.

As well as their cheeky and light-hearted designs on homeware, jewellery and clothing, they offer a fantastic bespoke personalisation service.

I love my Saltwell Park t-shirt and tote bag, and am so excited about the surprise I commissioned for Richard last night. Within hours of asking, I had a set of mock-ups to choose from — much better than I could have imagined.

Featured in The Independent as a top pick for Christmas jumpers and as an Ella’s Kitchen prize, these guys are becoming super popular — check out why!

This is Secret Santa’s dream. Have a look!

So, that’s the start we’ve made — and what a lovely, relaxed, encouraging and inspiring experience it’s been, meeting such inspiring and committed creators with exceptional customer service.

Where do you suggest we try next?

Talbot Jones Risk Solutions is a family-run community-focused commercial insurance brokerage. Based in Gateshead, we work nationwide, specialising in working with not-for-profits and SMEs.Get in touch if you'd value a free insurance review, risk management advice or a quotation and we'll be happy to help.