Pearl jewellery gifts aside, Claudia admits she hasn't always found it easy to find the perfect presents for loved ones at Christmas. But this year, here at CB we have been lucky enough to join the By Women Built community which shines the light on incredible brands with female founders.
If you're looking to support small businesses and find gifts that are outside the box with a heartfelt touch, we've listed our top ten favorites below.
These brands have been so generous to us, including gifting loads of freebies for our event in October with the fabulous Nikki Garnett from Midlife Chic.
Supporting Small Brands this Christmas:
1. Grace Cole | Hand Cream:
We have been so lucky to join forces with Grace Cole this year with an exciting giveaway coming in December - stay tunned on our social channels for that one.
Proudly made in England and developed by world class perfumers, Grace Cole offers everyday wellbeing for bath, body, and home.
Claudia says - "I love their branding, and products such as their hand creams are even better."
gracecole.co.uk
2. Cutter and Squidge | Biskies:
This sister-run bakery craft unforgettable, award-winning goodies, which are delivered all over the UK. Their gift box branding is so luxurious so perfect for gifting and their baked treats such as the signature Biskies are just divine.
Claudia says: "These delicious treats would be fabulous in stockings."
3. Anna James | Gift Voucher
We had the pleasure of meeting the inspiring Anna James this year - her womenswear brand focuses on feel-good statement pieces, with motivational mantras in the labels. Much like our mantra jewellery, Anna set out to design limited-edition tailored pieces to be the ultimate confidence booster. Drawing on her 13 years of tailoring experience she has created stunning ready-to-wear pieces that are effortless and empowering.
Claudia says: "I’d love one of her tailored waistcoats in navy pinstripe, which is great as it has the rear strap and buckle T adjust how nipped in you want it."
4.Oat Avenue Granola Butter:
Creators of the UK's first granola butter, Iva and Thiviyan have perfected an incredible recipe to create a tasty treat that's perfect for those with dietary restrictions. We've tried some ourselves and love how delicious Oat Avenue is on toast and porridge to kick start a morning. This would also make a great stocking filler.
"I was sent a jar of their original granola butter as I was curious - the cinnamony crunchy taste was incredible, a perfect stocking filler which I will be buying this year."
5. C-Atherley Geranium No.1 Fragrance:
This new Catherine Kidson brand began their story in the greenhouse of Catherine's home in Gloucestershire. The distinctive geranium fragrance with it's unique name was taken from Catherine's maternal grandmother and chosen to celebrate the women in her family with a strong history of gardening, the brand set out to capture the magic of the geraniums in her greenhouse.
Claudia says: "About the only thing I can keep alive are my indoor geraniums so this new brand of hers, which she says ‘brings the geraniums of her greenhouse inside,’ has my name on it. I really recommend it as a special treat."
6. Balance Me Skincare | Plumping Cloud Cream
Co-founded by two sisters, Clare and Rebecca Hopkins who set out on a mission to create natural skincare products which help balance the skin.
Claudia says "Rebecca came on my first hosted retreat, where I first was introduced to her skincare range. I have very sensitive skin so her beautiful potions, all made with natural ingredients, really sang to me. I recommend her plumping cloud cream, but I also love the Vitamin C Serum and the body brushes Rebecca kindly gifted to me which I use after swimming.
7. Clodagh McKenna | The Dahlia Apron Dress
Clodagh McKenna is a chef, TV presenter, cook book author and a runs her sustainable farm Broadspear. This includes a gorgeous online shop specialising in stunning kitchenware. We love this apron dress, perfect for any keen cook or baker.
Claudia says: "Clodagh is positivity, talent and graft personified; I bought her delicious Guinness cake for my son’s 25th birthday. Completely delicious. I'd love to get anything from her shop, but I particularly like her kitchen apron collab with Yolke; perfect for any cook, especially those who love dahlias!"
8. La Pochette | Purse
This luxury sustainable accessories brand empowers you to integrate wellness into daily life. Their meticulously designed accessories effortlessly fit into your day bag, backpack or suitcase, allowing for seamless transitions between activities.
We particularly love the Circle Purses as they're amazing for travelling.
Claudia says: "Their large silver wet bag is also on my Christmas list. Made from recycled plastic bottles it is perfect for swimmers, and has a zipped pocket at the back to store my jewellery while I swim. I’ve been looking for something like this for over a year, and the size looks spot on."
9. NOSH | Snack Subscription
NOSH was born from a quest to make healthier alternatives to commercial snacks. Based in West Sussex, Nosh create goodies packed with energy and goodness. A subscription would make a great gift for the health conscious friend or family member.
Claudia says: "NOSH balls kept me going through the Scilly Swim Challenge; made to order I love this brand’s ethos, delicious treats and vitality."
10. Stripe and Stare | Pyjamas:
Sustainability is at the heart for this female founded lingerie and sleepwear brand. Sourced ethically in Austria from Beechwood Trees, the Stripe & Stare fabric is also scientifically proven to be three times softer than cotton.
Claudia says: "I bought a pair of their pyjamas for my Scilly Swim challenge, I needed their fierce female energy to recharge me at night! Also fabulous stocking filler knickers - their range is great, as is the comfort, derived from the Tencel (from controlled and certified wood sources).
PS "I would also love anything from Doon Williams’s Etsy shop. I have one of her sea prints and I’m hoping for a 2025 diary….it allows me to find the sea, and her mediation, and all my swimming friends when I’m land locked."
Be sure to also check out Midlife Chic's gift guide for extra inspiration. For handcrafted pearl jewellery gifts, browse Claudia's Christmas Gift Collection.