Still need to buy Christmas gifts? Here are 6 independent shops to know about

The festive season is becoming fully-fledged around us, meaning that some of us might need a hand to get through our Christmas gift list. Recent research from Etsy has revealed that shoppers nationwide are looking for meaningful gifts, and want to shop locally and independently.

If you're looking to ditch the high street and shop independently, we've lined up our picks of just a handful of handmade, sustainable gifts that are sure to be a show-stopper. One of our favourite online marketplaces, Etsy, is a favourable choice in finding the best independent shop to support that suits your fancy this Christmas.

Our pick of the best independent shops to support on Etsy

Small Business Saturday was created to encourage shoppers to shop locally and independently both in person and online at small businesses.

Whether you want to support a small business to give back to a cause you care about, support business owners of diverse backgrounds, shop more sustainably, or more, we hope something from our top picks will be a winner for a loved one this Christmas.

Dayna Isom Johnson, trend expert at Etsy says, 'Over the last few years, we’ve noticed that people are increasingly shopping in line with their values – whether that means buying sustainably-made items or supporting diverse small businesses – and making considered choices about the items they surround themselves with.  We see shoppers gravitating away from mass-produced items, and engaging with artisans who create those one-of-a-kind more special items.'

'The turbulence of the current economic crisis we are facing makes it even more important to stand with our communities and show our support for creatives. It's always important to support small and local businesses and now more than ever, when you shop from a small business, you’re making a difference in someone’s life and livelihood.'

There's nothing quite like being able to gift a loved one something that's truly one-of-a-kind and shows a little more thought than simply opting for another mass-produced item off the high street shelves.

I'm a huge fan of Etsy myself and always make an effort to 'shop small' when I can, both for myself for when I feed my love for cute, little knick-knacks around my room, or for gifting a friend. Whatever you can't find on the high street, I guarantee you that there's someone out there making it from within the comfort of their home, waiting until it'll be part of your home.