There are plenty of fantastic small businesses right on your doorstep- and they need your support this Christmas.
Not only will you be supporting a independent business, you will be purchasing a unique Christmas gift that will impress even the fussiest person in your life.
From unique artwork, to a spa day in a box, all of their products are handmade and you won't find anything like them on the highstreet.
Here are just some County Durham businesses on Etsy which are selling some fantastic products:
Wall art and Christmas decorations
Boutique by Lynn Lee is a five-star rated Etsy store which primarily sells print art décor.
If any of your friends have taken advantage of the mini-housing boom and purchased a new property, then this wall art could be a great gift to get them.
There are plenty of styles to choose from including the ‘Baking Because Murder is Wrong’ design and ‘That’s What I Do- I Garden, I Drink and I Know Things’ to name a few (currently £14.21 each).
Esty users have left rave reviews for the Chester-Le-Street business.
One person praised the “excellent service and beautiful print”.
Personalised pet portraits
Do you have an animal-lover in your life?
If so, you should look into this Durham-based business.
Fiona Barron owns Fiona CB Drawing on Etsy, selling artwork and stationary most around plants and animals.
For £80, Fiona can draw and original gouache painting of your pet. You can even communicate with her and she will add in extra details such as names, and little pictures.
However, Fiona sells other pieces of art work too including prints that you can hang on the wall.
Fiona’s favourite item is her Sunflower Rustic Lino Art Print which is currently priced at £10.
Ms Barron said: “I hope people will consider coming to my shop for Christmas gifts because choosing a handmade present from a small business is a great way to make sure your gift is unique.
"it also shows the receiver that you’ve spent time searching to find something special for them.”
A spa day in a box
After this year, I think we all need a bit of a pamper day.
Luckily for you, Peace and Willow sell spa boxes for less than £14- and they can even be personalised.
There are a few different types of spa box including the vegan spa box and even a pregnancy spa box.
However, there is also The Christmas Box which includes everything you need to have a relaxing night in during the festive season.
Apple and cinnamon candles, hot chocolate, and a bath bomb are just some things included in the box.
Upcycled jewellery made from old books
Retro Beads and Bangles is a unique Etsy shop that transforms battered books, and old board game pieces, into items of jewellery.
From cufflinks to necklaces, this Durham-based shop stocks a lot of unique items- and they are all handmade.
The £14.99 Pride and Prejudice Mr Darcy Bronze Necklace is just one listing on the Etsy site.
Map cufflinks are a popular choice among customers- many reviewers have purchased them for their wedding day.
One person wrote: “These cufflinks are amazing! It took a while to get them, but that’s understandable, knowing they were coming from UK in a midst of a pandemic.
“We still got them on time and my groom and his guys loved them!”
Festive face masks
Given the current climate, festive facemasks will make great stocking fillers and small gifts this year.
Gabriella Saied started sewing masks for Graceland UK at the beginning of the pandemic; she also makes matching headbands.
She said: "Sewing is relaxing activity for me and during these hard times.
"My items are all handmade and I buy my fabrics and accessories from local shops as I try to support local businesses when I can".
Another unique gift from Graceland UK is the 3 in 1 set that will get you through the pandemic.
This set includes a face mask, hand sanitiser holder and a face mask pouch which you can attach to your keys.
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